I love this backpack. Everything in this backpack is well padded, pockets, shoulder straps, media pockets, laptop bag. It has plenty of bags to keep yourself organized. Materials look very durable and well built.
This backpack looks very good, I actually receive compliments from it.
Side pockets can fit up to a coffee thermo on each side.
The only problem with this backpack, and I read about it before I purchased it, is the front pocket. It does have a poor design. Zipper is to small to actually see everything inside it, it is a deep, dark pocket, so its hard to keep things organized there, although there are several bags and zippers in there. Other than that, this is an incredible backpack.
It is not a large backpack, which is why I bought it. And I like that it has the straps to reduce the space in the backpack so it wont look big when you don't carry a lot of stuff.
My Lenovo T61 14" with an external battery barely fits, so make sure your laptop fits before buying this backpack.
Shoulder straps have plenty cushion, and the suspension does help reduce the bouncing of the backpack as you walk.
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Best Backpack I have ever owned
I don't review many products, but I thought that I should go out of my way to review this one. I have owned many backpacks over the years for different purposes (outdoors, motorcycle riding, school, work, etc.) and this is the best one I have ever owned. I have had this backpack for a bit over three years now, and it has held up extremely well. I estimate that if I use it for only school and work, it will last for many more years.
This backpack has a large number of useful containers, and the one on the very top of the backpack is extremely useful - it is perfect for my sunglasses and has a little pouch that I can fit my cell phone if I am riding and don't want it in my pocket. I have taken the backpack to school and it is absolutely perfect when I have to be on campus all day. I have had 3 textbooks, a large notebook, my large zojirushi thermos, my laptop, my power cord, a usb mouse, food, my calculator, and other small items in it at the same time, and even with all of that it is still comfortable, spacious, and well-padded.
Obviously, other backpacks can fit all of these items, but I have never had one that was so comfortable and well-organized when it had that much in it. I find myself asking where this backpack was when I needed it in high school. The laptop section is well-padded and fits my bulky 17" dell laptop, but if you are going to be exposed to the elements or drop your backpack a lot, I recommend buying a small padded laptop slip to further protect your device. I bought a pretty thick one and it still fits perfectly.
The backpack has also accompanied me on many hikes. It holds up well when exposed to dirt and rocks, and even thought I do not recommend it for the rain, it dries pretty quickly if it is exposed to water. I have had it on my back during both rain and snow storms on my motorcycle and can vouch for it. It even keeps things pretty dry, but again, I do not recommend it for wet weather over other backpacks. Also, I only recommend it for longer hikes, since the backpack is pretty big and might be unnecessary for shorter ones.
In addition to the above, the backpack is ideal for travel. You can fit so much in it at once and it still feels comfortable and spacious. For 2-3 trips where you only need regular clothes, a book, and maybe your laptop, you can honestly get away with just taking this backpack. I take this to California whenever I visit my family for a few days and it is perfect.
I will definitely buy this backpack again. While I have other backpacks that are smaller that I use for different things, I always want to have this backpack for travel, school, and work - especially when I have to take a lot of things with me and only want to carry one bag.
This backpack has a large number of useful containers, and the one on the very top of the backpack is extremely useful - it is perfect for my sunglasses and has a little pouch that I can fit my cell phone if I am riding and don't want it in my pocket. I have taken the backpack to school and it is absolutely perfect when I have to be on campus all day. I have had 3 textbooks, a large notebook, my large zojirushi thermos, my laptop, my power cord, a usb mouse, food, my calculator, and other small items in it at the same time, and even with all of that it is still comfortable, spacious, and well-padded.
Obviously, other backpacks can fit all of these items, but I have never had one that was so comfortable and well-organized when it had that much in it. I find myself asking where this backpack was when I needed it in high school. The laptop section is well-padded and fits my bulky 17" dell laptop, but if you are going to be exposed to the elements or drop your backpack a lot, I recommend buying a small padded laptop slip to further protect your device. I bought a pretty thick one and it still fits perfectly.
