Maximize your comfort and cool your zone with a portable wearable waist fan.

This summer has been one of the hottest in history, with several regional, national, and historical records falling to new highs.  As our vehicles and home air conditioners struggle to keep us comfortable indoors, many may be unaware of options to improve their outdoor comfort. You can stay cool this summer with a portable, wearable cooling-fan from Torras and engage in outdoor sporting activities, walking, biking, everyday errands and other non-water-centric outdoor activities/chores.  

The Torras Coolify Zone wearable fan arrived in a 11 5/8 inches long by 4 1/4 inches wide by 2 7/8 inches thick dark grey retail package.  The cover panel displayed the TORRAS name/logo along the upper left, while the mid-segment of the panel provided a white-shadowed ink outline of the device.  The product name and generic wearable fan descriptor were the only other pieces of information on the cover. 

The front panel displayed three product feature icons:

1. Bladeless Design.
2. Whole Body Cooling.
3. Long Battery Life. 

The top panel listed a fun “Stay Cool with COOLIFY,” while the right and left side panels were left unadorned.  The bottom panel listed the company name along the top left, and product specifications along the bottom: 1. Model FY1A Wearable Fan, Size 294x106x73mm, Weight 304 G.  Finally, you will find a bit of information about TORRAS, the address, support@torraslife.com email address, product manufacturing labels, and a product barcode sticker.  Although I enjoy succinct, simple, yet practical packaging features, I felt more information about the product was needed.  

I removed the heavy/thick cardboard lid from the box and found a white cardboard user manual.  Initially, I thought I would have to turn to a language translator app, as the panel was in Chinese characters, but a simple flip of the card provided the English manual.  The Quick Start Guide detailed the strap, buckle, fan, front-facing power button, air outlet, strap adjuster, charging port, proper wearing technique about the waist, and general operations guide. You will find a centralized cardboard cutout for the Coolify Zone device and bookend accessory boxes within the box proper.  I removed the 9.1-ounce, 8 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide by 2 inches tall device from the main box, then the clear film over the front panel.  Next, I removed the accessory box with the short/long buckle/strap (1.3 ounce, 1 inch wide and variable length) from the accessory box.  The other box provided a 41-inches long USB-A to USB-C cable, a Coolify Cares product warranty card, and a safety guideline pamphlet.  

Before using the Coolify Zone device, I charged the 4000mAh battery using the included generic USB-A to USB-C cable (5.04V/1.09A Klein Tools Multimeter).  Despite the ubiquitous nature of USB-A chargers, I was a bit disappointed that the device shipped with a USB-A cable based on the price.  I would have preferred rapid charging and USB-C PD technology.  When I charged the device via USB-C to USB-C cable and a 30W Apple charging adapter (5.11V/1.66A Klein Tools Multimeter), I noted I was able to gain a bit faster charge.  Even though there was no LCD/LED screen to display the battery level, charging indication, fan speed, etc., there were 3 small white LED indicators located directly adjacent to the USB-C port.  After about an hour of charge (2 hours from empty), the three illuminated LED’s showed a fully charged device, ready for its inaugural debut.

Each end of the expandable, stretchable, breathable elastic waist straps had a plastic buckle that could attach to the main Coolify body.  The shorter strap was designed for those with a 21-30” waist, while the longer strap could accommodate a 30-46” waist.  I placed the first buckle of the larger strap into the slot on the Coolify device, wrapped the Coolify around my abdomen and then placed the second buckle into the slot.  I used the included adjustment buckle to tighten the strap to my abdomen and then draped my T-shirt over the device.  I liked the lightweight feel of the 10-ounce device and the effect of the white-colored cooling phase-change-material technology.  Interestingly, a quick search of the heat-absorbing material showed that the material was similar to that used by NASA in the insulating layers of the space station and space suits.  While the fan was in the off position, I noted the cooler material against my skin.  Using an Nubee Infrared Thermometer, I found that the base device actually cooled my skin by about 3 degrees.  This effect was drastically increased with the active/improved airflow of the device. 

Once I positioned the device over my abdomen, I tested the temperature reduction on low/medium, and high speed with a Nubee infrared thermometer.  My wife, children, and I went on an outing to a local farmers market where temperatures were listed at 96 degrees (humidity 74%).  Wearing a moisture-wicking t-shirt, moisture-wicking undergarments/ankle socks, and Merrell tennis shoes, we traversed the stands over about an hour time period.  Without the Coolify Zone in place, the surface of my skin registered 98.4 degrees.  If the Coolify device was positioned over my shirt, I noted a slight breeze but minimal cooling.  When I placed the device under my shirt and turned it onto low, my skin registered 92.2 degrees.  When I pressed the on/off button again and turned the fan to medium mode, the fan speed and cooling increased with a skin temperature of 90.6 degrees.  With the fan set to high mode, my skin beneath the PCM material registered 88.3 degrees. Even though the website promised up to an 18 degree Fahrenheit reduction, the ~10 degrees cooling felt quite noticeable.  I believe the moving air provided the greatest benefit to my overall comfort, especially when the surrounding area had minimal wind/air current.  

You can wear the Coolify Zone like a belt and tighten it to your desired comfort level.  I liked that it was designed with the option to wear it under your clothes or over your clothes.  You can position the fan over your abdomen or back and pair the Coolify Zone with a neck fan for added cooling. As noted above, I found that the device was more efficient and provided improved cooling with less sweat accumulation while wearing it under my shirt.  I was impressed with the fan, the airflow and that the device provided its benefits with a paucity of sound.  In fact, using the DecibelX App in a quiet room, I found that the fan produced just at ~30 decibels on high.  Even though the light humming/whirring/buzzing noise was audible, it was neither intrusive nor annoying to those around me.  Additionally, I was impressed that the 4000 mAh battery took 2 hours to charge and could provide nearly 15 hours of utility on low mode and just at 5 hours on high mode.  I tested the duration several times and found 14.4-14.9 hours on high, 9.8-10.4 hours on medium, and 4.5-5.2 hours on high mode. 

Learn more about the Coolify Zone Fan and follow Torras on Facebook and Instagram.

Portable Pocketable EDC Flashlight

I suspect many GenX, Xennials, and Millenials grew up in Maglight households. Even though we had several lights within our home, they seemed to be optimized more as bludgeoning weapons than portable light torches. My dad had one in his truck, we had one in each bathroom and under the sink. Despite their near indestructible design, they often suffered from underwhelming light output. Some provided a bit more throw than others, while some provided a flood-like pattern. Either way, they were bulky and unwieldy. Luckily, modern LED flashlights improve upon the concept and provide plenty of light, recharging capabilities, and all within the palm of your hand.

Packaging:

The ACEABEAM Pokelit 2AA EDC Flashlight arrived in a clean white 2 5/8 inches by 6 1/8 inches tall by 1-inch thick retail package. The ACEBEAM company name was displayed at the top of the cover panel in an attractive orange/black font, while the orange-colored product name was listed at the bottom. The orange highlights provided a refreshing contrast against the white background but paled compared to the central clear plastic window.  As a display technique, the transparent window provides the user with a direct understanding of the product. I have yet to find a more exciting product presentation method.  The left side panel provided the orange-black company name, while the right panel provided an SKU barcode sticker and a 5-year product warranty label.  The rear panel listed the contact information (address/phone number/webpage), QR codes for their webpage/FaceBook, and product manufacturing labels. 

Unboxing:

I removed the clear inner tray from the outer packaging and then separated the 1.5-ounce blue-green flashlight, 1.5-ounce 1600 mAh 3.7V 5.92Wh battery, small zipper-style bag with two o-rings, the 8 3/16 inches long USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and the user manual.  I plugged a DROK USB-A Multimeter into a standard 5V/2A wall charger and then the USB-A to USB-C cable between the multimeter and the ACEBEAM 1600 mAH Li-Ion, 3 7/8 inches long by 9/16 inches diameter battery.  I aligned the USB-C prong with the USB-C port at the battery’s positive terminal and observed the RED charging Led.  I allowed the battery to charge for two hours before the LED changed to green.  During that time, I reviewed the features of the flashlight. 

The 5 11/16 inches long flashlight could be broken down into several segments.  First, the 15/16 inches long by 11/16 inches diameter head segment had a 519A CRI>90 5000K LED emitter.  The white-font ACEBEAM name and Pokelit 2AA were printed on the side panels in an appealing white font.  The second segment contained five grip-style ridges, measuring 3/4 inches long by 11/16 inches in diameter. The third segment measured 1 inch long and was 5/8 inches in diameter. The fourth segment contained 40 narrow-spaced ridges/grooves and measured 11/16 inches in diameter.  The fifth segment measured 5/16 inches long by 5/8 inches in diameter and held the black metal two-way pocket clip.  The penultimate segment measured 7/8 inches long by 11/16 inches in diameter and contained a 1/4 inches long region with narrow-spaced vertically oriented ridges.  Lastly, the 3/16 inches tall by 3/8 inches diameter black tail cap button had a rubberized grippy texture at the top.  I loved the machined appearance, the textured grip, and the overall design of the light.  

Testing:

To test the power output, I installed the 1600mAh battery.  For the first test, I pressed the button to activate the low 20-lumen beam.  Starting at 07:00 am, I allowed the light to remain powered on and rechecked it the following morning.  I was pleased that the Pokelit 2AA light had sufficient power to stay activated at 07:05 the next day.  The instruction manual stated the lower power mode should last ~23 hours on a charge.  I removed the battery, recharged it over ~2 hours, and then tested the light with 2 Energizer Max Alkaline AA batteries.  The low mode, at 0.5 lumens, was not very bright and could be compared to moonlight mode on other lights.  The benefit of the low mode was the ~12-13 days of available light.  At 0.5 lumens, you can see into a bag, can add some light to a trail, can navigate a tent, can illuminate a urinal/outhouse, and should not blind someone with light.

