Siwa Series by ONAO Co. | Yamanashi (JAP)

Japanese paper (washi) manufacture ONAO Co. sits in the town of Ichikawamisato in Japan's Yamanashi prefecture, a place that boasts a century-old history of paper making. The Siwa Series (pictured) is the product of a collaboration between industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa and ONAO Co., born out of Fukasawa's admiration for Naoron, a strong and tear-resistant paper developed by the company.

The name SIWA is the reverse of characters in the word washi (wasi) as well as a word that means 'crinkle' in Japanese. The collection uses ONAO Co.'s sturdy Naoron as the primary material to create their well designed, everyday goods. Similarly to their leather goods, the washi products are individually crafted and above is a sample of our favourite everyday essentials including a money wallet, shopper bag, wine bag and string bound envelopes.

Available at ONAO Co.

The Outsiders: New Outdoor Creativity

The proliferation of outdoor and travel writing in recent years has signalled a yearning for untouched landscapes and the truly rural. Many urban environments are filled with inhabitants who fantasise about escaping uncompromising grid systems but are unable to satiate their thirst for the the wild. To bridge this gap, there is a new generation of outdoor explorers using urban design and creative thinking to navigate unruly terrains.

The Outsiders: New Outdoor Creativity by Gestalten explores the relationship between the urban creative and the outdoors and features interviews with leaders from across the outdoor sector that include Patagonia, Poler and Snow Peak. By considering travellers' needs in line with functional and aesthetically strong design, the brands and ideas presented in this book accommodate the demands of the urban dweller in an outdoor setting.

Complemented by an inspirational and rich selection of photography, The Outsiders, edited by Jeffrey Bowman, Sven Ehmann and Robert Klanten, includes insights from designers Geoff McFetridge and Groovisions, polar explorer Arved Fuchs, expedition paddler Mark Kalch and champion free-skier Ane Enderud. A recommended read for the curious explorer.

Available from Paper Cut.

Farmers Racer | Nybro (SWE)

In a world increasingly driven by speed, the art of slow production is being forgotten. By using slow traditional techniques, Lars Gustavsson, the gentleman behind Farmers Racer, has created a well-crafted product range based on the Swedish farmers and industrial workers of the Småland countryside who built and raced self-made motorcycles through the meadows and spruce forests.

Crafted in the South East of Sweden, all Farmers Racer products are bench-made using unique materials and careful craftsmanship. Time and dedication goes into making each waxed cotton backpack, created by one person from start to finish; a nod to the hard work and traditional production methods of the Småland countryside workers.

KUT Knives | New York (USA)

Master knife and tool maker KUT Master have crafted high quality pocket knives and multi-purpose tools since 1910. During World War II, the company manufactured bayonets and carbine parts and earned its umbrella company Utica, the coveted Army-Navy E., as well as a number of other awards. The KUT friction-folding knife is handcrafted from a variety of woods including cherry, maple and olivewood and features a hand forged, carbon steel Svörd blade made in New Zealand.

Available from Workerman.

Travel Cup by Izola | New York (USA)

The IDMC° team know all too well that being on the move means being prepared and equipped with the latest travelling essentials. Inspired by the old-world utilitarian idea of making something that is built to last, co-founders Neil Rasmus and Richard Brandt started Izola in 2005 and wanted to bring good design to otherwise mundane objects. In 2010, Izola began collaborating with like-minded creative consultancy agency Aesthetic Movement to combine their ideas and to create a select group of objects.

The result is a beautifully designed array of essentials including flasks, soaps, candles, shoe brushes and ceramics but we’re particularly fond of the Travel Cup (Weight: 2.5oz, H: 5.75cm, W:5cm | H:1.5cm, 5cm collapsed). Crafted from stainless steel, this collapsible drinking cup is the perfect companion on a journey and the ideal size to carry when on the move.

Available both blank and engraved from Izola’s online shop.