Archive for the ‘Product Reviews’ Category

Still Happy, Three Years On!

February 13th, 2012 in Feedback, Product Reviews — No Comments

Gravis, a leading alternative skate and running shoe brand.

You shop online because want a fast, easy shopping experience, thats a given. But more importantly, you shop online because you want as much information about the product you are about to buy as possible, ensuring that you make an informed decision.

While good online stores represent their products in a clear, informative manner, nothing is more valuable than hearing the unbiased opinion of a fellow customer who has made the decision before you.

Last week we received an email from a customer that bought some Gravis luggage over three years ago. Not only are they as happy today as they were when the luggage was originally purchased in 2008, they felt compelled to write and let us know.

“We are packing our Gravis bags for yet another trip and decided it was high time we let you know just how brilliant they are. We bought the large and cabin size bag In October 2008. Since then they have been to Europe twice and on dozens of domestic trips across Australa and they are still as good as new! We have owned many pieces of luggage over the years but non that has stood up to the rigors of air travel as classily as our Gravis bags. Feel free to use this message, or part of it , for a review.”

Thanks, we did!

The two bags mentioned in the review are the rolling carry-on sized Gravis Jetway, and the matching larger check-in bag, the Gravis Trekker.

Shop the entire Gravis range

The All New Coated Canvas Collection by Incase

May 22nd, 2011 in Product Reviews — No Comments

At Rushfaster, each brand and range that we sell are all hand-selected and available on the site because they are (in our opinion) the best products currently on the market in their respective categories.

We sell bags you won’t find on everyone else. You know it, we know it.

So for that very reason, not every range or brand we bring on necessarily warrants a special shout out, considering the great company they are already in. Of course there are exceptions, and we do think that the all new Coated Canvas collection by San Francisco brand Incase is a bit special, and is a well-deserving exception.

Combining smooth clean lines & discreet features with maximum functionality, the updated 2011 Coated Canvas collection showcases some of the best examples of modern carry design that we’ve seen.

Made of heavy-duty cotton canvas, the exterior of the bags and sleeves are finished with a weather-resistant coating for added durability and a truly refined look and feel. Every last detail of the Coated Canvas is perfected; from the colour-matched embedded logo to the quilted padded interior laptop protective compartments.

Our personal faves in the range are the laptop backpack (holds anything from a 13″ – 17″ laptop perfectly), the Macbook Pro sleeves (available in 13″ and 15″), and the laptop messenger (will take up to a 15″ laptop).

Choosing a Carry Quiver – a guest post by Carryology

May 19th, 2011 in Product Reviews — No Comments

At Carryology, we spend much of our lives searching for better ways to carry. We figure that when you have your tools and toys close at hand, you’re more likely to explore the world with confidence and curiosity, and that sounds like a key ingredient to a happy life.

So is there such a thing as the perfect bag? In the same way as a Ferrari makes for a terrible off-road car, we think that there are carry items that suit varying carry needs, and infact you’ll be better served with a ‘carry quiver’ than with just one bag.

As frequent customers of Rushfaster, we thought it would be neat to pick out a carry quiver from their range, to help explain just what we mean. We assumed that this quiver would be for a working person who may need to carry a laptop, a few digital toys, travels a bit, and mixes work and play.

With that in mind, here goes…

Main Backpack:

This is a go to pack that will work on a bike, train or plane. It can carry gear for work and an after hours activity, and then double for an overnight trip with the basics.

Chrome is a San Fran brand built with bikes in mind. This means you get great water-resistance, an ability to swallow larger loads, and a bit of street cred in the mix. Their Ivan Roll-top is a larger pack, with the smaller option called the Pawn.

With laptop sleeve:

Because the Chrome Ivan was originally designed with bike couriers in mind, you need a padded sleeve if you’re going to haul a laptop around. The front zip pocket works a treat to slip a sleeve into though, so it’s pretty easy.

