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North St Bags Pioneer 8 Hip Pack review

Several months ago, while reviewing North St Bags Pioneer 12 hip pack, carrying and using what was essentially a big fanny pack for a few weeks challenged the stigmas tied to it. That is, the long-held belief that a pouch you strap to your waist is nothing more than a dorky bag for dorks. It turns out that I loved that pack.

So when I was approached with the idea of trying out the new baby brother version of that hip pack, I was happy to oblige. And you know what? I’m officially calling it. Fanny packs are cool.

Who’s it for?

Initially, I felt spoiled from using a larger hip pack for so long. Trying to pare down my EDC items to fit into this regular size fanny pack was a bit of a challenge, for me, at least. I think something of this size would be very well suited for essential items. Like a multitool, wallet, phone, a couple granola bars, maybe a Red Bull, keys, and a few other small items. I think it would work well for someone who feels they need to securely carry more than would fit in their pockets, but doesn’t want to tote a backpack.

Integrated belt. Check.

Personally, there are some pairs of jeans and khakis I have that don’t comfortably fit my iPhone 7+, so having something like this is a nice option. I used it while jogging as well when I didn’t want to strap my monster phone to my arm, and it worked well in this case.

I feel like any other suggestions would be similar to what you’d need any hip pack for, and not really specific to this one, so I think you get the idea.

Look! I’m a marsupial!

The belt is secure and comfortable, adjustable out to 46”. And the colors and design are pretty great. I love the options North St has on their website… think, Timbuktu style colors, with bright, interesting combinations. They’re meant to be seen.

Size and Build

The Pioneer 8 looks very much like you’d imagine, even more so now because it’s about the right size and holds what you’d expect from a hip pack. There are only 2 pockets… one large main compartment and a smaller one in the front.

Small front pocket. Check.

The belt is directly integrated with the pouch. I mean, it’s a fanny pack, straight up, but it’s super rugged, looks great, and is extremely well made.

Large main pocket. Check.

Dimensions: 8″ wide x 2.5″ deep x 4″ tall
Capacity: 90 cubic inches (1.5 liters)
Weight: 7oz (199 grams)

  • Rugged 1000 denier CORDURA® Nylon
  • Fully adjustable belt fits sizes 30″ – 46″ waist
  • Water resistant DWR finish
  • Handmade with a lifetime warranty
  • Extra long zipper ties

Conclusion

The Pioneer 8 is about as basic as you can get. A small pouch with pockets and a belt. It’s the classic fanny pack, meaning it doesn’t do anything new with the medium, but it’s a really good one, and it looks great.

All in all, sweet looking pack.

It feels very well suited for carrying your essentials when you’re wearing something without pockets, or just needed some extra space for a camera, notebook, and pens, some extra tools or granola bars… and not a whole lot else.

That said, it’s small and light enough to put on and forget about, and, just like I mentioned in my review of this pack’s big brother, the usefulness far outweighs any lingering self-consciousness of wearing a fanny pack.

The Pioneer 8 is available now from North St Bags’ website for $39 and, like their other offerings is available in a large variety of colors.

Plus, if you purchase one of the Pioneer 8 size bags through Nov 22nd, North St. Bags will donate $5 to the National Parks Conservation Association.

Source: The sample for this review as provided by North St Bags. Please visit their site for more information and to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $39
Manufacturer: North St Bags
Pros:
  • – Very well made
  • – Love the look and color scheme
Cons:
  • – Might be a bit too small for some
  • – Doesn’t do anything new

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North St Bags Pioneer 8 Hip Pack review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 18, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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Premier headphones now come from Detroit thanks to Shinola

Detroit has been experiencing a resurgence of late and it’s companies like Shinola that are leading the way. Shinola makes everything from watches, bags and backpacks, bicycles and many of life’s accessories including audio gear. Now, Shinola has ventured into the personal audio market with the Canfield Headphone Collection. Shinola has spent two years engineering and fine tuning this collection using quality materials, finishes, and processes resulting in a sound signature that’s warm and expansive.

