Ghurka–A New Tradition

By Tom Handley Published August 14, 2013

ghurka a new tradition group image — Image used with permission by copyright holder

ghurka a new tradition backpack — 1. Ghurka Walker Collection Backpack
2. Ghurka Walker Collection Tote
3. Ghurka Walker Collection Messenger
4. Ghurka Walker Collection Backpack
5. Ghurka Walker Collection Newsboy

ghurka a new tradition black tote — 1. Ghurka Walker Collection Backpack
2. Ghurka Walker Collection Tote
3. Ghurka Walker Collection Messenger
4. Ghurka Walker Collection Backpack
5. Ghurka Walker Collection Newsboy

We have heard about the Ghurka line of leather goods for years now. But what the hell does Ghurka mean? Come to find out, Ghurkas are an indigenous people from parts of Nepal and India, and they were known in the 19^th century for their fearless military capabilities.

Recommended Videos

Fueled by his love of history and leather craftsmanship, Marley Hodgson, founder of the brand, Ghurka, bid on some campaign gear from a Ghurka regiment at an auction in the early 1970’s. Inspired by it’s rugged elegance, he made a knapsack for his son, and that granddaughter still uses it today. That, my friend, is a well made bag.

Ghurka has recently come out with The Walker Collection, which is inspired by classic climbing gear. The collection brings together function and design for the everyday modern adventurer. Consisting cotton twill with leather trim, the new pieces go from work to weekend, seamlessly. Made in Connecticut, Ghurka combines American craftsmanship, and global appeal-our two favorite things!

The Manual reached out to Tim Farah, Creative Director of Ghurka, and asked about his inspiration. He told us that, The Walker Collection is a rugged youthful extension of our core line. A group of day and weekend travel bags that capture the classic American styling that is our DNA, in constructions that work for everyday.

Today, the collection is available online, and at their flagship stores on Fifth Avenue and in Soho, New York, as well as a new store opening in San Francisco this fall. Soldier on and find the one that works for your daily adventure.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Tom Handley is a contributor for TheManual. As a professor of public relations and social media strategy at Parsons The New…

Travel

The 7 Best Duffel Bags for Every Occasion, from Trips to the Gym to Overlanding

Kammok Duffel Burro Bag

We all need a high-quality duffel bag. It’s practical and versatile, not to mention it’s one of the most stylish accessories you can own. When used correctly, a duffel bag can transform your casual everyday look into a fashionable one. Duffel bags are roomy thanks to their soft-sided design, allowing you to store more clothing, shoes, and essentials than some of the best luggage.

When shopping for the best duffel bag, pay attention to the duffel's capacity as it will depend on your use case. Some duffel bags are better suited for long outdoor trips, while others can be used as an everyday carry bag. Look into the duffel's interior organization and ease of transport, too. Do you want a duffel that boasts multiple compartments? Or a duffel bag that comes with backpack straps? It all boils down to use case.

Fashion & Style

This All-American Gear Brand Breathes New Life Into One-of-a-Kind Vintage Leather Goods

Filson

Few materials embody the warmth, timelessness, and handsome good looks of leather. There’s a reason it’s been the go-to choice for outfitting everyone from cowboys to athletes to businessmen for centuries. Filson, one of our favorite outfitters, has been dealing in fine leather goods since the turn of the 19th century. This year, however, the brand has just announced one of its sharpest collections yet.

This month, the Seattle-based outfitter released a limited-edition collection of one-of-a-kind, hand-tooled leather goods. From inside the Filson Workshop, the company’s leather experts “specialize in salvaging, restoring, and breathing new life into well-used Filson luggage and bags. They darn, whipstitch, patch, and reinforce worn fabric or replace leather – whatever is required to forge new from old.” While the brand is no stranger to leatherwork, this ultra-limited collection takes the craft to a whole new level. By hand-tooling the leather with intricate patterns in the Sheridan style of leatherwork, each bag features a beautiful character and patina.

Fashion & Style

Classy men’s winter fashion: Timeless staples to elevate your cold-weather style

Stay stylish with these timeless winter staples

Man in suede coat in the snow

The winter is here, and you are undoubtedly deep into your winter wardrobe as you find ways to guard against the cold. Every man's wardrobe needs specific staples that carry him from one season to the next, and the winter is no different. But it isn't just about buying new things every winter; it is also about picking up the right things that will last for years and never go out of style. It isn't about the trendy year-in and year-out items. It is about picking up those classic items that you can pass on to your kids after you invest in quality garments because they are iconic and never go out of style. Don't worry, we put together a list of classy men's winter fashion items that you can shop and elevate your cold-weather wardrobe.
The legendary flannel

There is no more iconic men's cold-weather staple than a good flannel. They are the ultimate in outdoor wear. While they started as a hardworking Welsh fabric to guard against the weather in the dreary UK, it has established itself as the quintessential American masculine shirt worn by everyone from lumberjacks to dockworkers.