#valentich

The Vanishing of Pilot Fred Valentich

ONDNESS - VALENTICH

Video by Rendered Eyes

For more Ondness: http://soundcloud.com/bruno_silva

"It is approaching from the east and coming towards me. It seems to be playing some type of game, flying at a speed I cannot estimate.

"It is not an aircraft. It's flying past. It is a long shape. I cannot identify more than that. It is coming for me right now.

"It seems to be stationary. I am orbiting and the thing is orbiting on top of me also. It has a green light and a sort of metallic light on the outside.

It is not an aircraft." 

- The last words transmitted by Frederick Valentich in 1978 when flying in his Cessna 182 along the coast of Bass Strait.

October 21st 1978:

Fred Valentich, an experienced pilot flying a Cessna 182-L, sets off from Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne. An hour later, Valentich asks Melbourne Flight Service Officer Steve Robey for information on other planes at his altitude, and is told that there is no other traffic in the area. Valentich reports seeing a large unknown aircraft with 4 bright "landing lights". Robey asks him to confirm his altitude and describe the aircraft, and Valentich describes it as a long aircraft with a shiny metal surface and a green light on it, also saying that it is "orbiting" above him. His last transmission states: "Strange aircraft is hovering on top of me again. It is hovering and it's not an aircraft". This is followed by several seconds of metallic scraping sounds, then radio silence. No trace of Valentich or his aircraft is found.

What do bike messengers and outdoor enthusiasts have in common? A question you might not think to ask, but one that Valentich Bags (out of Ridgway Colorado) seems to be answering anyway.

The company is a small operation, run by Ryan and Jill Valentich. Their designs merge messenger aesthetic - brightly-colored Cordura, Velcro, and buckles - with an obvious passion for the outdoors:

A prolific duo, Valentich Bags makes messenger bags and backpacks of various sizes and in unique color combinations.

(above: the large fold top backpack. 42L, $475)

(above: another large backpack, 42L, $450)

I love how clean these bags look, how the quality just seems to shine through. Sure, they're expensive, but they just look so nice.

Other than the large backpack, however, Valentich makes a number of other models, including a smaller foldtop (14L, $245):

the "mountain master" (27L, $270):

and (my favorite) a rolltop (30L, $170):

  Of course, there's also messenger in various shades. Below, the large messenger (25L, $275):

From the description on the Valentich Etsy store:

This messenger bag features two exterior pockets, a large cargo area with a laptop sleeve and three inner pockets to keep gear organized and accessible. 

I'll admit that there are no crazy features or completely unique designs here. But I think what's important is to recognize the other aspects of these bags that make Valentich an interesting company. Attention to detail, a clean aesthetic, and designs that come from people that have a true love for the outdoors.

Going along with that, I think it's pretty interesting to see features that are familiar to me in an urban cycling context being used in the mountains. It makes me wonder what features are best suited to both environments, which in turn makes me ask:

How are city streets and hiking trails alike?