If Wes Anderson Made EDC and Travel Gear, It’d Be Just Like These Topo Designs Bags

While this isn’t technically official ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ merch, it very much gives off the vibes of the lauded director’s style.

Navy blue backpack with colorful patches and a yellow carabiner attached, worn by a person in a white shirt.Topo Designs

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Writer-director (and otherwise multi-hyphenate) Wes Anderson has cultivated one of the most distinctive cinematic styles in film history. Present in everything from The Phonecian Scheme to The Life Aquatic and more, it is unmistakably stylish and captivating.

It’s so unique, in fact, that it has inspired people around the world to replicate it in myriad ways, including for social media. In fact, there’s an entire online community, called Accidentally Wes Anderson, based around “[exploring] the unique, the symmetrical, the atypical, the distinctive design and amazing architecture that inspires [them] all.”

Now, that community has collaborated with a mainstay in the EDC, travel and outdoor worlds to create the AWA x Topo Designs Capsule.

Two backpacks with patches, a rolled rope, and a blue cylindrical object in front of a yellow and black train engine.
The capsule includes exclusive versions of Topo Designs’ Light Pack and Mountain Essential Tote.
Topo Designs

Accidentally Intentionally Wes Anderson

While AWA’s community is largely centered around unintentional recreations of Wes Anderson’s signature style, this capsule is very intentionally crafted. And while it’s not official merchandise from any of the director’s flicks, it certainly looks like it could have come right out of Moonrise Kingdom.

That makes perfect sense, of course, as the aforementioned film follows, in part, the exploits of (a legally distinct approximation of) a Boy Scout at camp, and this capsule was designed in collaboration with Topo Designs, a beloved outdoor lifestyle brand.

Person with short dark hair wearing a black backpack with patches and carrying a purple and teal bag, standing between metal structures.
The patches come pre-applied to these bags, and their quirky designs are unique to this release.
Topo Designs

While the collaboration includes just two bags, Topo’s Light Pack and Mountain Essential Tote, quite a bit has gone into their respective reimaginings. It’s also worth noting that both bags can be purchased individually, but they make a great set.

The stylistic redesign features a bevy of exclusive patches applied to the bags, all of which are styled in a Wes Anderson-esque manner. They’re quirky, vibrant, fun and wholly unique to this limited-edition collection.

Purple and green climbing chalk bag with patches and a coiled climbing rope attached, worn by a person.
Despite the stylistic alterations, these bags are built just as solidly as always, making them as great for EDC and travel as they are for camping and the trails.
Topo Designs

More than just visuals

As stylistically distinct and visually appealing as these bags are, they offer far more than just a fun appearance. Both bags, of course, are built rock-solid and are designed to perform, whether that be in an EDC, travel or outdoor sense.

The Light Pack is a classic backpack style, offering 18.5 liters of storage (more than enough for EDC or daypack usage) across its numerous internal and external pockets. That includes a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve, water bottle sleeve and much more.

Person with sunglasses and binoculars standing in front of a yellow Rio Grande train engine numbered 5771.
The bags are limited edition, so they won’t be around forever.
Topo Designs

The tote is a stalwart carry-all, featuring 9 liters of storage, most of which is taken up by its generous main compartment. It also includes a removable shoulder strap (in conjunction with its integrated suitcase-style straps), loop-and-toggle top closure, key hook and a handy external pouch for smaller items (like EDC gear).

Both packs are made from a combination of lightweight, sturdy, recycled nylon and they both get a DWR finish, making them weatherproof, as well. Perhaps best of all, despite all their style and utility, both bags are also relatively affordable.

Black backpack and multicolored tote bag with various colorful patches on a patterned chair.
The bags make a great set, but they are purchased individually. They’re also relatively affordable.
Topo Designs

Availability and pricing

The Accidentally Wes Anderson x Topo Designs Capsule is now available on Topo Designs’ official site. The Light Pack is $99, while the Mountain Essential Tote is $79.

Remember: this is a limited-edition release. Once it sells out, the bags are gone for good.

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