FEATURE|Tell me about DATUM! 5 reasons why you should know about DATUM .
Tell me about DATUM!
Five reasons why you should know Datum.
DATUM" is a bag brand that started in 2010 and is based in Chico, California, where many outdoor manufacturers are located. Born and raised in Colorado, and immersed in outdoor culture since childhood, the "Made in USA" products produced by a genuine outdoorsman have attracted the attention of highly sensitive enthusiasts. HOUYHNHNM's editorial department will unravel the brand, which has yet to be talked about extensively, from the appeal of its products to its history and the thoughts of its designers, from five different perspectives.
“Datum's concept of "Urban Outdoor" is based on the philosophy that "design is a multitasking activity" and that "outdoor gear must be of the highest quality in terms of durability and reliability. The philosophy of "Urban Outdoor" is embedded in this concept.
The ROLLTOP PACK from the TREKNOS series is one of the brand's most popular products, with the body made of lightweight yet strong 500-denier Cordura Plus and the bottom of 840-denier ballistic nylon, which is prone to wear from being on the ground, selected in the right places for each material. The bottom part is made of 840-denier ballistic nylon, which is subject to abrasion when placed on the ground. The pack is made of a robust yet lightweight material that can be used for daily use.
Also, the performance of a backpack is reflected in its back padding. No matter how much you can stuff into a backpack, it is meaningless if it is uncomfortable to carry. The ROLLTOP PACK, which combines multiple cushioning materials to realize a shock-resistant and stable back pad, can handle a lot of stuff. The mesh fabric provides excellent breathability, so you don't have to worry about getting stuffy in the summer.
02_."METRONOS" and its affinity for the business world.
CARRY-ON W53×H33×D24cm 42L ¥32,000+TAX
Tom Koenig, a designer who has been familiar with outdoor culture since childhood (more on that in a later interview!) and has been involved in the electronics business in Silicon Valley. Tom Koenig is a designer who has been involved in the electronics business in Silicon Valley.
."Based on his own experiences since his days in Silicon Valley, he created the CARRY-ON model in the METRONOS series for "people who need products that are easier to move and more comfortable for conventional business trips and travel.
As the name suggests, it has a large capacity for up to a 4-day/3-night trip while maintaining a "carry-on (CARRY-ON)" size. From the lightweight ballistic nylon body to the garment sleeve, rain cover, and various other features and abundant accessories. This is a bag for the businessman, that can also hold a suit, and is suitable for all kinds of places .
It is a 3-way style, so it can be used not only for longer business trips, but also for a variety of occasions, from everyday business situations to a friend's wedding.
03_Comfortable to use in any field.
ROLLTOP PACK W33.5×H51×D20cm 34L ¥18,000+TAX
While being sturdy and authentic outdoor gear, they are also easy to use around town. The appeal of Datum's products, including the ROLLTOP PACK, which is a favorite of many photographers and cyclists, lies in the fact that they can be used in any field.
."The zipper on the front of the "ROLLTOP PACK" can be lowered to allow access to the luggage without opening the top. By leaving the roll part open, you can also carry long items such as a tripod. On the back, there is a pocket that can hold a 15-inch PC and a tablet independently. In fact, by storing a flat object such as a PC or a magazine in this pocket, it also serves to stabilize the back of the bag.
The fact that it is full of truly "useful" functions that are common to all situations is why it has captured the hearts of users with different usage scenarios and demographics.
Incidentally, "NOS" in all series names stands for "NEW OLD STYLE. Based on the rule in designing that "a type is born from its function," it expresses the brand's attitude of always aiming for a functional "classic design," no matter when or in which era the product is used.
04_Made in USA, yet reasonably priced.
While many brands have moved their factories overseas due to cost issues, Datum has remained committed to "Made in the USA" since its establishment and has been able to keep its prices reasonable. Tom Koenig explains that the reason for this is "our cost control and production management system based on our many years of experience.
Considering the cost of moving staff involved in production management, such as design revisions, and the cost of transporting products, it is preferable to complete the work in the United States. . If the factory and designers are close to each other, it will be possible to respond flexibly. By taking advantage of Chico, the birthplace of numerous outdoor brands, we are able to produce reasonably priced, high-quality products without compromising every detail of the design.
05_“The words of the genuine outdoorsman who created Datum.
We have just run through the products and their functionality, but to learn more about the brand, we should listen to what the designers have to say. We asked Tom Koenig, the founder and designer of the brand, to talk about the brand and Chico, California, a hidden mecca of the outdoors.
“Datum has also developed a concept called "Carrynomics," which is based on the science of ergonomics and materials to produce comfortable and efficient outdoor gear. First of all, please tell us about "Carrynomics.
."Carrynomics" is a term I coined to include the study and application of product technology for carrying things, materials, research, design, production, testing, and skills. . It is a word that can include any parameter related to carry gear.
You have experience in the electronics business in Silicon Valley , how did you end up creating outdoor gear?
I was born in Colorado and grew up around fly fishing, mountaineering, camping, sailing, flying, caving, tennis, football, and baseball. . So, after a career in electronics, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in the outdoors.
He began looking for ways to get involved in the outdoor industry, and in 1989 he found and started a small sewing company with only five people. The factory later grew to 150 workers and expanded to produce for Patagonia, L.L. Bean, The North Face, and many other outdoor brands. After working with these brands, I decided the best thing to do was to start my own brand, and I created my first brand, KIVA DESIGN.
What do you like about Chico, California , where the brand was founded?
Chico is the "Outdoor City" with mountains, rivers, lakes, and all outdoor activities - mountain biking, climbing, rafting, trail running, swimming, and fly fishing are very close at hand. . and a three-hour drive to the Pacific Ocean for marine activities. . this makes Chico the perfect place to try out our products.
California is home to many garage brands based on the science of ergonomics and materials, from outdoor manufacturers such as Datum to technology companies such as Apple, although the output may differ. Is this due to the local culture?
California has long been a mecca for entrepreneurial creativity in all kinds of sciences, disciplines, and arts. The spirit of California, derived from the pioneers and gold miners who gave their all to build a new life, still inspires creators and innovators and remains a challenge or a goal for the entire world, regardless of category. California is the perfect incubator for the creation of something.
Lastly, please tell us what outdoor culture means to you.
. For me, outdoor culture has always been at the core of my life. . My first trip to the mountains of Colorado was when I was a six-week-old baby. The Koenig family emigrated from Switzerland to the United States in 1859 and settled in the mountains of Colorado. My grandparents (and my great-grandparents before them) ran a fly-fishing school in their cabin, and my father was already teaching fly-fishing as a child.
When I was a child, we were always hiking and camping, and in 1967 I attended the Rocky Mountain Mountain Mountaineering School in Estes Park, Colorado. So, outdoor culture is a central element in the Koenig family history, or should I say, a tribute. . I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't immersed in the outdoors and its activities.
The Koenigs were one of the first families to live in Colorado, and the mountains and outdoor culture are very much in my blood , and in my soul. When I pay homage to the outdoors, I am also paying homage to my ancestors in the United States and in my native Switzerland.
