Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Quick Update on the bags...

Well I tried the 3 bags that came in (5.11 All Hazards Nitro, 5.11 Rush 24, Camelbak HAWG mil spec). Unfortunately 2 of the 3 didn't work me.

I really, really, really was hoping the 5.11 bags would cut it but they didn't. They have some of the best organization I've seen in a bag. And I really liked the concept of the Nitro especially. But both bags were really tight on my shoulders, they rubbed uncomfortably and the adjustment straps didn't move well. It's possible they needed a break-in period. But I doubt that would have solved the discomfort in my shoulders.

The Camelbak however... that fit very well and was comfortable from the get go. I used it on a light hike with the kids and I've been carrying it to work. I love it. It has some extra room, not as much as my everki, but enough to be comfortable. It is on the small side, which I wanted, so it will take some getting used to with my loadout. As it stands now I have it pretty full with edc modular bags, my surface 3 w/ UAG armor case, my ipad, and some paperwork. I can get more in it but it's getting close to the limit.

Result - It's still comfortable. I can use it as an edc bag for work and activities. I'm still going to look at some work-specific bags though. I'd prefer a different way of carrying my devices and having quick access to them. But I can take some time for that. I do have a couple of Osprey bags coming in to try out. I've heard good things about them with regards to clydeosaur compatibility.

So very happy with the Camelbak. It's definitely my go to bag for general use, hiking, theme parks, cub scouts, and such. I'll also use it for my work edc which will add in my electronic modular bag, my surface modular bag, and my tablets.

I'll be updating soon with a more detailed post going over the stuff I'm carrying. Also I'll post some reviews on the bags (received as well as incoming).

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

And so it begins...

Well I'm getting back into the swing of things. By that I mean more gear is coming in today.

I need to revitalize myself and get outside more. Three kids, lots of travel, and some physical issues have led to me being to sedentary. My number of X's in clothing size have increased by one. Time to get active and lose some X's.

So I'm buying stuff to play with. Hey, it works.

As mentioned previously I've always been a bag junkie. And I love gear & gadgets. In the past few years some of my bags have worn out. I've been using free bags from various conferences I attend (and I attend a fair amount of them). Some of them are surprisingly clydeosaur friendly. Others... not so much. I need better organization and long term quality bags. So I ordered some from Amazon.

Amazon you say? What about supporting the local stores? Well I still like to do that. But the reality is that most brick & mortar shops don't carry clydeosaur-friendly stuff. It's tough being a big guy in a small word. Amazon helps bridge that gap. Plus we love Prime and I don't have to deal with crowds. So bonus.

Incoming this week:

Camelbak HAWG Military Spec (2013 version) - yes, another Camelbak! I still have my bike version. This version is bigger and more of a daypack.

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 - Yup, I've gone for "tacticool" for my EDC (everyday carry). I have no illusions about being an "operator". I just like quality gear with good organization. And the tactical bags have that.

5.11 Tactical All Hazards Nitro - This could be my new laptop bag. I currently have an Everki Titan, which is great, but it's big, I'd like different organization, and I've never been happy with how it handles water bottles. So I'm trying this one out.

A bunch of other small bags, organizers, and gadgets.

As these come in I'll try them out and post some reviews. I'll even take pics! The reviews will be from my perspective as a big guy who carries a bunch of stuff. Initial reviews will be just that - initial. The stuff I keep I'll post follow ups and updates on how it's performing.

So stay tuned! Stuff will be here soon!


Saturday, October 17, 2015

Tap Tap Tap... Is this thing on?

Wow, it's been awhile. Fell out of biking, life got in the way. Some good. Some bad. I think it's time to get back to it.

Still going to focus on getting on my bike (have an update there). Also general organization and life on the bigger side of the human spectrum. I'm a bag & gear junkie and that poses challenges when trying to find new toys to play with at my size.

There are parts of my size I can work on controlling (stomach, I'm looking at you). There are parts of my size that are out of my control (hello shoulders). Regardless, being a big guy in a world made for smaller people is interesting.

More updates coming soon.

Clydeosaur