Designed for the modern traveler, outdoor enthusiast and urban explorer.
Introducing the DUPLEX Series bags from Afar & Away
Built for life’s adventures, even if it’s not the one you planned.
The DUPLEX ASCENT hip pack can be worn around the waist or as a sling. It has a large storage compartment with organizational pockets, a key clip and a front zippered pocket. It converts into a full-size backpack in a matter of seconds, quadrupling in size and carrying capacity. While in backpack mode, you still have access to all the hip pack storage as well.
The DUPLEX ROAM crossbody bag has 2 outside quick access pockets and a large zippered interior storage compartment. The dual-adjustable shoulder strap is padded and has a breathable mesh for comfort. Access a hidden zipper on the bottom of the bag and transform this bag into a duffle bag in seconds. You now have over 5 times the storage capacity.
Adaptable bags designed for everyday use and for your weekend adventures.
Afar & Away was born in the Pacific Northwest. Our surroundings give us the inspiration for the products we make. Like many of you, we are curious, spontaneous and adventurous. We are passionate about designing gear that performs as well as it looks. We set out to create bags that are not only lightweight, minimal and durable, but can also expand and transform into an entirely different bag. We meticulously designed the DUPLEX Series bags to balance both form and function. These are bags that are purposely minimal, but packed with features. Our branding is subtle and our materials are modern and sleek. These bags look great and perform well in the city as well as in the outdoors. A spontaneous hike, a trip to the store, or an overnighter, the DUPLEX bags will help you expand your horizons.
Pacific North West born. Made for the world.
We’ve spent over a year designing, prototyping & field testing these bags in order to streamline their aesthetic, function and usability. They are now adventure ready and we can’t wait to share them with you. We are launching this campaign to help fund production of the bags and we are offering you a chance to purchase early and at a discount.
We appreciate your support and look forward to being a part of your journeys for years to come.
Converting the DUPLEX ASCENT from a hip pack to a backpack is quick and easy.
Adventure ready.
The DUPLEX ASCENT hip pack can be worn around the waist or as a sling. It has a large storage compartment with organizational pockets, a key ring and a front zippered pocket. It converts into a full-size backpack in a matter of seconds, quadrupling in size and carrying capacity. You still have access to all the hip pack storage as well. When converted to a backpack, you can still use the hip pack’s waist belt to offload heavier loads, or stash it in the stowaway compartment. Access is easy with 2 large zippered compartments that are separated to keep items organized. It’s also useful to keep dirty and clean items separated. A top compartment is accessed by dual zippers and has a divider for a small laptop or tablet. Carry more with two 4-way stretch pockets for water bottles or other items. These pockets feature cinch straps to help keep larger items in place or they are also a great for looping on extra items such as a hat. The front panel is perfect for stashing an extra jacket or it even holds a bike helmet.
Built for the Spontaneous.
The DUPLEX ASCENT bag converts quickly to hold a ton of gear
In hip pack mode, you have quick access to organized storage.
The hip pack compartment is ample and provides divided organization when in backpack mode.
The quick attachment loop is perfect for a bike light.
The hip pack belt can be neatly tucked away when not in use.
The hip pack belt can be used to help offload weight from your shoulders when in backpack mode.
Multiple external 4-way stretch pockets for extra carrying capability.
The large backpack compartment has a divider that can hold up to a 13″ laptop.
Dual 4-way stretch water bottle pockets with cinch straps hold large and small bottles securely.
Folds down for packing in a suitcase or storage.
3D warp-knit air mesh shoulder straps provide comfort and breathability.
Every detail has been thoughtfully designed and executed.
The DUPLEX ROAM in crossbody mode is compact, but holds all your daily essentials and more.
Be spontaneous, the DUPLEX ROAM bag is ready to adapt on the go.
Adapts with you throughout your day.
The DUPLEX ROAM crossbody bag has 2 outside quick access pockets and a large zippered interior storage compartment. Inside you’ll find a divided pocket and a key clip to keep your keys at the ready. The dual-adjustable shoulder strap is padded and has a breathable mesh for comfort. Access a hidden zipper on the bottom of the bag and transform the crossbody into a duffle bag in seconds. You now have over 5 times the storage capacity. You can still access the original crossbody storage as well. The shoulder strap can be used in various configurations depending on how you want to carry it. The duffle also has 2 top carry handles and a quick-grab side handle that doubles as a suitcase handle pass through. Carry a water bottle or other items in the 4-way stretch pocket that also features a cinch strap to keep items secure.
This little bag holds all this gear!
The DUPLEX ROAM bag converts quickly to hold a ton of gear
A front drop pocket provides quick, secure access.
The primary crossbody storage compartment can hold larger items such as full-sized headphones.
A dual zippered top panel gives you access to the main crossbody organized storage.
A 4-way stretch pocket with a cinch strap keeps water bottles in place.
The duffle compartment is accessed by a large zippered top opening. You still have access to the crossbody storage for divided organization.
A zippered side pocket on the duffle provides more storage for items you need quickly.
We use quality, outdoor industry standard materials that are lightweight, yet durable. The outer fabric is water resistant and can be cleaned easily. We use a hi-vis orange material inside the DUPLEX bags so you can find your gear quickly in low light. Our hardware is built to last and our factory has decades of experience building backpacks for some of the best known brands in the world.
How did this project come about?
Learning to sew my first backpack!
I decided in order to become a better bag designer that I should actually learn how to make one myself. I’ve built furniture, accessories and made ceramics but I never learned to sew. After much trial and error and many hours watching videos about sewing machines and techniques, I finally designed and hand built my first backpack. I took what I learned and decided to take bag making to the next step and Afar & Away was born.”
– Cole Gerst | Designer & Founder | Afar & Away
The DUPLEX concept
“A big trend in apparel and bags, especially in the outdoor & travel industries, is for items to be lightweight and packable. You see a lot of bags that stuff into their own pocket or a pouch. That’s great, but then you are just carrying around a bag that you aren’t using inside of another bag. My idea for the DUPLEX SERIES bags was that they should still be useful once they are packed down. I started with the idea of making a backpack that could turn into another bag. It had to transform quickly and it had to be lightweight so you aren’t carrying around too much extra heavy hardware or fabric. The bag it packs down to had to be highly useful on it’s own as well. Once the backpack was solved I added the duffle that turns into a crossbody. I’ve since designed a whole series of these bags to release in the future.”
– Cole Gerst | Designer & Founder | Afar & Away
Early sketches and digital drawings.
After a year of designing, redesigning, prototyping and field testing, we are now ready to share these bags with you. We can’t wait to get the in your hands and we appreciate your support.
Afar & Away is based in Portland, OR and was founded by Cole Gerst, a product designer working in the outdoor, apparel and sporting goods industries. While we started with one person’s vision, making these bags involves a team of highly creative and talented people to bring them to life. We hope to expand this line and continue to bring you thoughtful, well designed and well crafted products for years to come.