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Aurochs Gravity Wallet review

Looking to upgrade that ratty old wallet you’ve been lugging around since college? I’ve got a good one for you. Aurochs is a Pakistan-based company that makes small carry products featuring vegetable tanned leather. This is definitely a cut above your 

What is it?

It’s a full-grain leather wallet designed and manufactured in Pakistan. The Gravity model is based on a traditional bifold design, with some nice additional features to help manage your cards, cash and extra bits like coins and a SIM card.

Hardware specs

  • 4x easy access card slots for your frequently used cards
  • One card drawer with pull out ‘gravity strip’ which can hold 4-6 extra cards
  • An expandable pocket for all your bills and currency notes (folded)
  • A pocket for your coins
  • A small slot for your iPhone/Android sim ejector
  • Made of premium quality full grain vegetable tanned leather
  • 112mm x 80mm

What’s in the box?

Rather than using industrial paper/plastic packing, Aurochs ships their products in custom made padded fabric pouches as seen below. Not only does it add a touch of class to the packaging, but you could use it as an organizer pouch to add to your bag. Of course, the wallet also comes in the package.

Design and features

From materials choices to design details, you get a sense for the quality and craftsmanship that went into producing the Aurochs Gravity wallet from the moment you open the package. It’s an impressive piece of gear.

It all starts with the leather, which is excellent. The Gravity features full-grain vegetable tanned leather, a process that takes more time and skill to produce. The results are well worth it: the leather is thick, durable, and has a luxurious hand feel. Mine’s the green model, and the deep-penetrating dye work passes the scratch test without showing any change in color below the top layer. There’s also no dye bleed, so the color doesn’t rub off on your clothes.

The construction in the Aurochs Gravity wallet matches the leather quality. Stitching and assembly are tight throughout, with tan thread used on the exterior that compliments the green leather nicely. The interior uses a grey thread and grey leather accents to add additional visual appeal. The leather is backed by a grey textured fabric that facilitates sliding your cards in and out of the pockets, and there’s nice reinforcement at all the key stress/use points. I don’t foresee the pockets stretching or separating on this wallet after years of use.

The Aurochs Gravity wallet offers multiple slots and pockets for organization. For your quick grab cards, you’ll find a pair of card slots on each panel cut at opposing angles to promote easy access. Behind the left panel is a clever “gravity slip” pocket: tuck 4-6 cards in the pocket and a strip of leather with a pull tab enables you to pull them out when needed. The right panel has an expandable cash pocket that will fit a nice chunk of folded U.S. bills.

There are also a set of additional bonus slots for smaller items. The back card slot on the right panel features pair of tiny slots designed to stash a SIM card and wire SIM card ejector. The expandable cash pocket and also has a slot where you could stash some coins, a key, or a small memory stick.

While this may sound a bit complicated, the Aurochs folks have done a really nice job of assembling the package with a simple, streamlined design. The little extras don’t impede the normal use of the wallet and stay nicely tucked away when not needed. It’s a superbly functional layout.

Performance

The Aurochs Gravity wallet is an excellent day-to-day accessory. I’ve been using it continuously for a month now, and it has become my new favorite wallet. Aurochs does an excellent job of emphasizing simple, practical execution in this design.

I really like how the wallet manages the organization of commonly used items. I’ve got my badge swipe for work, my license, 6 cards, and a wad of cash loaded up… and there’s room for more. Check out the two pics below to see how it all disappears:

It’s a nice, streamlined package, but allows for quick and easy access to any specific card or item that I might need.

The extra reinforcement on the card slots is also very good. They keep your cards snug, and can even hold an extra card or two if needed. I’ve also noticed that, despite regular use, they are not showing any signs of stretching that would cause the cards to slip out.

 While I don’t have much use for the extra slots for change and the SIM card, they are nicely executed and don’t get in the way of regular use. I don’t know that I would keep coins on the inside pouch due to the extra bulk, but I would absolutely use it to stash an emergency key if I was traveling. You could even stash a small memory stick in there if needed.

Good leather wallets are always going to bulkier than synthetic products, but the Aurochs wallet is not excessive in my opinion. The leather is thick, but not so thick that the wallet feels (or looks)  like a brick in your pocket.

What I like

  • Great vegetable-tanned leather.
  • High-quality materials and assembly.
  • Excellent usability with nice attention to the design details.

