Nomads Nation Podcast

Work with Move Supply Chain - https://go.nomadsnation.com/move-supply-chain
Move YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLara

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 25 of the Nomads Nation Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Laura, founder of Move Supply Chain, to uncover why some of the world's most popular backpacks are constantly out of stock. We dive deep into the realities of supply chain management, from sourcing specialized materials and managing factory relationships to navigating logistics, cash flow, and production delays.

We also discuss how small brands can compete with industry giants, why strong relationships with manufacturers matter more than most people realize, the importance of understanding your product's construction, and practical strategies founders can use to build a more resilient supply chain. Whether you're a backpack enthusiast, product founder, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes before a bag reaches your doorstep, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

00:00 - Introduction
03:24 - Supply Chains
10:47 - Manufacturing
13:08 - Materials
17:50 - Optimization
18:55 - Cash Flow
20:23 - Enterprise vs DTC
23:43 - Partnerships
28:05 - Growth
30:20 - Factory Visits
36:41 - Philippines
39:58 - Product Development
42:27 - Expert Support
44:23 - Final Thoughts

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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at aaron@nomadsnation.com

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Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our Why are the best bags always SOLD OUT video! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)

Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews—if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

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🌐 Sign up to the NNewsletter
➡️ https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

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If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🎙️ Welcome to the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode, I’m bringing back Lara from Move Supply Chain for a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build a backpack brand from scratch.

We dive into the realities of creating a bag, from figuring out your true costs and pricing strategy to sourcing materials, sampling, prototyping, and eventually getting the finished product into customers’ hands. We also talk about why building a custom backpack can take much longer than expected and just how many individual components can go into a single bag.

I also share some real numbers and lessons from building my own bag brand, including what our flagship backpack actually costs to make and why the cost of manufacturing is only one piece of the bigger picture.

If you're thinking about starting your own bag brand, building an e-commerce product, or you're simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite backpacks, this episode gives you a look at the realities of bringing a bag from idea to market. 🎒🔥

00:00 - Building Bags
01:35 - Founder Reality
07:00 - Know Your Costs
10:18 - Pricing Strategy
14:34 - Starting From Scratch
16:42 - Material Sourcing
20:06 - Backpack Economics
24:25 - Profit Margins
29:15 - Pricing Matters
34:19 - Better Prototypes
38:00 - Product vs Profit
40:18 - Build a Brand
44:11 - Final Thoughts

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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at aaron@nomadsnation.com

**********

Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our How to Start a Bag Brand video! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)

Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews—if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

Work with Move Supply Chain - https://go.nomadsnation.com/move-supply-chain
Move YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLara

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 24 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with Alpaka co-founders to explore the story behind one of the fastest-growing carry brands in the industry. From launching with a Kickstarter campaign to owning their factory, hardware, and even developing their own fabrics, they break down how Alpaka built a business around controlling its entire supply chain.

We also dive into why they created Maglock hardware, the challenges of manufacturing at scale, the evolution of Axoflux fabrics, and how owning production helps Alpaka move faster than most brands in today's rapidly changing market. If you're interested in backpacks, product design, manufacturing, or building a gear brand, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights. 🎒🔥

00:00 - Introduction
03:27 - How Alpaka Started
06:31 - Building the First Backpack
10:00 - Kickstarter Lessons
12:59 - Scaling Beyond Kickstarter
15:23 - Why Own the Supply Chain?
17:42 - The Story Behind MagLockz
20:39 - Owning Their Factory
23:28 - Shipping Strategy Evolution
28:54 - The Future of Retail
31:45 - Creating Axoflux Fabrics
35:20 - What's Next for Alpaka
37:50 - Upcoming Products
38:56 - Final Thoughts

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Looking to have YOUR backpack reviewed? Contact Aaron at aaron@nomadsnation.com

**********

Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you enjoyed our Alpaka podcast video! To support our channel, we use affiliate links in our content. Clicking on these links and making a purchase helps us keep creating great videos (at no extra cost to you!)

Free Gear Disclosure: We often receive free gear for our reviews, but this does not influence our opinions. We always provide honest reviews—if a product isn't up to par, we'll tell you.

Work with Move Supply Chain - https://calendly.com/hello-movesupplychain/move-supply-chain-discovery-call
Move YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SupplyChainLara

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00:00 - Intro to Disruptions
02:03 - Freight Costs Impact
05:32 - Oil Price Effects
07:56 - Oil in Production
09:41 - Vietnam's Energy Shift
11:00 - Diversifying Sources
16:46 - Brand Owner Steps
20:11 - Negotiating Reserves
25:27 - Focus on Hero Products
28:01 - Understanding Margins
32:17 - MOQs and Terms
35:28 - Value of Visits
36:41 - Solution Mindset
37:34 - Global Disruptions
38:29 - Past vs. Present
40:26 - Brand Resources
41:40 - Final Words

Subscribe to UnPack'd 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@UCuG5k_GNYcwjfSPIeS0VNoQ

If you want to get notified when the newest bags and travel gear drops, be sure to sign up to the NNewsletter 👉 https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 21 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode dives deep into the world of bags, slings, and EDC gear with John from the UnPack’d YouTube channel—a true carry nerd. We start by comparing premium and value-focused brands, break down the best slings, small backpacks, and everyday carry essentials, and geek out over design, materials, and usability. Expect insights on why simplicity often wins, and which bags truly stand out for everyday life.

From larger travel backpacks and personal item bags to tech pouches and water bottle holders, we cover all the gear that makes a bag iconic.

Finally, we wrap with our review philosophy, share tips for organizing gear, and tease some exciting upcoming bag drops hitting UnPack’d in March. If you love smart gear, obsess over compartments, or just want a fun deep dive into bags and EDC essentials, this episode is packed with nerdy carry goodness. 🎒

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
2:27 – Favorite Travel Backpacks
11:19 – Features vs Comfort Discussion
17:56 – Everyday Carry (EDC) Bags Discussion
20:00 – Early Travel Bag Experiences with Able Carry
25:03 – “Ride or Die” Bag
32:04 – Price Comparison & Value vs Competitors
46:02 - Favorite Daily Carry
52:29 - Personal preference on Evergoods vs Tomtoc
54:00 - Best Water Bottle holders
58:07 – Tech pouches S-tier discussions
1:04:09 - Upcoming Gear Tease

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🌐 Sign up to the NNewsletter
➡️ https://nomadsnation.com/newsletter/

😊 Connect with gear-heads on the NN Subreddit
➡️ / nomads_nation

🤝 Buy/sell used bags on the NN Marketplace
➡️ https://marketplace.nomadsnation.com/