By Steve Niles
In September, my wife and I went on vacation to the Adirondacks in upstate New York. We would be away for a week, tenting for two nights and renting a cabin for the remaining period. I knew we'd be doing a lot of hiking and walking around on various tours during that time, so I used the opportunity to field test a cool little bag from RoadWired called The Pod. You can find it at http://www.roadwired.com/store/Product.cfm?Productid=57, and it's pictured in Figure A.
FIGURE A
Shoulder your electronics with The Pod. (click for larger image)
The Pod is designed as a carryall for your Palm handheld, camera, digital media and/or film, cords and adapters, batteries, mobile phone, and what have you. The main pocket measures 4 inches by 3.5 inches around and 6.5 inches deep. On three sides, you'll find the "winged" outer pocket configuration. Each pocket interior features elasticized media/accessory organizers, flap pockets, bungee keepers for cable or lens caps, and other nooks and crannies. There are over 20 sub-pockets and compartments amid the various sections, including a "secret pocket" for hiding emergency cash, keys, etc.
The bag can either be carried using the removable shoulder strap or be strapped to a belt, as shown in Figure B.
FIGURE B
The Pod can be worn on your belt. (click for larger image)
There are actually dual-height loops on the back panel, so you can wear the Pod as either a waist pack or a belt pack. Behind the loops you'll find a padded, moisture-wicking mesh panel.
RoadWired, road tested
I have a travel charger that utilizes a 9-volt battery, but since I knew I'd be staying in a cabin with electricity for most of the week, I decided to take my entire HotSync cradle, just to be safe. The Pod's large main pocket was just big enough to fit the cradle and the large plug. The lid fit down snuggly, securing with both Velcro and a plastic clip.
In the three side pockets, I carried my Palm handheld, my wallet, a pocketknife, and a couple of pens. I ran out of things to carry before I ran out of pockets to put them in. However, I wasn't able to fit my cell phone in any of the side pockets, and the main compartment was now packed. I own an Ericsson cell phone that's certainly not the smallest on the market. I would imagine that most smaller, clamshell designed phones would fit easily. Something the size of a Treo, for example, would be a perfect fit.
We stayed at Sheltered Lakes Adirondack Cabins and Cottages (at http://www.shelteredlakes.com). Once we reached our cabin, pictured in Figure C, I was able to empty the pod of the HotSync cradle and plug, freeing the main compartment.
FIGURE C
Our lakeside cabin had all the comforts of home. (click for larger image)