To test the high mode, press the button to deactivate the light and then press it again to reactivate it.  The manual stated that the high mode would start at 300 lumens and then step down to 100 lumens and then 50 lumens over 35s/3H 13 min/28 minutes.  It is important to note that the step-downs are not like stairs, but rather like a throttling decrease or dimming; I did not appreciate an abrupt change in brightness. Once the 1600mAh battery was charged, I replaced it into the aluminum housing and tested the high mode. The manual promised 600 lumens for 35 seconds and a step down to 300 lumens with up to 1 hour 44 minutes at 300 lumens. I loved the dual mode High/low, but missed an intermediate level.  I would have loved a 100-200 lumen medium mode, which could last ~6-8 hours.  The bright light provided a nice throw with minimal floodlight characteristics and did a great job illuminating objects at a distance.  Unfortunately, there was a massive difference between the high and low levels for illumination.  

I repeated the 2x Alkaline and 14100P Li-Ion battery tests three times each for the high and low modes of the Li-Ion battery.  I allowed the light to run continuously for 72 hours with the alkaline batteries and found that it was a sufficient test.  Once the light was extinguished, I could still power the device for a bit longer as the batteries were not fully depleted.  I loved the option to utilize the included 1600 mAh rechargeable battery or 2 AA batteries (Ni-MH or Alkaline).  I have read several users who utilized Eneloop batteries, Amazon rechargeable AA batteries and did quite well.  The instruction manual clearly stated to avoid using 14500 Li-Ion batteries due to the excess voltage/output 

As a fan of the Pokelit AA light, I missed having a third mode on the Pokelit 2AA, which was most notable with the alkaline battery test.  The 0.5 lumens was below the threshold of use for most people, outside of late-night tent needs/backpack needs; it may be too low to read comfortably and too low for a night trek. However, it may be okay to navigate an enclosed room/campsite.  The high beam was sufficiently strong, provided an excellent round throw up to ~100 meters away, and had a smaller high spot, lower secondary spill/spot, and minimal leak/overspill.  I found this to be true for the AA alkaline and rechargeable battery tests.  I preferred the 20/600-300 modes of the rechargeable over the 0.5/300-100-50 modes of the AA alkaline battery.  I liked the round spot and the beam projection while on high mode, but noted the flashlight head became hot to the touch (115.1 F [46.2C] Nubee Infrared Thermometer).  The raised ridges acted a bit like a heat sink, keeping the body cooler at ~80.1F [26.7C], while the head of the light emitted more heat. 

The tail clip design allowed for secure pocket mounting and attachment to the brim of my hat.  Even though I liked the strength of the Pokelit 2AA light, the three-ounce weight was a little too heavy for my hat.  For that use, the smaller Pokelit AA may be ideal.  I liked that the clip securely affixed the light to my pocket, without grinding the pocket/destroying the fabric.  Additionally, the hat clip provided a secure attachment point without damaging the surface

Summary/Final:

Overall, you cannot go wrong with the aluminum Pokelit 2AA device. You can utilize the include rechargeable battery or add 2AA batteries in a pinch. The head of the light was easy to remove, the company provided a few extra o-rings, and the aluminum frame should survive daily use/localized drops. During testing, I did have a single drop from my kitchen table after my 4-year-old daughter accidentally knocked it onto the hardwood floor.  Even after bouncing a few times, the Pokelit 2AA light continued to function. The only thing keeping this light from 5/5 stars is the lack of a medium illumination mode. 

Pros:

• Sleek Aluminum machined body
• Grippy surface and attractive design
• Inexpensive
• Included rechargeable battery 
• Utilize 2AA batteries if needed
• Quality High CRI>90 with 5000K neutral color
• USB-C charging Battery

Cons:

• Must remove the battery to charge with USB-C
• May get hot to the touch
• Absent medium mode.
• Low mode 0.5 lumens with Alkaline/Ni-MH is too low
• No Memory Function (returns to low mode)

Learn more about the Pokelit 2AA Flashlight and follow Acebeam on Facebook

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the Ekster Parliament AirTag Wallet and have carried the device over the last two weeks.  I had previously carried a Big Skinny Wallet with too many cards, a few folded checks, a couple of stamps, too many small monetary bills, a Nite-Ize Quickstand, and a PlusUS 5.1V/1500mAh Lifecard, which is a credit card-sized battery backup.  Loaded with numerous items, the nylon ultra-thin wallet reached mega-thick leather wallet territory.  Intending to reduce bulk and limit my everyday carry items to things I needed, I rummaged through the wallet to reduce some items.  

I loved having the battery and phone stand but realized I had not used them in the past year.  I reduced the check/stamp to a single item each, added loyalty/redemption cards to my iPhone, added gift cards to their respective website accounts, dropped the amount of cash to a few bills, and transitioned to the Ekster Parliament Wallet for most days.  When I heard about the EKSTER Multi-Tool Card, I quickly thought that it would fall into a similar category to the devices mentioned above, something I would not need or use.  I have used the Ekster Multi-Tool Card more in the last two weeks than the previously mentioned devices in the previous two years. 

The card arrived in a 2 inches wide by 3 9/16 inches tall by 3/16 inches thick cardboard box.  Like the Parliament Wallet, the cover panel proudly displayed the glossy-black EKSTER magpie logo upon a matte black background.  I loved the “E” shield, the dual crossed magpies, the EKSTER name, and the overall design; the logo has become one of my favorites.  I slid the inner black tray out from the outer shell and removed the 1.2-ounce (34.02g), 1 7/8 inches wide by 3 7/16 inches tall by 1/32 inches thick, 304 stainless steel card from the package.  The 7-in-1 device felt cool to the touch and provided a reassuring, durable, well-laid-out, feature-packed design.  It is important to note that the thin card was designed to resemble a standard credit card, but the width was 7/32 inches less, and the length was 1/8 inches longer than a standard credit card.   Despite the differences, the card worked great within the EKSTER Parliament wallet’s back pocket, front pocket, retention strap, and in my Big Skinny Wallet.  You may have some issues with slide-in style card holders due to the length of the tool card. 

I was impressed with the tools/layout of the card.  The top left corner provided a flat-head screwdriver, while the left side panel provided a machined 2-inch long imperial ruler and awl posts at 1/2 inch increments.  The right side panel provided a 7cm ruler with awl posts at 1cm marks.   The bottom edge provided a 1 inches wide by 1/16 inches tall wedged edge that you could use as a gentle pry tool.  The lower left corner provided a tapered box opening tool with a nice angle/tapered edge.  The center portion of the tool provided several additional features.  The attractive EKSTER name/logo was etched into the surface along the upper segment.  Beneath the name/logo, you will find a magnetic post with a SIM card ejection tool, and hex cutouts for 3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, 1/2”, and 9/16” wrenches.  The lower segment provided a standard bottle opener.  Last but not least, you will find a 1/16 inches wide by 3 3/16 inches long cutout adjacent to the imperial ruler.  You can insert a credit card into the slot and use the card as a horizontal phone stand.  The design did not accommodate a phone in vertical mode. 

I have carried the Multi-Tool Card within the Parliament wallet for two weeks.  My wife, children, and I recently visited our local park with some sandwiches for a picnic. We grabbed a few bottles of soda/root beer for the kids from a local market thinking they were twist-off style bottles. Unfortunately, we incorrectly assumed the bottle type. The Ekster bottle opener tool proved invaluable in opening the bottles on the trip.  Since then, I have used the card to remove/replace a broken light switch cover and the box opener on several occasions, but I have not yet utilized the wrenches, rulers/awl posts, or SIM card ejection tool. 

As a lightweight multi-tool, it has fulfilled my needs on several occasions.   I was pleased with the device’s overall design, layout, and aesthetics.  I liked the flat back, the wedged corners, and I found a use for most of the included features.  The credit card phone stand slit worked okay but not as well as the Nite-Ize Quickstand, which fit nicely into the retention strap on the parliament wallet. With so many credit card tool options, finding one that solves all of your needs can be a struggle. The key is to plan for the most common scenarios and to develop a plan for everything else.

Learn more about the Ekster Multi Tool Card and follow Ekster on Facebook and Twitter.

I have recently focused on those items that I truly need on a daily basis (EDC/everyday carry items).  Like purses, backpacks, and car trunks, we tend to fill available space with stuff.  This may be one of the reasons that cargo pockets on pants/shorts have become synonymous with Dad Bod/Dad gear. To try to remove/limit items, I have transitioned my loyalty/reward cards to my iPhone Keychain/wallet feature, removed receipts, carried less cash, and generally made an effort to carry less. 

For example, I previously moved from a standard leather wallet to the Big Skinny Wallet because the empty leather wallet was thicker than a fully loaded Big Skinny.  The size, nylon material, and convenience placed the Big Skinny into favorite status over the last five years.  Unfortunately, my natural tendency to carry/store things has overcome the benefits of the wallet; it has assumed unreasonable thickness due to the available storage space.  Thus, I have adopted a weekly routine/habit of adding/removing items to try to thin them out.  

I know I am not alone in the fear of misplacing a wallet.  Early in our marriage, my wife and I attended the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, California.  We met with a vendor, purchased some edible pine nuts, and walked away happy.  Unfortunately, her wallet was left on the table.  Even though we quickly realized the mistake, the wallet disappeared in mere moments.  With so many essential items within a wallet, we loved when Tile trackers entered the market. 