“This introduction is special,” said Shinola’s founder, Tom Kartsotis. “It speaks to our love of music and to the soul of Detroit. It is rare that one product can capture and transmit this much emotion. People always smile when they hold the headphones, feel the quality and then listen. We are so proud of this effort from our Audio team. Their tireless efforts have created a product that personifies what Shinola has come to stand for.”

The new collection will consist of four styles: The Canfield Over-Ear, The Canfield On-Ear, The Canfield In-Ear Monitor, and The Canfield Pro In-Ear Monitor.

The Canfield Over-Ear Headphones produce a clean sound that’s acoustically tuned and tested in Detroit. The Canfield Over-Ear Headphones use a 50-mm dynamic driver with a neutral frequency response to bring music to life. They feature stainless steel components, lambskin ear cushions, leather headband, and an in-line microphone. The Canfield Over-Ear Headphones come in black and cognac and retail for $595.

The Canfield On-Ear Headphones are tuned for a precise sound with their 40MM Shinola Dynamic Transducer. They feature stainless steel components, lambskin ear cushions, leather headband, and an in-line microphone. The Canfield On-Ear Headphones in black and cognac retail for $495 and the Canfield On-Ear Headphones in black PVD retail for $550.

Developed and tested with Campfire Audio out of Portland, Oregon, the Canfield In-Ear Monitors are designed to sound great for hours of comfortable use. Memory foam and silicone ear tips with a dynamic driver bring out nuances in music. The Canfield In-Ear Monitors retail for $195.

Also produced with Campfire Audio, the Canfield Pro In-Ear Monitors are powered by a quad balanced armature receiver to bring out every possible element in music. Crafted to be endlessly comfortable, the Pro In-Ear monitors allow music to sound the way musicians intended it to be heard. The Canfield Pro In-Ear Monitors retail for $495.

The Canfield Collection is available in time for holiday gift giving.

Visit Shinola for more information.

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Premier headphones now come from Detroit thanks to Shinola originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 18, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Gift Guide: Kitchen gadgets and gear

What do you give the avid cook or grill master on your holiday shopping list?  You give them a cool new tool to help them whip up something tasty, that’s what.  Bob Patterson and I have selected 15 products that any gadget-loving chef will love!

Price range $100+

Joule Sous Vide by ChefSteps

The secret to perfectly cooked meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables is to cook them at the correct temperature for the correct time.  Cooking in the oven or on the stove top usually isn’t able to provide the correct temperature, because they use much higher temperatures because the heat must be transmitted through the air (oven) or a hot piece of metal (cooktop).  Because water can reach a set temperature and hold it for a long while (with a stable heat source), cooking in water is an ideal heating method.  Of course, cooking directly in water does bad things to meat textures and can extract all the vitamins and flavors from the vegetables.

The Joule Sous Vide heater sits in your cooking pot filled with water and heats and holds the correct temperature.  You immerse a food-safe plastic bag filled with the food and wait.  Because the water temperature is low and held at a steady temp, the food won’t overcook, even if left in the water longer than necessary.  After the food is cooked, you can transfer it to a pan for a quick searing or even coat and fry it just long enough to cook the breading.  The Joule is controlled by a smartphone app that allows you to choose the food type and degree of doneness (by looking at photos). -Janet

Price: $199
Where you can buy one: Sur La Table

Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Compressor

Making ice cream at home may be fun, but it usually involves keeping a big freezing vessel in the freezer at all times for modern machines or a keeping bunch of ice and rock salt on hand for when the urge to make ice hits.  With the Breville Smart Scoop, all you need is a bunch of counter space to hold this 6″ x 11″ x 9.5 ” high, 30.6 lb beauty.  The machine has a stainless steel and plastic housing and an aluminum mixing bowl.  All you have to do is add your ingredients and wait while the fully automatic Smart Scoop cools and stirs your to make 1.5 quarts of a tasty frozen concoction (no, not that one!). -Janet

