# Ryan Chong Founder of Standard Luggage and Travel Backpack Designer *By James Hills — Updated August 2016* As you know, we absolutely love the Travel Backpack from Standard Luggage that we received earlier this month. It's a great addition to our travel gear, but the person behind it is even more interesting. It's not often that we get to talk with the guys who actually create great stuff. After chatting with Ryan a bit through email it became clear that he was more than just a guy who saw a niche in the marketplace. Instead, while he is clearly a business person creating an awesome product he's doing it out of his personal passions, and experience as a seasoned traveler too. We recently published our [review of the Travel Backpack](https://mantripping.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1392:travel-backpack-perfect-piece-of-luggage-for-men-who-travel&catid=16&Itemid=530) but it's always interesting to learn more about the people who create great innovative products, so lets meet Ryan Chong of Standard Luggage! ## What's your favorite place to visit? Vietnam was the most pleasant and interesting place I've ever visited. I fell in love with the beaches, food, and UNESCO heritage sites. Best enjoyed by renting a motorbike and wandering aimlessly. ## What frustrates you most about traveling? Being identified as as a foreigner and being bombarded with people trying to sell you something. ### Alila Marea Resort Features One Of The Best Beach Views In North County San Diego The Alila Marea beach resort in San Diego is one of the few truly beach front hotels and resorts in San Diego, California. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JreD6ims5joGeuYf7HztTw.1474) ### Father-Son Trips Made Easy: Eight All-Inclusive Resorts All-inclusive resorts for a father-son trip - Caribbean and Mexico beaches, a Wyoming ranch, an Alaska lodge. One rate, zero logistics, more time together. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JreD6ims5joGeuYf7HztTw.2033) ### 14 Days Private Honeymoon Trip to Thailand A 14 day private honeymoon trip to Thailand for couples. Enjoy Krabi beaches, snorkeling, a floating market visit and a Grand Pearl river cruise. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JreD6ims5joGeuYf7HztTw.547) ### Mexican Riviera Cruises Mexican Riviera cruises exploring Mexico's pacific coast: iconic ports from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas with authentic Mexican traditions, historic landmarks, and Pacific Coast beauty. Perfect f CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JreD6ims5joGeuYf7HztTw.440) Promoted by FlowAds ## Why did you create the Travel Backpack? The [Travel Backpack](https://www.standardluggage.com/) was really a coming-together of 3 passions: Travel, Gadgets, and Design. The a-ha moment came while solo travelling through South-Asia out of a sport backpack that just wasn't cutting it. I was seeking something more functional, tech-friendly, and purpose-built for my travels. ## Where's one place you have never been but would love to take a bunch of your friends to? Burning Man (Black Rock City, Nevada)... Actually I'm going this year :) ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/QL_JIh5SogPRhFz0W36TCg.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/QL_JIh5SogPRhFz0W36TCg.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/QL_JIh5SogPRhFz0W36TCg.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/QL_JIh5SogPRhFz0W36TCg.2396) Promoted by FlowAds ## What's your favorite travel tip? When you go to a new place, the first stop should be the local market, whatever it may be. Interact and talk with local merchants. Find out what people do well there. Look at the things they sell. Also, you're also guaranteed to pick up a great local meal. ## It's time to pack - roll, fold or just stuff things in? I'm crazy when it comes to organizing and packing minimal. Roll + Packing Cubes for sure. ## What are the "must bring" items in your Travel Backpack when you head out on an adventure? 1. Pack of gum from Canada. Not sure why, but this is always a conversation of interest. 2. My DSLR. Love to capture the moment. 3. Light Hoodie. So versatile and practical. Good for pulling over your eyes when you need to snooze on plane/train. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 17 August 2016 Last Updated: 14 August 2016 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Dunes And Dudes At Camp RZR 2022 Dec 09, 2022 [Dunes And Dudes At Camp RZR 2022](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/dunes-and-dudes-at-camp-rzr-2022.html) #### A Guys Weekend San Diego Beer Tour Mar 10, 2016 [A Guys Weekend San Diego Beer Tour](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/a-san-diego-beer-tour.html) #### 10 Things That Changed in Las Vegas Since Your Last Guys Trip - Updated 2026 May 07, 2026 [10 Things That Changed in Las Vegas Since Your Last Guys Trip - Updated 2026](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/whats-new-las-vegas-guys-trip.html) ### Related Articles #### FRESKO New V8 Advanced Vacuum Sealer Review [FRESKO New V8 Advanced Vacuum Sealer Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-new-v8-advanced-vacuum-sealer-review.html) #### 7 AI Workflows That Keep Sales Moving While You Travel [7 AI Workflows That Keep Sales Moving While You Travel](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ai-workflows-that-keep-sales-moving-while-you-travel.html) #### How to Stay Sharp on Your Next Guys Trip [How to Stay Sharp on Your Next Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/how-to-stay-sharp-on-next-guys-trip.html) #### How to Reach Your Home Network While Traveling Without Leaving a Door Open [How to Reach Your Home Network While Traveling Without Leaving a Door Open](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/remote-access-home-network-while-traveling.html) #### From Vibe Coding to Agentic Tools: These Are The Tools I Use To Code From the Road [From Vibe Coding to Agentic Tools: These Are The Tools I Use To Code From the Road](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/vibe-coding-tips-from-the-road.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Ryan Chong Founder of Standard Luggage and Travel Backpack Designer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ryan-chong-founder-of-standard-luggage-and-travel-backpack-designer.html)* **Tags:** Gear & Gadgets, featured, Advice