Carry Anywhere with Wayfinder
Modern and minimal designed products these days are all the rage. Less is more and more is just too much. So, while everyone is jumping on the minimal design trend, we wanted to explore a brand that is making some of the slimmest, coolest, minimalist-est (if that’s even a word), wallets and everyday carry essentials this side of the rock we call earth.
The wallets, passport holders, card holders, and field note creations from Wayfinder are simply outstanding. Our crew wanted to explore the lineup of minimally designed, travel ready, everyday carry options so we grabbed the FLUX Cardholder, BORDERLESS Passport Holder, DAYBREAKER Billfold Wallet, and LETS GO notebook for the ultimate duuude review!
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Our crew received a box of goods from Wayfinder containing the vast lineup of carry gear. Inside the box was the FLUX cardholder minimal wallet, the BORDERLESS Passport Holder, DAYBREAKER Billfold Wallet, and LETS GO notebook. The dope packaging (silver ziplock style bags) and lightweight feel of each bag were a solid start.
When we ripped open the bags and put hands on each product we instantly noticed something different- the texture. The feel and texture was more in line with a tactile grip texture. In our hands it felt more raw (if that’s even a way to describe it) as compared to other smoother leather wallets. While different texture than other wallets we’ve tested, the feel in our hand (and in our pockets) was secure. There was less feeling of worry over dropping, slipping off the dashboard, or moving around in our pockets as we moved about. As Wayfinder describes- the wallets are made for those who are out and on the go, so they can trust the stability of the wallet during strenuous activities.
The actual wallets/slim notebooks are TPU coated polyester that are both vegan and PVC free. The texture, material, and build of the wallets are way less rigid than other wallets. We noticed the rounded corners and soft/bendable material easily fold, and conform to the pocket or the apparel we rock while using the wallet.
We won’t lie to ya- at first the bendable, less rigid, and 100% no sew composition of the wallet had us sort of doubtful that it would deliver on its promises. Spoiler alert- it did not disappoint. The fact that these wallets, notebooks, and passport holders were composed of 100% no sew, fully bonded/RF welded material is already something we took notice of- even before we tested them out. Speaking of- let’s get to the testing them out part.
Our initial duuude crew impression: Something is different here and we like it!
TESTING IT OUT
We tested each item by filling it up with the specs from Wayfinder and giving it a week in each of our crew’s hands (and pockets). After putting each item through a weeks worth of strenuous use, everyday carry, and tests, our results for each are here:
FLUX Cardholder
The FLUX Cardholder is around 4mm thick, with a capacity of up to 8 cards or bills with a 3 slot card carrier.
Dimensions (inches): 2.65 x 4.35 x 1.69
Weight: (ounces) 0.6
BORDERLESS Passport Holder
The BORDERLESS Passport Holder has a capacity of up to 6 cards and a passport/passport sized notebook.
Dimensions closed (inches): 5.51 x 3.85 x 0.28
Dimensions open (inches): 5.51 x 7.95 x 0.09
Weight (ounces): 1.4
DAYBREAKER Billfold Wallet
The DAYBREAKER Billfold wallet can hold multiple boarding passes, currency from around the world/bills, and up to 16 cards.
Dimensions closed (inches): 3.46 x 4.45 x 0.28
Dimensions open (inches): 3.46 x 8.90 x 0.13
Weight (ounces): 1.3
All the above feature:
Waterproof design- sweat all you want and these can take it
Hydrophobic composition- Water beads off easily. If it does get wet, it will not stay wet
Machine washable (cold). If oil and dirt build up-you can throw it in the laundry
Resists stretching over time
THE TEST:
The FLUX
We filled that bad boy up with 8 cards and wore it around for a week- we took it to the office, went running with it, even took it on a local hiking trip. Throughout all of the activities, the wallet stayed true to its word. The cards stayed secure, were easily accessible when needed, and never fell out. We shook the garbage out of it, dipped it in muddy water, and then washed it. The FLUX took it like a champ. One area that we did notice could be worrisome is the outer slots bend a little around the core slot when filled with cards. When removing our exterior cards there was a slight bend. No reported issues though when going to use the cards or trying to pay for lunch. If you don’t mind a little bend, then the FLUX is deluxe!
The BORDERLESS
Let’s shoot it to you straight- this is our favorite of the lineup. Our crew often travels and have no solutions for boarding passes and passport carry options. Until now. The durable texture feel, the carry options, and the dimensions are simply on point. Much like the FLUX, the material is washable and sleek. We used it with the passport and with a notebook (since we can swap it out with zero issues) and it was simply legit. We manhandled this thing too- stretched it, pulled it apart as hard as we could- heck we even washed it 3 times in a row and the thing stood up to the test.
The DAYBREAKER
Ok- for those who want a more traditional “folding wallet” but not all the bulk, this is the answer. One of our duuude crewmembers likes to go fishing and do yard work outside. Each time he brings his wallet with him. Seriously this guy goes everywhere with it. So we gave it to him and said “you do you bro.” At the end of the week he had gone on two fishing trips to a local lake, cleaned his backyard three times, and wore the wallet around the office like he was going to marry it. Seriously he took it EVERYWHERE. We were all shocked the amount of stuff he shoved into this wallet and the fact that it withstood his plethora of cards, adventures, and outdoor activities- blew our minds. The wallet remained intact and we remained impressed.
After all is said and done the lineup from Wayfinder is simply pristine, precise, and on point.
STANDOUT FEATURES
While the Wayfinder lineup already was a standout brand in our eyes, there were some additional features worth taking note of when considering these wallets over others:
The minimal material and use of binding vs sewing was something we have not seen executed like this before
The waterproof functionality really is waterproof
The Hydrophobic elements really do wick off moisture after a run or outdoor adventure
Machine washing a wallet? Ok this might be the dopest thing we’ve done in the laundry room
The tactile feel really does give a no slip stability to this lineup of carry goods
The passion and craftsmanship that goes into these wallets, card holders, and passport carriers really does come through in each product we tested.
BONUS FEATURES
One of the cool bonus features is the field notes notebook that came alongside the lineup to encourage one to get outside. The “LETS GO” title is not just a catchy way to brand a new notebook, rather it really truly does inspire you to get outdoors. How? The instructions inside giving you education on the value of being around trees and forests do inspire the outdoorsy part of all of us.
In addition- our order came with an individualized “boarding pass” giving us a discount on our next purchase. This neat addition was a cool way to tie in the travel aspect of the brand.
Wayfinder Overall duuude Factor: An instant contender in the minimal carry game
Price: varies based on product
BRAND INFO
Wayfinder is a way of life to those who want to get out there and explore the world. WAYFINDER is founded by Hrag Nassanian, a former NIKE designer with 20 years of design and design direction experience focused on bags and accessories. Based out of Portland, Oregon the Wayfinder lineup is one worth exploring.
