So we all know that characters can increase how much Encumbrance they can carry with Backpacks (+4 Encumbrance Threshold) and Utility Belts (+1 ET). Enter the Unknown offers us a bit more:

Modular Backpack (+3 to +6 ET depending on how much you spend on modules)

Utility Vest (+2 ET)

Surveyor's Bag (+2 ET)

Spacer's Duffel (+2 ET, Cumbersome 3)

Most of these can be used together in any combination. The basic backpack and the modular backpack are pretty obvious exceptions, at least in my eyes.

The duffel has a sensible restriction in that it has Cumbersome 3, but for Brawn 3+ this is mechanically meaningless. This means that big guys can add a duffel over their shoulder to their standard kit and it makes carrying big things easier to manage...

The Utility Vest is a weird duck - it's listed in the armor section even though it has no Soak or Defense (but it does have 1 Hardpoint), making me wonder if it's compatible with armor like Heavy Clothing. With the Hard Point, Superior versions have some protective value (Soak 1), so probably not.

The surveyor's bag is more or less a large purse. It might be possible to wear two of these, but that's certainly questionable (I wouldn't allow it as a GM). At the least, it's likely to be seen on a lot of PCs as a less conspicuous option to the backpack.

Actually, looking at it, Cumbersome is a weapon quality that penalizes uses of the weapon when Brawn < Cumbersome. Technically, Cumbersome on the Spacer's Duffel doesn't do anything.

Actually, looking at it, Cumbersome is a weapon quality that penalizes uses of the weapon when Brawn < Cumbersome. Technically, Cumbersome on the Spacer's Duffel doesn't do anything.

Maybe apply the same penalty to any physical activities (Athletics, Coordination, Stealth and so on) while carrying it? I would guess that's what the developers were thinking when they gave it cumbersome.

I'd agree with your assessment on the Utility Vest. Sounds like an option for characters to prioritize carrying capacity over Soak for those who might wish to. And like you said, you can always make it Superior.

And thanks for sharing; I haven't been able to get my hands on EtU yet.