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.

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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Tsumbay Car Mount, HUD Simulating Design Car Phone Holder review

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Sometimes you find a product that fulfills a simple need and does so very well. The Tsumbay Car Mount is one of those products. It has one mission: to mount your smartphone as a heads-up display, so that use your favorite navigation app in a way that promotes safer driving. It’s a simple gadget, but

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This is the Bob Ross desk ornament that has been missing from your life.

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Yeah, I know… we’re a gadget site. But this is just too good not to share. And you need a new decoration for your office, right? A lot of us grew up watching the soft-spoken Bob Ross on “The Joy of Painting,” where he taught us how to achieve happiness and inner peace by painting

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Check out some stunning new textile designs from Ethonotek!

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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. 

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Here’s a sweet thing: the new Timbuk2/Froot Loops Tuck Pack collaboration!

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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

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No 8 Opinel X Topo Designs limited edition folding knife review

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            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

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The Sac Daddy: A new, larger Nutsac for your laptop

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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

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