Béis Just Launched a New Outdoor-inspired Collection of Travel Bags — and I Tried Them All in Yosemite

It may be the middle of August, but for Béis, the summer is just getting started. Today marks the launch of the newest addition to the Shay Mitchell-founded brand's catalog: the Utility Collection, a limited-edition collection of workwear-inspired travel bags and accessories geared for the outdoors to encourage wearers to "pack a bag and get outside."

Designed in partnership with The National Parks Foundation, the 100-percent cotton collection features Béis' takes on classics like the daypack and the duffel bag (each enhanced with the brand's editor-loved thoughtful storage features), and new styles like the Carryall Crossbody in a new lavender colorway (which will also be offered across Béis' top-selling rollers). Every piece in the Utility Collection also comes in black and olive green. 

The Carry-on Roller in Lavender

Of course, a special collaboration calls for a special celebration. To commemorate the Utility Collection's launch, Béis is pulling out all of the stops with Béis Camp, a touring pop-up bus that will set up camp at four national parks across the country: Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (see the full schedule here). Each installation invites fans from near and far to get a firsthand look at the Utility Collection, explore Béis' best-selling luggage pieces, backpacks, duffels, and more, and score plenty of exclusive merchandise. 

Béis Camp kicked off on Saturday, August 10 in Yosemite, and I was invited along on a weekend getaway to the Evergreen Lodge to experience the pop-up bus' first stop in all of its glory. I even got to test pieces from the new Utility Collection along the way. Let's do a deep dive, shall we? 

Shop the Béis Utility Collection: 

The Utility Duffel

A duffel bag with a padded laptop pocket? Genius. The Utility Duffel ensures that everything you need has a secure spot during travel, whether you're headed to the airport or the campsite. Should your adventures bring you outdoors, the bag's heavy-duty cotton construction is down for the ride; it's impressively durable and machine-washable. I personally got a kick out of the spacious side compartments, which can fit multiple pairs of shoes. 

The Utility Tote

The Utility Tote is what your current favorite travel tote would be if it actually had pockets. This wear-anywhere bag is equipped with functional features like a laptop storage compartment, water bottle pockets, a trolley pass-through sleeve to slide it over your luggage handles, and more to keep you organized on the go. Overpacked? No problem; there's a removable crossbody strap to help lighten the load. I loved how much room there was to pack what I needed to enjoy some time at the Evergreen Lodge's pool; it's going to make a great beach bag for the rest of the summer. 

The Rucksack

A reliable backpack is a trail essential, especially one like the new Utility Rucksack that gives you easy access to your water bottle and hiking gear. The cinch-top backpack ensures that everything stays in place when you're on the move with its secure hood and lock system, which didn't falter when the bag kept falling over on the long, winding drive home. The padded straps will keep you comfy as you clock in your steps, and the backpack's versatile design makes it a great companion for flights, commutes, and more. 

The Carryall Crossbody

My favorite piece in this collection is this carryall, which perfectly marries the spaciousness of a tote with the hands-free convenience of a crossbody purse to create the ultimate everyday bag for any occasion. Staying on-trend with its crescent-shaped silhouette, the bag keeps you looking cool and staying organized with a built-in water bottle holder and plenty of easy-access pockets for your phone and more. It made holding everything I needed for our morning hike and afternoon water activities seamless, and I'm excited to make this my personal item bag on my next flight (and take advantage of the trolley pass-through sleeve so I don't have to carry it on my shoulder the whole time).  

More New Travel Accessories at Béis: 

The Collapsible Lunch Box 

At first glance, the Collapsible Lunch Box looks like a mini Béis weekender bag — and it has the storage capacity to boot. There's even a special pocket for your phone and you can wear it like a cooler bag if that's more the vibe. 

The Convertible Luggage Vest  

Meet Béis' latest innovation: the Convertible Luggage Vest. An M.V.P. for travelers who wish their suitcases had just one more front pocket, the game-changing accessory slides over your Béis roller bag to upgrade your storage setup. 

The Wide Brim Sun Hat

Sun protection made stylish, the Wide Brim Sun Hat ensures you're always in the shade — while its breathable cotton construction keeps you from getting too sweaty. 

The Carabiner in Lavender

Every outdoorsy traveler needs a trusty carabiner, so why not choose one that adds a pop of color to your daypack? If you look closely, the clip doubles as a bottle opener. 

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