Even though we added another item into the mix, it helped to reduce the problem mentioned above.  We added the Tile trackers to our key rings, bags, and several other items that we wanted to track.  When Apple AirTags were released in April 2021, the technology and interconnectivity with the Apple ecosystem created a natural transition toward the new trackers.  Despite the quality/benefit of the AirTags, I could not easily add the device to my Big Skinny wallet.  Luckily, Ekster provides a solution to both problems above with the Parliament AirTag Wallet line. 

Unboxing

The Ekster Parliament AirTag wallet arrived in a classy 3 inches wide by 4 13/16 inches tall by 1 1/8 inches thick matte black box. Bathed in mystique and allure, the glossy EKSTER name, E shield logo, and Rotterdam/New York names surrounded two magpies with crossed tails.  For those interested in symbolism and superstition, the magpie has been honored, revered, and feared throughout history.  As a bird that mates for life, a pair of magpies currently represents luck, love, and prosperity. It is no wonder that one of the best everyday carry wallet companies should use a symbol/design that Kingsman or even Bruce Wayne would adopt.

I removed the box lid, the internal branded Ekster tissue paper, and the sleek 2.5-ounce wallet (3.1-ounce total weight with the cardboard card inserts and foam air tag insert).  I was impressed with the rich leather smell and the artisan-level craftsmanship of the smooth leather surface, the etched E shield logo along the lower right of the cover, and the intricate stitching.  The 2 1/2 inches wide by 4 3/8 inches tall by 3/4 inches thick wallet had an 11/16 inches wide by 9/16 inches tall cutout along the lower edge of the spine, which contained the card eject trigger/button. 

When depressed, the internal mechanism will eject and fan out the internal cards.  The rear panel provided a 1 1/2 inches diameter dome-shaped leather pocket for an AirTag and a 3 9/16 inches wide by 1 15/16 inches tall flat pocket.  You can add/remove the AirTag through the internal pocket behind the tapered AirTag ring.  With the AirTag installed, you can place your Ekster Multi-Tool Card (review coming soon) or extra credit card into the back pocket.  Thanks to the tapered design, the AirTag should not readily fall out.  

If you open the wallet and place it face down, the design will assume an upside down “U” shape measuring 5 1/2 inches wide by 4 3/8 inches tall and having a 1 3/4 inches wide by 5/8 inches tall cutout at the bottom.  The inner flap displayed the etched EKSTER name along the lower flap and provided two pockets, a 3 9/16 inches wide by 1 13/16 inches tall front panel, and a 2 3/16 inches tall rear pocket.  The main body of the wallet provided a 1 inches thick elastic retention money clip, with a 1-by-1 inch square stitched/etched leather E-shield accent.  I found that I could add a card into each of the front slots, plus two to three folded bills into the retention strap before any reduciton in the ability to close properly. 

Testing/Features

The main card/ejection pocket will hold 5-6 cards depending on the size of the raised surface numbers.  To eject the internally stored cards, simply press the trigger along the bottom.  I liked the curvature of the trigger button and the easy-press mechanism. Additionally, I found that I could grip the wallet with my hand and utilize my pinky or ring finger to activate the trigger/button.  Once the button was pressed, the cards fanned out with the rear cards ejecting farther than the closer cards.  You can strategically place more important cards near the back for easier access or you can push those cards that you do not want back into the wallet.  Lastly, you can remove all of the cards and then reinsert those that you do not need at the moment.  

Before adding cards to the wallet, I removed the six cardboard card placeholders. The cards provided information about the company giveaways (@eksterwallets), feedback guarantee, affiliate information (sign up EKSTER.com/affiliate), QR code for 10% off discount (can enter RPG-OWE-ERC at checkout), “OUR STORY” information, and a QR code user manual (ekster.com/usermanual). 

Each of the 0.1-ounce black cardstock cards provided a vibrant white font/text/imagery upon a matte-black surface.  The rear surfaces of the cards provided an FSC (www.FSC.org) recycled logo attesting to the recycled nature of the cards.  I liked the QR code instruction manual method, the focus on recycled products, and the environmental consideration.  Lastly, the included cards did a great job of demonstrating the mechanism/technology of the wallet.

Summary

With so many items vying for a seat at the EDC table, the EKSTER AirTag wallet has moved into the lead.  The integrated Apple ecosystem paired nicely with the wallet and felt like a design feature instead of an add-on, afterthought, or accessory.  The wallet provides a valid and functional solution to the need to store/carry fewer items, and the ability to find a misplaced wallet.  On a day-to-day basis, I likely do not need more than my license, a few credit cards, and a few bills. Overall, the quality Ekster craftsmanship/design paired nicely with the minimalistic nature of the wallet.

Learn more about the Parliament Wallet and follow Ekster on Facebook and Twitter.

As a pseudo-prepper, my everyday carry kits (EDC) are constantly in flux.  I regularly evaluate/re-evaluate Dave Canterbury’s 10 Cs of Survival for quality, weight, and multi-purpose use: Cutting Tool, Combustion Device, Cover, Container, Cordage, Cotton Bandana, Cargo Tape, Compass, Cloth Sailing Needle, and Candling device (light). 

I find organizing bags, like the pocket organizers from Maxpedition, and gear to be an adult real-life game version of Tetris, Jenga, or one of those rake-style Zen Rock Gardens.  Even though I do not fear a Zombie Apocalypse, I did not have coin shortages, toilet paper shortages, medicine shortages, baby formula shortages, or pandemic lockdowns on my bingo card either.  Thus, I turn to my safe space and ensure I can prepare.

Unboxing

Flashlights/Torches have become one of my favorite pieces of survival gear, likely fueled by my love of caves/recesses; I have traveled to Carlsbad Caverns, Mammoth Cave, Marengo Cave, Cumberland Caverns, and many more.  From headlights to hand carry lights, to keychain style, to thrower (distance beam), to flood (broader light), to lantern style, and to handsfree options, there are several styles/needs to consider.  Regarding pocket style and everyday light needs, I want a reliable light with good battery life and a reasonable throw/flood.   

The Acebeam Pokelit AA EDC flashlight arrived in a classy 1 1/2 inches wide by 4 3/4 inches tall by 1 1/16 inches thick retail package.  The company name was listed in a vibrant orange and bold black font atop the cover panel.  I liked the splash of color on the white background and the color scheme in general.  You will find a clever “Light Where You Want it” motto beneath the ACEBEAM name and above the 3 3/8 inches tall by 1/2 inches wide clear window. 

Perhaps one of my favorite marketing techniques is the transparent window design allowing the consumer to see the product directly.  I loved the option to see the light, to understand the light/design and I prefer the technique to flat pictures or ink-outline drawings; pictures regularly fall flat and provide a disservice to the product.  The Pokelit AA EDC Flashlight product name was listed at the bottom of the panel.

The white-colored side panels provided an excellent surface for the vibrant/colorful company name on one side and a 5-year-warranty logo and product UPC sticker on the other. The rear panel, a bit busier than the others, listed the company contact information, product manufacturing labels, UPC barcode, and three QR codes with links to www.Acebeam.com, and Facebook.

I lifted the top flap, removed the clear plastic tray from the outer shell, and was immediately enamored with the aura of the Pokelit AA flashlight. Hiding beneath the clear plastic tray, you will find an 8 1/4 inches long USB-A to USB-C cable, a 6 1/4 inches long by 5/16 inches wide nylon wrist lanyard with 2 1/8 inches long thinner nylon attachment cord, and a 12-panel accordion-style instruction manual.  The main compartment housed the bright, 3 3/4 inches long (with black tail button) by 11/16 inches diameter, 2-ounce weight Pokelit AA flashlight with a removable pocket clip.  Before you dispose of the inner tray, search the underside compartment for a small zipper-style bag containing two additional black o-rings.

Flashlight

I loved the metallic orange color of the Pokelit AA device, the white-colored ACEBEAM and Pokelit AA name printed on the head of the flashlight, the wide-spaced, raised, grippy ridges adjacent to the head region, and the narrow ridges along the midsection of the light.  The tail cap segment contained the dual-purpose pocket clip, which allowed me to secure the light within a pocket or onto the bill of a cap for hands-free light. Rotate the black clip around the light to better orient the ACEBEAM or Pokelit name.  Lastly, the orange tail cap had narrow vertical ridges and a 1/4 inches tall by 3/8 inches diameter tail cap button with a rubberized raised ribbed surface.

At first glance, I was uncertain why the kit contained a USB-A to USB-C cable because there were no ports/external connection points for the cable. Additionally, I was unsure whether the head or tail segments should be unscrewed to allow access to the internal battery.  I gripped each segment and twisted counterclockwise and found the head segment unscrewed. I removed the internal insulating film and the 920 mAh 3.7V/3.4Wh ACEBEAM rechargeable Li-ion battery (0.7-ounce, 2 inches long by 9/16 inches diameter).

I plugged a Klein Tools multimeter into a USB-A port on my UGREEN GaN x200 Hub and then the USB-A to USB-C cable between the multimeter and Li-ion battery.   The LED at the + terminal of the battery illuminated a bright red color, while the multimeter displayed 5.05V/0.43A.  After approximately two hours, the red LED changed to green and signaled a full charge.  I then removed the charging cable from the 14500 Li-ion battery, inserted the negative terminal into the body of the light, and reattached the flashlight’s head/lamp segment. 

