Frequent collaborations with other leading lifestyle and everyday carry brands have increasingly become part of The James Brand’s MO. And after previously partnering with Topo Designs on a three-item EDC capsule, the two companies have once again joined forces to deliver a limited-edition, co-branded capsule comprised of special-edition versions of items from both outfits.
Christened the Utility Capsule, this limited release is partially comprised of a TJB x Topo variant of Topo Designs’ popular Mini Shoulder Bag, though the item has been treated to water-resistant AquaGuard zippers with red and black zipper pulls that contrast this version’s otherwise fully blacked-out colorway. In addition to receiving a logo patch with branding from both companies, this version of the sling pack also sees the regular model’s already rugged 1,000D nylon construction replaced with an even more hardwearing X-Pac VX07 sailcloth material.
Constituting the second half of the capsule is a special-edition version of TJB’s newly-released Redstone knife. Decorated with subtle Topo branding, the limited-edition outdoor and EDC model retains its partially-serrated 2.5″ Sandvik 12C27 steel drop point blade, tip-up, deep-carry bent-wire pocket clip, Slide-Lock locking mechanism, Phosphor bronze washers, and svelte 1.8oz weight. Newly added to its one-piece alloy frame is a set of special red polypropylene “island” scales that, like the bag’s zipper pulls, are juxtaposed by the rest of the item being completely blacked out.
Available now — albeit in limited numbers — on both companies’ websites, The James Brand x Topo Designs Utility Capsule has been priced at $159 — only $36 more than buying the regular items a la carte. And, like the normal version, the special-edition Mini Shoulder Bag comes backed by Topo’s MAP lifetime guarantee.
