Can you imagine everything you need to run your business being destroyed in one fell-swoop? Well, as a freelancer, that’s a real possibility. My job isn’t focused in a building or around any specific area. It’s run through my laptop and my camera.
That means if I’m caught in the rain and I don’t have anything to protect my gear, it’s kaput. That means if a thief tries to get into one of my zippers, I need them to get frustrated and go home.
And it’d be nice if I could find something that was easy to rearrange just in case I need to bring along a tripod or a few extra lenses.
Enter the Boundary Supply Prima System.
The Prima System Review
Recently, I looked into the company, Boundary Supply. They sent along their Prima System bag, which they claimed could tick all those boxes. So I trusted them with my most important tools. Pretty tall order, right?
Keep reading for a full review and see out how they fared.
About Boundary Supply
Boundary Supply is built on two principles:
Fashion driven performance. And sustainable technical design. So what does that mean exactly?
In lay-man’s terms, they make sweet looking clothes and gear-packs that are super useful, environmentally responsible, and have features you thought only existed in the future.
As I mentioned earlier, my two most important freelancer tools are my camera and laptop. Without either of those, I don’t have a business. So much importance on just two things.
I need to protect them with something that’s secure, weatherproof, organized, and easy to access (for me — not to the frustrated thieves).
I loaded the Prima System up with my gear and went about my daily business for the past month. Here’s what I thought.
First Impressions
Now, this isn’t a knock against the Prima System, but this is the first and only bag I’ve ever gotten that has a learning curve.
The Boundary Supply Prima System Modular Travel Backpack has a highly technical look, which is either a huge plus or minus. If you’re into the minimalist vibe, the Boundary Supply has different options.
But if you want a bag that’s fully customizable and looks modern (and even futuristic in my opinion), the Prima System is a great choice.
Boundary Supply offers brown/black, grey/black, and black/black colorways for this kit. It was a tough choice (I really like the brown/black look, but ultimately I went with grey/black because it’s more versatile.
Related: Check out the new Campaign Briefpack by Stuart & Lau.
What is a Modular Backpack?
The idea behind the Prima System is that it’s several packs together, rather than a single backpack. Yes, it has a single large compartment, but there’s so many more goodies nested in it.
First is the travel portfolio in the back of the pack, which is large enough to accommodate a 15” laptop, a small notebook, and a few pens. The extra padding keeps your laptop safe and cushioned against any falls or accidental bumps.
In that space you can pack a 10×14 inch removable compartment called the Integrative Fieldspace Travel Organizer. This compartment is a great choice for any chargers, headphones, and even a tablet. Just like the back pocket, it’s padded and secured with top-quality YKK zippers.
Customizable & Optimized
With the Integrative Fieldspace Travel Organizer, I can optimize my bag for whatever task I’m doing. If I’m heading out for a day of writing, I can store a notepad, journal, and my chargers in the mini-pack.
When I get to where I’m going, I don’t need to rummage through my bag to get to those things — they’re all secured together, and easily accessible.
The Prima System also includes an 8×8 inch padded cube that easily fits a DSLR camera. When I’m bringing along a larger telephoto lens, I can also unzip the bottom of the cube for an extra 4” of length.
If I’m shooting photos, I can store extra lenses in it, knowing that they’ll be in a dedicated waterproof bag. The top folds over to seal the bag, and there is a small compartment on the outward facing flap.
More Bells & Whistles
You can also attach a weatherproof, soft shell bag called the Adaptable Storage Module at the bottom of the bag. This compartment is approximately 8”x12”; it’s the perfect size to accommodate a large container — which I’ve found perfect for bringing my lunch along with me wherever I’m working.
The Adaptable Storage Module also converts into a shoulder bag by using the backpack’s hip-belt as a shoulder strap. This has been perfect when I’m just going outside for a few quick photos — no lenses or anything, just getting around quickly and without any extra hassle.
The bag has numerous hidden pockets designed for greater security. There’s even a RFID safe house designed for credit cards and passports, so if you’ve got a big trip coming up, the Prima System has a ton of safety features that’ll give you peace of mind, even if you’re in some unsavory places.
Quick note: If you’re enjoying this review, then you’ll probably like this Style Spotlight of the Mission Workshop Rhake WX Backpack too.