The three illumination modes (low, mid, high) of the Pokelit AA flashlight can be accessed by half-pressing or fully depressing the rear tail switch.  From the off position, you can half-press and hold the button to cycle through the light modes or rapidly press the buttons to access each mode.  The Pokelit AA light will recall the most recent light mode/setting thanks to the included intelligent memory circuit.  The most helpful segment of the instruction manual was the Technical Parameter table on page three.  The table broke down the low-mid-high features of the 14500 Li-ion, Alkaline, and Ni-MH batteries.  The included battery promised a low 5-lumen beam (58 hours), a mid 190-lumen beam (2 hours 21 minutes), and a high 550-330 lumen beam (35s + 1 hour 1 min). 

I used the stopwatch feature on my iPhone 14 Pro Max to test the parameters.  I cycled to the high beam and timed the drop in intensity that occurred at ~37 seconds.  Even though the light intensity dropped lower after the initial turbo mode, it still felt uncomfortably hot.  Interestingly, the manual recommended against placing the light face down or covering up an illuminated lens. While activated, I scanned the head segment of the Pokelit AA with my Nubee Infrared thermometer.

The surface temperature registered a maximum value of 129.7 degrees Fahrenheit (54.3C).   Even though the flashlight turned itself off after 59 minutes-06 seconds, the battery was not fully depleted. I could use the low/mid/high features for several more minutes with the remaining battery.  I wish that there was a remaining power feature with the battery or light.  I removed the battery, placed it back onto charge, and added a PROCELL Alkaline battery. 

I repeated the above test with the Alkaline battery and found the light had several step-downs.  I compared the battery to the instruction manual and found the listed 230-150-90-80-70-50 lumens approximated the timeline (35s, 1 min 30 sec, 21 min, 9 min, 9 min, 19 min).  However, instead of extinguishing after 19 minutes, the light seemed to enter low beam mode and lasted >24 hours.  I stopped testing the light after an entire day of low output, even though the instruction manual noted low beam (0.5 lumen/9 days) could last a week.

The mid beam 80-70-50 lumen (42 min, 13 min, 19 min) could last over an hour.  I was pleased that an extra battery could provide so much more time/use.  I repeated the test with a fresh battery and the mid-beam strength and found the cycle times were close to the listed amount.  Without an included battery indicator, it was challenging to prove the remaining battery life. For the final test, I replaced the rechargeable battery in the flashlight and activated the mid190-lumen beam.  The light extinguished at 2 hours 25 minutes but still allowed all modes.  Again, I could not test how much time remained without a battery remaining feature. 

I tested the rechargeable battery/light several times over the past week for indoor and outdoor uses. The low moonlight mode proved adequate for indoor needs, searching through my backpack at night and for soft light on a trail.  The mid-beam strength was a better option for lighting the path and proved adequate for inner tent needs, and indoors.  The high beam turbo mode, with step down feature, did a great job providing a flood function and illuminated down trail.  I used a static image of my shed from my back porch (~50 feet) and found the high beam provided good coverage. I repeated the test at ~75 feet away and noted the strength of the medium versus the high beam.

Summary

The lightweight, rechargeable Pokelit AA flashlight is a fantastic option for EDC carry.  Thanks to the option to utilize the included rechargeable battery or any Alkaline or NI-MH AA battery, the ACEBEAM company lives up to its “Light Where You Want it” motto.  For a sub $30 price, I did not expect to have an aircraft grade 7075 aluminum alloy shell, a memory circuit, three brightness modes, included wrist lanyard, dual action clip, tail cap button, vibrant color, grippy metallic surface, 1.5meter drop resistance, and 2meter water resistance. 

I liked the neutral white LED color, the CRI>90, but I disliked the rigid/hard tail switch.  As a Sofirn SC31T light fan, I missed having a holster, a side button, a strobe function, and an external indicator.  As an Olight fan, I compared the Pokelit AA to the I5T EOS and I5R EOS.  Although the Olights provided a max of 300-350 Lumens, the Pokelit device allowed for rechargeable and standard AA features. 

Searching for the perfect EDC light is arduous, and finding the one device to fit all needs may be a fool’s errand.  The Pokelit device provides excellent backup light and off-grid capabilities, thanks to the ability to use standard AA batteries. Although the battery duration seems a bit short, the feature inclusion, weight, drop rating, and waterproofing seemed relatively fair.  It is not the best thrower or flood, but it is a decent jack-of-all-trades light.  There will be larger lights with larger batteries that may be superior for certain circumstances.  I think this light will do just fine for around camp, on trail, and for general use.  I would have liked a slightly stronger low mode, but the moonlight mode was on par with devices like the Olight Perun Mini/Mini 2 and other small lights.

The Pokelit AA is available in black, dark green, and copper if you want other colors. Additionally, you can navigate to the ACEBEAM website to pick up some additional batteries. Lastly, you can consider picking up some 14500 batteries through amazon.

Learn more about the Pokelit AA Flashlight and Follow ACEBEAM on Facebook.

When my brother-in-law asked if I wanted to buy an Olight flashlight, I did not understand the depth of the allure of the brand.  I started with a single cherry red S1R Baton RII light and quickly expanded into a sleek black Warrior X Pro, an orange Perun Mini, and then found myself waiting for new sales/releases, and holiday specials.  I have mostly shied away from the non-rechargeable lights and weapon lights, instead focusing on those that used the MCC1A, MCC3, and now MCC3-C magnetic chargers.  I loved the option to recharge lights, to carry lights portably, and thanks to the Olight Oport, to always have a magnetic option nearby.

Unboxing

The Olight Oport arrived in a 1 3/4 inches wide by 3 7/16 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick retail box.  Like many of the Olight Products, you will find a clean/sterile white outer packaging with a bold, vibrant, blue/green OLIGHT name/logo at the top of the cover panel and on both side panels.  I liked the splash of color and the contrast against the spacious white backdrop.  You will find the flat grey Oport name beneath the company name/logo and above a silver/grey, slightly raised, glossy image of the Oport.  I appreciated the true-to-size image of the egg-shaped keyring device.

However, I felt that they should have provided a few additional views to round out the product/features (keyring, back view, and exploded/open view).  The rear panel provided many of the product specifications and successfully added to the user’s understanding of the device.  The panel listed compatible Olight products, (Warrior Mini 2/Warrior X/X Pro/X, M2R Warrior, M2R Warrior Pro, S1R, S1R II, S2R, S2R II, S1OR III, S30R III, baton 3, Baton Pro, Odin, Odin Mini, Odin Turbo, Seeker 2/2 Pro, Perun, Perun Mini, Array, Freyr, Obulb, Javelot Turbo, H1R, H2R), the 5V/1A USB-C input, the 4.2V/0.65A/1A/2A CC/CV charging output, the product dimensions: 21.8g/0.77oz, 35.5 x 21.9 x 9.6mm (1.4×0.86×0.38in), address information, product manufacturing labels, and an SKU barcode.  Even though the panel was a bit on the busier side, it provided a needed overview for those interested in the product.

I lifted the top flap, and removed the inner plastic tray, the yellow “READ ME” panel, and the plastic-wrapped keyring.  I then removed the Oport (0.7-ounces by 7/8 inches wide by 1 3/8 inches tall by 3/8 inches thick) from the plastic tray, opened the small bag, and removed the silver/grey carabiner with lock gate (0.1-ounce, 1-inch diameter semi-round carabiner).  I inserted the lip of the carabiner into the slot/cutout of the Oport and fastened the device to my keyring. 

I was pleased with the weight, the size, the metallic silver/grey finish, and with the security of the two-part setup.  After carrying the Oport in my pocket for the last few weeks, I noted a few small scuffs and light surface scratches, but no obvious/concerning defects.  It is important to note that the device contains a strong internal magnet, which may stick to some items in your pocket. I did not find the magnetic strength to be a weakness. Rather, on the contrary, the magnet strength proved invaluable to the design and flexibility of the charging function of the Oport.  

The rear surface of the Oport had a semi-circular left/right directional arrow on the main flat surface.  If you hold the upper section of the top segment (front half) with one hand and rotate the back panel approximately ninety degrees clockwise with the other hand, you will disengage the locking mechanism and open the charging port.  I removed the 0.4-ounce magnetic charging port from the 0.3-ounce cover and inspected the design. 

The inner surface of the cover provided a large smooth plastic layer with a 1/4 inch center cutout.  The charging port had a large black plastic layer with a gold/brass colored charging ring (11/16 inches total diameter by 1/16 inches thick, and centralized 1/8 inches thick post).  The segment of the Oport that was hidden within the locking mechanism provided a USB-C connection port and LED status light.  

Testing

To use the port, simply plug a USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-A to USB-C cable into an appropriate 5V/2A charging adapter and into the Oport.  You can then add a compatible Olight flashlight to the charging port for convenient on-the-go power.  The yellow instruction manual provided a helpful how-to-use section on the front and five bulleted notices on the back: the need for > 5W power output for optimized charging, the red (charging) and green (fully charged/disconnected) LED, safe charging mode (if added/removed >4x), and the need to wait for the indicator light to return to green before charging another light.  When finished, remove the USB cable, place the top panel back onto the magnetic charging surface, and rotate the Oport into the locked position for storage.   

I found the Oport device to be the perfect companion for my Perun Mini/Warrior X Pro lights, which have become my main Cub Scout/BSA camping setup.  I typically carry a Momax Q Power Touch 10000 mAh battery for my iPhone 14 Pro Max, a Pitaka Power Dongle for Apple Watch, a USB-C to Lightning, and USB-C to USB-C cable within a small Maxpedition ditty bag.  Combined with the RENOGY E-Flex 10W power adapter to recharge the Momax battery, I have been able to enjoy a long weekend away from city power.  To test the output, I plugged a Klein tools multimeter into the USB-A port of the Momax battery and found the multimeter displayed 5.18V/0A. 

