About
For the long route through the unknown
Route Unknown is a technical gear brand that specialises in bags designed for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling and climbing. Our products are made from carefully sourced, technical fabrics, which are durable and tested in the field. As well as their performance,the Route Unknown bags are recognised for their distinctive design. With an instagram following of 12K and an international stockist and customer base, our community affirms the quality of our gear.
Every product is handmade by James (the founder), a designer and maker with a passion for high-performance gear and detail oriented design. The Route Unknown studio is based in the New Forest where James spends his days sewing with his cavapoo Betty.
Whether you're navigating the city or scaling the side of a mountain, these bags are built to perform and designed to last.
Durability
we source from British military hardware manufactures and a world leading Scottish technical material mill; this results in products that last decades, not seasons, remaining protective in a range of environments.
Our products are constructed to stand the test of time, however, if damage does occur, we offer a repair service to ensure gear is maintained even in the most extreme adventures. In the worst-case scenarios, when gear is damaged beyond repair, it can be returned for deconstruction and reused where possible, this is in exchange for a 25% discount on a replacement.
Versatility
Designing for real life means developing useful, purposeful products that are treasured because they are versatile enough to comfortably coexist with their user. When we design gear, we consider all the terrains, environments, and activities it will be used in, we then strike a balance between functionality and form.
Everyone's adventures are different; therefore, we offer a custom service where product details can be adapted to fit a specific user requirement. This service is important to us as it ensures our gear solves real world problems and allows us to build direct relationships with our customers.
Consideration
Design slowly and more mindfully. Our world is full of “stuff”, so much stuff that it is permanently damaging the delicately balanced eco system that we all live in and love. Currently 175 billion items of clothing are made every year. 50 billion go straight to landfill, and another 50 billion go to landfill after not selling. As a business that uses resources to make gear, we understand it’s difficult to be “sustainable”. Therefore, we approach it differently, rather than adding to the stuff, we focus on creating useful gear with noble purpose. From the first drawing to the last stitch, we master the craft, creating pieces that can be kept for years to come, meaning you buy better, not more.
How and where to buy
The Drops
Current Drop Live from 29/03/2024
Custom Products
10 custom production slots will be available each month, these slots enable you to work with me on your very own version of a product from the range. Prices and production time will vary depending on level of customisation.
How long will my order take?
Please allow up to 6 weeks to produce your order.