19 Countries, 1 Bag
At Topo Designs, our MAP Guarantee™ bag repair program is all about keeping memories alive through gear that endures. Quinn Gordon, a loyal customer, recently had his well-traveled Topo Klettersack repaired, extending its life for future journeys. With this bag by his side, Quinn has explored the U.S. and Europe, creating memories that only get richer with time. Here is Quinn's story in his own words, and how our repair program ensures that our gear keeps up with life's adventures.
Interview with Quinn Gordon:
Q. Which 19 countries has your Topo pack traveled through?
A. Over the past seven years, my pack has been my trusted travel companion. It's journeyed with me from college at Indiana University and road trips in the Mountain West to work conferences on the East Coast. Internationally, it has traveled to Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Haiti—19 incredible countries and countless unforgettable experiences.
Q. What sparked your passion for travel and outdoor exploration?
A. Growing up, we were always regaled by my dad's stories from his time backpacking across Europe in the '80s. After a few international family trips, I was lucky enough to spend a summer studying languages in France during high school. For someone born and raised in the suburban Midwest, it was eye-opening, and I caught the travel bug hard! That, combined with my love of rock climbing in college, fueled my desire to explore the incredible landscapes across the globe.
Q. What essentials are always stashed in your pack, no matter where your travels take you?
A. Chargers, international adapters, my trusty Nalgene, a journal and pen, and most of the time, my beloved film camera.
Q. When you arrive in a new country, do you dive into hiking, biking, local tours, or do you prefer getting lost and finding hidden gems?
A. When I touch down in a new destination, I like to know a few key things: where I'm sleeping each night, which food I want to try, and how I want to get out into nature. Beyond that, I let the experience dictate what I see and do. Some of my best travel stories come from spontaneous moments!
Q. Of all the places your Topo pack has explored, which destination left the most unforgettable mark on you, and why?
A. Kyiv, Ukraine, made a huge impression on me. I was there for four days in the spring of 2019 after finding $75 round-trip tickets from Copenhagen. I hadn't visited the former Eastern Bloc before, so seeing the legacy of the USSR firsthand was fascinating. More than anything, though, it felt like a country finally coming into its own; it was a few years after the Euromaidan revolution, and they were hosting presidential elections soon after. Everything, from the food to the culture to the people, exceeded expectations.
Q. What's the most memorable adventure or story you've had with your Topo pack in tow?
A. My pack was the only bag I brought on my solo trip through the Balkans, and I essentially lived out of it for two and a half weeks. The highlight was staying at a local Croatian woman's house she'd converted into a 12-bed hostel and taking a 12-hour night bus through the Bosnian mountains, waking up in Belgrade. The pack was the perfect size to let me explore all that former Yugoslavia had to offer.
Q. After 19 countries and countless miles, does your Topo pack now hold sentimental value for you?
A. Absolutely! It's wild to think of all the adventures it's been on with me. Each stain and little area of wear is a reminder of the memories I've made.
Q. What's one key lesson from your travels that everyone should experience firsthand?
A. Keep an open mind, don't be afraid to talk to strangers, and explore off the beaten path. You might make a new friend, discover a favorite food, or have an unforgettable experience.
Q. Do you have any upcoming adventures planned? Will your Topo pack be hitting the road with you again?
A. I'm attending graduate school in Paris, and now that I've got some new life breathed into the Pack with the repairs, it's coming with me to continue exploring Europe!
Q. What's the number one spot left on your travel bucket list?
A. Antarctica. I've even tried to work there during their summer season! One day, hopefully.
Quinn's story exemplifies the impact of our bag repair program—restoring gear that's been through countless journeys, so it's ready for new ones. A repair isn't just about functionality; it's about preserving experiences and creating more. Learn about our MAP Guarantee™ program and give your Topo gear a chance to keep going with you.
Check out Topo's Repair Program Details here.Quinn's backpack being repaired in-house.