When I added my new Olight Baton 3Pro Max to the Oport, the multimeter displayed 5.06V/1.64A, while the Oport LED glowed Red.  To finish the charging process, I plugged the Klein Tools multimeter into a USB HUB and allowed the 5000mAh battery to charge through the Oport device (~3 hours).  Once the battery was fully charged, the Oport’s LED changed to green and the rate dropped to a 5.06-5.17V/0.07A trickle.  Neither the cable, nor Oport charger felt hot throughout the testing process. Once finished, I returned the Oport to the front panel on my keyring and locked it back into place.

Summary

I was impressed with the petite size of the charger, the keyring hook, the ingenuity of the twist-off charging head, and the ability to replace a full-size Olight MCC3 charger in a pinch.  The rate of charge with the Oport device appeared to be similar to the included Perun Mini, Baton 3 Pro Max, Warrior X Turbo, and S1R Baton II cables.  Despite the many amazing design features of the Oport, you will still need to carry a separate USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C cable to pair with a wall charger.  Perhaps a future iteration of the device will allow for an included short USB-C cable to plug into a wall outlet for added convenience.    

Learn more about the Olink device and follow Olight on Facebook and Twitter.

If you are new to the Olight world, I welcome you to the community.  As a relatively new member, let me first concede that I am a box-opening flashlight user, not solely a collector.  My brother-in-law introduced me to Olight when he sold me a bright red S1R II Baton light.  I loved the wrist lanyard, golden pocket clip/accents, magnetic tail charging, side button, brightness, functions, etc.  It became my everyday carry light, my backup Cub Scout camping light, and rarely was absent from my pocket.  Wanting more, I found my way to the website, several holiday sales, and now I have a wife that questions my flashlight pseudo-addiction. 

More than a flashlight company, Olight has provided solutions to problems I did not know I had.  As an example, I wanted a headlamp for camping/hiking activities. The company provided a neat adjustable Velcro patch for their Perun Mini light, which paired nicely with the included velcro headband attachment. The 90-degree angled flashlight, bright beam, beam function modes, the adjustable patch, and the ability to place it around my hat made it one of my prime camping lights.  I loved the ability to add the headband to my hat and adjust the light/patch as needed. On one of my favorite trips, it proved invaluable when the scouts slept inside a cave at Cumberland Caverns. 

During a recent visit by my mother, we decided to take a few walks with our Boston Terrier. I grabbed a hat, the headlamp/headband combo, and we walked around the neighborhood. She mentioned that she would love an angled light, like the Perun Mini, but preferred a neck light.  She wanted the angled beam to help light the path while walking her dogs and checking on her outside animals at home.  Unfortunately, she stated that she disliked headlamps.  So, I turned to the Olight Facebook community and found a post by Mr. Cotton, who suggested pairing an Olink with 550 Paracord and simple plastic breakaway Barrel connectors.  

I ordered her a Perun Mini, Olink, barrel-connectors, and cut a section of paracord from my roll to prepare for the build.  The Olight Olink arrived in a 1 1/2 inches wide by 2 3/16 inches tall by 1 1/2 inches thick retail package and provided a fun/enjoyable introduction to the product.  The sterile-white packaging provided a lovely backdrop for the large ink-outline drawing of the Olink magnet/carabiner and the turquoise OLIGHT name/logo along the top left of the panel.  Each side panel, like the cover title, displayed the name/logo in a vibrant turquoise color and added a refreshing splash of color.  The back panel listed the product specifications (Weight 25g/0.88oz, 35L/20W/43mmH / 1.38”/0.79”/1.70”), company addresses/contact information, SKU barcode, and product manufacturing labels.  

I removed the 0.9-ounce Olink device from the packaging and separated it from the internal foam block.  If you are curious about the role/function of the OLink accessory, know that it is a magnetic base with a circular ring that one can pair with the tail caps of most of the Olight rechargeable lights. The device can be broken up into two parts.  First, you will find a black 0.4-ounce, 13/16 inches diameter by 1/4 inches tall magnet with a 3/8 inches tall by 3/8 inches wide ring hook (1/4 inches diameter).  The shiny metallic magnet was surrounded by a blue Olight accent, while the front panel was adorned with the silver “Olink” name. The second portion of the device was a 1 3/8 inches diameter by 3/16 inches wide circular carabiner.  If you look closely at the 5/8 inches wide carabiner gate, you will find the Olight name.  You will find a cautionary “not for climbing” label along the top of the hoop.  

Unlike the initial craft/build described by Mr. Cotton, I left the circular carabiner attached to the magnetic base and ran the paracord through the carabiner loop.  I cut a section of paracord to 21 1/4 inches, placed a barrel buckle over the paracord, heated the ends with a lighter, and then compressed them to a larger diameter than the hole.  We placed the necklace around the neck attached the Perun Mini to the Olink, and enjoyed the hands-free flashlight experience.  The Olink attached firmly to the magnetic tail cap of the Perun Mini and remained relatively stable while walking. 

Once we created the project for my mom, my wife decided she wanted one too. They loved the weight of the ring/magnet and its stability. My wife tried the Perun Mini pocket clip attached to her shirt but found the weight excessively pulled the neckline downward.  She did not like the clip and asked for one of her own.  So, I purchased a Perun Mini 2 and regifted my original Perun Mini to my wife for a nighttime walking neck light.  However, instead of the plastic barrel connectors, we upgraded to magnetic connectors.  I removed the internal strings from 550-paracord, placed a bead of hot glue within the magnetic connector, inserted the paracord, and allowed the glue to dry.  The add-on magnetic connectors provided a nice upgrade to the plastic barrel connectors.  After our latest build, we decided to pair Obulb MC ‘s with Olink/neck lanyards for a safer Trick-Or-Treating experience for Halloween 2023.

Summary

The base Perun Mini light and the new Perun Mini 2 are wonderful 90-degree angled lights.  The lights make for perfect headlamps/hat lights and, thanks to the above craft/build, can also make for an ideal neck light.  The Olink device can be clipped to a backpack, purse, or belt loop, and can securely hold many of my favorite Olights.  For those who may be on the fence about the Olink accessory, imagine a hands-free holder for your pocket Olight, or an easy way to turn an Obulb into a tiny lantern. Wear them around your neck, or hang them for accent lighting. You will not regret adding a few Olink devices to your cart.  

Learn more about the Olink device and follow Olight on Facebook and Twitter.

PitaTag for Multi-Tool protects your AirTag while adding functionality.

While the Apple AirTag can provide peace of mind to its owner that their belongings can always be found, the device is very small. Therefore, it stands to reason that adding a case to the AirTag might make the AirTag more visible. In some cases, an AirTag case can also add more functionality to the tiny tracking device. One such case is the PitaTag for Multi-Tool from Pitaka.

About PitaTag for Multi-Tool

The PitaTag for Multi-Tool is the world’s first multi-tool with AirTag case. It’s part of Pitaka’s PitaTag collection that seeks to make the most out of your AirTag. This excerpt from ipitaka.com describes the purpose behind the collection.

In our opinion, the purpose of AirTag is to search for what’s hidden, not look for what’s lost. Apart from providing protection, AirTag holders should help us find things that are hidden around. We design some tiny accessories and have the AirTag hide in them, so you don’t need to find those often-used items.

The multi-tool accessory is designed to go with you anywhere and it’s built tough so that whenever you need a tool, you have it. The multi-tool has the following attachments:

• Pocket Knife – (1.5mm*2.0mm) – Made of grade 420 stainless steel, it’s a handy tool for unboxing your package.
• 2.0-Caliber Allen Key – (H2*21mm) – This hexagon key is for M2 screws which are typically used in electrical equipment and mechanical products, including bicycles and the PITAKA MagEZ Stand.
• Cross Screwdriver – (PH0*21mm) – The stainless steel cross screwdriver can handle screws M1.6 ~3.0 on devices like PSP, MP4, and MP3.
• Slot-type Screwdriver – (3mm*21mm) – Use this slot-type screwdriver to unscrew or tighten your watches, clocks, and other devices with M3 screws.

The case ensures that your AirTag is covered by solid metal and it can withstand daily life including drops up to 1.5m. In addition to being durable, the PitaTag for Multi-Tool is built with sustainable Technology.

“The frame, the keyring, and the tools are made using powder metallurgy technology, a “green” metal-forming manufacturing method, to reduce waste and make the product lightweight yet durable.”

Main Features

• Compact and portable
• Four foldable EDC tools
• Fully covers your AirTag
• No signal interference
• Keyring design
• Compatible with Apple AirTag
• Dimensions: 3.4 x 1.87 x 0.48in
• Weight 1.98oz
• Materials: Stainless steel, silicone, PVD coating
• Warranty: 3 months

Pricing & Availability

PitaTag for Multi-Tool has a list price of $59.00 USD. You can purchase it as a single item or as a 4-pack. It can be ordered at ipitaka.com and Amazon.com.

User Experience

The delightful little multi-tool comes in a simple package with Pitaka branding on it. There is an image of the tool on the front of the box and the descriptor, “A well-designed mini EDC multi-tool that you will never lose.” The box is similar in size to a set of earbuds. The back of the box includes the following details:

• multi-tool and AirTag case 2 in 1
• Premium metal
• Small and exquisite
• No signal interference

When you open the box, you’ll find the PitaTag nestled in cardboard. There is a small piece of paper that points out the product’s main features, a plastic bag that contains a hex wrench, and a keychain loop attachment. A quick guide is also included with instructions on how to install the keychain attachment.

