Categories
Personal Transportation

Movpak goes from backpack to powered skateboard to conquer your commute

The Premise. Commuting to and from work in a car is bad for the environment. Those who can opt to use public transportation. However, this isn’t always the most convenient way, and some are stuck walking quite a bit to get to where they need to go. For those who are a bit lazier, driving becomes the more attractive option even if public transportation is available.

The Product. Movpak is a combination backpack and electric skateboard. What? Yes. It functions as a normal backpack, but when some help is needed to get somewhere, a foldable skateboard is released. Running on a battery, the skateboard goes up to 15mph with a range of about 9 miles. It’s rechargeable and takes two hours to juice up. With its battery, the backpack can also charge your devices on the go. The power for the board is controlled through a wireless remote. In terms of appearance, the backpack looks like any normal backpack, as does the skateboard.

The Pitch. Movpak’s campaign video shows commuters using the product in different settings. Some hop on after getting off the subway, while others putter around campus. Different riders in the video show how easily the skateboard attachment pops in and out of the backpack. This Kickstarter Staff Pick hopes to raise $100,000 in a 38-day campaign.

The Perks. Early birdies can get the Movpak for either $999 or $1,190. At a regular price of, $1,340 backers get the Movpak along with an extra backpack with choice of color. Movpak’s are expected to be delivered by May 2015.

The Potential. Personal transportation devices have become all the rage, especially electric ones. Many are rethinking the bicycle model for something a bit smaller and more portable. Scooters like the Halfbike and Me-Mover think that stand-up trikes are the solution, while others like Marbel prefer the electric skateboard model. Other products, like the Commute-Case combination scooter and briefcase, have kept the commuter in mind and combined cargo with transportation as the Movpak has done. One of the great things about Movpak is its sleek look and portability. The campaign fails to mention how heavy the Movpak is exactly, but carrying it on one’s back makes a heavier weight easier to tote around. Some may feel unsteady on a skateboard with no handle for balance, however, for college students and young professionals, Movpak is a great way to get around with lots of stuff.

Categories
Organization Tablet Accessories

Padroo backpack lets you use your iPad on the go

PadrooSometimes those text messages and other electronic errands just can’t wait! So Padroo lets iPad users safely get things done while walking, riding the subway, waiting in line, or wherever busy iPad users happen to be. The instant and portable surface system and multi-functional case can be used in five different modes, which are effective in many on-the-go situations. One big plus here is that the system minimizes the risk of users dropping their iPad and cracking the screen, or worse, rendering their mobile device useless. For $79, backers get a basic product. Larger donations mean more product benefits. Anticipated delivery is October 2014.

Categories
Camping Relaxation Sleep

Adventurers Hammock keeps bugs and elements at bay

Adventurers HammockWith a goal of perfecting the ultimate backpack, Adventurers Hammock blends sleeping bag, hammock and tent into one piece that is easily strung between a couple of trees using standard hiking gear. The inventors have piled on a lot of really neat features with this one, including the option to use a variety of sleeping pads, an ability to block chilly breezes for camping during cooler months, a zip up cocoon effect for blocking bugs, morning dew, wind and the sun to name just a few items. A couple of similar camping hammocks worth checking out include the Air Hammock and Bison Bag. For $80, backers get one Adventurers Hammock with an expected delivery of October 2015

Categories
Luggage and Bags Organization

SpekPack is a one-bag solution for outdoor events

SpekPackWhen going to a fun event outside, it’s always necessary to bring along extra equipment to make yourself more comfortable. Hauling all of this stuff can be a huge pain, though. SpekPack has room for pretty much anything. This giant pack features a cooler, wheels, tripod legs, and a compartment for chairs, golf clubs and umbrellas. The fully loaded version comes with two chairs and an umbrella for shading the sun. While this bag seems quite versatile, it seems like it’d be quite heavy to carry when fully packed. One SpekPack costs backers $199 for delivery in February 2015. SpekPack is look to raise $12,000 in 45 days on Kickstarter.

Categories
Luggage and Bags

Duffel-pack hybrid claims to be light as Aer

AerFor anyone with a busy lifestyle, multipurpose items are the way to go. However, most office workers carry two bags to work, one for laptops and files and the other for gym accessories for an after work gym visit. The Aer duffel bag makes it possible to carry everything in one neat package. This bag features a ventilated shoe pocket for sneakers, a secure case for carry around a laptop and a quick-access section for pens, phones, and other smaller items. While the creators have done a nice job of combining a backpack and duffel bag, the Aer still seems a little bulky to carry around. One Aer will cost backers $129 on Kickstarter. Aer has a campaign goal of $45,000.

