Mission Ready: the New Class of Luxury Modular Backpacks

The commute from city office to weekend trail no longer requires switching bags. Men who refuse to compromise on quality are driving demand for gear that seamlessly transitions from boardroom meetings to mountain hikes, creating a market for backpacks that perform equally well whether carrying laptops or camping gear.

This appetite for versatile, premium kit shows how men approach their purchases. Rather than buying multiple specialised bags, they’re putting money into one piece that handles whatever their day demands. Traditional backpacks fall short – tactical packs often look out of place in professional settings, whilst minimal urban designs lack the durability and storage needed for outdoor adventures.

PD EDC, which has built a reputation through multiple successful Kickstarter campaigns, has launched VAULT3 as their most ambitious project to date. The company previously raised over £119,000 for their VAULT 2.0 design, establishing trust among gear enthusiasts for delivering modular backpacks that actually work in real conditions.

The VAULT3’s modular design centres on what PD EDC calls a ‘2+1 compartment system’. The Quick-Access Zone keeps essential items immediately reachable, whilst the Modular Core provides customisable organisation through swappable boards and pouches. The Expandable Bay transforms storage capacity from 26 litres to 38 litres, accommodating anything from camera equipment to additional clothing layers.

According to Frank Liu, founder of PD EDC, ‘VAULT3 is designed to be more than just a backpack, functioning as a complete mission system for doers, makers and movers.’ The company understands that their customers need gear that adapts rather than limits their activities.

The bag’s standout features include wet pockets for damp items, a hidden laptop sleeve for devices up to 16 inches and a MOLLE-compatible utility system that allows external attachments. The 500D splash-resistant nylon construction and waterproof zippers provide the durability expected from premium performance gear, whilst maintaining the clean aesthetics needed for urban environments.

Modular Design For Real-World

The modular storage board system offers more than 14 different layout configurations using large, medium and small panels. The same bag can organise a photographer’s lenses and camera body for a weekend shoot, then reconfigure to carry tech gear and documents for Monday’s client meeting.

The boards themselves aren’t confined to the bag – they function independently in drawers, toolboxes or field operations, extending their utility beyond traditional backpack boundaries. External mounting points accommodate tripods, tents or rolled jackets, whilst the magnetic water bottle pockets and multiple grab handles enhance daily usability. The bag opens completely flat for efficient packing and access – a feature that separates well-designed bags from those that merely look tactical.

Construction and Comfort

Premium backpacks justify their price through construction details that become apparent during extended use. VAULT3’s EVA-padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel address the comfort requirements for all-day carry, whether navigating city streets or hiking trails.

The reinforced build quality meets expectations for investment-grade gear that lasts years rather than seasons. Multi-directional grab handles and an adjustable chest strap distribute weight effectively, reducing fatigue during longer carries.

Early Kickstarter backers can access various reward tiers including the Core, Flex Pack, Full Flex, Photo Pack and Max Bundle configurations. These packages recognise that different users prioritise different aspects of the modular system, from basic organisation to comprehensive camera protection.

The Premium Gear Market

The VAULT3 campaign reflects current trends in men’s premium EDC gear, where tactical aesthetics combine with urban functionality. The UK market particularly values durability and craftsmanship in everyday carry items, with buyers expecting gear to maintain performance and appearance over years of regular use.

Companies that understand the difference between military surplus looks and genuinely functional design have found opportunities here. VAULT3’s modular approach addresses the core issue – rather than buying multiple bags for different activities, users can adapt one premium piece to various scenarios.

The Kickstarter format allows PD EDC to gauge demand whilst offering early backers exclusive pricing and extended warranty coverage. With shipping scheduled for November 2025, backers are essentially pre-ordering a refined version of the company’s proven modular concept.

The success of comparable modular backpack campaigns, including Peak Design’s nearly $5 million Kickstarter success, suggests strong market appetite for gear that combines tactical reliability with everyday practicality. Men expect their equipment to match their diverse lifestyles rather than force compromises between different activities.