Chad Mellen can trace the roots of his new company, Knack Inc., to a fishing trip he took two years ago.

The Barrington resident had traveled to Costa Rica with some friends but found himself overburdened with items as he made his way through the airport. Mr. Mellen lugged one bag that was filled with his clothes, and another that held his laptop, at the same time trying to balance his phone and a cup of coffee. 

He paused for a moment, wiped the sweat from his forehead and thought "This is awful." 

A moment later he had imagined a single, convenient bag that could carry everything he needed for a trip.

"One bag life," said Mr. Mellen. "That's what it's all about. Why do I have to carry a bunch of different bags?"

When Mr. Mellen returned to Barrington, he began fine-tuning his idea. He checked to see if other companies had created an everyday backpack, but discovered that the market offered nothing like the bag he was envisioning.

"I couldn't believe it," he said. "I was shocked."

Mr. Mellen had previously worked as a director at TUMI Luggage and reached out to that company's founder, Charlie Clifford. Before long, Knack Inc. and the One Bag Life concept were born.

“Today’s young professionals want to simplify their carrying needs, look stylish and travel without friction," said Mr. Clifford. "No brand has effectively addressed this challenge, until now. ”

Mr. Mellen launched Knack Inc. in late October with the business/travel "Knack Pack."

When the Knack Pack is collapsed, it carries a computer, tablet and other business essentials. When it is expanded, the Knack Pack reveals a separate compartment that holds upwards of four changes of clothes.

"This unique system eliminates the need to carry a second bag for clothes or unpack everyday things to make room for travel items," stated a release from the company.

Mr. Mellen said his company has been fine-tuning the products for the last two years and he is quite happy with the result. The former CEO of AT Cross said Knack is currently working on developing new products and new fabrics. 

Knack Inc. items are available exclusively through the company's website (www.knackbags.com). The company is also working to identify distributors to sell the products overseas. 

During a recent trip to the West Coast, Mr. Mellen found himself going through an airport in Los Angeles. He scanned the sea of people wandering through the terminal — "I saw all these people struggling with two bags," he said. 

Mr. Mellen said that he believes his company can make life better for many individuals.

"I think that would be great," he added.