One of the first things I noticed about the PitaTag was its weight. It feels heavy-duty and without the keychain attached, it’s quite heavy. The inside of the PitaTag has a little silicon cushion for the AirTag to rest on. The rubber piece also serves to help open the case so that you can insert the AirTag. This makes the installation process very easy.

The AirTag fits well in the case and so far, I’ve not had any trouble with tracking the AirTag while it’s in the PitaTag. The case is really well built and even though it’s heavy, it makes a nice accessory for bags. I don’t think I would actually put this on my key ring because of its weight, but I would carry it with me in my carry-all and since the keyring is a clip-on style keyring, it’s easy to detach and reattach to any bag you choose.

The tools are very helpful. Each tool has a little notch in it that you can grip with the edge of your fingernail to open. If you keep your nails short, I could see it being difficult to open the tools. They are very small but useful for certain tasks. Once you open them a few times, they start to feel a little loose. You can use the hex key that came with the PitaTag for Multi-Tool to re-tighten them though.

Conclusion

Overall, the PitaTag is a really cool EDC product. It’s unique in its purpose and small enough to carry anywhere. The AirTag fits into the case nicely and within a few simple steps, it’s ready for adventure. It does seem a little pricey given its function and the fact that the AirTag has to be purchased separately. But, it’s worth the investment.

For more information, visit ipitaka.com, Facebook, and Twitter.  

Ekster’s Add-on Wallet Tracker for your minimalist wallet.

The EKSTER Tracker Card arrived in a 3 inches wide by 4 13/16 inches tall by 1/4 inches thick package.  The back panel provided a shiny E within a shield outline, a statement thanking the user, and a small white sticker that provided the name, SKU barcode, and product manufacturing labels. The front panel sported the classic shiny black EKSTER name/logo upon a matte black background. 

I appreciated the regality of the “E” shield, the Rotterdam/New York name, and the presence of the dual magpie outlines.  As a person who loves to learn the deeper meaning and symbolism of things, I appreciated the nuanced meaning.  In this case, magpies can symbolize intelligence, wit, and resourcefulness as positive features but may also represent deceit, opportunism, and illusion. Luckily, I have grown to appreciate the former with the EKSTER brand. 

I gripped the thumb cutouts and removed the inner cardboard tray from the outer shell.  The 2 1/8 inches wide by 3 3/8 inches tall by 1/16 inches thick device weighed only 0.5 ounces. The front panel provided a 1 9/16 inches wide by 7/8 inches tall solar charging array atop an attractive geometric cube background. 

At the center of the panel, you will find a 17/32 inches diameter button with “E” shield etched into the surface.  The rear surface provided the “E” shield and EKSTER name, a “FIND WITH chipolo” logo, and product manufacturing labels in matte rustic gold font.  Please note the presence of instructions on the inner surface of the inner tray, before throwing away the packaging:

1. Download and install the chipolo App on Google and App Stores.
2. Follow the in-app steps to set up the EKSTER tracker. 
3. Visit EKSTER.com/usermanual for more information. 

I navigated to the App store, searched for the chipolo App, and then downloaded the 4.5* Application.  The main App screen provided the chipolo name at the top, a welcome statement, a “NEXT” oval green button, and the ability to log in or skip.  If you swipe left/right on the main screen, you can learn several features of the tracker app/devices.  If you already have an account, you can choose to log in. 

Since I already had an account, I did not choose to create a new one.  I selected “add device,” “Card,” activated Bluetooth, and placed the device by my phone.  I pressed the button and found that it did not pair; the card played the jingle but did not pair.  I tried again, by holding the button, and found the technique allowed successful pairing.  The App asked the user to press the button on the App to ring the device, and then requested the user to press the button on the device to ring the phone. 

You can adjust several features of the App to cause your phone to ring even when in silent, and can select when to search for devices (App only, never, always).  Additionally, the app suggested leaving the settings at “Always” if you want to have updated features. 

My previous “Big Skinny” wallet allowed me to carry an obscene amount of items.  Tired of a bulky front pocket show, I moved most of the cards to STOCARD and to the Apple Wallet, and pared down the bulk to move to the EKSTER Aluminum Cardholder.  I added the tracker to the inside of my Aluminum Cardholder Graphite wallet and found that it took the place of ~1.5 cards. 

Due to the minimalist nature of the wallet, I struggled to optimize further beyond the base six that the slot would hold.  With two credit cards, an insurance card, dental card, auto/home insurance card, and a driver’s license, I had very little wiggle room to accommodate the tracker.  I decided to place the tracker against the expandable backplate and found the location/option to be superior to the internal position. 

I was able to use the App, search the App, and find the card, all without sacrificing the needed card space further.  The jingle can be changed, you can use the app to access navigation, and add “Ring Ekster” “Stop ringing EKSTER” to Siri functionality.

The thin EKSTER card is a nice rival to the Tile Slim device and to the base Chipolo Cards but is only as good as the network.  The main downside to the Chipolo linked device is that it does not pair with the Apple “Find My” ecosystem like the Chipolo Card Spot.  Since most of my devices (MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad Pro 12.9”, AirPods Pro) are Apple devices, I have started to utilize AirTags instead of other trackers; I have moved away from the various Apps/logins and prefer the easy-to-use AirTags. 

Since Apple does not yet have an AirTag Slim or AirTag Wallet, I would honestly prefer to purchase a chipolo device over the solar rechargeable Ekster card.  Actually, after searching the website, the AirTag Wallet would be my choice. 

I liked the shape, the dimensions, and the addition of the solar charger to the base card tracker.  Unfortunately, the device is not powerful enough to drive me to use the chipolo app over the Apple network.  I have used the card over the past two months and have not yet had to recharge the battery. 

It is important to note that there are no ports to charge the device and you will have to use the sun to keep the device charged.  The website promised up to 2 months of charge with a 3 hour solar session.  For those who want to create a better carbon footprint, this may decrease the amount of e-waste/battery waste.  I did test the ring phone and ring wallet features several times over multiple days. 

I activated the photo feature within the App to test the “selfie feature” and quickly realized that I have not needed a shutter feature in the last five years. Some may find this feature useful, but I did not.  

At the time of this review, the EKSTER website provided a 20% discount on their flagship wallets.  If you have chosen a non-Apple Ecosystem, the EKSTER card will significantly enhance/protect your wallet experience.  For those that are Apple-centric, you can purchase a Chipolo Card Spot from the website directly to utilize the “Find MY” feature. 

I do not have any other chipolo devices; I have not tested the device and I cannot attest that it will fit inside of the Ekster wallet. However, the outer retention plate should allow the device to work with my Aluminum wallet.  Therefore, if you already had an EKSTER wallet, you can expand your options with this card.  If you are looking to upgrade your accessories, consider purchasing a new wallet that allows AirTag integration. 

Learn more about the EKSTER Tracker Card.
Follow EKSTER on Facebook and Twitter.

I am not sure why I feel the need to pack two weeks’ worth of underwear for a weekend campout.  However, as a habitual over-packer, I find myself overpacking for just about everything.  I have never had an accident or event that required a frequent change of undergarments or found myself in an “emergency survival” situation. 

Despite my love for Naked and Afraid, Survivorman, and the Corporals Corner YouTube channel, I have not had to test my mettle at man versus nature.  Yet, I feel the need to be ready.  Unfortunately, the need for preparation/redundancy extends to socks, clothing, charging cables, portable batteries, camping gear, paracord, etc.  I do not keep things just to keep them; I do not hoard things, and I do not show anxiety/fear about future events.  It just appears that I tend towards unnecessary over preparation. 

As a youth, I moved from a traditional velcro-style wallet into a bulky standard leather wallet.  Carrying the wallet in my right buttock pocket, I soon found the colossal leather wallet was a nuisance.  When I developed pain in my Sacroiliac joint (SI joint) and lateral thigh, a physical therapist recommended that I reduce the bulk of the wallet and move it into a front pocket. 

Luckily, my father and I ran into a vendor selling Big Skinny wallets while perusing the Del Mar County Fair venues in Southern California.  We decided to give them a try and ditched our old leather wallets.  The thin nylon wallet was a refreshing change for both of us, but we quickly found our wallets full of cards, receipts, and various unnecessary items.  Thankfully, a fully loaded Big Skinny wallet was the same thickness as an empty leather one. 

Alas, the loaded wallet printed through my pants pocket and was purely overkill.  I realized the problem when I purposefully decided that I did not need to keep packing a PlusUs portable battery and a foldable Nite-Ize phone kickstand in my wallet for “emergency” situations.

When I heard about the EKSTER brand of wallet, I knew that I needed to downsize.  I was able to add my store and loyalty cards to Apps Like STOCARD and Apple Wallet on my iPhone, and I rarely need to carry cash any longer.  With the goal of bringing my license, a few credit cards, and a small amount of money, the EKSTER experience promised the opportunity to enjoy as small of an imprint as possible. 

The EKSTER Cardholder Carbon Forged Wallet arrived in a sleek, 3 inches wide by 4 13/16 inches tall by 9/16 inches thick, tacticool black cardboard box.  The company name and magpie/“E shield” logo were etched into the surface of the cover panel in shiny black font.  I liked the shiny on matte black appeal, and the pseudo leather feel to the case.  The box’s rear panel provided a small white informational sticker with the product name, SKU barcode, company name, and brief design information.  

I gripped the thumb/finger cutouts at the top of the packaging, slid the inner tray out from within the outer shell, and removed the 2.7 ounces, 2 3/8 inches wide by 4 1/4 inches tall by 5/16 inches thick wallet from the cardboard tray.  The aluminum surface was cool to the touch and had a mesmerizing matte/satin marbled appearance. 

