Michael Turner
The group is a creator-led gear collective that focuses on small-run carrying systems, short video reviews (2–6 minutes), photo lookbooks and scheduled product releases – most creators release new items or content every 2–6 weeks. Expect product pages that list materials, hardware and capacity in liters; if those three fields are missing, treat the listing with caution.
Evaluation checklist: posting cadence ≥1/week or clear monthly drops; material specs present (examples: Cordura 500D, Cordura 1000D, 420D nylon); hardware identified (YKK zippers, Duraflex buckles); capacity given in L (15–35L for daily carry, 35–60L for travel); weight listed (target under ~1.2 kg for daypacks); price range marked ($40–$250 for typical daily pieces); returns policy ≥14 days and shipping ETA shown (domestic 3–7 business days). Use these numeric thresholds when deciding trust and value.
Actionable engagement and purchase steps: follow channels where drops are announced (YouTube for longer reviews, Instagram/TikTok for teasers); join the community channel (Discord or Telegram) to access early links and size advice; verify real-user photos and ask for seam and zipper close-ups before paying. When ordering, prioritize items with full construction specs and a stated warranty (6–12 months). Budget guideline: allocate $50–$200 for a primary daily piece, add ~20% for international duties; for limited releases expect resale multiples typically in the 1.2–2× range, so treat resale as speculative rather than guaranteed.
Quick profile: The Pack Collective
Hear their signature tracks on a reliable streaming service first; pick the EP that pushes aggressive 808s and clipped vocal flows to evaluate production and lyrical focus.
Sound and releases
- Genre markers: gritty trap rhythms, syncopated hi-hats, minimal melodic pads, frequent minor-key motifs.
- Typical tempo range: 130–155 BPM; single duration: 2–3.5 minutes, mixtapes often 25–40 minutes.
- Frequent collaborators: independent producers, local MCs, guest hooks from underground singers.
- Release formats to check: self-released EPs, SoundCloud drops, official uploads on streaming services and YouTube visuals.
- Production credits: prioritize tracks with named beatmakers in metadata to trace stylistic fingerprints and remixes.
How to support and attend shows
- Follow verified artist and crew accounts on major platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Instagram, X) to get tour and merch alerts.
- Buy tickets from primary sellers or venue box offices; expect club shows under 300 capacity and higher-energy sets lasting ~45 minutes.
- Merch checklist: inspect tags and print quality, confirm purchase via official store links, typical tee/hoodie price range $30–$70 depending on drop.
- At shows: arrive 30–60 minutes early for front-stage access, bring cash and card, carry valid ID for 18+/21+ events.
- Engagement tips: add tracks to personal playlists with clear titles, share official videos with timestamps for standout sections, and tag producers to boost visibility.
Use music-credit databases (Discogs, WhoSampled) to confirm samples and producer lineage; subscribe to mailing lists for exclusive drops and presale codes.
Origins and founding members
Formed in November 2013 in Brooklyn, the collective was created by Marcus “Marq” Ellis, Jamal Reyes and Ethan Park; their first group session took place on 2013-11-15 in a repurposed loft on Atlantic Avenue and produced the demo set later released as the cassette Straps & Scripts (Mar 12, 2014).
Marcus Ellis (b. 1993) handled lyrics and vocal arrangement; prior to the project he published two solo mixtapes and ran spoken-word nights at a Bushwick venue. Jamal Reyes (b. 1991) served as primary producer and sample curator, sourcing vinyl from Queens record shops and programming beats on an MPC 1000. Ethan Park (b. 1990) was the DJ and in-house engineer, responsible for live mixing and mastering on their early self-releases.
First public performance: 2014-02-08 at The Vault (Brooklyn), a 120-capacity DIY space; first paid headline show: 2014-05-03 at Glasslands (ticketed). The founding trio launched an independent imprint, Nomad Street Records, to distribute physical runs (200 cassettes, 500 CDs) and to host their Bandcamp page; the initial cassette sold out within four weeks, prompting a second pressing on 2014-06-10 (catalog NSR001/NSR001-2).
For primary documentation consult: the March 2014 demo listing on Bandcamp (archived snapshot 2014-03-18), a March 2015 profile in the local zine Street Notes (issue 7), and filings for Nomad Street Records with the New York County business registry (registration date 2014-02-20). Interviews from 2014–2016 contain detailed timelines and individual credits useful for verifying session dates and production roles.
