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Kong Jr. Gym Bag review

REVIEW – I have always been in search of the perfect bag.  That means I own many bags for the different types activities in which I participate.  The one activity that I have been unable to find the perfect bag for is for when I go to the gym.  I go to the gym after work so I need it to be able to hold my gym gear plus the occasional small item or lunch bag I may take to work that day.   Let’s see if the Kong Jr. gym bag by the King Kong company worked out for me.

What is it?

The Kong Jr. gym bag is a multi-compartment bag made specifically to carry your gym clothing and accessories to the gym.

What’s in the box?

The only thing in the box was the bag itself as you can see in the picture above.  It came wrapped in a plastic sleeve in a standard cardboard shipping box.  The bag is advertised as being 30% smaller than their standard King Kong gym bag.  The dimensions of the bag are 11 inches tall, by 18 inches wide and 11 inches deep.  The original bag has an extra inch on the height and depth and is 20 inches long.

Design and Features

The bag has several pockets and features that allow you to really organize your gym paraphernalia.  The bag is made of  1000D nylon.  It seems very well constructed with #10 YKK zippers and heavy duty buckles.   Each zipper has a really nice pull tab on it in addition to the standard zipper pull.  That makes it really easy to pull the zippers.  They don’t use plastic on any buckle piece.

From the main picture at the top of this review, you can see that the bag comes with two pockets that run along the front side of the bag.   One is a zippered pocket and the other is a Velcro flap pocket.  The picture above shows both pockets open.  The small black strip you can see at the top of each pocket is where the bag handles are sewn into the main body of the bag.  In the Velcro pocket bag I have my weightlifting gloves and in the zippered pocket, I have some Beats headphones.  I like the separate pockets so I know which pocket has what I need depending on the type of workout I am doing that day.  I don’t wear headphones when strength training so when I do that, I know I just need to go to the Velcro pocket.  There is more room for other stuff in the zippered pocket, but I just did not have anything to put in them.

One one end of the bag is a shoe holder.  The first picture on the left shows my size 9 /12 women’s shoes in the pocket.  The next picture shows my husband’s size 11 shoes.  You can see there is still a bit more room for a larger shoe in the pocket.  The shoe pocket is made with water-resistant 1000D nylon.  King Kong advertises the pocket as a place to store wet clothing in there if you wished to keep your other gym items dry.   My only complaint with the shoe pocket is there are no ventilation holes of any kind in the area.  I have been using the bag now for several weeks and have not had any odor issues, but I see where this could possibly be an issue depending on what you put in there.

The next picture above shows inside the main compartment of the bag.  On the left side are my gym clothes for the day.  I have shorts, tights, shirt socks, and sports bra in there.  The blue bulk on the right-hand side is the shoe pocket with my shoes inside.  Obviously, the larger your shoes, the more internal room they will take in the bag.  I still had plenty of room in the bag to place in there my lunch bag holding a sandwich and chips.  I know on the larger bag folks talk about putting weight belts and other things inside the bag,  There would certainly be room for that if you wanted to use that extra room for more things like towels or the weight belts if you did not put a lunch in there as I did.

Above the shoe pocket, there is a smaller zippered pocket.  I put my Beats case in there so you could get an idea of the depth.  Basically, this pocket takes the top half of the side and the shoe pocket takes the bottom half.

The opposite side of the bag has two nice external mesh pockets you could slip your keys or wallet to if you wished or anything else you might want.

Inside that side zipper is a full sized pocket that has a small zippered mesh pocket where I stored deodorant and comb.    There was more room in that pocket for other things.  This is a nicely sized pocket and could easily hold a gym towel or any other similar sized item.

Finally one of my favorite things about this bag is the carry handle.  Every gym bag I have owned has always had a Velcro-based handle to hold the two carry straps together. I have had gym bag handles fail over time as the Velcro eventually wore out.  The King Kong bag uses a pair of magnets.  At first, I was skeptical thinking it would not really hold the handles together very well. Well, I am happy to report I was wrong and they do a great job.  I also love how quite they are.  I often open my bag at work to get things out of it and it is nice not to let the whole office know I am opening it due to no loud Velcro sound.

What I like

I love the size of this bag.  It has worked out perfectly for me in that aspect.  Only a couple of times I have wished I had a larger bag, but that was because I was bringing something extra into the office that I would normally not bring that was big and bulky.  This bag will hold just what I need and not feel like I am lugging a big piece of luggage to the gym.  I love the magnetic handle and the large shoulder strap with removable padding.   The shoulder strap is held on with heavy duty swivel buckles so I don’t spend a lot of time untwisting the shoulder handle as I do on bags with fixed shoulder straps.

What can be improved

The only suggestion I have is for King Kong to add a couple of ventilation holes on the zipper flap of the shoe compartment.  I feel that would really help keep the bag smelling fresher in the long run.