Along the center of the wallet, you will find a 13/16 inches wide elastic strap with a 7/8 inches long by 13/16 inches tall black metallic EKSTER “E Shield” buckle.  Encircling the wallet like a belt with buckle, the elastic band created a retention type add-on to the base card setup. I liked that I had the option to utilize the add-on metal backing plate for added security or the choice to minimize the experience. 

Hiding behind the RFID plate, you will find a black recycled cardboard card with information about the add-on feature.  The card discussed the ability to add six more cards without compromising upon a thin profile and the method to remove the cards.  The rear side of the card detailed the recycled nature of the cardboard, which is a welcome addition for the naturephilic amongst us.

To access the internally contained cards, you can either turn the case upside down and shake it firmly toward your hard, or you can use the intended method and press the button.  I was rather impressed with the friction hold within the case and the ease with which the cards left the shell once the button was pressed.  Instead of shooting the cards out of the case, the button created a fanned-out pattern. 

With the white EKSTER logo toward my top right and the button along the bottom left, the cards extended from front to back.  I repeated this process a dozen times with a variety of cards and found nearly the same response.  Occasionally, the rear most card would not extend beyond the penultimate or the second card failed to extend beyond the first.  However, the cards were easy to remove, easy to return, and easy to sort.  The internal instructional cards were designed similar to the one described above. 

One card provided a large QR code linking to the product User manual, and another provided a thankful paragraph.  A third requested a link to their Instagram, while a fourth described a bit about their heritage. The fifth and sixth cards provided QR links to become an affiliate, and to their “Give $15 Earn $15” friend program.  Each of the black recycled cardboard cards, like the one above, had a rear FSC recycled logo.

I removed the included test cards and added several of my own.  I added my driver’s license, two credit cards with raised numbers, my BestBuy card, GameStop card, and my prefilled haircut card into the case.  I do not typically carry my bank/debit card for fear of loss/easy access to my bank account.  I find the protections granted through credit card companies to be superior to bank debit cards. 

Thus, I chose to leave the card out.  Instead of adding extra cards to the outside, I chose to fold a $20, $10, $5, and five $1 dollar bills for use as a money clip.  For testing purposes, I found that I was able to add the cards beneath the plate securely.  The belt/plate combo ensured a snug fit against the shell of the case, without compromising retention. Without the ability to scan RFID, I was unable to assess the blocking ability of the plate.

Summary

The Ekster Wallet may be the ultimate tool for the minimalist; remove the fluff from your wallet and carry your favorite/most essential cards.  With the bonus RFID blocking plate, you can expand a bit further without compromising portability. The cost of the device may be a bit high for some.

However, the quality materials, slim-portable design, and durable frame will reduce the chances of buyer remorse. Combine the wallet with an EKSTER tracker card to enjoy a worldwide tracking network, 200-foot activation radius, 3-hour charge for 2 months of battery, solar-powered charging, and voice activation (REVIEW TO FOLLOW). Add the tracker to the RFID pocket or into the main compartment for added functionality.

Learn more about the EKSTER Carbon Forged Wallet.
Follow EKSTER on Facebook and Twitter.

Precision tweezers ensure you have the right tools to get the job done.

I refuse to throw out old tech; instead, I opt to fix or recycle as many devices as possible. Do you feel frustrated when we are encouraged to buy a new appliance instead of repairing an older one? A quick internet search will yield several jokes about this very phenomenon, and they have been immortalized in memes.

My favorite of the tech memes is the one with an old yellow refrigerator and the quote: “2021 Appliances: *Break within 2 years. 1980 Refrigerator: I will Outlive you & everyone you love. I am eternal. I am time itself!” 

I have learned a great deal about tech repair while watching several fix-it videos by TronicsFix on Facebook. However, I have also realized a significant learning curve to the builds/repairs that he makes look easy. From PlayStation’s to XBox’s to Nintendo Switch consoles to Joycons to Roombas and other tech, I do not tire of hearing about the proper amount of thermal paste. After watching several of these videos and looking into the comment sections, I learned more about IFIXIT gear and purchased the Pro-Tech toolkit and the Precision Tweezers Set.   

The IFIXIT Precision Tweezers Set arrived in a 4 inches wide by 8 inches tall plastic bag with a white cardboard hanging-style topper. The IFIXIT name/logo was displayed across the top left, while ESD Safe was shown at the top right. The “Precision Tweezers Set” title was proudly displayed along the middle of the section in prominent bold black font.

You will find a quaint sentence beneath the title: “ Perfect for all holding, pulling, and picking-up jobs.”  The rear side of the cardboard topper provided information about the three different tips: pointed for ultimate precision, angled for ergonomic accuracy, and blunt for heavy lifting.   Additionally, you will find a link to the iFixit.com website for free repair guides, an SKU barcode, recycle logo, copyright information, and a deferred liability statement. 

I removed the staples that connected the cardboard to the clear bag, opened the bag, and slid out the nylon bag. The black nylon holster weighed 2.1-ounces and measured 3 1/4 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall, and contained three 0.5-ounce tweezers. The nylon carry sheath had three stitched channels that measured 3/4 inches wide, 1 inch wide, and 3/4 inches wide, each by 3 5/8 inches tall. Stitched into the upper segment of the middle pocket, you will find a 3/4 inches wide by 7/8 inches tall loop section.

To correctly display the included tweezers, the company shipped the IFIXIT nylon carry case with the top folded backward. The inner surface of the top flap had the 3/4 inches wide by 7/8 inches tall hook segment. You can bend the top section over, align the Velcro segment, and store the precision tweezers in a backpack or within another tool kit/setup. You will find an attractive IFIX name/logo along the lower front flap segment. I enjoyed the visually appealing nature, the convenient storage, and the functional compartmentalized design. The stitching appeared to be primarily uniform but the lower-left corner of the case was not routed and was a tad bit unfinished.  

I removed the velcro connection, opened the flap, and removed each of the 0.5-ounce IFIXIT Precision Tweezers. Each device had a semi-translucent rubberized cap. The sharp-straight tweezers measured 4 13/16 inches long by 3/8 inches wide, and had a white IFIXIT logo near the back and “ESD Safe” distally where the neck tapers. The pointed tips were rather sharp and had a gritty substance along the inner metallic surface.

When I opened/closed the tweezers, the points connected with reassuring precision. Thanks to the narrow/sharp design, it did not take much effort to pick up smaller items. They worked perfectly for small screws and holding/picking up smaller objects. When finished, I replaced the cap and slid the straight tweezers back into one of the slots. Thanks to the size/design of the tweezers, you can put any device into any one of the compartments. 

The second 0.5-ounce tweezer had a blunted metallic end and had rows carved into the underside of the tips for added grip. The 4 3/4 inches long by 3/8 inches wide-based tweezer tapered a bit more abruptly than the subtle taper of the straight-sharp tweezers. The tips aligned quite well and worked great for picking up slightly more robust screws and other items. Like with the long-straight tweezers, I could reattach the plastic cover guide and place the tweezers back into the case.

The last pair of precision tweezers measured 4 7/8 inches long by 3/8 inches wide and had a taper similar to the long-straight tweezers. The metallic tip of the angled tweezers bent downward at a 45-degree angle and ended in a sharp point. This pair of tweezers worked well for removing/reinserting screws. I reattached the curved protector-tip, inserted the devices back into the bag, and folded the top down.  

One of the quickest ways to turn an easy, reasonable job into a downward spiral is to use the wrong tools. The IFIXIT tweezers proved to be well machined and had an exact tip grip. The outer black material was smooth and pleasing to the fingers and lacked tackiness or excessive grip. I liked the thin clear plastic tweezer caps, but would have preferred them to be the blue color of their logo.

The clear coloration of the tip blended into the surface of my placemat and made finding the cap slightly more complicated. I was able to add/remove a screw from my Catalyst Waterproof Apple Watch Generation 6 case and several smaller screws for a few kids’ toys.  

I loved the design of the carry holster and the precision tweezers kit. The flexible compartments allowed the bag to bend and easily slide into my backpack’s pocket. Each of the tips felt hard robust and terminated in a well-matched partner. The kit proved to be resilient and precise. Lastly, the tools allowed me to complete the repair process. It’s a great EDC item to have for quick repairs.

Learn more about ifixit.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Optimal Everyday Carry Pocket Light

I have been a collector of many things throughout my life, including action figures, Funko Pops, and trading cards. Interestingly, if you ask someone if they collect things, they will likely mention one of the eight most commonly collected items listed on the newson6.com site: coins, stamps, baseball pins, vinyl, comic books, wine, trading cards, and toys. Yet, if you asked my brother-in-law what he collected, he would say knives and flashlights. Flashlights, you may ask? Is this a thing?

I initially did not believe it either, but then he introduced me to the world of OLIGHT flashlights. From that point on, I was awaiting their pre-sale, holiday bundles, new releases, following blogs, and keeping up with the proverbial flashlight Joneses. Even though the flashlight bug bit me, I could not bring myself to collect unopened lights. I wanted power, I wanted portability, I wanted mounting options, I wanted emergency preparedness, and OLIGHT had solutions to every one of the “I wants.”

The OLight i3E EOS light arrived in a 1 1/2 inches wide by 4 1/2 inches tall by 3/4 inches thick eggshell-white retail package. The i3E EOS name was displayed along the top of the cover panel in dark grey font.  Beneath the name, you will find “Mono-Output Keychain LED Flashlight” and an attractive image of the hunter green keychain light. The top panel provided the blue-green OLIGHT name/logo, while the right-side panel provided a UPC barcode and the left-side panel provided a Learn more QR code and 5-year warranty promise logo. 

