Bob Patterson

I'm a digital marketer and an illustrator with a passion for user experience. I constantly dabble in gadgets and technology, with a particular interest in bags & EDC products, cooking, and creative tools. I'm also an old school punk rock guy and a rabid fan of sci-fi and fantasy genres... I have the Yoda tattoo to prove it.

Ekster Parliament + Tracker Wallet review

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What makes a wallet a “smart wallet?” How about an RFID-protected card-slider mechanism for storing your credit cards? Perhaps a solar-powered tracking system so that you can find your wallet when it goes missing? These are some of the features you’ll find in the Ekster wallets, all wrapped in luxurious leather. I’ve got the Ekster […]

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Nutsac Bags introduces their first wallet design!

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Yeah, the name is (intentionally) giggle-inducing, but the folks at NutSac Bags produce some quality carry products that feature locally sourced materials, high-quality US-based craftsmanship, and a customer-focused approach to doing business. Following up on their line of satchels and “man bags,” the money clip wallet is a full-grain leather beauty with three card slots

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Wait, what? Tom Bihn has new bags for the holidays?  Hold my turkey leg!

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Just when you thought your shopping list was complete… Tom Bihn serves up some new holiday treats! The Pop Tote is a completely new design. This 19.5 liter multipurpose carryall features snap- or zip-closures, multiple internal and external stash pockets, and Tom’s o-rings for hanging additional organizational options. Retail price is $95.

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Stand Corrected perfect posture stretching device review

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Do you have soreness and discomfort from being hunched over your electronic devices all day? The Stand Corrected is a stretching tool designed specifically to relieve that tension in your upper body, neck and shoulders. The designers also claim that it can help to straighten your spine and undo years of bad posture problems with

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Action Method Notebooks review

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Originally designed for creative professionals, the Action Method is a note-taking system that focuses on identifying the action steps you need to keep your projects moving forward. Behance, the creators of the Action Method, have also developed a full line of beautiful notebook products designed specifically to work with their system. For this review, we’re

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TRNDlabs NOVA True Wireless Earbuds review

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While “wireless headphones” have been around for a while, “true wireless headphones” are a relatively new concept in headphone technology. The ear pods sit independently in each ear. No wires. No nothin’! I’ve reviewed wireless headphones before, but the TRNDlabs NOVA True Wireless Earbuds are the first I have tried in the category. Let’s go

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A new tech-oriented backpack from Mission Workshop

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With innovative, modern designs and bomb-proof construction, Mission workshop gets a lot of well-deserved love from cyclists and bag enthusiasts around the world. While most of their designs are geared (pardon the pun) towards multi-purpose use, I’m particularly excited about their newest release because it’s designed specifically for the tech-heavy user. 

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The VW Microbus is (officially) coming back!

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After years of rumors and speculation, it’s now official: Volkswagen has announced that the Microbus is coming back! While the new edition clearly pays homage to the funky style of the original icon, it’s a completely new and award-winning design that emphasizes versatility and the latest in integrated technologies. It will also be an all-electric

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Harness the power of the Dark Side to vacuum your living room!

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I felt a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of dust bunnies under my couch cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced…  Just in time for holiday shopping, Samsung brings us their POWERbot robot vacuum in a limited edition Star Wars theme! Available in either a Darth Vader or Stormtrooper design, the

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Bellroy introduces a sharp looking set of cases for Google Pixel products

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I’m a big fan of the refined & sophisticated style that Bellroy brings to their carry designs. I’m currently testing one of their new bag designs for an upcoming review, and it’s fantastic. If you’re a user of Pixel products, their new collaboration with Google is well worth a look. The Pixel 2 case is

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Alpine Division 2017 McKenzie Backpack review: Quality on a budget

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A simple, well-designed backpack can be a thing of beauty. When we reviewed the Alpine Division McKenzie backpack in 2016, we liked it quite a bit. The new 2017 edition is even better, with improvements to the design and materials that enhance the usability and durability of this simple, functional backpack. There are also ducks.

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The Pocket Shot Jr. Slingshot review

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You’re familiar with the classic slingshot design, right? Well, the gang at Pocket Shot has tossed that out the window, reimagining the slingshot concept with a completely new form factor. We’ve got the mini-sized version of their product, the Pocket Shot Jr., for testing. I also recruited a pair of teenagers to help with testing.

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SOLO New York Crosby Backpack review

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You’re probably familiar with SOLO New York bags, manufacturers of wallet-friendly carry gear typically found in the “bags ‘n accessories”  section of your local big-box electronics or office supply retailer. For this review, I’m testing the Crosby Backpack, targeted at the professional business user.  Yes, the Crosby is a budget bag. But you know what?

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Tom Bihn Stowaway and accessories review

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Tom Bihn is a legend in the carry community with a reputation for creating well-designed, impeccably constructed bags and accessories. The Stowaway is the latest creation in the Tom Bihn lineup. It’s designed as a feature-rich, compact personal carry-on that will fit under an airline seat while giving you plenty of room for your stuff.

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Archeer Portable Bluetooth Speaker review

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There are lots of cheap Bluetooth speakers out there that get the job done. Style does matter, however, and there are times when you also want something that also looks good. If that’s your thing, the Archeer Portable Bluetooth Speaker is worth your consideration. Not only does it look good, but it performs really well

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