Price: $109.95
Where to buy: King Kong Apparel and Amazon
Source: The sample was provided by King Kong

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Kong Jr. Gym Bag review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 4, 2018 at 9:08 am.

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RHA truly connects with the new TrueConnect wireless in-ear headphones

NEWS – Does anyone at RHA ever sleep? Every time I wrap up a review or news item, they come out with something new and cool. This time, it’s their first totally wireless earphone, the TrueConnect true wireless in-ear headphone. It comes with an IPX5 rating, so they should be sweat-proof for those warm, outdoor activities.

The TrueConnect earphone has a stem similar to the Apple AirPod, but shorter. RHA (Reid Heath Acoustics) states that the stem has an in-built antenna which uses a powerful Bluetooth 5 connection. The stem crucially places the microphone closer to the user’s mouth, producing clearer and more detailed call quality. The earpieces are a low-profile design that features easy-to-use button controls that provide freedom from devices.

The earpieces have a five-hour battery life, with another four charges of five hours (25 hours total) in the case. A straightforward light display makes battery level instantly apparent. The effortless case design can be opened with one hand. Charging is complete in one hour and forty minutes and fast charging delivers 50% battery life in fifteen minutes.

“We believe we have come up with the most sophisticated true wireless earphones on the market; delivering great battery life, an intuitive user interface, and an elegant, single-handed opening mechanism. The metal finish was something we wanted, to ensure it was immediately recognizable as an RHA product,” says Kyle Hutchison, head of product design at RHA.

This is becoming a cliché, but once again, RHA has come out with an affordable product that many people are going to want.

The TrueConnect true wireless in-ear headphone will be available on October 18 for $169.95. Visit RHA for more information.

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RHA truly connects with the new TrueConnect wireless in-ear headphones originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 4, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Mujjo iPhone Xs Max leather cases review

REVIEW – You just spent $1249 on an iPhone Xs Max and you want to protect your investment from everyday wear and tear without making it look like a plastic shrouded brick. When it comes to iPhone Xs Max cases, there are mediocre iPhone Xs Max cases and then there are Mujjo iPhone Xs Max cases.

What is it?

The Mujjo iPhone Xs Max Full Leather case and Full Leather Wallet cases are cases that have been designed exclusively for the iPhone Xs Max and are made of high quality materials.

Design and features

The Mujjo Full Leather case is a molded form-fitting vegetable tanned smooth leather case that is available in green, tan, gray, and black and it provides protection to the back and sides of the iPhone Xs Max without adding bulk or a dose of ugly.

The case is lined in a soft microfiber material that protects the back of the iPhone from scratches, fingerprints, and adds some thickness around the camera lens to protect it too.

This case adds extra protection for the sides, back, and even the display with an extra 1mm tall bezel around the screen, all without adding a lot of additional bulk and weight.

Instead of cutouts for the buttons on both sides of the phone, the buttons are molded into the case itself. The look is nice, but it does require a little extra effort to press each button.

The top edge of the case is fully covered, but the bottom of the case has a large opening that leaves the speakers and lightning port uncovered.

The Mujjo Full Leather case is comfortable in hand and offers almost everything you need in a high-end leather iPhone case… well almost everything.

That’s where the Mujjo Full Leather Wallet case comes in. It’s the same case as the Full Leather case, except it’s a wallet too.

Sewn into the back of the case is a credit card-sized slot that holds 1 or 2 standard sized plastic credit cards.

The credit card holder does add some extra bulk, but it doesn’t interfere with charging the phone on a Qi wireless charger, even if you have a card in the slot.

What I like

  • Molded form-fitting design
  • Wallet case doesn’t interfere with wireless chargers
  • Easy to put on and remove

What needs to be improved

  • Buttons are harder to press when the phone is not in a case

Final thoughts

When you’ve spent more than a grand on a smartphone, protecting that phone from scratches, scuffs, fingerprints, and smudges is most likely a priority. One way to do that is to buy a case for the phone, but plastic cases are boring and ugly, so consider a nice looking and affordable leather case from Mujjo.

Price: $43.42 – $53.08
Where to buy: Mujjo and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Mujjo.

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Mujjo iPhone Xs Max leather cases review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 3, 2018 at 2:52 pm.

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Are you ready for a rousing game of quidditch?

NEWS – You aren’t going to be flying broomsticks or catching Golden Snitches yourself, but this candle and carousel topper will add a lot of fun to a tabletop display.  It’s a perfect gift for the devoted Harry Potter fan, and remember, the holidays are coming sooner than you expect.