What needs to be improved

  • SIM card slot may not be useful to everyone, but it doesn’t impede regular use.

Final thoughts

Wallets designs can be all over the place with respect to quality, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with the Aurochs Gravity wallet. I’m really impressed with what Aurochs is doing here; they are serious about details and craftsmanship. The leather is excellent, and they aren’t cutting any corners on the details. Usability is excellent, with plenty of useful spots to organize your cards and cash. If you’re looking for a quality mid-sized bifold-style wallet to upgrade to your day-to-day EDC, the Gravity will do the job well and serve you for a very long time. I’m looking forward to seeing more from Aurochs in the future.

Price: $54 with free standard shipping.
Where to buy: Aurochs
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Aurochs.

Now you can put a SnapPower GuideLight anywhere

SnapPower GuideLights are easy to install outlet wallplates that add an automatic LED night light that turns on when it gets dark and turns off during the day. I reviewed the SnapPower GuideLight back in 2014 and continue to use them in several rooms of my home. Well, every room except in the bathroom and kitchen because until now, there SnapPower didn’t offer GuideLights for GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. But now they do!

The GuideLight 2 PLUS and GuideLight 2 PLUS for GFCI are SnapPower’s newest products in the GuideLight outlet cover line. The new easy to install wallplates feature a soft diffused light bar, a low-profile ergonomic on/off switch, and brightness settings.

The GuideLight 2 PLUS and GuideLight 2 PLUS for GFCI are priced from $16 to $19 and can be found at SnapPower’s online retail store. For more info visit www.snappower.com. They should also show up on their Amazon store soon with their other products.

Coming soon, Swann’s completely wire-free smart video doorbell

For the past few years, affordable home security cameras have become very popular. Now the trend seems to be heading towards cameras that are wireless. That means no more hard wiring outdoor cameras for power because these new series of cameras have rechargeable batteries or even solar-powered batteries. One such camera that will be available this month is the Swann wire-free Smart Video Doorbell.

Swann has been in business since 1987, so they have a lot of experience in this market and technology. They plan to roll out new hardware like the Smart Video Doorbell this year, along with cool new features like voice control via Google assistant and Amazon Alexa. You’ll soon be able to use your voice to ask for a live feed from one of your cameras.

Swann’s VP Dennis McTighe says:

End users consider what’s in their doorway to be the frontline of their home security plan. They want products that are convenient but also reliable. Now, wireless technology has allowed doorbells to get so much smarter and easier to use.

Another feature that I’m interested in is Swann’s work in integrating their camera’s live feed with Chromecast and Android TV. I can imagine sitting on my couch in the basement in front of my 65-inch TV and being able to view a streaming live feed from my cameras upstairs.

The new Smart Video Doorbell will also feature True Detect heat and motion sensing technology that detects warm objects like people and cars and helps prevent false triggers.

We’ll be sure and let you know more about the Smart Video Doorbell as we get more info. Visit Swann to shop their current line of home security camera systems.

These zippered pouches were designed by a soldier to organize your EDC gear

How do you carry your favorite EDC gear? Is everything dumped into the bottom of your backpack or messenger bag where it’s hard to find? If you would like to improve your daily gear organization, check out these zippered pouches from Bond Travel Gear. They were designed by a soldier and world traveler, Chris Elfering.

The Bond bags that are made of 1000D ballistic nylon and feature YKK auto locking zippers. There are two bags to choose from. There’s the Dash dopp kit that has been designed to hold your toiletries and other bathroom gear, and the Escapade small gear bag that holds everything else.

The bags are abrasion and water resistant, have double-stitched zippers and double-stitching on stress points. A carabiner is included so you can hang the DASH anywhere.

The Bond pouches are backed by a lifetime guarantee and are priced from $39 for the Escapade and $44 for the Dash. You can find out more at bondtravelgear.com and order from Amazon.

Aurga DSLR Assistant, SUPRA TAG credit card multitool, Klips money clip, and more – Notable crowdfunding posts

This week we are bringing you five interesting crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter. We have gadgets for photographers, gadgets for EDC fans, coffee lovers, and more. Check out our picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Aurga, World’s First Smart DSLR Assistant & Cloud Storage

Blurb by Ryan Pagel

What is it?
The Aurga-Smart Camera Assistant & Personal Cloud Storage device is a multifunctional gadget that connects your DSLR camera to your smartphone and the cloud.