Incase is another Californian brand, with close ties to Apple. While we’d normally pick a portrait oriented sleeve for a backpack (easier access for a pack’s vertical format), we settled for the landscape Coated Canvas sleeve that feels deluxe and will work well in messenger bags. (not ideal for a backpack being in landscape format, but we like the mud!)

Small satchel:

There’s times when a big pack just feels unwieldy. If you’re carrying an iPad, a bit of food and a document or book, there’s nothing like a small satchel to stay discreet.

All The Kings Men is a tiny brand with a long history of making really neat shoulder bags. Based in Melbourne, their iconic messenger bags/satchels were one of the front runners of the return to urban bags. These age really well, and are just large enough to cover a work day’s worth of stuff.

Weekender/Duffel:

Weekender bags are really tricky to do well. A good weekender should let you escape for a few nights without looking like it’s a work trip. We think wheeled cabin bags belong in airports, and if you’re going leather, you generally need to spend a bomb for something that looks good. This is where duffel or utility based bags can work well; they give you that relaxed feel, without spending a fortune.

The North Face Base Camp Duffels are a classic, having been hauled up countless big walls and through plenty of deep swamps. They’ll last you years, and become more credible with the more abuse they receive.

Wallet:

Big wallets are really not cool. They bulge and skew your trousers, throw your back out, and announce to the world that you are totally unorganised. In wallets, small is the only way to go.

When it comes to wallet brands, we have to admit we are a little biased, as some of our contributors also work and design for Bellroy. But if you’re after a small wallet that can still carry up to 15 or so cards, some cash, and show you appreciate a little craft, then we love the Slim Sleeve.

Of course we have MANY more bags, wallets and travel pieces than the above. But as a starting point, we think you’d be pretty stoked with these.

Video Review: Booq Nerve 15″-17″ Laptop Messenger

August 2nd, 2010 in Product Reviews, Rushfaster — No Comments

The Boa Nerve Laptop messenger is one of the most popular bags on Rushfaster. It is designed to be extremely tough but doesn’t skimp on the features, with more than enough pockets, compartments and organizers for your day to day needs. The looks make it perfect for both the office and the lecture theatre and it also has all the things you would expect from a professional courier messenger!

Watch the video to see just how much you can fit in this beast of a bag, or head to Rushfaster to read more about the features.

We are experiencing turbulence, please fasten your… laptop?

July 13th, 2010 in Product Reviews, Rushfaster — No Comments

All the Kings Men Laptop Messengers have long been a favourite of Rushfaster. One of the guys here has been using an All the Kings Men Midi for years and is still in love with it. We thought you might be interested in an – admittedly slightly biased – review!

ATKM Bag

We know of someone who once actually stole an airplane seatbelt from a plane because they liked them so much… needless to say they got in big trouble and coped a hefty fine. The good news is that you don’t actually have to steal one… the hero part of this bag is a genuine airplane seatbelt strap and buckle. It’s ingeniously used as the shoulder strap of the bag and although the strap looks like it might be uncomfortable, it actually sits on your shoulders quite well. Think of it as wearing a seatbelt except that you position the buckle just in-front of your shoulders near the collar bone.

The ATKM bags are made from a durable cotton canvas that gives them a worn, vintage look. Each bag is stamped with a unique makers code on the front flap and they come in a variety of colours.

The ATKM has a slim design which means that there isn’t lots of room. If you need to carry a mobile office around then this is not for you but if you just need a laptop, iPad or netbook and a few documents then it’s perfect. There is also a small external pocket on the front for your power supply which is handy. If you want a laptop bag that you can stuff your whole life into, you’d be better off with something by Booq or Incase.

ATKM bags have a good 5mm padding all around to protect your laptop from bumps and scratches. All laptop bags have different levels of protection, this one is perfectly suited for everyday commuting but nothing too adventurous.

All the King’s Men Laptop Messengers come in three sizes, Mini (13″ laptops/iPad/Netbook), Midi (15″ laptops) and Maxi (17″ laptops) and six colours – black, brown, green, grey, red and limited edition Runway yellow. Check them out!

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