Tactical Urban Carry System – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Companies are making bag and packs increasingly durable, versatile, and feature-loaded these days.  Plus, the military look is in.  Have a look at the Tactical Urban Carry System, currently in a Kickstarter campaign from AMABILIS.

What is it?

The Tactical Urban Carry System from AMABILIS consists of a backpack and a tote bag, both of which are military-influenced in style and appear to be made from durable materials and to be packed with features geared toward urban/commuter users.

Why do I like it?

First off, I like the style.  I dig the appearance of the “tacticool”-styled bags and packs.  As mentioned above, the system consists of a backpack and tote bag, both of which are made from “Military Grade Waterproof Tarpaulin,” main exterior and “SuperFabric Ceramic Armor Plates for Maximum Durability” along the bottom, and are “Fully Lined w/High-Viz Waterproof Nylon,” and include Velcro fields with laser-cut MOLLE webbing on the exterior to mount morale patches or other accessories. The flagship bag in the system is the UR-2 (short for Urban Responder) Rucksack, which features a “GI duffle” style top closure, a waterproof dry bag collar, quick-access lockable laptop compartment, a removable modular Velcro organization board and lots of other features.  The Tactical Tote features a magnetic top closure, interior organization pockets including a laptop compartment, a heavy-duty shoulder strap and many more features.

Where can I find more info?

The Tactical Urban Carry System campaign ends in just a few weeks on April 17, 2019, and has already surpassed its funding goal of $25,000. Pledge packages start at about $79 for a single Tactical Tote and increase from there depending on the options selected.  After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in August 2019. Visit the Tactical Urban Carry System campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

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Tactical Urban Carry System – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 2, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Nisnas industries Vortex Shadow is a sling for urban adventurers

NEWS – I followed the first Kickstarter of these guys with their Kole flask back in August of 2015. Since then, they have released several other unique high-touch products (two wooden whiskey tumbler styles, and two vegan backpacks sized for women, among others). The one that I have always lusted after, however, is their Vortex Shadow.

In natural tan, this slim sling looks like Robin Hood’s quiver remade for an inner city walk. As the ad copy states, “The Vortex is designed to be a mid-range bag for a one-day urban adventure, the sweet-spot between longer trips and a commute. Perfect for a day in the city, to take your camera and essentials on an adventure where the city will take you.” With my recent descent into the world of sling bags of just this ilk, it’s looking more and more attractive. There’s a smaller one now, the Vortex Shield, but I think that won’t hold my regular sized iPad.

If you’re into leather (natural brown or black) and have just a bit more than all your pockets can hold, this may be the bag for you. They offer free shipping anywhere in the world, and ship in just a few days. Visit NiNSAS Industries for all the details.

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Nisnas industries Vortex Shadow is a sling for urban adventurers originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 2, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes That Transform Into Packs – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Packing cubes are some of my most vital travel gear—they allow me to pack a lot more than without them.  But sometimes I think it would be nice to have a smaller day pack to use once I get to my destination, rather than hauling me travel backpack around.  Cubepacks bridge that gap.  Let’s take a look!

What is it?

Cubepacks are compression packing cubes that transform into packs once you arrive at your destination.

Why do I like it?

I’m a huge fan of multi-purpose gear, especially for travel.  Cubepacks compression packing cubes help you pack more clothing or other gear into a smaller space while you are traveling to your destination.  But once you arrive, they don’t have to just sit in your travel bag—they can transform into packs that you can use as day packs.  They are available in three sizes: Backpack, Should Pack, and Hip Pack, each feature YKK zippers with dual pulls, a carry handle, concealable shoulder straps, and exterior organizational pockets.

Where do I find more info?

The CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes that Transform into Packs campaign ends April 23, 2019 and has already surpassed its funding goal of $10,000. Pledge packages start at $29 for a single Size Small Cubepack and increase from there depending on the options selected.  After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in September 2019. Visit the CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes that Transform into Packs campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

 

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CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes That Transform Into Packs – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 1, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Moshi Tego Sling review

REVIEW – More sling bags! The only thing better than More Cowbell! Just kidding. But the more I test and carry these bags for a week or two at a time, the more I am convinced this is the bag everyone should be carrying for EDC nowadays. I wrote a news article here a while back about the Moshi Tego, and the company offered us one to test. When it arrived, I was stunned at how spacious it is inside and how well it fits into my “big-flat-slab-of-glass” lifestyle. Let’s check it out!

What is it?

A stylish sling bag made from slash-resistant materials with zippers for all pockets against your body. Great for crowds, touring in dangerous areas, and for just taking your iPad and lunch to work. It’s available in three colors – Stone Grey, Charcoal Black, and Vintage Brown. I was sent Vintage Brown

What’s in the box?

