Move with the times

To make getting around that little bit easier, new cleverly designed objects provide practical, useful or fun solutions that are by no means all smartphone-based.

Whereas previous generations’ days revolved around the well-established trilogy of work, eat and sleep, modern-day lives tell a much more varied story, full of twists and turns. Today, we have become nomadic, multi-tasking “slashers” who work in a whole host of places rather than just in the office. Sometimes we squeeze in a cheeky yoga session between two business meetings, and increasingly rely on pedal-power to get us from A to B, spending our time in a whole host of hybrid venues that tick the business and/or leisure box. This new-found freedom also means we need to be extremely organised.

Backpacks have long since become the city-dweller’s accessory of choice. The Urban Backpack by Wexley has been designed purely with urban adventures in mind. Laptops nestle safely in their own individual compartment, whilst the plethora of pockets have been designed to ensure there’s an easily accessible place for everything, and that everything’s kept in its place. That’s the practical side covered. In terms of comfort, thermoformed foam cushions the back. And although your electric bike may find its battery running low, there’s no risk of that happening with your laptop or smartphone as the bag comes equipped with its own USB charging port. Simply plug the device in with one of Native Union’s elegant cables, which come in an abundance of colours and designs, helping make the profusion of wires and connections that define our day-to-day existence almost bearable. The little AirPod cases and Iphone and Ipad covers that complete the brand’s range make using these high-tech items a far more sensual experience.

Then there are all the bits and pieces with which we fill our backpacks, and we’re not just referring to the technological devices that are a must for the day’s work. Nomadic urban workers no longer drink from plastic bottles, instead carrying around their very own drinking bottles to fill at the water fountains in the open space offices or co-working spaces they frequent. An outward sign of their desire to live a more environmentally friendly existence. The reusable bottles from 24bottles come in three different sizes and a range of unique colours and designs to ensure there are no inadvertent office mix-ups. Memobottle’s designs, meanwhile, slip easily between two files thanks to their thoroughly unique, ultra-flat shape in A5, A6 and A7 format. The two brands, one Italian the other Australian, are openly committed to protecting the environment and fly the flag for virtuous manufacturing.

That’s the drinks covered. Now for food. The Bento Box is yet another lunching-on-the-go classic. Danish firm Yummii Yummii has done away with plastic in all its products. Flaunting the attractive, minimalist credentials you’d expect from Scandinavian design, their gorgeous compartmentalised boxes not only keep food beautifully fresh but are crafted from sustainable, recyclable steel.

If you’ve managed to shoehorn a spot of ‘you’ time into your day, you’ll also need to shoehorn any necessary sports or meditation equipment into your bag. You could tuck it into one of Bag-all’s special little pouches, along with one of Towel-to-go’s ultra-light towels to dry off after freshening up, out of respect for your body… and your colleagues.

All that’s left to do is jump onto the bus or grab your moped, scooter or bike. These “soft mobility” solutions are not entirely risk-free, however, so make sure you stay safe by picking up some of Bookman Urban Visibility’s reflectors.

The way in which we work and eat may have changed beyond all recognition, but there is still one constant in our lives, and that is sleep… It’s just that before finally drifting off we now drop our phone into Lexon’s wireless charging station to ensure all our batteries are fully recharged before embarking on a brand new day.

By Marie Montuir