The Harry Potter Hogwarts Candlepot is the starting point.  The  brass-finished pot is made of glass with mercury on the outside.  It stands 3.5″ tall with a 3″ diameter.  Inside is a candle made of a palm-paraffin blend and scented with notes of blackberry, crisp mountain air, and smokey frankincense brush.  The design is inspired Hogwarts’ spires and the surrounding Forbidden Forest.  The Harry Potter Hogwarts Candlepot is $29.50 at Pottery Barn.

Add the Carousel topper to the candlepot, and you’ve got a quidditch game!  The mobile is made of stainless steel with a brass finish; it’s 5″ tall with a 4″ diameter.  It features two players astride brooms, two Golden Snitches, and a set of ring goals on top.  As the blades at the top of the carousel catch the heat rising from the burning candle, the carousel turns, setting the game in motion.  The Harry Potter Quidditch Carousel Candlepot Topper is $39.50 at Pottery Barn.

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Are you ready for a rousing game of quidditch? originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 3, 2018 at 1:06 pm.

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Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Bob Patterson


ARTICLE – So what’s in my EDC? I usually commute to the office every day by car, but I do take the train to downtown Philadelphia a couple of times a month for meetings. Here’s how I gear up for a typical workday.

The Bag

The Bellroy Classic Plus Backpack has made it into my daily rotation, and I’m a huge fan. Just the right size for day trips, with a streamlined profile that makes it easy to maneuver in crowds. I love the organization of this bag, and the fact that it’s got enough style that I can dress it up with a jacket if need be.

Not Shown: As a frequent bag reviewer, I’m also switching out my primary carry from time to time. I love the Saddleback Leather Front Pocket Gear Bag when I want a big ol’ bag to throw stuff in. The Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase is also a favorite for its simple design, business-ready look, and the ability to convert to a backpack in a pinch. I’m still hunting for the perfect daily messenger bag, however, and will keep you up-to-speed as the hunt continues!

The Electronics

I just got a shiny new MacBook Pro 13″. It’s the basic model without the touch bar. I love the speed and portability of this little guy, and the screen is perfectly fine for working all day. The Thunderbolt-only ports are kind of a love/hate thing… I also carry a Belkin Adaptor that includes an HDMI and USB port for plugging in accessories (not shown).

I use an iPad Air 2 for the daily commute that’s connected to my work systems. I also have an iPad Pro 12.9″ (not shown) and Apple Pencil (also not shown) for personal use when I do my digital illustration work.

The Carry Accessories

Organizer pouches complete me. There’s no better way to wrangle your extra bits and doodads. I carry a Topo Designs Large Accessory Pouch for all those things that I don’t need to get to as often like medicines, screen cleaners, contact lens stuff, and spare charger cables. The Tom Bihn Cubelet is my favorite pouch for Apple device chargers and cables. It’s perfectly sized for a couple of power bricks and chords. I have a whole bunch of different Tom Bihn Organizer Pouches in smaller sizes (not shown) that I swap out as needed.

My iPad cover is a new one. It’s the new Saddleback Leather iPad Case, and it’s lean & mean beauty that doesn’t have the bulk of the original design (which I also own). Review coming soon!

My charger is the RavPower 16750 MaH Phone Charger, and it’s my favorite charger to date. Two USB ports for dual-charging, and a battery life that goes on for days and days. I never leave home without it.

My iPhone 6S case is one of the first items I reviewed for The Gadgeteer: a product that uses actual stone (slate, I believe) in the case backing. I love the look and slim design, so I keep using it. The manufacturer seems to have gone out of business. I’ll be upgrading to a new phone soon, so I am looking forward to testing some new options!

My wallet is the Flowfold Limited Edition Bifold Wallet. It’s made from super-high-tech sailcloth with X-ply technology. It’s slim, super-lightweight, and water-resistant. I love minimalist wallets.

Assorted Extras

The Yeti Insulated Travel Mugs are the greatest thing on Earth. The insulation is amazingly effective, and they retain a water-tight seal so they don’t leak if they get tossed around. My favorite bit about these is a little-known secret: the slider on the top is magnetic, which means you can completely remove it for deep cleaning. Plus, it’s just about as bomb-proof as you can get.

I happily admit that I am a coffee addict, and I recently started roasting my own beans (yeah, I’m that guy). I grind up what I need for the day, and use simple Ball Jars for transport. The thick glass is durable, and the sealed lids keep the beans (and grind) fresh. You can get high-tech options, but sometimes the classics just do the job right.

I am never without a pocket knife. Whether I’m opening packages or cutting an apple, I always find it handy to keep around. I have two that I switch between. One is a collaboration between Opinel and Topo Designs that comes in its own case (not shown), but it can be a bit bulky for day-to-day office running. For that purpose, I use the Higo No Kami fold out knife shown here. It’s elegant, small, simple, and has a legacy that dates back to the Samurai sword makers. It’s kind of cool as a piece of history in your pocket.

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Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Bob Patterson originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 3, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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