Specifications
- Magnetic Autolock Buckles
- 17″ Laptop Storage
- Fieldspace: 13″ Laptop or Tablet Storage
- Verge Case: Camera body plus two lenses
- Padded NYWOOL® Sunglass Pocket
- RFID safehouse passport pocket
- External 32oz bottle stowage
- Luggage pass-through
- Charging pocket
- Magnetic key clip included
- Removable waist belt
- YKK Stormguard® zippers
- Hypalon® abrasion resistant panels
- LFT® Foam Shoulder Straps and Backpad
- External Verge Case Attachment
- Prima Dimension: L: 20” W: 12” D: 8”
- Verge Dimension: L: 9” W: 8” D: 5”
- Fieldspace Dimension: L: 14” W: 10” D: .5”
- Prima Weight: 3 Pounds 12 Ounces/1.70kgs
- Verge Weight: 12.28 Ounces/0.38kgs
- Fieldspace Weight: 8 Ounces/0.23kgs
- 31 Liters of Storage
Prima System Materials
| Boundary's Bluesign® Materials: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500D Nylon Kodra With Barricade™ DWR | Our 500D Kodra is woven with Nylon 6,6 to be oneof the strongest woven Nylon fabrics on the market.All Kodra materials are coated with Boundary'sBarricade™ DWR coating. This fabric is Bluesign®Approved. | |||
| 420 High Tenacity Hypalon | Built to be Boundary's most durable textile, Hypalonis stain resistant, waterproof, and highly abrasionresistant. This fabric is Bluesign® Approved. | |||
| 210 Nylon Kodra with Barricade™ DWR | 210 Nylon fibers are woven together and coated withBoundary's Barricade™ DWR making the interior andexterior of every carry product, water resistant, stainproof, and easy to clean. This fabric is Bluesign®Approved. | |||
| High Performance Stretch Mesh | Our durable and hyper-stretch nylon mesh providesa lightweight and visible solution for interiorpocketing. This fabric is Bluesign® Approved. |
What I Like About It
Customization
I can set my bag up exactly how I’ll need it for the day. If I’m focusing on photography, I can pack my lenses, batteries, and tripod in such a way to make everything easy to get to. When you’re doing a fast-paced shoot, there isn’t time to fumble around and the extra frustration can take a toll on you.
Similarly, if I’m down for a day of writing, I can have everything at hand. It’s as easy as grabbing something from a desk, but way more organized and secure.
Plus, even with gear packed in, I can always carry my lunch with me. I love to eat. So much. So the thought of having to skimp on lunch to save space in my bag makes me sad.
Added Security
The RFID blocking pocket is a must if you’re traveling abroad. I’ve spent a lot of time and money looking up different options to keep my credit cards and passport safe while jetsetting, but this pocket just makes it simple. Additionally, the Prima System has secure zippers and buckles that add necessary security.
What I Don’t Like About It
The Prima System took a while to get used to. I actually had to watch two videos to figure out the different ways to use the bag.
I’ll probably continue to learn new things about the bag — I’m sure there’s something I forgot. For some, that may be exciting. I personally would’ve liked a more straightforward explanation.
Time to Bag it Up
I’ve only had the chance to take the Prima System with me around the city. I haven’t yet traveled with it and I haven’t taken it for a hike. But I’m confident it’ll be able to make my life easier no matter where I go.
To be honest, I have two main concerns when it comes to bags: that it can keep my gear protected, and that it looks cool. This bag wins on both accounts.
It has a sturdy build that I can’t imagine failing any time in the next two decades. And the Stormguard zippers, weatherproof fabrics, and padded pockets do more than enough to secure my most important tools.
Whether you’re looking to add some ease to your photoshoots, have extra safety on your daily commute, or just pick up a sweet looking backpack, the Prima System is perfect for you. Oh, and it’s got a lifetime warranty too.
A note: This review is not sponsored. Boundary Supply did send the Prima System for us provide our thoughts in an honest review. Gentleman Within holds all control over editorial content.
About William
William Barton is a men’s fashion and lifestyle writer navigating through the world of beard oils, boots, and bow-ties.
Have you tried out Boundary Supply’s Prima System or something similar?
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Looking forward to seeing you in there.
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