Price: $399.95
Where you can buy one: Williams-Sonoma

Price range $50 – $100

Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7 liter cordless electric kettle

This electric kettle is perfect for coffee drinkers who use French press pots or AeroPress coffee makers, tea drinkers, or people who want to mix up instant soups, oatmeal, or noodles. The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp kettle is made of stainless steel, and it has 1500W / 110V for quick heating. It holds 1.7L of water, and the six preset heat settings let you choose the perfect temperature for brewing. The pot itself is cordless for easy pouring, and the corded base has a 30-minute keep-warm function in case you decide on a second cup. -Janet

Price: $79.96
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Pampered Chef Ice Cream Maker

No one buys their own ice cream maker. That’s why they have friends like you! We reviewed the Pampered Chef Ice Cream Maker earlier this year and really liked it for its easy operation & cleanup.  It also makes a quart of ice cream at a time, so your cook can share the joys of your gift with you later. Everyone wins. -Bob Patterson

Price: $80.00
Read our review: Pampered Chef Ice Cream Maker review
Where you can buy one: Pampered Chef

Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder

Fresh ground coffee is simply amazing. Once you start grinding your own beans, you won’t go back. I’m shopping for a new coffee grinder at the moment, so I have been heavily researching the options. Burr grinders are the way to go, and the Capresso is one of the best you can find for under $100. With 16 different grind settings and a timer so that you don’t have to sit and stare at the machine, this is a good one. -Bob Patterson

Price: $82.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Weber Original Kettle Grill

Know someone who is ready to take their backyard grilling kung-fu up a notch? Charcoal grilling is magical, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good grill. Weber has been manufacturing the classic kettle-style grill since 1952, and it’s the gold standard for backyard barbecues. Searing, roasting, smoking… it handles it all. It’s easy to maintain, built like a tank, and backed by a ten-year warranty. There are also endless options to upgrade or mod the rig later for the gadget-inclined. This is the model that I have, by the way. -Bob Patterson

Price: $99.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Quart 7 in 1 Pressure Cooker

I’m just learning about the joys of using a pressure cooker. They are amazingly versatile. I’ve cooked short ribs to pull-apart tender in under 40 minutes, and it does amazing things for soups and stews without cooking for hours. This digital model is getting a lot of rave reviews because it also a serious multitasker that will saute, steam, operate as a slow cooker or a rice cooker (among other things). It’s perfect for small kitchens or folks who want one tool to do it all. -Bob Patterson

Price: $97.50
Read our review: reviewing coming soon!
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Price range $10 – $50

Jokari hands-free baggy rack clips

Do you store food, either leftovers or meals from bulk cooking weekends, in plastic baggies?  You know how hard it can be to fill a plastic baggy with soup or stews without a helper to hold the baggy open.  With Jakari, filling up plastic baggies will become a one-person job.  You just slip the top of the bag into the Jokari clips and the bag stays open.  You can also use the Jokari arms to dry washed baggies for reuse. -Janet

Price: $11.26 for a set of two
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Star Wars R2-D2 Coffee Press

According to coffee lovers, one of the best ways to brew coffee is in an old-fashioned French press.  Nothing says your old French press has to look old-fashioned, and ThinkGeek is here to save you from boring with the R2-D2 Coffee Press.  This 32-ounce press is made of BPA-free plastic housing, a glass body, and a food-grade stainless steel filter assembly.  It measures 6.5″ wide x 9.5″ tall x 6.5″ deep (including the handle).  You’ll no longer have to head down to the cantina for a perfectly brewed cup of coffee! -Janet

Price: $39.99
Where you can buy one: ThinkGeek

The Glencairn Whisky Glass (set of 4)

