Gadling Gear Review: ECBC Javelin Daypack

It is amazing how much stuff we carry with us when we hit the road these days. Between laptops, tablets, smartphones, books, work files and various other items, our carry-on bags are often close to bursting. Lugging all of that gear around can be a real challenge unless you have a good daypack to help lighten the load and keep everything organized. The Javelin pack from ECBC is just such a bag, delivering everything a road warrior needs in one very high-quality and attractive package.

Built from lightweight and water resistant nylon, the Javelin has been designed to be slim and comfortable to wear while still protecting its contents to the fullest. Its shoulder straps and back panel are thickly padded, making it equally easy to carry a full load on a daily commute to the office or a business trip to the far side of the globe. Its classic good looks are simple and attractive, with a styling that is both understated and refined.

As good looking as the Javelin is on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that really impresses. The interior of the pack is filled with so many pockets, storage compartments and organizational slots, you’re likely to forget where each of them is located. There are multiple zippered mesh pockets and Velcro sealed sleeves, which helps to keep everything in its proper place, yet close at hand when needed.The center point for any pack like this one is clearly the laptop pocket and the Javelin doesn’t disappoint in this area either. Large enough to accommodate a computer that is up to 17 inches in size, the pocket is extremely well padded to ensure that its fragile cargo stays completely protected. A removable insert brings a level of versatility to the pocket, making it easy to adjust its size for smaller laptops as well. This handy feature means the pack will remain useful even as you upgrade your computer in the years to come. Best of all, the pocket is fully TSA Fastpass compliant, which makes it a breeze to zip through security, something frequent fliers will really appreciate.

Other nice touches include a quick access pocket on the front that is specifically designed for keeping a passport or other important documents close at hand, while a fleece lined pocket along the top is perfect for carrying sunglasses, an mp3 player or other fragile items. The soft interior material helps to protect glass from unexpected scratches and other abrasions that can commonly occur while traveling. Two additional pockets on either side of the pack zipper open to accommodate water bottles, while an integrated clip comes in very handy for those of us who are always scrambling to locate our keys after a long flight.

Simply put, this combination of features adds up to one of the best commuter packs I’ve ever used. It is comfortable to wear, even over extended periods of time, offers plenty of storage and has more organizational pockets than anyone could ever hope to fill. On top of that, ECBC took great care in construction and design, incorporating only high-quality fabrics and zippers throughout the entire pack. The result is a bag that is incredibly durable and well built for the road, providing everything travelers could hope for in a compact and rugged carryon.

If you’re in the market for a new laptop bag, or someone on your holiday shopping list could use such a pack, then the Javelin from ECBC may be exactly what you’re looking for. Its versatility and durability ensure that this is a daypack that you’ll be using for years to come, while its classic design means that it won’t go out of style any time soon either. At $130, it isn’t the least expensive laptop bag on the market, but I think you’ll find its quality and convenience is well worth the price.

[Photo Credit: ECBC]

Gadling Gear Review: Looptworks Laptop Sleeves

I slide my laptop into the outside pocket of my roll-aboard bag. I can never decide if this is ideal. I want there to be a bit more padding to absorb the crush of knocking up against seats in the aisle – or to protect it from the massive game of overhead bin Tetris. So far, so good, and the laptop seems to be doing okay.

I also want to throw it in my day pack sometimes. I have two day packs that have a sleeve especially for my laptop, but sometimes I want a different bag. This is where a protective sleeve really comes in handy – for in my bike bags or an overnight duffel.

Looptworks makes laptop sleeves (and some other accessories) from neoprene scrap – that stuff that wet suits are made of. They’re spongy and cute and add a little extra padding to keep your electronics contained and safe. I like the bright colors and the surface stitching as well as the contrasting details. Also, they’re cute. The Shan Envelope comes in either 10- or 13-inch sizes and has a magnetic closure on the flap. It holds your laptop and while your mileage may vary, I was able to get my power supply in there too. It’s nice to have that stuff contained.

Looptworks has a recycled materials message underlying their products and they market themselves – it’s on the product tag – as a Portland, Oregon, company. But my laptop sleeve says on it, very clearly “Made in China.” I went looking to see if they address this on their website and they do:

Where Do You Make Your Products? Do You Use Local Factories?

Our products are made in Indonesia, Malaysia, India and soon to be China and Peru.

WHY?

That’s where all the excess is. American and European producers have been going to Asia for a long time to make stuff as cheaply as possible without regard to environmental impact. LooptWorks is stepping in for cleanup. We feel that it’s our responsibility to follow the waste stream and clean up wherever we can.

That’s not to say that we don’t believe in lowering a carbon footprint by buying things made locally. We do. We are actively exploring ways to shift our activities toward regional production. Locally made products should be available in all parts of the world. It’s the next step for LooptWorks.

I’m not totally sold, but at least they answered the question.

The Looptworks Shan Laptop sleeve sells for $30.

Daily deal – Swiss Gear computer backpack for $30

Today’s deal of the day is for the highly rated Swiss Gear computer backpack. This stylish travel rated backpack features padded shoulder straps, an MP3 player pocket, a laptop pocket and even special opening in the top to route your headphones inside the bag to your iPod or other player.

You’ll find the deal at Amazon.com for just $29.99, and since it is over $25, you even get free (saver) shipping. The bag has a retail price of just over $100, so the deal really is quite “hot”.

Sadly, the deal is only available on the red version of the bag, so if you don’t like standing out like a Swiss Army Knife on your next trip, you may want to look for a less visible bag.