RoadWired Cable Stable Review

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I regularly commute to work with my laptop in tow, so I am always on the lookout for new solutions to carry my gadgets, accessories, trinkets and gizmos. My latest stop found me at the RoadWired Deluxe Cable Stable, an impressive looking gear bag, which features an assortment of pockets, cords, loops and cubbies to tie down and secure everything you need to support your mobile habits.

For ease of access, the Cable Stable unzips on three sides, to lie flat when open, revealing a plethora of flexible spaces in which to store your gear. Although it is called the Cable Stable, as you will see, all of your mobile gear is welcome here. Let’s take a closer look.

The left hand side of the bag features two mesh pockets. These pockets are ideally suited for carrying all of your USB adaptors, thumb drives, memory cards, and other gear which has long since been lost at the bottom of your laptop bag, briefcase, or that center drawer in your desk that no one really uses. One of the problems I have had with gadget bags using these kind of pockets in the past is that the pockets tend to allow too much bulk to accumulate in them, causing the bag to expand significantly. RoadWired has solved this problem by keeping the mesh pockets extremely tight, thereby ensuring that any bulk is evenly spaced throughout the pocket.

Between the two zippered mesh pockets, and again along the spine of the bag are a variety of elastic loops. These are ideal for carrying pens, styli, or even batteries (who couldn’t use a few spare AA batteries with them?)

The right hand side consists of the unique “shock cord” hold down grid. This consists of six elastic cords (like bungee cords) which can be used to carry almost anything. As an example, I use these cords to hold my wireless broadband card, portable charging cables, portable USB hard drive, GPS unit and a mini USB cable. The possibilities and combinations to be found with this section are limited only by your needs and imagination.

Heading back to the outside of the bag, your gear will all be protected by the amazingly durable 1050 durable ballistic nylon (think ballistic resistant vests.) If that is not enough protection for you, the front and back panels also contain a thin PVC sheet sewn inside. The combination of materials that compose this bag ensures that all of your gear will have no trouble surviving the daily rigors of your commute or travels.

Despite the vast storage options contained in the Cable Stable, I was disappointed that there was no outer pocket. A small pocket on the outside of the case would have significantly improved access to my headphones, Bluetooth adaptor, and other miscellaneous items that I use on a regular basis. In fact, this could be easily accomplished by simply adding a zippered compartment under the logo on the front of the case.

I packed the Cable Stable almost completely full with USB adaptors, card readers, cables, PCMCIA cards and more. When I finished, every pocket was filled, and every strap was securing some gadget or accessory. I zippered the bag and was amazed to find that it was almost as flat as when it was completely empty. Although the soft spine and gusset panels allow the bag to expand to hold everything you need, I frankly cannot imagine how much you would have to cram into this bag in order to fully expand these panels. Packed full of gear, I slipped the Cable Stable into my laptop bag, and it promptly disappeared. I almost felt like taunting my gear, “Your gear bag is so skinny, when it turns sideways…” well, you get the idea. Simply put, it slid right into its assigned space in my bag, taking up almost no room. Other gear bags I have used expanded to the point that they wasted more space than they saved.

If you are like me and travel regularly with your laptop or other mobile devices, then you know the importance of having a durable and organized gadget bag. The Cable Stable keeps all of your cables, accessories, gizmos and gear neatly organized and protected so everything is always right where you need it most…at your fingertips.

Where to Get it: RoadWired
MSRP: $39.95
What I like: mesh pockets easily secure smaller items; lots of storage options for larger and smaller items; shock cord grid is ideal for items which require flexibility; everything I needed fit easily; slim profile even when filled.
What Needs Improvement: this bag would be perfect if it had an outer pocket for easy access to regularly used gear

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3 Comments on "RoadWired Cable Stable Review"

  1. TrvlngDrew | May 29, 2007 at 2:08 am |

    Hi Doug, I’m curious to know after you’ve used it for awhile whether its really worth the ‘hassle’ of putting everything in its place or whether you return to just an open bag approach and everything floating around. I’m just not sure whether its worth setting it up each time you use something out of it. I use an old Tumi mini-case that is just wide open and throw stuff in it and then fish around till I find what I want.

  2. Doug Goldring | May 29, 2007 at 4:24 am |

    To be honest, I have always had some kind of an organized case. I never liked having a wide open space with no pockets or anything to store my smaller items. It makes them to hard to find, and with everything floatin around, I am always afraid something will get broken. So, this is really a great bag for me. Everything is always where I leftit so it is protected and easy to find.

    Doug

  3. midautumn815 | December 15, 2009 at 3:36 am |

    well, i have no idea how to say it cause i didn't meet it before.

Comments are closed.