Primary activities, events and typical routes organized by the collective
Limit group size to 8 for single-night alpine outings and keep a 2:1 leader-to-novice ratio on technical terrain; require signed waiver and emergency contact for every participant.
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Core activities
- Day hikes: 8–25 km (5–15 mi), elevation gain 150–1,000 m (500–3,300 ft), duration 3–10 hours; typical pace 3–4 km/h on mixed terrain.
- Overnight minimalist treks (light-and-fast): 20–50 km (12–31 mi) over 1–2 days, cumulative gain 400–2,000 m; ultralight base weight target 4–7 kg (9–15 lb).
- Multi-day traverses: 60–120 km (37–75 mi), 3–7 days, cumulative gain 1,500–4,500 m; permit often required for overnight backcountry camps.
- Skills clinics: navigation (3–4 hrs), wilderness first aid (16 hrs), river-fording & rope basics (4–6 hrs), sleep system and fuel management (90 min).
- Community events: monthly gear swaps, quarterly clean-ups (coastal or trailhead), annual charity thru-section (one weekend, entry fee covers permits and rescue insurance).
- Seasonal specialisms: winter snowshoe trips with crampon/axe instruction, monsoon-season river safety sessions, coastal low-tide geology walks for spring.
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Operational standards and logistics
- Leader qualifications: at least one leader with Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or equivalent on trips longer than 24 hours; navigation-certified leader for low-visibility routes.
- Permits & fees: estimate $5–$35 per person per night for managed areas; group permits required for groups >10 in many national parks.
- Transport: meet at transit hub or designated lot; typical shuttle cost $15–$60 per vehicle depending on distance; encourage carpooling to reduce parking impact.
- Insurance & emergency: recommend personal travel insurance that covers SAR; carry a satellite messenger or PLB on remote trips – rental ~ $8–$15/day.
- Reserves: hold a 24–48 hr weather contingency window for trips above 2,000 m; cancel/refund policy: full refund if cancelled >72 hrs, 50% if 24–72 hrs, none <24 hrs unless replacement found.
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Gear and provisioning checklist (per person)
- Navigation: map, compass, route copy (digital + paper).
- Shelter & sleep: tarp/tent, sleeping bag rated to expected night temps, sleeping pad.
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, waterproof breathable shell, spare socks.
- Hydration & food: 2–4 L capacity depending on terrain; plan 2,500–4,000 kcal/day for moderate-to-high exertion.
- Safety: headlamp, repair kit, stove with spare fuel, basic 12-item first-aid kit, whistle, lighter/matches.
- Communications: mobile phone with power bank and, for remote trips, satellite messenger or PLB.
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Sample route templates
Top Rated Durable Canvas Rucksack for All ActivitiesStylish and functional for everyday useThis spacious canvas backpack features durable metal fastenings and a vintage look, making it suitable for various tasks. With multiple pockets, it accommodates laptops and other essentials effortlessly.-
Coastal Cliff Loop – 15 km (9.3 mi), +400 m (1,300 ft), 5–7 hrs, spring–autumn, low technical difficulty, access via coastal parking lot; no permit required.
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Ridge & Alpine Lake Traverse – 22 km (13.7 mi), +1,200 m (3,900 ft), overnight recommended, high-exposure sections, best July–September, permit required for backcountry camp.
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Urban Greenway Night Circuit – 12 km (7.5 mi), +80 m (260 ft), 2–3 hrs, start 19:00 from main transit station, LED visibility and reflective gear mandatory.
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High Pass Multi-day – 60 km (37 mi), 3–5 days, passes up to 3,000 m (9,840 ft), glacier skirt sections possible; mandatory group crevasse skills if route crosses permanent ice.
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River Valley Section – 30 km (18.6 mi), 2 days, multiple fords with potential waist-deep crossings; require waterproof footwear, trekking poles, and pre-trip tide/flow check.
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Event execution checklist for organizers
- Publish route summary with distance, elevation, difficulty grade, expected weather window, and turnaround times.
- Collect waivers, emergency contacts, medical restrictions; verify participant experience for technical routes.
- Assign roles: lead, sweep, medic, and trip scribe who logs times/locations and files trip-end report.
- Pre-position caches only with land manager permission; mark caches, leave GPS coordinates with local ranger station.
- Post-trip: log incidents, debrief within 48 hrs, clean shared gear; for overnight cabin stays bring enzyme cleaner for biological stains – see how to clean cat pee from hardwood floors for recommended enzyme-cleaning methods applicable to organic odors.
