SALT LAKE CITY

Nathan Larsen opened his storefront and studio in March this year on SLC’s historic art street Pierpoint Ave. The space is small and clean with untreated wood furnishings. It still looks new and fresh like the bags covering the shelves and hanging from the walls. He makes every bag, and other products, by hand with maximum durability and quality in mind. Nathan started making bags 7 years ago when he needed a messenger bag to commute with but couldn’t find any on the market that he liked. “I was commuting on a bike and needed a bag. So I just did it myself. Just making something that would catch my eye. People saw my bags, that I was already making for myself and I started handing out bags. I thought “this is fun” and just kept doing it.” Over the years he grew a personal demand for a quality bag into a small business. He quit his night job at Whole Foods a few years back and made this his full time gig. At the start Nathan made bags for his friends who liked the clean design and the ability to customize colors and pockets, which is still possible because when you order a bag you work with the creator directly. His products are handmade with quality materials from the US, including the beanies that his wife knits.

Nathan’s model is different and there are three main things that set him apart from others. “The customization is unique, the durability is a huge factor, and everything is vegan, from the materials to the guy making them.” The bags are definitely durable, the exterior material is a 1000d condura, which was developed in the 1960’s and used for hiking backpacks back in the 70’s. The bags are definitely sturdy, we played around with a few at the store, they are light but thick and tough. They are well designed and sit in a nice balance between minimal clean aesthetic and functional as a commuter pack.

Another great product that Nathan makes are petal straps. The local fixed gear scene has backed him in force. He is supplied in local bike shops as well as one in Minneapolis. As a rider himself, he saw an opportunity to make a quality handmade product and has shared it with his local community. He is involved in events and even hosts one called Velo-Weekend every year in June. This next year will be the 5th year they’ve put it on. There’s tons of rad events like the Mini Bike Gymkhana and an AlleyCat race for all skill levels.

As he looks to the future Nathan grimaces a little. “I don’t want to be some huge company.” He would like to max out at 3 or 4 employees, keeping it small, intimate and focused on quality.

BIG thanks to Velo for all the love.

See more here www.velocitybags.com