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“Where need exists, there will always be someone with the bravery and 
the vision to bring resolution.” -- excerpt, Journeyman & Co. mission statement

Shortly after we moved to Denver, Nathan Downey and Cory Doney -- the duo behind Journeyman & Co. -- came to us with a concept for a bag and proposed a collaboration. The two advertising creatives were in the process of developing their first 'cause-crafted collection,' fusing their appreciation for beautiful craftsmanship with their desire to better the world we live in. What began as an idealistic goal evolved into a brand whose objective is to unite craftspeople while creating collections of unique products allied around a common cause. With their first military-inspired collection of goods, 10% of all proceeds are donated to IAVA (Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America), a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of new veterans. 

Over the next two years we worked with Nathan and Cory to design the Field Bag: a roll-top, messenger-style bag with army-inspired materials and detailing. (One of the design references was a mid-century military map bag). Handcrafted in our Denver workshop, the Field Bag is made from durable, heavyweight, 20oz Olive waxed canvas, reinforced at the bottom with a layer of Dublin leather from Chicago's Horween Leather Company.

 

With the release of our new Leather Garrison, we are a bit obsessed with leather at the moment. In order to celebrate, we decided to share our guide to the best tanned goods.

[Clockwise from top-left corner]

Stitched Belt: Sturdy yet refined, this belt features a unique leather lacing detail with a solid brass buckle. Cut from 10 oz vegetable tanned bridle leather, the edges are hand waxed and burnished. 

Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in Winter Session history, we’ve done it! We’ve finally created an all leather bag for you to enjoy.

Our new Leather Garrison takes on the form and silhouette of the classic Garrison, but instead of canvas we’ve chosen three variations of cowhide for the bag body. Our Natural tote is cut from soft, undyed vegetable-tanned cowhide from the Hermann Oak Tannery, while our Black and Cognac totes are crafted using the renowned Horween Leather Co’s Essex leather -- a vegetable tanned, oil-infused leather with a very supple feel that will age beautifully. The handles on all three totes are cut from thicker vegetable-tanned cowhide (also from Hermann Oak). We’ve chosen each of these leathers for their unique structural and aesthetic characteristics and their superb quality.

  

'Tis the season for giving, receiving and traveling. We've put together the guide to the best goods for when life take you on the road.
[Clockwise from top-left corner]

Large Zip-Top Tote: A minimal versatile carry-all designed for no-fuss transport.

Introducing the Zip-Top Tote: our take on the classic, over-the-shoulder carry-all. Its simple, pared down design, zipper closure, and lightweight single-layer construction make it the perfect companion for weekend travel or daily use.

We’ve constructed the body of the Zip-Top Tote using our signature 20 oz heavyweight waxed canvas, which will withstand the change of seasons and wear beautifully over time. Popping up from the rim of the bag, a flexible zipper panel (made from a contrasting lightweight 10 oz canvas) provides both easy access and extra security. Detailed with a solid brass YKK zipper, the pop-up panel allows you to fill the bag to the brim for greater carrying capacity.

Our goal has always been to create beautiful and useful pieces that become companions for life. Each season we are able to focus and streamline our design process a little more as we continue to refine each of our pieces for optimal, seamless use. There is no Winter Session bag more iconic and functional than the Garrison Bag; it's one of our first and most lasting designs.


After receiving valuable customer feedback over the past year, we have opted to replace the Large and Small sized Garrisons that we offered last season with a nicely balanced proportion that feels 'just right'. The updated Garrison Bag -- sized squarely between the Large and Small -- is the perfect size for any occasion, whether you’re commuting to work, ducking outside for a picnic, or taking a weekend road trip. Staying true to its original concept, the new Garrison functions like a well-organized catch-all for your daily necessities. Slip in a laptop or iPad, charger, and a large notebook on a more productive afternoon; pack a camera and a few extra layers for a day of exploring a new place; or fill it with a loaf of bread and other treats from the market for a cozy evening with friends.

A typical day for you starts with...
Waking up a bit too early (too many early mornings in the coffee industry have ruined me), watering my plants, and getting a beautiful mug full of coffee from the good folk of Purple Door Coffee before I walk across to the Outpost.

If you follow us on Instagram (@winter_session) or have been keeping tabs on this blog, you've probably seen images of well-worn WS goods taken by our customers months (or even years!) after their purchase. Maybe you've wondered: "Why does this leather look different from the product photos on the Winter Session website?" Or "Why are they always mentioning the "patina" or "aging" of leather?"

[Photo from Whitney's Instagram, @whitannelarson]

Tell us about your life and adventures outside of Winter Session…
Outside of my part-time job at Winter Session, I work full-time as a grants specialist with a local nonprofit, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. I am also out in our beautiful Colorado mountains as much as possible with my partner, Joel (now another awesome WS employee!) and our cute pup, Marley Jo. I am also often found baking sweet treats for friends (and WS events!), and when I can find the time, love a trip to a local coffee shop for some quality time with a cortado and a good book.

Tell us about your life and adventures outside of Winter Session…
I spend a lot of time on the road playing music with the band Paper Bird. I am the drummer. I also play in the bands Eye and the Arrow, Pine Barrens, Papa Bear and occasionally accompany Patrick Dethlefs and Stelth Ulvang. I also run a storytelling podcast called The Smallest Bone, and am a freelance videographer. I like to be outside - camping, fishing, hiking, swimming - and have eaten far too many breakfast burritos in my twenty-five years on this planet. 
 

A couple of months ago, our friend and talented Denver-based photographer Brad Torchia stopped by the workshop to capture a day in the life at Winter Session. A lot happens in our cozy workspace, from cutting, sewing, leatherwork and assembly to product photography and impromptu visits with friends and customers. Without further adieu, this is what our typical day looks like.