Exact gear checklist: rucksacks, clothing and tech commonly used
Carry a 20–35 L daypack with a ventilated mesh back, adjustable hipbelt and an integrated rain cover; choose a 40–65 L frame pack only for multi-day trips or gear-heavy loads.
Load and organization
Capacity by mission: urban sorties 18–28 L; single-day mixed terrain 25–35 L; overnight with minimal camping 40–50 L. Prioritize packs with a dedicated laptop sleeve (if commuting), top or front access, and external lash points for a jacket or tripod. Use 1–2 medium packing cubes (20×30 cm) and 1 small cube for cables and small items to keep weight distribution stable.
Accessory suggestions: lightweight rain cover (30–50 g), sternum strap whistle, low-profile luggage lock, and a small removable hip-belt pocket. See best backpack accessories for compact add-ons and organization options.
Clothing and footwear
Base layers: merino wool 150–200 g/m² or synthetic performance shirts; pack 1–2 depending on trip length. Mid layers: fleece 200–300 g or a synthetic insulated jacket (100–200 g fill equivalent) for cool conditions. Shells: breathable waterproof shell rated to 10,000 mm or higher for frequent rain; seam-taped for longer exposure. Carry a lightweight packable down jacket (700+ fill) if temps may drop–weight 200–350 g.
Footwear: trail shoes 250–350 g (low-cut) for speed, lightweight boots 400–700 g for technical terrain; choose 6–10 mm drop depending on preference. Wear merino socks 175–220 g and bring one spare pair per active day. Compact gaiters recommended for muddy routes.
Note on family outings: for outings with infants, include a compact umbrella stroller designed for young infants; recommended models and safety features at best umbrella stroller for young infant.
Hydration & food: 1–2 L reservoir or 1 L bottle plus collapsible spare bottle; emergency ration bars (300–500 kcal) per person for 6+ hour activities. Water treatment: chemical tablets (2–4 tablets) or a lightweight filter (ceramic or hollow-fiber) rated for protozoa removal.
Repair & safety kit: multi-tool with knife, spare 4–6 m of cordage, a 6-piece sewing kit, patch kit for inflatable items, and 10–15 cm roll of duct tape. Compact first-aid: adhesive bandages (10), sterile gauze pads (2), triangular bandage (1), blister plasters (4), antiseptic wipes (6), painkillers (4 doses), and any personal meds.
Tech and power: smartphone with offline maps, USB-C power bank 10,000–20,000 mAh supporting PD 18–45 W (20,000 mAh recommended for full-day image-heavy use), one short USB-C cable and one USB-A cable, and a compact 30–65 W mains/PD charger if overnight stops include outlets. Headlamp 200–800 lm with red mode and one spare set of batteries or rechargeable cell (e.g., 18650 for higher-output units). Compact action camera or mirrorless body if visual documentation required; include spare battery and 64–256 GB SD card.
Navigation & comms: dedicated handheld GPS or satellite communicator (e.g., inReach Mini series) for remote areas, compass and a laminated local map as redundancy. Bring a lightweight whistle and a small signal mirror for emergencies.
Packing weight targets: urban/light-duty kit 3–5 kg; single-day trail kit 4–7 kg; overnight minimal-camp kit 7–12 kg. Aim to keep carried weight under ~25–30% of body mass for comfort during long outings.
How to verify official BB accounts, drops and merchandise
Verify accounts and product pages only after confirming a platform verification badge, a matching official domain in the profile link, and at least one pinned announcement that contains a signed verification token or an on-chain transaction ID.
Account verification procedure
1) Check for a platform-verified badge and compare the handle to the exact string used on the official website (case-sensitive match). If the profile link differs by characters (extra hyphens, numbers, similar-looking letters), treat it as fake.
2) Confirm the profile contains a contact email with the project’s verified domain (format: [email protected]). Verify that the domain WHOIS matches the registrar used in official announcements and that the TLS certificate is valid (click the padlock and confirm certificate issuer).
3) Locate a pinned post that includes a signed verification token: either a PGP signature attached to the announcement or a signed message from a known Ethereum address. Verify PGP signatures against the key published on the official site or keyservers. For signed messages, use the indicated address on Etherscan and confirm the signature timestamp and message content.
4) Cross-check social presence: the same announcement must appear simultaneously on multiple verified channels (official site, verified social handle, and verified Discord server’s pinned message). If the announcement appears only on one source, consider it suspicious.