Considered the “official whisky glass” by experts, you can’t go wrong with the Glencairn. The award-winning design features a tapered bowl enhances the flavors of the whisky and is dishwasher safe. Your whisky drinker will absolutely appreciate your taste in quality with these. I have several on my bar, and they’re essential for enjoying your whisky neat. -Bob Patterson

Price: $25.48
Where you can buy one: Amazon

The Malviner Poseidon Crystal Whisky Glass

I have an alternative pick for the whisky fan as well. If you’re looking for a fancy-pants upgrade, it doesn’t get much cooler than this. These crystal whisky glasses are stunning works of art. Just look at them. They’re gorgeous. These are on my wish list. They also sell sets and decanters that match the style if you’re looking to splurge a bit. -Bob Patterson

Price: $19.95 and up
Where you can buy one: Malviner

BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity

From Bob’s review linked below: I believe that the Chimney of Insanity performs well as a replacement for your current chimney starter with a solid build, a great handle, and some nice additional safety with the side-loading tube. The real magic happens when you get airflow going through that side tube. That’s when the beast earns its name, firing up a full stack of charcoal in half the time it would take otherwise. -Bob Patterson

Price: $29.95
Read our review: BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity charcoal starter review
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Lodge 12” Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Every cook should have a cast iron skillet in their arsenal. It’s the most versatile pan you can own. Sear steaks, fry eggs, throw it in the oven or on the grill… I even cook cornbread and paella in mine. Plus, there’s something really cool about learning how to maintain that nonstick surface. It’s easier than you think and shows off your skills. It’s a great gift for new cooks looking to fill out their toolset. Made in the USA, Lodge is still the best cast iron in my opinion. -Bob Patterson

Price: $29.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

There is a reason that the AeroPress is beloved by hardcore coffee fans everywhere. As long as you have access to hot water and ground beans, you can create an amazing cup of coffee in under two minutes. It’s portable, easy to clean and even comes with its own storage bag. I keep one at the office and at home, so I can brew a fresh cup at a moment’s notice. -Bob Patterson

Price: $31.95
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Victorinox 10.25” Fibrox Pro Curved Bread Knife

Everyone should have a good bread knife in their arsenal. The wide, curved blade design on this particular model gives you amazing control… it’s a huge difference over typical straight-bladed models. The gentle serration on the blade will also handle all kinds of delicate work (sandwiches, soft bread, soft fruits & vegetables) without mangling them. I just replaced my old bread knife with this one earlier this year, and I should have done it sooner. -Bob Patterson

Price: $39.85
Where you can buy one: Amazon

 

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Gift Guide: Kitchen gadgets and gear originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2017 at 3:49 pm.

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iStorage datAshur PRO USB Flash Drive review

If you are in a hurry and dropping in to get the bottom line on the passcode protected datAshur PRO USB 3.0 USB Flash Drive from iStorage here it is:  it’s by far the best flash drive I have ever had and probably like you, I have had dozens upon dozens of them.  It protects your data with a personalized passcode, can be used on any computer, is encased in a waterproof aluminum body and can even be personalized with your name, company name, etc. 

For the rest of you who have a little more time, I will get into the details of my new favorite data storage device.  I can honestly say I go into each product review I write for the Gadgeteer with a completely open mind and put each product through its steps, keeping in mind what our audience will want to know about the product and the tasks I need the product to perform.  That being said, I take assignments that fit my life, work or interests and are something I can speak on with a modicum of intelligence about and when this product popped up I was very excited to see if it backed up the claims made by iStorage.

Before I opened the package, I could see that the drive had been personalized with my name on the aluminum case.  This is a very nice touch for something that I have been taking into meetings, have in my pocket and have been using daily.  For a modest £5 per location on the drive, you can add laser etching to the top or side of the sleeve or the side of the drive (the etching on my drive is on the top of the sleeve).  You can also upload fonts to personalize your text or upload your logo in outline form to be etched onto the top of the sleeve, also for £5.

