Mission Workshop
Urban technical bags, military materials, San Francisco manufacturing
Excellent product, but very problematic after-sales service. The advertised lifetime warranty is not always honored: documented cases of repair refusals despite covered defects. Long shipping delays, near-nonexistent communication, order errors reported regularly since 2019.
Philosophy
Spiritual heir to Chrome Industries, Mission Workshop designs and manufactures urban technical bags in San Francisco. Military-grade materials, uncompromising construction, and a signature Arkiv modular system. For those who want the best and accept carrying it, literally.
History
Founded by the creators of Chrome Industries, the ones who jumped ship before it went mass-market. Mission Workshop is Chrome's purist version: everything made in San Francisco, no compromises. The HT500 develops a patina like leather. The bags are 'bombproof' according to specialist forums, but so overengineered they weigh a ton. The Rhake is considered by many as the best urban technical backpack ever designed. Insane price, quality to match.
Iconic Products
Rhake
The urban technical backpack. Considered by many as the best of its kind. HT500 fabric that patinas like leather, waterproof zips, welded seams. Protected laptop compartment. Over-engineered, heavy, expensive. 'The best urban technical backpack ever designed.' If customer service followed, it'd be a Top.
Arkiv (systeme modulaire)
The signature modular system. Pockets and accessories that clip onto the bag to reconfigure it for different uses. Brilliant idea: one bag, multiple configurations. Military-grade execution. Military-grade module pricing too.
Rambler
Roll-top backpack. Adjustable volume, HT500, YKK zips. One user documents 10 years of use with waterproofing maintained in Pacific Northwest rain. The bike commuter bag. Bombproof when new. The question is what happens when it ages and you call customer service.