The backpack has also accompanied me on many hikes. It holds up well when exposed to dirt and rocks, and even thought I do not recommend it for the rain, it dries pretty quickly if it is exposed to water. I have had it on my back during both rain and snow storms on my motorcycle and can vouch for it. It even keeps things pretty dry, but again, I do not recommend it for wet weather over other backpacks. Also, I only recommend it for longer hikes, since the backpack is pretty big and might be unnecessary for shorter ones.
In addition to the above, the backpack is ideal for travel. You can fit so much in it at once and it still feels comfortable and spacious. For 2-3 trips where you only need regular clothes, a book, and maybe your laptop, you can honestly get away with just taking this backpack. I take this to California whenever I visit my family for a few days and it is perfect.
I will definitely buy this backpack again. While I have other backpacks that are smaller that I use for different things, I always want to have this backpack for travel, school, and work - especially when I have to take a lot of things with me and only want to carry one bag.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
ekobrew Cup, Refillable Cup for Keurig K-Cup Brewers, Brown/Green, 3-Count
I was really looking forward to trying these - my wife brought me a 7 ounce bag of 100% Kona when she went to Hawaii last month, and I got the Amazon deal for two of these and a twelve-ounce bag of coffee. Since most of the Kona blends on the market are only 10% Kona, I figured a 7/12 ratio of Kona to regular would yield a pretty good tasting cup.
And it wasn't bad, but nowhere near as good as the Green Mountain Double Black Diamond cups that have been my absolute favorite so far. I'm going to try playing with both the amount of coffee I use (I only filled it about two-thirds full for my test cup) and the ratio of Kona to regular and see if I can get a better tasting cup, but so far I'm not seeing these as a viable alternative to buying the real thing.
I'm sold on the convenience of K-Cup coffee, so I don't mind paying a little extra to have a great tasting cup. If you're looking for cheap rather than convenient, K-Cups probably aren't for you anyway. You usually don't buy a Keurig machine to save money - you buy it because it's fast and convenient.
And it wasn't bad, but nowhere near as good as the Green Mountain Double Black Diamond cups that have been my absolute favorite so far. I'm going to try playing with both the amount of coffee I use (I only filled it about two-thirds full for my test cup) and the ratio of Kona to regular and see if I can get a better tasting cup, but so far I'm not seeing these as a viable alternative to buying the real thing.
I'm sold on the convenience of K-Cup coffee, so I don't mind paying a little extra to have a great tasting cup. If you're looking for cheap rather than convenient, K-Cups probably aren't for you anyway. You usually don't buy a Keurig machine to save money - you buy it because it's fast and convenient.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Wusthof Gourmet 7-Piece Knife Set with Block
If you have not taken culinary classes or at the very least watched some of the online videos on knife handling, do NOT buy these knives. They are one of the top professional brands in the world, and one slice through a vegetable will quickly show why.
My set arrived today, so I took out an onion and diced it in the manner in which I learned from a certified chef, and after I was amazed at how easily the task was completed, I noticed that my cuts were much more consistent and professional than they had been with what was a very good knife for a cheapie -- and consistent cuts are critical in being able to cook the lot evenly and consistently. It sliced rather than tore, and it will take a finger to the bone before one knows he or she has been cut. That's why it's best to learn the professional pinch grip rather than the common hammer grip before trying these out.
I managed to buy my set through Warehouse Deals, used like new, and they came with original packaging (knive blades in paper sleeves and knives in plastic sleeves, all in a separate box; block shrink-wrapped in plastic). I am very pleased and know these will probably be the last knives I ever have to buy. And if not, they have already raised my culinary skills by several degrees.
My set arrived today, so I took out an onion and diced it in the manner in which I learned from a certified chef, and after I was amazed at how easily the task was completed, I noticed that my cuts were much more consistent and professional than they had been with what was a very good knife for a cheapie -- and consistent cuts are critical in being able to cook the lot evenly and consistently. It sliced rather than tore, and it will take a finger to the bone before one knows he or she has been cut. That's why it's best to learn the professional pinch grip rather than the common hammer grip before trying these out.
I managed to buy my set through Warehouse Deals, used like new, and they came with original packaging (knive blades in paper sleeves and knives in plastic sleeves, all in a separate box; block shrink-wrapped in plastic). I am very pleased and know these will probably be the last knives I ever have to buy. And if not, they have already raised my culinary skills by several degrees.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
