A long time ago (at least a year and a half ago), Inline Warehouse started this little project. IW found the need to produce our own skate backpack. I was put in charge and I went for it. Within a few weeks I had somewhat of a solid idea of what the backpack was going to look like. Backpacks have been my favorite accessory for quite sometime, so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted this bag to be like. Unfortunately, I had little control with the manufacturing side, so finding the right company to go through was an ordeal. I think we ended up working with 3-4 manufactures before going with the one we did. You have no idea what this does to your time. Our little project was turning into Mt. Everest. Every company needed at least a few weeks to produce a sample. It then went back and forth a few times with changes and corrections, each taking another few weeks to wait for a new production sample. Then there was the haggling on the cost, etc ... Frustrating as hell. Finally, now that they are here, we find ourselves knee deep in the thing. I couldn't be more pleased on how it turned out and the trouble was well worth it.

The design

What I had in mind for this bag from the very beginning was to keep it simple and functional. Too many backpacks are out of control. I wanted to do something basic, and cost effective. I think one of the biggest problems in our industry is the over pricing of a lot of products. That's why we offer the lowest prices guaranteed. The minute we can drop the price on something we do.

Pockets and Pockets

My first order of business was to make two large main compartments. These two pockets are the backbone of the backpack. I wanted to give the user as much ease of use as possible. In the past I have had bags that give you one large main pocket and a few smaller pockets. Why mess around? The pockets are plenty big for a full day of school and a skate session afterwards. Inside of the 2nd pocket there is a clear vinyl Velcro close pocket. It runs down most of the height of the pocket. This was designed for my smaller stuff that I might need easy access to, yet need to keep safe inside the backpack, instead of the outer pockets. Great for my wallet, keys, whatever I might have to stash away but want quick access too.

I then created a medium sized outer pocket with an attached mesh zipper pocket. The medium pocket has places for pens, Allen wrenches, a great place for wax or other skate accessories. The mesh pocket is great for what ever I can fit in it. You can stick a patch of your favorite band or skate company in there and go for style points.

Stash Pocket/Laptop Pocket

The back portion of the bag is well padded, with air channels. This makes the bag a pleasure to wear around. It's super comfy and will keep your back nice and cool. This is where you will find your secret stash pocket, conveniently made to fit a laptop if you happen to have one. I don't, but hopefully someday when I do, I'll have the laptop-carrying device covered. For now all of my "what have you" can chill in there.

Skate Carrying System

The skate carrying system was a tough one. I tried a few different things. Finally, it came down to how simple can I make this without losing stability. Two straps and some buckles are all it took in order to secure skates. What is really cool, is once you size up your skates, you only have to undo one buckle to get them in or out. Plus, if not carrying skates, you can buckle up the straps, tighten them up and basically hide the carrying system altogether. The carrying system is multi-functional. I can basically strap anything I want to it: stinky clothes after a skate session, towels if I go hot tubbing, what ever, it's up to you.

Special Features

Rounding out the bag, I chose comfortably padded shoulder straps, a detachable cell phone pouch, and pull tight elastic damper. This was originally conceived to hook up my helmet or hoodie. If I'm on the move I tighten it up and it makes so that it travels easier. Keeps it tight and secure.

Bag It & Tag It!

The IW backpack is for you. It was designed with you in mind: To hook you up with a quality, functional, and a cost-effective skate bag. I am sure this concept will not be grasped by our competition.

This is IW's way of saying thanks to you, the everyday roller and customer. Without you, there would be no us. Enjoy.