Why do I like it?
When you have paired this with your phone and the app it is a remote for your camera’s shutter and also allows you to see the camera’s field of view on your phone. The battery allows you to charge your phone in a pinch and the detachable USB stick houses the SD card and can be easily removed to plug into your computer or you can automatically upload your pictures to the cloud. The app is very intuitive and is great for taking pictures when you are not behind the camera.

Drawbacks
The whole thing is pretty big and makes a noticeable difference in weight and balance of the camera when it is attached. WiFi SD card’s are available that gives the same functionality of uploading photos to the cloud or my computer if that is all you are wanting and don’t want to use something of this size or don’t need the remote functionality. The Aurga attaches where your flash would so they cannot be used at the same time.

Conclusion
I like this device and it offers a lot of additional functions to help you get the shot your looking for. The size is a bit big for me to keep this on my camera all the time and I see myself only using it in those occasions where I want to have my phone act as my viewfinder. It is definitely a niche-filling device so if the features fit your needs, I would recommend this. It is a quality product and the app software is easy to use right away.

Where can I find more info?
The Aurga campaign ends on 3/7/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order an Aurga starting at $89. After the Aurga campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

SUPRA TAG – Credit card multifunctional plier full Titanium

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
The SUPRA TAG is a credit card-sized toolkit that includes a beefy pair of pliers in addition to other tools in a small, lightweight size.

Why do I like it?
You’ve seen other credit card-sized toolkits before, even some here at The Gadgeteer, but many of these have included more delicate, smaller tools for less demanding work. The SUPRA TAG not only folds down into a credit card size, it also includes what appears to be a pretty beefy set of pliers in addition to a screwdriver, knife blade, USB memory stick–in fact, it claims to have 14 tools total in a very small size. Plus, its made from lightweight Titanium.

Where can I find more info?
The SUPRA TAG campaign ends on February 28. To date, it has raised over $13,000 of its $20,730 funding goal with 83 backers. Pledge pricing starts at $72 and increases from there (but note that the first pledge tier doesn’t include drive bits or USB stick) and estimated delivery is September 2018. Visit the SUPRA TAG – Credit card multifunctional plier full Titanium Kickstarter campaign site for more info or to become a backer.

SNOW-C | Charge Your Phone Wirelessly In Your Pocket

What is it?
The SNOW-C is a water-resistant jacket that features a flexible 15W wireless charger in the pocket that can be used to charge qi-enabled smartphones like the iPhone 8, X, Samsung Galaxy devices, and others.

Why do I like it?
I’ve been a big fan of wireless charging for years and love any kind of tech that allows me to keep my smartphone’s battery topped off when I’m out and about.

Where can I find more info?
The SNOW-C campaign ends on 2/18/2018 and they still have work to do before they can reach their funding goal of $12,000. You can pre-order a SNOW-C jacket starting at $149. After the SNOW-C campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press| Caffeinate & Hydrate Anywhere

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
ESPRO is both a lightweight, compact, durable-looking coffee press that can also be used as hydration bottle while on the go.

Why do I like it?
I like my java, and I like the idea of being able to brew it anywhere, while on-the-go or off the beaten path, and also to keep it piping hot. ESPRO fulfills both of these wants, but also give the ability to just fill it with water and keep it cold as well. It features double micro-filters to reduce brew sludge, a 16oz-capacity vacuum-sealed insulated bottle and a threaded, leakproof carry lid—and the whole thing only weighs 9.5oz. ESPRO is available in grey, black and stainless steel.

Where can I find more info?
The ESPRO campaign ends on February 16. It has already met the funding $20,730 funding goal with over 800 backers. Pledge pricing starts at $25 (though this level is already sold out) and increases from there. Estimated delivery is May 2018. Visit the ESPRO Kickstarter campaign site for more info or to become a backer.

Klips – Ban the Bulge!

What is it?
Klips is a plastic money clip that can hold 1-3 plastic credit cards and a folded bill.

Why do I like it?
This money clip is about as minimalist as you can get without using a rubber band or a binder clip and I like that. I also like that it comes in a variety of colors instead of only every man’s favorite color of black 🙂

Where can I find more info?
The Klips campaign ends on 2/11/2018 and they still have quite a bit of work to do before they can reach their funding goal of $4,398. You can pre-order a Klips money clip starting at $18. After the Klips campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.