The JustinCASE bag/backpack.
John Closs loves to travel, whether it’s boating, hiking or just heading out for the weekend. If he’s not flying, he can pack a separate cooler for beverages and a backpack for clothing, sports equipment and essentials.
“But when I flew somewhere, it was tricky, because, like most people, I’m now committed to carry-on only, and in many of my destinations, I not only needed a suitcase, I needed a cooler,” said Closs, Lake Lanier resident and founder of JC Bags. “I’d often find myself needing a cooler at my destination or wishing I had a separate space for wet clothes on the return trip.”
In May, Closs released the first JustinCASE, a dual-compartment backpack. Designed to meet airline requirements for carry-on luggage, it provides ample space for both cold/wet and dry essentials.
“At only three pounds, it’s lightweight,” he said. “This 38-liter backpack can be used as premium luggage and is encapsulated with thermal materials to keep beverages icy cold.”
It has a separate waterproof thermal section to keep beverages super cold. The patented internal liner keeps dry and wet items completely separate.
“But what’s even better, our customers are sending us feedback that it’s extremely versatile for taking on a fishing trip, a pickleball match, to youth sports tournaments to watch the kids play, and even on an extended hike,” he said. “It’s not just a seasonal bag; you can use it all year long and it only weighs three pounds empty. It’s always ready: just in case.”
The bag/backpack has two distinct entry points: cold items are accessed through a flap on the top and dry items can be easily reached from a generous side panel. Internal space can be adjusted with the collapsible liner. Pushed upward, storage for dry items is maximized; by pushing the liner down, it’s a large cooler.
Side pockets can hold electronics, water bottles and sunscreen. Velcro straps provide additional carry space and paracord adjustable straps can accommodate bulky items like rolled towels.
“We brought our first JustinCASE products to market last May, and since then we’ve shipped them across the country,” he said. “We’re entering the retail trade in boating and outfitters, selling electronically and can even process bulk orders as promotional items.”
JustinCASE is the flagship product of JC Bags and is currently sold at Pull Pro Shop in Cumming. Closs said it will also be at the Atlanta Boat Show in January. For more information visit the company’s website at jcbags.com.
Photo: courtesy JC Bags
