Gear Bags

The Gear That Is Helping Us Survive CES 2020

We’re here at CES 2020 doing everything we can to bring Gear Diary readers updates on all the exciting new and improved products we’re seeing. But it takes more than just being armed with a phone and a computer to survive the week. Here’s how we’re staying awake, staying healthy, and staying connected!




Waterfield Travel Folio Is a Professional Way to Get Organized

I’ve reviewed numerous offerings from Waterfield. Their bags are always well-made, always look great, and are a pleasure to carry. The new Waterfield Travel Folio is one of the simpler Waterfield products I have used, but that’s not to say it isn’t impressive. Its clean design makes it look professional when you walk into a meeting. You’re going to love it.


My Initial Thoughts on the Tom Bihn Synik 30 Bag

Being someone who’s never truly found the perfect bag, I always find myself looking for a bag that doesn’t think too much of itself, one that will fit into every situation. I’ve had people throw out various names of overpriced backpacks that either have little to no storage, very little organization or put so much of an emphasis on being stylish that they end up being ugly.


A Review of Black Ember’s Citadel Minimal Backpack

It seems like my search for the perfect everyday bag is never-ending. I’m pretty particular on what I want from a bag, and over the past month I’ve been using Black Ember’s Citadel Minimal Backpack, and it’s checked quite a few boxes of things that I desire from my bag with a few extras that I was not expecting.


Black Ember’s FORGE Backpack Is the 3-in-1 Everyday-Carry That You Need

If your Instagram algorithm has been telling you about a cool backpack company by the name of Black Ember, or you’ve ever checked out backpack reviews, you know that Black Ember’s Citadel bag is one of Chase Reeves favorite bags. I’m currently reviewing that bag now, but Black Ember has an even newer backpack that’s 3-in-1 functionality sets a new bar for what to expect in your everyday carry.






AER’s Gym Duffle 2 Is My Go-To Workout Bag

Chances are if you’ve been looking for a suitable gym bag, you’ve scoured Amazon, reading multiple reviews attempting to decide what’s the best gym bag on the market today. And the answer is simple: AER’s Gym Duffle 2.




Solo NY Unbound Backpack Is the Perfect Travel Companion

A few weeks before we headed to CES, Solo NY reached out and asked if we were interested in reviewing their Unbound backpack. Since there’s no better torture test than a week lugging gear around Las Vegas, it came with me every step of my trip, and impressed me deeply with the amount of gear it held without being bulky.


Wellington & Cromwell Hatch Briefcase Will Raise Your Professional Profile

When I was a kid father had a large utilitarian leather briefcase that opened like a clamshell. It wasn’t much to look at but it certainly got the job done. The Wellington & Cromwell Hatch Briefcase takes that classic design to new heights. Made from beautiful leather, it has an elegant look that’s certain to add to your professional appearance.



Birksun Boost 2 Solar Backpack: Clean Power on the Go

I split my time between writing freelance, playing music, and helping my entrepreneur wife run her makerspace. So as you can imagine, I’m on the go a lot. I visit a steady rotation of local cafes, bookstores, and libraries — laptop and smartphone in hand so I can do my work, stay in contact with clients, and work on music.


The Waterfield Tech Folio Is Ready for All Your Cables and Gear

I love when Waterfield SF Bags brings a new product to market. They are always well made, beautifully designed and get the job they are intended to do done. When I saw the announcement of the new Waterfield Tech Folio, I knew I wanted to check it out. We have one on the way, but let’s take an early look!


The Rhake Backpack by Mission Workshop is a Great Way to Carry All of the Things

Mission Workshop is known for all of their great ages, from messengers to traditional backpacks, but if you’re into carrying a lot of things, or if you are heavy into photography but looking for a great bag, you should check out the Rhake Waterproof bag. Upon first look, you can tell it’s not your traditional camera bag. For one, it’s not super bulky like the competition which is something I truly enjoy the most about the bag. Instead of opting for an inch of zippers and hidden compartments, the Rhake bag looks more like a bike messenger bag than anything…


Douchebags Base 15L Daypack: Obnoxious Name but a Fab Bag

When you hear the phrase “douche bag”, your mind might automatically conjure up the slang definition of “an obnoxious, offensive, or disgusting person.” Set that aside for now, okay? For this review, Douchebags is a Norwegian brand of smarter travel gear, and the Douchebags Base 15L Daypack is one of the nicest and most stylish backpacks I’ve yet tried.