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.

Saddleback Leather Mountainback Front Pocket Gear Bag review

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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, […]

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TP-Link Deco M5 Whole Home Mesh WiFi System review

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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

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OtterBox introduces the Venture camping cooler. Of course it’s bear-proof.

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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. 

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WTFactory SlimClip VR Steady iPhone case review

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Most of us need to stay connected to their iPhones when we exercise. You shouldn’t take calls and texts on the gym floor (except in emergencies), but music and workout apps are essential to many of our fitness regimens. The Wonderful Things Factory (WTFactory for short) has designed an iPhone case that’s a unique alternative

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Add more luxury to your EDC with the Connoisseur collection from This Is Ground

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This Is Ground is known for leather carry accessories that are handmade in Los Angeles, California. The new Connoisseur collection introduces updated designs wrapped in a new series of luxurious Italian leathers. This Is Ground’s product line offers a unique take on refined small-carry items and modular folios that can be customized based on your

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Fellowes Powershred 12Cs Cross-Cut Shredder review

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Spring is here! The flowers are budding and the birds are singing. Unfortunately its also tax season, and time to clean out that mountain of forms, papers and receipts you have been hoarding all winter long! We like to have a paper shredder here in the House of Bob, but our last shredder met a horrible end due

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Penclic Mouse R2 Wireless pen-style mouse review

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Workplace ergonomics have become a significant problem in the U.S., with repetitive strain and related injuries costing over $20 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity. Swedish-based Penclic looks to combat this problem through design, producing ergonomic and comfortable computer accessories that emphasize comfort and productivity. For this review, I am testing the Penclic

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Cover-Up MacBook and iPhone stone cases review

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“That’s the coolest MacBook cover I have ever seen! Is that real stone?” This was the comment I received in my first meeting after setting up my new Cover-Up laptop Stone Skin. Yes, it is cool. And yes, it’s real stone. Cover-up sent me two covers for this evaluation, they are unlike anything I have

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Add new color choices to your NutSac with the Black Collection

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Yes, the name induces giggles. But behind their (intentionally) humorous brand name, NutSac produces a solid collection of well-designed, high-quality satchels to relieve your pockets of all of their assorted junk… that doesn’t look like a purse. This week, NutSac announced the addition of a black color scheme to their existing lineup. 

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Journey far and wide with the new Stack Pack from Topo Design’s Spring Collection

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“Classic Modern Mountain” is how Topo Designs describes their distinctive style. This Colorado-based maker of outdoor gear & apparel is known for products that feature simple functional design, exceptional craftsmanship, and distinctive color schemes. The new Stack Pack offers flexible organization for work, travel, and hiking expeditions. 

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Prepare yourself, Adventurer: The Bag of Holding from ThinkGeek has leveled up with a brand new design!

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You’ve got to love ThinkGeek. There’s no better place to find whimsical gadgets, gear, and collectibles related to all of your nerdy passions (gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, comics, etc.). They also design some pretty clever products. With the new iteration of The Bag of Holding, ThinkGeek seeks to improve on a messenger that has been very

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The new Canvas Collection from Brothers Leather Supply offers a modern take on a classic design

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Founded in 2014, Brothers Leather Supply has been steadily building a reputation around their affordable leather products and distinctive urban/rugged style. The latest offering from the Grand Rapids, Michigan studio serves up a whole new look (and materials) with the Canvas Collection. 

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Sort out your grinds for the perfect cup of coffee with the Kruve Sifter

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The coffee enthusiast will tell you that a good, consistent grind is essential to the perfect cup of coffee. That’s hard to achieve at home without a high-end coffee grinder. The Kruve Sifter is an ingenious solution that enables you to consistently get the most out of your beans with the grinding gear you already

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