Pre-Winter Dispatch: 026
The Art of Schlepping.
Good morning! I’m mentally recovering from the most majestic few days in Telluride – which happens to be my #1 spot in Colorado. The aspens were at their peak and we got some snow!!! The most magical combination.
Chairlift Chatter
Epic and Ikon pass prices are on the rise. If you’re still deciding which ski pass to get this season, the clock is ticking. Epic pass prices went up last night and Ikon pass prices go up tomorrow. Highly recommend checking out this site that compares passes and has a price calculator.
To mark its 30th anniversary, merino wool brand Icebreaker is bringing a pond skim to… London. Real snow. Right by Tower Bridge.
Girl Winter Film Tour is back again this season! And coming to a city near you. It’s the best way to get stoked about the ski season from a refreshing (female-forward) point of view.
Ever wanted Bob Ross’ Northern Lights painting from Season 8, Episode 13 on a pair of skis? Bob Ross x J Skis collab is back!
Kellyn Wilson of partnered with Skida to debut their new scarflette. It’s microfleece and has about a million different applications. More accessories like this please!
The Art of Schlepping
I consider myself to have mastered the art of schlepping. This lifestyle began in my 20s, living in NYC, where my days blurred seamlessly from the gym → the office → nighttime festivities → home – as they do in those parts.
Forgot non-workout shoes for the rest of the day? Oh well, guess I’m wearing my very unaesthetic Hokas with my cute work outfit. (Actually, shoutout to my old roommates for meeting me at the subway with a change of shoes on multiple occasions!) Forgot mascara? Oh well, I’m serving “tired 12 year old boy” today.
My most vivid memories (and nightmares) are those of hopping on the L train, schlepping cross-town to my office with no fewer than three bags at any given time (bonus points if it’s raining and you’re managing an umbrella or your AirPod falls out in a crammed subway car with your crazy lady amount of bags). Or commuting to my (now) fiancé’s place before we lived together – same story, different destination.
But the ultimate schlep? Packing for a local trip.
You know the one… you’re not flying, so you don’t have to limit yourself to a suitcase (bless), but you’re still driving a few hours, so naturally, you need all your belongings. This is when the devil on my shoulder chimes in: “bring the full-size products! bring your own blow dryer! bring the full-size steamer! three shoe changes per day bc why not! no need to try on outfits in advance, just bring the whole closet!”
The car is at capacity, but it’s fineeeeee – you’re driving!
My system is an organized chaos situation: a Patagonia Black Hole Duffel for workout clothes and layers, an LL Bean Boat and Tote for miscellaneous catch-all items (toiletries, shoes, snacks), way too many BAGGU bags for overflow, and a handful of hanging clothes I don’t want wrinkled. It all works – until I’m making three-plus trips from the car to unload (or performing a deeply embarrassing balancing act in front of a hotel bellman).
Recently, though, my friends at Yardsale may have changed the game. (Check out last year’s interview with Yardsale here!) They just launched their new Day Bag and I can confidently say: my schlepping life has been transformed.
I tested it this past weekend in Telluride and already feel like I’ve leveled up. The features are impressive and deeply satisfying, like a travel-ready bento box where everything has a home:
Internal magnetic divider to separate things like a ski helmet, groceries, gym clothes, or anything else
Mesh water bottle sleeve
Protected laptop sleeve with magnetic closure
Suitcase sleeve for easy transport
Internal zipper pocket for valuables
Sleeping bag–style cinch closure
Waterproof
Magnetic pockets (!!!)
It’s one of those rare bags that feels designed for real life. Finally, something built for the chaos of actual humans who spill coffee, overpack snacks, bring full-size products, and forget their chargers. Very excited to use this in one million ways: during ski season to transport small, loose items (helmet, goggles, mittens, buffs), using as a second personal item that fits on top of my carry-on while flying, and of course for a road trip.
In other bag news… The North Face recently dropped a collab with Danish fashion brand Cecilie Bahnsen featuring a duffel and a smaller “clutch”. It’s a really lovely blend of TNF’s rugged, water-resistant Base Camp DNA and Cecilie’s delicate design language – 3D floral appliqués and flower-shaped cord pulls. Especially in this military green colorway.
I’m also intrigued by Db’s new Utility Tote – a utilitarian hybrid that lands somewhere between a backpack and a briefcase. It’s waterproof, includes a padded laptop sleeve, and feels built for real life (commuting, travel, or both). Given the brand’s Danish roots, I’m guessing it was designed with biking to work in mind. I love the shape and silhouette.
Schlepping will always be part of my DNA but at least now we have some chic options! Have a fav schlepping bag? Drop it in the comments.
See you next week!
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I was influenced by you last year and bought this yardsale bag and I'm obsessed...its actually a perfect work bag (especially in denver)
I can't speak highly enough about the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC. I worked in a ski shop and eyed it for a full year before purchasing it... and safe to say, no regrets. As an over packer myself, I can seriously attest to its carrying capacity (especially when combined with some packing cubes). Padded laptop sleeve. so many pockets, so many ways to carry, and extra loops to attach all of your extra things, its seriously the schleppers dream.