Categories
Luggage and Bags Organization

TIOLIpack lets you double up when your daily carry gets carried away

TIOLIpacksBackpacks that are too big or too small can be a nuisance. To achieve the greatest convenience, most people own more than one backpack so that they always have the right size at hand. The TIOLIpacks battle this problem with detachable compartments. The wearer can add or subtract these compartments based on how much room they need. While a little bulky when full, the TIOLIpack provides an alternative to backpacks with detachable daypacks. One of these packs costs backers $90 for a two-compartment backpack with an August 2014 delivery date. TIOLI hopes to raise $4,400 in its 31-day Kickstarter campaign.

Categories
Luggage and Bags

Zondo Firefly Backpack lights up sports enthusiasts’ night

Zondo  12ba9b37cdfbbe6a031334318b339866_large[1]What person who loves the outdoors doesn’t need a good backpack? Zondo Firefly Backpack is ideal for hiking, cycling, running or just about any sport you can think of. A few things that set it apart from your standard backpack include the fact that it is waterproof, includes a removable triathlon belt (something like a fanny pack), and lights up at night. It’s also very in line with its price for a sports back pack. Not only was Zondo designed by an athlete, but it has also been tested by them. For £30 backers get one backpack with an expected delivery of September 2014.

Categories
Cycling

Commuter Rack bike add-on lets your backpack ride sidesaddle

The Premise. Commuters who ride their bikes to work usually opt to wear backpacks, the perfect bag for laptops and files. Unfortunately, exercising and back-wear hardly mix, which can result in the embarrassment of back sweat soaking through one’s apparel.

The Product. The Commuter Rack is a bicycle accessory that allows riders to hang their backpacks from their bikes instead of wearing them. This metal fixture attaches to the front of a bike with one bolt. The backpack hangs from one side and the product’s low center makes up for funky weight distribution, resulting in a stable ride.

The Pitch. While the Commuter Rack video is straightforward to explain, the campaign video is over seven minutes long. It also appears as if there was an editing goof since the last two minutes are just a blank screen. The very, very slow-speaking narrator’s monotone voice is almost impossible to listen to and the dramatization of a sweaty executive arriving at work is bizarrely funny and gross at the same time. Commuter Rack hopes to make $60,000 in its 30-day run on Kickstarter.

The Perks. Backpacking backers who hope to use the Commuter Rack must shell out a whopping $500 for one of these bike accessories. At that price, you could buy your backpack its own bike. But wait, for only $75, backers can receive an *autographed* copy of the creator’s bike journal instead. What the Freight? Estimated delivery is set for July 2014.

The Potential. Bike accessories are all the rage nowadays. This product, however, probably won’t be. While the use of a rack specifically designed for a backpack — popular among cyclists — is certainly unique, most riders will probably either opt to just carry the bag on their backs as it’s intended or to stick it in a front or rear basket. After all, a vigorous ride is going to result in a fair amount of perspiration regardless of backpack placement. Bicycle enthusiasts who travel far with tons of cargo may be interested, but again the huge price tag is utterly ridiculous for all. Perhaps, at a tenth of the price, there’d be more of a market for the Commuter Rack.

Categories
Cycling

The A.B. Pack wedges into shared city bike bag clamps

TheabPackThough Bike Share programs are fairly new in the U.S., they are growing quickly. Riding a bike when you have stuff to tote to work or school can be cumbersome. The A.B. Pack is a canvas sack that holds your stuff securely, minimizing potential damage especially if you’re scooting long with a ShareRoller. It also literally takes a load off of your back — just secure A.B. Pack in the bike basket. It’s not quite clear why this particular item is any better than other totes that fit in the basket. For $39, though,  backers can bag their own pack.

Categories
Camping Travel

Cover-U backpack provides a giant visor for sun protection

Cover-UBackpackers who survive, well, out of their backpacks live their lives portably, so any convenience offered to them is quite welcome. Cover-U offers one such convenience as a backpack with sun protection. A large, adjustable canopy hangs over the heads of these dual-pack wearers, cutting out the need for hats or umbrellas. This high-quality bag features many pockets, back support, and different designs for kids and adults. While slightly funny looking, this pack is perfect for young students or backpackers who roam the countryside of cute European towns. For $250, backers and backpackers can be covered by May 2015. Cover-U needs to raise $85,000 on Kickstarter in a 31-day campaign in order to cover you.