Ever since we started making footwear, we have been lucky enough to be able to work with some fantastic manufacturers from around the UK. This search for the very best materials has taken us the length and breadth of the UK and has resulted in collections devoted to the high-quality materials we have found along the way.
Our latest find is heritage bag makers, Carradice. Located in the historic mill town, Nelson, where they have been manufacturing since 1932, tucked away behind a row of unassuming terrace houses. They are well known for their traditional cycling and camping gear but a rout through their archive gave us some cracking ideas.
Now, in typical LANX fashion, we wanted to collaborate with Carradice on a full range of bags that celebrates our locale, our favourite colour palette and materials. Roll in Charles F Stead, British Millerain and CORDURA to spice up the party.
Our first Made in Lancashire bag collection includes 3 styles:
- PARLICK
- WYRESDALE
- LANGDEN
The PARLICK backpack is a traditional design with modern functionality. One of Carradice's long standing styles and a firm favourite from the archive.
- Classic with a twist: Inspired by Carradice’s archive, this style is a firm favourite.
- Built for durability: Made with water-resistant CHERA 10 waxed cotton, PU-coated CORDURA and C F Steads ‘Caramel’ Oil Shoulder leather accents.
- Practical storage: Features a 20L main compartment, 15” laptop sleeve, and a zipped front pocket for quick access
The beauty of the CHERA material from Millerain is that the material changes with age. The more you use the product the more individualistic the product gets as it ages. It can also be rewaxed when the time is right. Please contact Millerain directly for any rewaxing queries.
The WYRESDALE satchel has been designed for versatility. It has been vigorously tested in many ways, many cycling and camping trips and an original even came with me (Evan) on a trip to Japan many moons ago.
- Compact yet spacious: 17L capacity with room for a 15” laptop and essential supplies.
- Crafted for utility: Made from CHERA 10 waxed cotton, with additional leather accents for style and durability.
- Thoughtfully designed: Includes internal zip pockets and an external press-stud pocket for added organisation.
Our 3rd and possibly wildest choice was the LANGDEN rolltop backpack. This is not a typical Carradice bag but an idea we took to them with some scribbled drawings in a notepad.
The good folks at Carradice looked at our designs and came back with the LANGDEN, a bag for everyday adventures.
- Bold and functional: A 26L rolltop design inspired by collaboration and innovation.
- Built to perform: Made from HEX Ranger 8 waxed cotton, featuring mesh side pockets and a secure press-stud lid closure.
- Detailed finishing: Includes PU-coated Cordura straps, KOI water-resistant lining, and brass hardware.
WHAT’S WITH THE LOGO?
You might not have heard, but we are proud Lancastrians… Carradice are too!
With the classic Lancashire Rose as our shared logo we truly couldn’t decide how to adorn these bags in a way that celebrated both of our logos, until someone had the crazy idea of putting both of them on there.
Adorned with the proud message ‘Made In Lancashire’ we believe that this visual representation of our collaboration makes perfect sense.
Two businesses, two roses, one logo, 9 bags. Excellent.
CARRADICE - A HISTORY LESSON
Carradice was founded by Wilf Carradice, an avid cyclist who couldn’t find the right gear for his journeys. Frustrated by the lack of reliable options, he set out to create his own bags, starting with a hand-sewn saddlebag made from the sturdiest materials he could find. The quality of his work quickly attracted attention, and it wasn’t long before he was making bags for other cyclists.
In the 1970s, Carradice of Nelson solidified its reputation as a leading maker of durable, handcrafted cycling bags. With a growing demand from touring and adventure cyclists, the brand became especially popular among members of the Rough-Stuff Fellowship, who relied on Carradice bags for off-road and long-distance journeys. Known for their reliability and weatherproof construction, Carradice bags became a staple for cyclists seeking gear that could withstand rugged conditions.
In the 1990s, Carradice of Nelson embraced the growing interest in cycling as a lifestyle, continuing to produce their signature handcrafted saddlebags and panniers. With an increasing focus on sustainability, Carradice bags, made from durable, weatherproof materials, became popular with eco-conscious cyclists.
In 2014 the company was awarded the then Queen’s Award for Enterprise, celebrating Carradice’s excellent and international prestige. This was followed by collaborations with brands like Fred Perry and Dr Martens.
COMBINING LANX’S FAVOURITE MATERIALS
British leather supplier Charles F. Stead has been producing leathers since 1900. Their selection of materials made in their Leeds tannery has continually developed with each decade that passes, and we have proudly used these materials for our footwear for years now. Due to their distinctive and characterful waxed leathers and suedes, additions to this collection have always been well received.
We used British Millerain’s historic waxed cotton canvas material a couple of years ago on a range of footwear in our Made in England British Millerain Collection. Their durable cotton material dates back to as late as the 1880s, and provides qualities that are ideal for footwear and bags. Its water resistant properties allowed companies to produce clothing suitable for the rigours of life in the armed forces, which then reached the commercial market with a material patented with a rainproof finish.
The finished products that leave Carradice are something we are truly proud to share, a bag made in celebration of British materials and Lancashire manufacturing.
ORDER TODAY, USE FOREVER
Our three bag styles are now available to purchase. Whether you are trekking up Pendle Hill, riding a Ribble Cycle, or just nipping to the shop for a loaf of bread, a LANX X Carradice bag is the perfect companion to carry all the essentials.