  • The bag itself.
  • A dust-proof storage sack

Hardware specs

  • Padded compartment for laptops up to 13”
  • Padded compartment for iPad 12.9-inch
  • Proprietary ViscoStrap™ alleviates shoulder strain by up to 30%.
  • Quick-release strap for fast access to belongings
  • Adjustable Airmesh crossover strap with accessory loops
  • Removable ActiveStrap for added stability
  • Crossbody design that is wearable on the left or right shoulder
  • Concealed, anti-theft rear zippers
  • RFID Shield pocket to protect personal data

Materials

  • Cut-proof and lightweight fabric
  • 3M Scotchlite reflective strip for safety at night
  • Padded Airmesh support for breathability and comfort
  • Weather-resistant surface treatment
  • Zinc alloy hardware and studs

Dimensions

  • Length: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)
  • Height: 12.01 in (30.5 cm)
  • Width: 4.72 in (12 cm)
  • Weight: 1.87 lbs (0.85 kg)

Design and features

The Moshi Tego is designed with security in mind. The zippers are both tight against your body when being carried. The materials are cut-resistant. By being able to slide the bag around in front of you while wearing it in crowded situations or on public transportation, you have better control and awareness of anyone attempting to access your bag.

The outside of the bag is made of a synthetic woven water-resistant material that resists cutting. The top has a shaped roof-like covering that is made from a similar material but is coated in a vinyl-like material. Under the edge of that roof is a strip of Scotchlite reflective fabric. (The flash from my camera set it off in the shot above. I originally snapped it for the raindrops beading up on the fabric.) When you’re cycling, bent over the handlebars, this stripe is squarely in the headlights of approaching vehicles.

The strap is 1.5″ wide seat belt material for most of its length. Each end is sewn into a custom molded spinning clip with the company name molded in, and attached to the bag with solid molded D-rings of the same matte-finished zinc alloy. The wearer can swap which ring it’s clipped into to wear it over either shoulder. The long end of the strap has a cam-release that makes it a breeze to tighten or loosen your strap with one hand. When tightened, there is a management loop for the free end, but it is sewn in at the end of the strap next to the lower clip. (It’s visible on the right center of the photo below. I’m debating cutting it free, but that may cause it to come apart and I don’t have a way to sew it back.)

The part you wear on your shoulder has an 11″ long x 3″ wide Airmesh cushion. This is attached to the clip with a dual-thickness, 1.5″ wide elastic band. This allows the bag to give slightly as you’re moving along so that the load doesn’t feel quite as heavy. In use, I found this very comfortable. (It’s visible on the left center of the photo below.)

There’s also a removable crossbody band that goes from a removable loop on the strap to a thinner D-ring on the bottom center. Great for stability if you’re cycling, running or need the extra security. (It’s attached in the two photos at the top of the article, but you can see the center D-ring below.)

The only opening into the main compartment zips out with a double-headed zipper from the side that fits flat against your back (or front) when you’re wearing it. The zippers pull down to about 3″ from the very bottom of the bag. On the outside of that flap opening, which is against your body while wearing, is an RFID-shielding pouch large enough for passports, credit cards, and other items that you may need fast access to. At 9″ x 5″, with no actual width (see photo below), it’s not going to be a place for your eReader or phone (although either of mine fit in there), but it’s great to have a secure place for travel documents, credit cards and ID. It’s also padded with an open Airmesh material that will aid in ventilation since it rides on the center of your back.

Inside the main compartment, against your back, there is a thinly padded laptop/tablet sleeve with a 1.25″ wide velcro strap closure. It will hold my original 12.9″ iPad Pro in the Moko case, but it’s a tight fit. The Lovely Bride’s MacBook Air fits in the main compartment, but is a touch too large for the padded sleeve. On the outside of this are two flat pockets 7″ x 4.5″. There is a little extra fabric to allow items of depth to be carried here (passport, Moleskine, power banks and the like). Across on the outer side are two more such pockets, 3.5″ deep x 6″ wide. 

What I like

  • Huge main compartment
  • Secure opening
  • Large RFID pocket
  • Great materials and design

What needs to be improved

  • Main strap has a great management loop, but it’s sewn in

Final thoughts

This is a fine bag for those carrying large, flat items but also needing some bulky item storage space.

Price: $149.95
Where to buy: Moshi store or Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Moshi.

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Moshi Tego Sling review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 30, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Check out the Thirteener, Saddleback Leather’s thinnest briefcase yet!

NEWS – Spring is bringing all sorts of new designs from Saddleback Leather! Meet the Thirteener, which looks like their leanest & meanest briefcase design yet!

This design takes some of the best elements of previous Saddleback briefcase designs, presented in a tightly streamlined package. Measuring in at 14.25″ by 10″ by 2.5″ and 4 pounds, the size of the Thirteener looks ideal for office use at a reasonable carry weight. You’ve got a main compartment that includes a laptop divider and a false bottom flap to hide cash or documents. The front pocket has 2 sub-pockets to help sort out your electronic goodies, and the bag has a rear pocket for documents or quick grab items. And there’s a key leash. All the essential elements are represented!

What’s really interesting about this design is that you won’t find any D-ring attachment points or external pouches here, so it’s a might more dressed up for office use without losing that rugged go-anywhere vibe that Saddleback is known for.

I’ve been a fan of Saddleback’s new, simpler design language and this looks like another great design. This one retails for $349. Check it out at the Saddleback Leather Web Site!

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Check out the Thirteener, Saddleback Leather’s thinnest briefcase yet! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 29, 2019 at 10:12 am.

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