The next Zugster bag design is a rolltop backpack, a style of backpack that’s become very popular over the last two years. Rolltops create something a little akin to a labyrinth seal, making it more difficult for rain water to seep its way into your bag by way of the main opening.

I’ve been wanting to make one for myself, and finally found the time after completing the last batch of stock rando bags this past weekend. There’s a set of eight more photos of it on flickr

Like my previous backpack design, this one is sized just under the maximum size for airline carry-on. It fits my 5’11” frame perfectly, but at 20” from the base to the shoulder strap attachment, it’s for folks equipped with longer torsos. I’ll probably make two versions; a short and a long one. It’s 7” deep and around 12” wide.

It also features my first zippered pocket, something I’ll be doing more of in 2011, and a built-in back pad.

I have plans to ultimately make several models of rolltops, but as these things go it will probably take most of 2011 for them all to be realized.

Availability

When can you get one? Well, I’m planning another batch of stock rando bags in January, and then I’ll be starting in on a batch of these backpacks. So expect them to be available sometime in late February.