Drop and merchandise validation
1) Confirm the drop contract address (if NFT/drop uses blockchain) listed in the announcement by looking it up on Etherscan/Polygonscan: verify source code is verified, total supply matches the announcement, and ownership has been renounced or controlled by a multisig whose signers are published on the official site.
2) For physical merch, expect a product verification page on the official domain with unique serials or QR codes. Scan the QR: it must resolve to an HTTPS URL on the official domain and display the same serial shown on the product hangtag or packing slip.
3) Payment and checkout: official storefronts use recognizable platforms (Shopify/Stripe) or a named partner retailer listed on the official partners page. Avoid transient payment links sent only via DMs; prefer checkouts initiated from the official site.
4) Packaging and authentication details to verify on receipt: holographic tag with unique alphanumeric serial (format example: BB-YYYY-NNNNN), a tamper-evident seal, and a verification QR that when scanned shows product model, serial, and a timestamped validation record on the official domain.
| Indicator | How to verify | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Verified badge | Match badge on profile and check platform’s verification page for account ID | No badge or duplicated badge graphic in profile image |
| Official domain / email | Compare domain string and check certificate + WHOIS registration | Shortened links, mismatched domains, free email addresses |
| Pinned signed announcement | Validate PGP signature or signed on-chain message against published keys/address | Pinned posts lacking signatures or signed by unknown addresses |
| Smart contract | Verify source and ownership on Etherscan/Polygonscan; compare totals with announcement | Unverified contract code, mismatched totals, transfers from unknown wallets |
| Product serial / QR | Scan QR → HTTPS official domain showing serial and validation timestamp | QR redirects to shorteners, non-HTTPS, or pages that do not match serial |
Report suspected fraud to the platform using the account-report flow and email the project’s published support address with screenshots, profile links, transaction IDs and serial numbers; include the exact URL where the fake item was listed and request an official confirmation message from the verified channel before purchasing.
Steps to join an event, collaboration or community hub
Register on the group’s verified Discord or Meetup page at least 72 hours before the event and confirm your RSVP with a deposit when requested (typical deposit: $5–$20; full-event fees range $0–$40 depending on permits and kit rentals).
Complete the online sign-up form fields required for every meetup: full name, emergency contact, medical notes (allergies/meds), skill/pace category (options: Leisure 2–4 km/h, Moderate 4–6 km/h, Fast 6+ km/h), and consent to a standard liability waiver. Expect organizers to close RSVPs when capacity reaches 10–40 participants per route; plan adjustments if you register after cutoff.
Upload a recent profile photo and brief bio (40–80 words) to your community profile; listings with clear photos and short bios are prioritized for co-host and volunteer roles. If you lack previous event experience but want to co-host, list two referees or links to past community events you supported.
How to propose a collaboration
Send a concise proposal to the community collaborations channel or contact email with these elements: 1) One-sentence summary of the collab, 2) Host/organization names and social links, 3) Proposed date(s) with backup window (+7 days), 4) Estimated headcount and demographic, 5) Budget breakdown (venue/permits/insurance/marketing), 6) Roles expected from the community (logistics, safety lead, promotion), 7) Assets you will supply (flyers, photography, prizes), 8) Promotion timeline (T-21, T-14, T-7 posts). A successful proposal usually includes a signed memorandum of understanding and a minimum promotion commitment of three channels (Discord, Instagram, Meetup).
Preferred file formats for attachments: PDF for proposals, PNG/JPEG for visuals, and a one-page CSV for volunteer rosters. Typical decision window for collaboration proposals is 7–14 days; include a single primary contact with mobile number for follow-ups.
Event-day checklist and roles
Mandatory items at meet point: printed sign-in sheet or digital check-in QR, emergency contact list, Route Leader with map/GPS track, Safety Lead with basic first-aid kit and radio/phone, and two Marshals for groups over 20. Leader-to-participant ratio: 1:8 for mixed-ability routes, 1:12 for uniform-pace groups.
Arrival and briefing: arrive 30–45 minutes early, complete participant check-in 20 minutes before start, run a 5-minute safety briefing that covers route highlights, turnaround points, and regroup signals. Collect any deposits/refunds and confirm permission slips if minors attend.
After the event: submit a short AAR (after-action report) within 48 hours to the hub channel with attendee count, incidents (if any), lost/found items, and photo folder link. Volunteer hours and contribution credits are recorded for future co-host eligibility and merchandise drops.
