Review: Granite Gear Echo Backpack in Verb Petal

It’s been to places I’ve visited in the last quarter of the year, from Manila, Baguio, Benguet and also Pagadian and back to Zamboanga. I also use it as my school bag. It’s durable, water proof and I love the color. Basically, wherever I go, it’s there with me.

It was a surprise from C, who also got a matching bag in blue. I adore this color combination, and it’s even made its way to a hiking trip to the third tallest peak in the country last October. If there was one bag that could be suitable for both travel and school, the Granite Gear in Echo will have to be it.

What’s To Love?

It’s designed to be a campus backpack. It’s weather-resistant thanks to the repealaweave fabic made of durable Taurpalite bottom. The laptop sleeve protects up to 15.5 inch laptops (I’ve been lugging around my 14 inch Acer laptop) featuring the padded gear tech. Its profile is tall and slim, not short and stout and keeps the weight closer to the back for better center of gravity. 

So how about for travel blogging? Bring it on. For travel, it’s a smarter move to switch to a lighter and more compact laptop like my Acer Aspire ES 11.

A laptop sleeve is part of the design that can transport even a 15 inch laptop

The second compartment features a full organizer for pens, small extras even power banks. Even with my heavy load, the back panel is comfortable. I've also made my windbreaker a constant attachment in there. It's foldable into a square buttoned cushion pack and it's very handy when the weather's threatening. 

My foldable windbreaker is a constant companion in the second compartment organizer

Barrier Repealaweave

I can’t express how grateful I am that this all-around backpack features barrier repealaweave especially for the front pocket where I store my USB, headphones and keys. I probably can’t live with myself if any of these got wet.

Full back panel for comfortable transportation of books and even traveling light

School and Travel

The Granite Gear Echo bag couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s with me in campus, and doesn’t show signs of wear and tear even if I stuffed it with my 14 inch laptop, extension wire, charger, mouse, wallet, notebooks, pencil case, grooming pouch, reference notes and even law books that come in hardbound (and can get really heavy) and a water bottle at the side with still enough room for a folding umbrella.

500 ml Echo Bottle for water in campus and even outdoors

But oh boy, it’s never showed any signs of giving up despite roughing it. It’s also fabulous outdoors, from Pulag in Benguet to La Paz in Zamboanga.

No matter what its contents are, whether it’s books and a laptop for school or clothes and outerwear for hiking outdoors, the performance and durability is still the same.

The obligatory hiker's quarter turn in Pulag National Park, my Granite Gear Echo in Verb Petal challenging the weekend hike

 The Granite Gear in Echo has been discontinued, but there are other campus backpacks that also fit the bill and are newer in terms of design but still can offer the same durability whether it’s for school or travel. I got mine on sale in KCC Department Store for Php 1,220. 

Shop: Granite Gear Official Website

Review: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Light Slim Bag

Perhaps I was inspired and amazed with the convenience that a small body bag can offer during travels. C has one and it’s been everywhere: Pampanga, Cebu, Baguio, Manila. On the other hand, I’m the more switchy-bags person, and I have this crazy habit of dumping in a lot of useless stuff in my bag that can make my load heavier and give me aching shoulders, even just an afternoon in the mall or going to a café. One time during the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark, I dumped my mirrorless camera and other stuff in a hot pink tote bag like I would on a day in the beach. It looked cute, yes, but it was far from practical LOL.

But that changed with the Travelon bag that we got me from Travel Club.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Light Slim Bag in Lush Blue

It’s slim and compact and it carries my essentials very well. It also has packed anti-theft features. I told myself that I’d use it on travel and the road trip to Pagadian was the right chance to use it. 

Second Compartment with Spare Zipper Attached

What's To Love? 

The material is smooth and sits very comfortably in a bus window seat, even on my lap when back riding on a motorbike. The secret pockets inside can carry a lot of knick-knacks, even a long wallet and relevant pockets for a passport and cash.

It has roomy compartments, two for regular stuff, one in the front for small things like lip balm, OTG USB and the slip on pocket at the back is for headphones. Even the main compartment is large enough to hold a tablet and can even stay secure because of a zip wall pocket. The front compartment has an interior organizer and many slots for cards and other important documents. In short, it really just has a lot of pockets.

I also love that I can carry the Sony point and shoot for documenting travel memories with C on the road, even special occasions like friends’ weddings and just precious moments.

It’s made of anti-slash material but it’s smooth to the touch and even has RFID blocking technology.  For peace of mind, the zippers lock to shoo away those pickpockets during your travels. Who knows what can happen during rush hours in public transport or even in crowded, public places. 

 Front Pocket features RFID Protection Feature

RFID Protection 

The front pocket integrates an RFID blocking technology that’s similar to other travel wallets to help prevent skimming of information from credit cards and even electronic passports. If your credit cards, passports and even driver’s licenses come with radio frequency identification chips that can transmit data wirelessly, this can help insulate RFID skimming. You don’t want hackers obtaining whole credit card information from you now, do you?

Ready to head out with my Travelon Slim Bag

Versatile Style

On top of it all, I like that it’s a versatile style. I’m fond of shoulder bags so I just swing it over my shoulder and I head on out, now that’s for my feminine preferences. But during travel, I follow as the boys do and wear it cross-body for hands-free movement especially during long road trips.

And the best part? No more aching shoulders! It’s not just for urban exploration, it’s also great for outdoor day hikes.

