Thule Crossover Backpack
Thule
Price: $129.95
The Thule Crossover Backpack is elegantly constructed with lots of storage and a crush proof compartment. The backpack weighs 2.75 pounds which may be the only drawback for daily use. The $129.95 price is indicative of the quality of construction which is consistent with Thule products.
Thule is marketing this backpack for Apple’s 17 inch MacBook Pro and iOS devices. There is an elevated laptop compartment perfectly designed for the MacBook Pro, a sleeve for the iPad, and plush lined pockets for iPod or mobile phone storage. The lockable crush proof SafeZone compartment can be used to store fragile gear like sunglasses. The main compartment is roomy enough for books and bulky items. There is a Shove-it Pocket that provides external storage that is deep enough for a newspaper and Thule claims could accommodate a jacket. In my opinion, a windbreaker may fit but a jacket or sweater would be a tight fit. Other features of the backpack include water resistant nylon fabric with padded shoulder straps and grab handle, a bottom zippered pocket for additional storage of small accessories, a front storage compartment for easy access items, and a side external pocket that can stretch to fit a water bottle.
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TRCU-1 Crossover 38-Liter Rolling Carry-On
Thule
$290
Thule’s new modest-size rolling backpack has three major outstanding features for just under $300: rugged materials and construction, large and excellent wheels, and backpack straps on the opposite side from the handle and wheels. It also has three uncomfortable features: grab strap handles, shoulder straps, and backpack positioning. Pricing is consistent with product quality, relative to the high-end competition and Thule’s reputation for top-tier merchandise.
Note the unusual backpack and strap positions relative to the wheels and handle frame.
Level8 Backpack & MacBook Protective Sleeve
Company: Level8
Atlas Backpack, 15″ Protective Sleeve
Price: 15″ & 17″ Atlas Backpack – $99.99 USD, 15″ Protective Sleeve – $49.99 USD
As a teacher who carries his MacBook Pro and iPad 2 to school each day, finding a decent laptop bag is a real priority for me. Without a doubt, the readers of this article are fans of Apple’s amazing, yet pricey products. Protecting that investment while maintaining functionality is important for people who want to maximize their productivity. I think I’ve finally found my solution after using Level8′s Atlas Backpack and 15″ Protective Sleeve for the past month. Continue reading »
Lowepro Verapack 200 AW
Company: Lowepro
Price: $129.00
Lowepro’s Versapack 200 AW is a lightweight, all weather camera backpack. There are two main compartments: a top area for general gear, and the bottom camera area. I was looking forward to seeing just how much stuff I could stuff into this diminutive and clever pack.
I’ve got a Nikon D700 with all the trimmings. More about that later. The question is: Can I get enough gear comfortably into the 200 AW for an entire day of hiking and picture taking, whether it be in the wilds of Idaho, or the wilds of downtown Newark. But before I began loading up I checked out the included pamphlet for a quick tour around the unit.
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iPad Slip Case
Waterfield Designs
Price: $29
http://sfbags.com
The Slip Case by Waterfield Designs is a very simple concept. It is essentially a padded sleeve to protect your iPad on the go. It is nothing more and nothing less. It is available in six colors and costs $29.
The sleeve has very thick padding the will protect your iPad if you stow it in a backpack or put it in a suitcase, for example. At the bottom of the case is a little pull-tab that will help you get your iPad out of the case very easily.
It is also has a waterproof outer coating. If you are caught in a rain storm with it in your hands, or accidentally spill something, the case and your iPad will be protected (as long as the iPad is inside or out of the range of the liquid).
The case is well made and withstood my pulling and yanking at it. Nothing ripped and no seems were broken. It even survived my two year old.
When you put the iPad in the case you notice it is definitely a snug fit. I don’t think there is any need to worry about the iPad sliding out of the case and getting damaged. However, it is almost a little two snug. I tried fitting the iPad into the case with a Macally Metropad case on my iPad. I could not get it in. The Macally case is very thin, and adds very little to the size of the iPad, but it was just enough to make it not fit into the slip case.
So, if you plan you using an out case/shell on the iPad itself, you will probably have to remove the case to use the Slip Case. If you don’t plan on putting the iPad into a case, the Slip Case might be the perfect case for you.
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Pro Runner 200 AW
Company: Lowepro
Price: $89.99
lowepro.com
ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTION
With the cost of photographic equipment and accessories rising to the beat of Moore’s Law, the average photog must protect his/her investment from the elements and the various travel hazards that abound. With this thought in mind, Lowepro has been making protection and travel solutions for the conscientiousness photographer for many years.
My first experience with Lowepro was with their Fastpack 250 backpack. I was very impressed with the quality and practicality of this backpack. The Fastpack was not designed to be an all weather backpack. Therefore, it was somewhat limited to certain situations and weather conditions. On January 4, 2010, Lowepro introduced the Pro Runner All Weather line of backpacks and roller/backpack products. I was very excited to get my hands on this product and give it a try. I travel a great deal with my photography gear and occasionally face inclement weather. How would this new product line hold up in non-ideal conditions?
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Bella, Divo, IceSuit, Metro, and Sportivo cases for iPod nano (3rd Generation)
Company: Macally
Price: Bella $29.99, Divo $29.99, IceSuit $19.99, Metro $29.99, Sportivo $29.99
http://www.macally.com/
The holiday decorations are put away, Macworld is over, and now it’s time to get down to buying a case for that new iPod nano that Santa left under the tree. December 2007 saw the arrival of Macally’s family of cases for the iPod nano: Bella, Divo, IceSuit, Metro, and Sportivo. Mirage and Masquerade were not yet available for review.
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