I’m currently on year eight of a two-year Master’s program —kids, job change, etc— and this semester I had my first class back on campus since 2011. The class I’m taking is a research class, which means that, on any given night, I’m carrying 200 sheets of paper (journal articles), three books, two notebooks, a laptop, and a tablet on my back. Each week, I became increasingly worried that my messenger bag would give out. Then, I got an offer to review the Varsity Elite backpack from Solo.
Two months later, I cannot tell you how happy I am with this bag.
I haven’t worn a backpack since I was an undergraduate student because I could never find one big enough to fit more comfortably, which is a big deal because I’m a big guy and because I carry a ton of books in my backpack.
But the Elite can hold it all! Seriously. Just the other night, I had to go to a research session at grad school. I had my laptop, iPad, the appropriate power cords, about a ream of paper (journal articles, bits of research, etc.), two notebooks, a whole lot of history books. It held it all, didn’t seem to be in any way reaching its capacity, and best of it, it distributed the weight in such a way that was comfortable and easy to carry.
Here’s a quick promo video so you can better understand just how much this bag can carry.
Impressive right? My laptop and iPad are perfectly snug in the back section while the chaos of all my research and readings are contained in the front. It’s really the perfect bag for me.
But wait! Cause at the same time, I got a chance to review a new phone case, which was perfect because my previous case had actually begun to annoy me. Enter: the UAG Pathfinder.
Slim but sturdy, this case has been used in the field by me for the past two months, and while I didn’t perform any scientific drop tests, I did actually drop my phone several times. How did it hold up? Fantastically. Better than that, even, because my phone was actually messed up—lock button was stuck—when I got the case. Now, after a few drops, it’s actually working perfectly. Did the Pathfinder fix my phone? I can’t prove it, though I can’t prove it didn’t, either.
But none of that matters. What matters is that it’s slim but protective case that you’d do well to consider for your next tech-protecting purchase. And to be honest, I’m considering getting one of UAG’s cases for my MMacBookAir and iPad.
One word of caution, these cases don’t offer screen protection, so you’ll want to buy a screen protector separately from UAG or your preferred screen protector manufacturer. Personally, I’ve gone without one and haven’t had an issue, so take that for what you will.
Both of these products have been wonderful, and I heartily recommend them for yourself or for a loved one. (Christmas is right around the corner, isn’t it?)
These products were provided to me by the company in exchange for an honest review, which is what you’ve just finished reading. All images provided by the respective companies.
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