Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Power Pack Backpack by Outdoor Products

Wayne and I do quite a bit of traveling, and every where we go (for better or worse), our computers go. We carry all kinds of stuff, so backpacks with lots pockets help us stay organized. When we were in Eugene, we walked to REI. While browsing the aisles, I found the world's best backpack! It's the Power Pack by Outdoor Products.

What first caught my eye was the pockets. Next came the quality construction, and the added bonus was the laptop compartment. The Power Pack comes in two colours. I chose the black, and Wayne took the brick and black combo. There's a small zipper pouch on the lower front, a padded zipper pouch for glasses near the top, two side zipper pockets covered with mesh pouches and a large "quick stash" pouch with clips and a velcro closure.

Unzip the first compartment and there are numerous slots and zipper pouches to stow your digital gear and other small items. Right now a lot of my things are in ziploc baggies hiding in the bottom of my current pack's main pouch. Trying to find them is a challenge. I'm really looking forward to having all of these organizational tools.

Unzip the next compartment and there's a section they call the media organizer. The media folders at the bottom keep books, papers and magazine in order. The folders can be compressed to make this center section into a main compartment to carry things like a change of clothes for overnight trips. Often, Wayne and I will only take a backpack so that we can easily walk to our destination.

Unzip the last compartment and there's a padded section for a laptop computer. It can handle both large and small laptops because of a removable padded cradle. Because of the placement at the back of the pack, the computer is easy to remove for those trips through airport security.

But that's not all. Tucked up against your back are two security pockets. The top one includes a retractable identification holder for tickets, passports, etc. The bottom one is a zippered storage pocket for other valuables. The comfortable padded straps include a mesh cell phone pouch (actually too small for my old style phone) and several accessory loops.

Next week I'll get to give my new backpack a full test when I use the Quick Shuttle and Pacific Coastal Airlines to head back to Powell River. It probably won't be any lighter, but at least I'll be able to find my things a whole lot easier. - Margy

4 comments:

  1. I love it I love it I love it.
    Pockets and places to hook hangie things are my favorite.REI here I come(LOL)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Backpack update. Wayne and I are still using our Power Pack backpacks six months later and love them. Wayne did have a problem with his. We probably could have taken it back or to a shoe repair shop, but didn't. He carries lots more in his pack than I do and it is VERY heavy. His carry handle on top pulled out on one side. I used some heavy thread doubled and sewed it back in place with lots of stitches. It has held fine ever since, but I think he has lightened his load a bit just to make sure. - Margy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous5:30 PM

    I like the design and layout a lot. However, it doesn't have a waist belt. How do you find carrying a heavy load without a waistbelt?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Actually, Anonymous, it has a small waist strap with a snap closure, but I've never used it. The wide padded shoulder straps keeps it snugly on my back in a comfortable position. It gets very heavy with all the stuff I can put in it, but once on my back is easy to carry. - Margy

    ReplyDelete

We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy