RoadWired The Pod Bag

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

July 24, 2002

In case you couldn't tell, here at The Gadgeteer, we love cases and bags! As you can imaging though, after reviewing hundreds of them (no, I'm not exaggerating...), we aren't always chomping at the bit to write the next one. But, sometimes something 'different' comes along that makes a typical review not feel like a chore. This time, that something different is the Pod from RoadWired.

The Pod is a smallish 1050 Denier Ballistic Nylon bag that is well suited for a variety uses. Photographers will love it, travelers will appreciate it, and Gadgeteers will have to have one to carry their 'stuff' from place to place.

First of all, this bag has a unique shape that is both functional and pleasant to the eye. Having a square shape and a flat bottom, it sits perfectly on a flat surface and will not fall over. With an overall size of:  7 x 6.5 x 5in. and a weight of 13 oz, this isn't a large bag by any means, but you will be very surprised at what all this little guy can hold!

The main core of the bag is a 5.5in deep 3.5 x 3.5in square padded cavity that has a removable padded nylon sling. This sling cradles the contents to protect them from shock. I found that I could comfortably fit either my Nikon Coolpix 990 digital camera alone or my CLIÉ NR70V with my Canon S110 digital camera in this area. This main compartment is covered with a flap that contains a see-thru plastic pocket as well as a hidden pocket behind it. The flap is secured with a plastic clip.

In addition to the main cavity, the Pod has 3 other zippered storage compartments. One on each side (except the back) of the bag. These compartments all have dual zippers with metal pulls. When fully unzipped, the pockets which are sort of hinged at the bottom, flap open like wings.

The compartment on the front of the bag has a mesh pocket on the inside as well as 4 elastic loops for batteries and 3 larger elastic loops for items such as  film rolls.

The compartment on the left side of the bag has 4 elastic pockets in which CF cards and other type of media fit perfectly. A small nylon pocket with a Velcro flap lines the other side of the compartment. A mesh pocket is sewn into the outside of the compartment and can easily fit most cell phones.

The compartment on the right side of the bag is very similar to the left side. It also has a nylon pocket. The difference is that it has one large elastic slot with 2 yellow elastic bands above it. I found that this area can hold PCMCIA cards perfectly.

There are three ways to transport this bag. A small handle on the top flap allows you to carry the bag by hand. If you prefer to wear it, the back of the Pod has 2 sets of straps that you can run your belt thru to make the bag into a fanny pack of sorts. If wearing the bag in this manner makes you want to cringe (I've never been a fanny pack fan...), you can also use the included adjustable shoulder strap. This strap connects to the bag using swivel metal spring clips that attach to metal D rings. The only thing really missing from the strap is a shoulder pad of some kind. I personally have trouble keeping these type of straps from sliding off my shoulder unless I wear the bag bandolier style..

When I first requested this bag, I was hoping that it would be large enough to become my daily small gear bag A.K.A. Julie-purse. Unfortunately for me, it is a little too small for that task as it can't hold my billfold, and checkbook. If it were twice as wide, it would be perfect for me. Instead, Judie has gotten me interested in Louis Vuitton bags! Ha! Yes, she's a very bad influence! ;o)

Even though this bag doesn't fit my personal requirements for an everyday gear bag, it is going to work out great as a little camera bag when I go on vacations. Construction, materials, and functionality are all first rate.

Price: $49.95
Available in Black/Black, Titanium/Black, Navy/Black and Red/Black

Pros:
20 pockets
Padded

Cons:
A little too small
Expensive