I have bought password protected flash drives in the past, only to learn the hard way that not all of them function the same way when it comes to where the flash drive can be used.  I have two password protected drives that I cannot access because they are linked to a computer that I no longer own.  This is not an issue with the datAshur PRO.  The password is held directly on the flash drive, not a computer so this device can be used on any computer since it is OS and platform independent.  Just enter your passcode, plug it in and you are ready to save/retrieve your information.

I bought my first password protected hard drive a few years back after my company had some safety and emergency training.  We were taught what to pack in an emergency “go bag” in case we had to leave the house without notice.  A password protected thumb drive was one of those items that I would have never thought of.  Now I have a scanned copy of our passports, drivers licenses, credit cards, bank accounts, etc. on a drive in my go bag.  I have been using the datAshur PRO for work and use it every day.  The rugged case allows me to toss it in my bag or pocket and not worry about being damaged or dust getting into it and the protection of having a PIN on the flash drive keeps me from worrying about my information being in the wrong hands should I accidentally leave it behind.

There is a rechargeable battery within the flash drive that charges when it is plugged in and allows the user to enter their personalized 7-15 digit PIN onto the keypad.  Your data is encrypted in real time with its onboard hardware encryption engine and is completely protected in the event your device is lost or stolen.  The datAshur PRO automatically locks when it is disconnected and can even be set to lock after a predetermined amount of time, making for an extremely secure place to store your sensitive information.  It can be programmed with independent user and admin PINs making this a great option for corporate use in addition to the personal applications mentioned above.  There are additional safety features that can all be found on the product page.

The datAshur PRO is offered in 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 GB models, is USB 3.0, has AES 256-bit hardware encryption (no software required), is IP57 certified as water and dust resistant, can be used on any OS and platform and has a number of certifications and validations that can be found on the product page.  Prices range from £49 to £129 ($75 – $135 US from Amazon) for the different capacities with the personalization options of £5 each. 

For the security, durability, and peace of mind you get I think this is well worth the investment and should be seriously considered by anyone who wants to keep their data secured and private.  I don’t think I will be going back to an unprotected flash drive ever again after using this.  I highly recommend this product and have already recommended that the IT department at my company looks into these for those of us who handle sensitive information.  iStorage also offers a wide range of secure data storage that will fit all of your capacity needs.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by iStorage.  For more information please visit their site and you can order one from Amazon.

 

Product Information

Price: $75 – $135
Manufacturer: iStorage
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Sturdy construction; hardware password protected; water and dust proof certified; can be used on any computer or system; personalization options for name or company logo; easy to set up out of the box; rechargeable internal battery; great value and piece of mind for protecting your data in a standard sized thumb drive.
Cons:
  • I honestly have no criticism or cons for this product. It is only available in blue at this time so some may wish for other color options but this is hardly a con for me.

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iStorage datAshur PRO USB Flash Drive review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2017 at 11:00 am.

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Deals – Verizon Wireless pre-black Friday deals are already live

Good news for people who have a new phone on their holiday shopping lists. The Verizon Wireless pre-black Friday offers are already available and will be active through 11/22/17. Their deals include buy one get another one with a half off discount on select Android phones with an unlimited plan requirement. 

Android phones included in the buy one get one for half off deal are:
Pixel 2 XL
Pixel 2
LG V30 (see my LG V30 review)
Samsung Galaxy S8 (see my Samsung Galaxy S8 review)
Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
Samsung Galaxy Note8
Moto Z2 Force (deal also includes a free Moto projector)
ASUS ZenFone AR

Other Verizon Wireless deals include:
Pixel 2 XL – Up to 50% off with trade-in of specific devices
Pixel 2 – Up to 50% off with trade-in of specific devices
LG G6 – Price reduced to $22 per month with no trade-in or unlimited plan required
LG K20 V – Free no with trade-in required

The sale price for these devices will appear when you add the item to your cart.

Get all the details at verizonwireless.com

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Deals – Verizon Wireless pre-black Friday deals are already live originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2017 at 10:06 am.

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