Bob Patterson

Ethnotek partners with artisan villages in Indonesia, Ghana, Guatemala, Vietnam, and India to produce hand-made textiles that they incorporate into their backpacks, bags, and accessories. Not only do these partnerships result in gorgeous products, but they help to keep these traditional textile making techniques alive by employing the local artisans.  The new Akan collection features… Read More

Since 1989 Timbuk2 has been producing top-quality messengers and backpacks, and they always have an eye towards new designs and new styles. They also have a reputation for diving into new and interesting collaborations, and this might be one of their most fun products yet: the Froot Loops Limited Edition Tuck Pack. As in the… Read More

Are you in the market for a wallet? I’ve got something new to tell you about. Flowfold is a cool little company out of Maine that sent me a trio of their wallets for evaluation. They’re thin, lightweight, and made from high-tech, super-durable materials. They also rock a modern, distinctive look that stands out from… Read More

I am writing this review on a train while heading into the City of Philadelphia for a business meeting. I also happen to be listening to one of my favorite podcasts on my new favorite headphones: the Syllable D300L Wireless Bluetooth Earphones. I’ve been using these for a month, and I am a big fan… Read More

            Topo Designs, makers of unique outdoor gear and apparel, has collaborated with Opinel, the venerable French knife makers, to bring us a new collaborative project. It’s a limited-edition version of the classic Opinel knife, combined with a sheath custom-made by Topo Designs for the collaboration. How cool is that? Let me tell you about… Read More

An electric kettle is a really useful appliance to have around the kitchen. The AICOK Electric Kettle not only promises some new design & safety features but gives you a set of 6 preset temperatures for more refined control of your hot water for teas and coffees (in addition to a boil). How does it… Read More

The company name does induce (intentional) giggles, but NutSac Bags has been designing some pretty solid man bags & satchels for a while now. While previous designs emphasized minimalist carry (up to an iPad Pro), the latest design is designed for daily business carry with more room and more features for hauling your office on… Read More

Among travel & carry enthusiasts Tom Bihn is a legend, producing some of the best bags & accessories in the business from their shop located in Seattle, WA. But one thing that Tom Bihn is not known for is rushing things to market. He takes his time, only releasing new products and material choices when… Read More

There’s something magical about charcoal grilling, especially during the long days of summer. You just can’t replicate that taste on a gas grill. Since 2013 BBQ Dragon has been bringing new innovations to the charcoal grilling market, and I have one of their latest gadgets on the back patio for testing. It’s the Chimney of… Read More

Saddleback Leather has built a reputation based on distinctive, durable leather bags and accessories that invoke the spirit of adventure. Saddleback has steadily introduced new styles and designs since their inception, but 2016 brought us a new material choice in the Mountainback product line: waxed canvas. I’ve spent a month testing the Mountainback Front Pocket Gear Bag… Read More

Whipping Post creates leather bags and accessories that focus on classic, rugged designs and quality craftsmanship. Arriving just in time for summer, the Scout backpack looks like a perfect solution for road trips, plane rides, and long hikes. At 15″ by 15.5″ by 4.5″, it just the right size for day trips or stowing under your airline… Read More

Let’s talk about hybrid/convertible work bags for a minute. Are you a briefcase, messenger, or backpack person? What if you didn’t have to choose? I like the flexibility of convertible bags, but finding one that is both functional and business appropriate has been a challenge. After two months of testing, I think I’ve found it… Read More

Here at Bob’s house, we’re awash in technology. Between computers and gadgets, we probably have 15-20 different Wi-Fi enabled devices. But I’m not a gearhead. I don’t like spending hours tinkering with network settings to keep everything up and running. When our current Wi-Fi router started to drag, I was offered an opportunity to test… Read More

OtterBox, makers of super-durable phone and tablet cases, is entering a new product category with the Venture camping cooler and Elevation drink tumblers. It looks like they’re bringing some next-level design thinking to the game in addition to the rugged durability OtterBox is known for.  The standard features on the Venture cooler series look pretty solid. Three… Read More