Travelon has made it possible to explore easier and safer, and with sleek bags for essentials in new places. The Classic Light Slim Bag retails for Php 2,390.00 in Travel Club. Travel Club is located in the second floor of KCC Mall de Zamboanga beside Yellow Cab Pizza. 

Shop: http://www.travelonbags.com/

Feature OAT Manila Killer Combo: Tote and Traveler's Notebook

I’ve always been curious with having a traveler’s notebook from Organize and Travel (OAT) Manila. So when they announced that they’re offering the killer combo consisting of the tote bag and traveler’s notebook, I didn’t hesitate to get it. Of course, there was a surprise free gift that came with it, plus the safe bag that I could use for when I’m not using the tote to keep it from dust and dirt.

How’s it holding on so far? Here are my thoughts on the tote and TN. Read on!

Tote Bag: Large in Black

I guess I miscalculated the size of this bag. I was actually in the market for a leather bag that I could use to work that can withstand all sorts of business-style uniforms. One facet that I’ve overlooked is that it has no zipper and it’s pretty much a carryall. So, I’ll keep on searching again in the meantime.

What’s to love:

• Vegan leather
• Large size can carry so much stuff
• Very lightweight on its own 

Thoughts so far:

I’ve already used it as an extra tote for work so that I can bring my workout clothes when I do the dance dance portion in the afternoon. Sweating out is good, right? So far, it does a good job of carrying my workout shoes, extra shirt, workout pants, small towel and other stuff that I may toss in there.

Why do I love it?

It’s more stylish to carry a black vegan leather tote than a bright gym bag on wash days. Black matches everything. 

Traveler’s Notebook with Accessories in Rose Gold 

Here’s something to fall in love with, I kid you not.

Maybe because rose gold is a weakness that’s why I gave in. But nothing could have prepared me for the beauty that’s the TN. 

What’s to love:

• Vegan leather in rose gold!
• Side pocket for stickers, travel washi stock and other ephemera
• Beautifully stitched
• Comes in safe pouch
• Handmade
• Comes with detachable pen holder
• Inserts are both in Plain White Paper and Brown Kraft Paper, (be still my vintage-loving heart)

Thoughts and Why I Love It:

If only it arrived earlier, I think this might be the TN that I’ll be bringing along with me for my Mountain Province escape. But I have a pretty good feeling that this TN will have its own time to shine. Just looking at that neat stitching has just assured me that it’s worth the treat, and that I’m a proud owner of a uniquely Filipino, handmade TN. 

Have you tried any of OAT Manila's products? What do you like to purchase from them? 

My Summer Picks for May 2014

To tell you the truth, I'm preparing myself for something big next month. This week alone, I've been blogging less and helping more clients with writing needs. I've also had to go to meetings to gather details and facts for my reports. But when I am sitting in front of the laptop and pushing keys one by one, I feel accomplished and closer to my goals. May is a very special month for me, and I can definitely feel change coming. 

Stalking online shops just made me realize that there are two things that have been constant on my wishlist, and that's shoes and bags.

OMOSHI Carry Label Messenger Bag from Okay Okay.com Php 699

I feel like this messenger bag will be useful for a personal birthday gift that will be arriving this month. I can easily throw in books, notebooks, pens and other necessary gadgets in here. 

Venice Never Full Bag from Paris Dreams Shoppe Php 650

I certainly like quilted tote bags in neutral colours and the Venice Never Full Bag sure can match my neutral flats. I like to use bags that can carry my wallet, phone, pocket Wi-Fi and other personal stuff. The thing about bags is that I stick to only one whenever I have errands to do in town.

Suelas Puntera Basic in Grey Php 500

Suelas Couro in White-Black Php 700

I've been searching for comfortable footwear and found these from Suelas. I like everything classic and minimalist so I guess it shows in my selection. I've already submitted a form and am currently waiting for a reply.

So what does that say about my style? I think it's all about clean lines, functional neutrals and comfort. I do have a weakness for florals but that can come at another time because I've used and abused them enough I think. I don't also want to bore you with my choices of makeup and tools. I'm a die-hard fan of Urban Decay so you pretty know where this is heading. =)

How's your Wednesday? Share!

Breaking The Rules: Do You have to Match Your Bags and Shoes?

I think it was my grandmother who told me that one of the rules of dressing up is to match your bags and shoes.

What?

Match your bags and shoes.

I think she meant wearing the same color family for your bags and shoes, and this was a rule even my mom followed. So if women were also quite fashion conscious, (and have the money to do so,) a lot of matching could be done. But I guess during Lola's time, it was not a problem since the purchasing power of the peso still had its strength. And if we were given the luxury, we could be doing this:

I think my grandma would say this one is for weddings

Purple is royalty's color

Black and gold never fails

A blue satin number for a date?

Red satin for the red carpet or is it too much?

Take a pick between the black... 

Or blue studded match... 

Or beige will do

Care for some florals?

But what of breaking the rules?

Honestly, I can't afford to follow the rules. 

But if it's breaking the rules we are talking about, let's see how Helena Bohnam Carter breaks the rules. 

Mismatched shoes for a floral satin and tulle dress on a formal event

If you're an athlete, you can break the rules too as long as they are Nike 

Polkas join in the rule breaking

They belong together, not quite mismatched

Even little girls are allowed to mismatch

Pastel mismatched in wedges

Primary color mismatch

Can't make up whether to go with red or blue 

Mishap or intentional mismatch? Try dancing in those

Do you follow or break the rules? Let me know! =p