Founded in 2020, Norda has assertively positioned itself to compete with many of the longtime favorites in the running world while also becoming a forefront leader in the boutique running category. In that time, the Montreal-based company has become known for its trail running shoes, such as its 001 and 002 lines, made with innovative materials and techniques like hand-stitching and laser-cutting. They’ve especially taken to the material of Dyneema, which now gets utilized for the brand’s first-ever bag, the Toolbox Duffel.
What Exactly Is Dyneema?
Discovered by accident in 1968 by Dr. Albert Pennings for a company called DSM — who had been entrenched in the coal mining and fertilizer business — Dyneema is a proprietary technical fabric that’s lightweight, stronger than steel (at around 15x at a similar thickness), and more versatile than nylon. Also known as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE), the fabric is really a thermoplastic polyethylene that falls under the umbrella of plastic, which is why it’s so pliable and moldable. However, unlike metal, it doesn’t become hard after cooling but retains a level of flexibility.
Used for a lot of niche applications such as the outdoor world, travel bags, and motorcycle jeans, Dyneema also stands out for its high levels of abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and water resistance — performing better than nylon in every category.
Norda Toolbox Duffel Bag Basics
Claiming to be the first-ever duffel to be made entirely from sustainable Bio-Dyneema, the Toolbox is being billed by Norda as the “most durable and functional duffel bag ever made for trail runners.” With a 70-liter capacity, the bag is intended to carry Norda’s entire footwear range without maxing out. There are plenty of other compartments including, as the brand notes, spaces for separating dirty from clean clothes. The additional Stealth Black Bio-Dyneema dry bag should help with any extras and can be clipped onto one of the attachment points.
The interior also features elastic net pockets and even a pair of zippered mesh pockets on the inside of the lid itself. More mesh pockets are on the outside, including two zippered versions that are hidden underneath the logo tab. You can also maximize your space with buckled compression straps on the outside.
For carrying, the bag features top-side handles and a pair of padded backpack straps which are removable if you don’t need or want them, because there’s nothing more annoying than extra straps attached to a bag if you’re not going to use them. All the straps here can be tucked into the bag to prevent annoyance. There’s also a buckled chest strap equipped with an emergency whistle and a crossbody strap option.
Spec Sheet
Style: Duffel
Shell Material: Bio-Dyneema
Capacity: 70L
Carrying Options: Topside carrying handles, backpack straps, crossbody strap
Pockets: 6
Pricing & Availability
Available now in only the white colorway, the incredibly lightweight and durable Toolbox Duffel Bag is priced at $595. We hope to see other size options in the future as well. Head over to Norda’s website to get one for yourself.
Recap
Norda Toolbox Duffel Bag
Boutique running brand Norda just made its first-ever bag. It’s aimed at trail runners and made entirely from Bio-Dyneema.
