Is buying the 1733 Side Pack Silver Edition from the US actually cheaper for Kiwis?

April 22, 2026

Table of Contents

Why I am tracking the 1733 Side Pack Ultra-PE Silver Edition

I have spent most of 2026 watching the 'Gorpcore' movement evolve, and few pieces have caught my eye quite like the 1733 Side Pack. Specifically, the Ultra-PE Silver Edition. For those of us who appreciate small-batch manufacturing, 1733 is the gold standard. Based in Chicago, they produce technical bags that sell out in minutes. The Ultra-PE fabric—a high-performance polyethylene—is incredibly light yet practically indestructible, and the Silver Edition has that futuristic, metallic sheen that Japanese collectors are currently paying a premium for.

Is buying the 1733 Side Pack Silver Edition from the US actually cheaper for Kiwis?
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I noticed that these bags are almost impossible to find in New Zealand retail stores. Even when they appear on resale sites, the markup is astronomical. My goal was to see if I could bypass the middleman and buy directly from a US store using a tax-free US address provided by comGateway.

The cost breakdown for a New Zealand delivery

I wanted to know if the effort of international shipping was worth it. In April 2026, a 1733 Side Pack retails for approximately $200 USD. If I were to find this via a local boutique or a reseller, I would easily look at paying over $550 NZD. By using a freight forwarder, I can keep the purchase price at the US retail level.

When I used the shipping calculator, I realized that even with international priority shipping, I was still saving over $150 NZD compared to local resale prices. I also made sure to account for GST/VAT and other import duties that New Zealand Customs might apply for items exceeding the threshold. Even with those fees, the 'Smart Shopper' math favored the direct-from-USA route.

Estimated shipping specs for your 1733 order

To help you plan your own purchase, I have put together an estimate based on the typical 1733 packaging. This should help you get an accurate quote before you commit.

MetricDetails
Box WeightApprox. 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg)
Box DimensionsSmall (Approx. 12 x 8 x 4 inches)
Volumetric WarningLow risk. These packs are soft and don't require oversized boxes.
Battery CheckNo lithium batteries contained.

Since the item is lightweight, the shipping cost is quite manageable. However, I always suggest checking the prohibited items list just to be safe, though technical fabrics like Ultra-PE are perfectly fine for international transit.

Why I use a proxy service for limited Chicago drops

I have encountered a frustrating problem when trying to shop US store sites from Auckland. Many high-end technical gear brands and boutiques often block international credit cards. I have had my order declined simply because my billing address didn't match a US zip code. This is a common issue with major retailers like Nike or Sephora, and it’s a total buzzkill when you’re trying to snag a limited release.

We found the solution in the "BuyForMe" service. Instead of me struggling with a declined card, comGateway acts as my proxy. They buy the 1733 Side Pack on my behalf using a US domestic card. This is the safest way to guarantee my order doesn't get cancelled during the frantic minutes of a fresh drop. If you want to ensure you actually get the Silver Edition before it hits the 'Sold Out' status, this service is a must.

My process for getting gear to New Zealand

My strategy for 2026 is simple. I wait for the drop announcement, I prepare my how it works checklist, and I use a US address to avoid state sales tax. Once the item hits the warehouse, I consolidate it with any other US finds to save even more on the journey to New Zealand.

Buying technical gear shouldn't mean paying double the price just because of where we live. By taking control of the logistics, I've managed to build a collection of 1733 and other Chicago-based brands that most people here can't even find. If you are curious about other shipping rules, check our guide on restricted goods to ensure your gear arrives without a hitch.

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