The rear panel provided a useful list of product features: 1. Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum with anti-scratch Type-III hard anodizing. 2. High light transmittance TIR lens delivery a homogenous beam. 3. Ultra-compact and mighty flashlight developing from an extreme design idea. 4. Fully tighten the head to turn the flashlight on. Slightly loosen the head to turn the flashlight off.  Beneath the feature section, I found a grey 4×2 specifications table: 1. 90 Lumens. 2. 45 Min. 3. 44m throw. 4. 500cd. 5. 1.5m drop resistance. 6. 60.5x14mm.  7. 19.4g (flashlight + battery).   Lastly, the panel provided information about the package contents, company address, UPC barcode, and product manufacturing labels. 

To access the Olight, I pulled the small cardboard tab along the back panel, lifted the top flap, and slid the white tray out from within the packaging.  I quickly noticed a yellow “READ ME” warning at the bottom of the tray that informed me about the internal thin insulating film.  I removed the 2 1/4 inches long by 9/16 inches diameter (7/16 inches at the base) i3E EOS light, unscrewed the front segment, and found the aforementioned small yellow film affixed to the positive terminal within the cap. 

I shook the cap a few times to dislodge the film and screwed the cap segment back onto the base.  I was pleased to find dual o-rings, an oiled threaded segment, and an included AAA battery. The head cap portion had a 3/8 inches tall ribbed segment which improved the grip for tightening the head cap segment.  To activate the light tighten the screw by turning the body clockwise and the head segment counterclockwise. Once the battery makes connections to the positive and negative terminals, the light will activate.  To deactivate the light, turn the two segments in the opposite direction until the light extinguishes and then just a bit more.  

The OLIGHT i3E OES may be the perfect EDC pocket companion.  The anti-scratch aluminum frame allowed me to carry the light in the same pocket as my keys without damaging the outer coating.  The body segment had three 11/16 inches tall grooves oriented around the OLIGHT i3E EOS LA21111807 name, a QR code, and a product manufacturing label.  The white font contrasted nicely against the hunter-green coloration without feeling overdone or obnoxious. 

Like the grooves on the head cap, the three longitudinal grooves enhanced the grip-feel and the ease to power on/off the light.  The tail cap jutted outward 1/8 inch from the base and had a metallic keychain ring set into the nub.  Lastly, two grooves, one adjacent to the head segment and another at the tail cap end, were cut into the sidewall of the midsection of the light.  Each groove reduced the diameter of the light and created a noticeable step-off.  I found that the step-off accommodated a segment of paracord for an additional attachment point.  By attaching the cord at both ends, I created a temporary carry handle.  

The instruction manual provided a helpful specification table followed by battery installation instructions. The subsequent operation segments were provided in English, Chinese, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, Polish, German, Hungarian, Russian, Spanish, Romanian, Ukrainian, Japanese, Taiwanese, French, Belgian, Italian, and Slovakian languages. The last panels detailed the product warranty; within the first 30 days you should contact the seller and within 5 years of purchase you should contact OLIGHT directly for problems (does not cover normal wear and tear, neglect, negligence, misuse, modifications, etc).

I felt that the manual successfully provided the bare minimum of information about the light, but would have enjoyed more science behind the technology. The packaging noted that the light provided 90 lumens and had a 44mm beam. However, both the website and instruction manual failed to provide the intensity/distance to test the light.

The OLIGHT i3E EOS cannot be beaten when it comes to portability and price. At sub $10, I have close to a half dozen for home needs alone. The ubiquitous nature of AAA batteries allows for easy light operation. I have an i3E EOS in each of the glove boxes of our vehicles, in each of the BSA packs for my 13 and 10-year-old sons and me, and one in my nightstand. I love the twist on/off light function and the reduced chances of a mechanical button failure.

Since the light has a keychain ring, I would love for OLIGHT to create a neck Lanyard similar to the sold-out wrist lanyard. To test the light output, I purchased a light meter from Amazon (review to follow) and tested the light at 1 foot , 2 feet, and 25 feet. At 1 foot, the light meter displayed 5370 Lux. At two feet, the light meter displayed 1355 Lux, and at 25 feet, the light meter displayed 14 Lux.

If you are looking for maximal power and maximal battery life, this will not be the light you want to purchase. Rather, this is the light you turn to as an emergency backup or an always-available cheap/efficient light source. I mean by the previous statement that specialized lights will outperform general lights for their given tasks but may underperform for other needs.

Sometimes you may want a thin, strong beam, or perhaps you want a floodlight or even a lantern. This light succeeds in the small, easily pocketable size, plus the relatively long beam and intensity. Perfect for walking to the mailbox at night, illuminating under your car hood on the side of a road, or providing light after a power outage, the i3E EOS will get to work.

With only a single AAA battery (included), you can rest assured that you can keep this light operational when others have depleted their rechargeable batteries. Add on IPX8 waterproofing (o-ring seals), and you have the optimal multi-environment backup light.

Learn more about the OLIGHT i3E EOS
Follow OLIGHT on Facebook and Twitter.

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When it comes to portable light, you can opt for bargain lights with throwaway batteries, or you can join the OLIGHT club and start collecting quality rechargeable flashlights. Who knew that flashlight collecting was a thing? I certainly did not realize that people collected them until introduced to the group by my brother-in-law.

As I perused the website and began using the products, I realized the collection’s value. With flash sales, limited-run lights/colors/products, loyalty perks, purchase tiers/ranks, and a prominent collector following, OLIGHT has become a rather big deal. I still have my first OLIGHT, a palm-sized OLIGHT S1R2. This light is still a go-to light for cub scout camping and campouts with my family.

I grew fond of wireless charging, magnetic tail caps, side buttons, several brightness modes, and the ability to slide the tail clip into a pocket or over the brim of my hat. Coupled with a long-lasting battery, the light could go several days before requiring a recharge. It was convenient, portable, and powerful.

I typically carry a few 10,000 mAh portable batteries to recharge my electronic devices while camping, hiking, or participating in other outdoor adventures. As I moved into rechargeable flashlights, I needed to carry additional batteries to maintain my Olight headlamp and pocket lights. With an overall effort to lighten the load, these batteries can add significant weight to a carry bag.

Thus, I became quite excited when they released the OLIGHT Baton 3 Premium Edition, an upgraded version of their S1R2 light with a dedicated charging case. The website noted that the base light could last up to 20 days on a single charge, and the charging case could provide an additional 3.7 additional charges for the light, for up to 95 days of light. The presentation was difficult to ignore, and a red version of the Baton 3 Premium Edition was added to my cart for purchase.

Measuring 3 1/8 inches wide by 5 13/16 inches tall by 2 1/2 inches thick, the OLIGHT Baton 3 Premium Edition light arrived in classic OLIGHT style.  The main cover listed the OLIGHT name and logo along the top left, the Baton 3 Premium edition name along the top right, Max 3.7 times charging for the baton 3 along the bottom left, and Max 1200 Lumens along the bottom right. 

Despite the attractive accent of the dark teal company name and the listed features, the visual vocal point was the large red image on the cover.  The glossy, slightly raised, vibrant picture of the charging case resembled a lighter or alcohol flask.  The allure of the fire engine red color against the white backdrop did not go unnoticed.  The outer box’s spine and front opening flap listed the blue-green OLIGHT logo and Baton 3 product name.  The top panel provided an SKU barcode, while the bottom panel provided a 5-Year warranty logo. 

The rear panel of the flashlight proved to be busier than the cover panel but listed a significant amount of information about the device.  From the paragraph atop the panel detailing the product features, to the bulleted list of features, to the table of product specifications, customers should have few unanswered questions.  The panel promised five light modes, IPX8 Waterproof rating, 1.5-meter drop resistance, 6889 candelas, and up to a 166-meter throw:

1. Turbo 1200 Lumens for 1.5 minutes then drops to 300 Lumens for 75 minutes with a 166m throw.
2. 300-Lumen High mode that will last 95 minutes and provides a beam to 82 meters. 
3. Medium Mode will light 60 Lumens for 7.5 hours at 38 meters.
4. A 12 Lumen Low mode for 33 hours at 18 meters.
5. A 0.5 Lumen Moon mode that should last 20 days.

Beneath the specification table, you will find a list of product dimensions (length 63mm/2.48 inches, bezel 21mm/.83 inch diameter, weight 53g/1.87oz with battery), a list of package contents (Baton 3, wireless charger, USB charging cable, microfiber cleaning cloth, user manual), a “learn more” QR code, product manufacturing labels, and an SKU barcode. 

Excited by the presentation of the outer packaging, I removed the outer plastic, lifted the front flap, unrolled the box like a scroll, and reviewed the OLIGHT team statement printed on the inner flap.  Next, I reviewed the yellow, quick-start panel.  The plastic panel instructed the user on how to remove the insulating film, to charge the light/case fully before its first use, to not turn on the light within the charging case to avoid overheating, and to keep the tailcap clean for improved charging.

I removed the yellow panel and then turned the box upside down to remove the plastic tray with plastic-wrapped red charging case.  Before setting the outer packaging aside, make sure that you remove the 2 1/2 inches wide by 5 5/16 inches tall by 15/16 inches thick accessory box (6”x6” microfiber cleaning cloth, user manual, safety manual, and 33 inches long USB-A to USB-C charging cable). 

With all of the contents removed from the box, I removed the opaque plastic bag from the tray, lifted the magnetic case lid, removed the yellow insulating film, and then opened the flashlight to remove the internal insulating film.  I then reattached the bottom of the flashlight, screwed the two halves of the light together, placed the light into the charging case slot, and closed the lid.  Lastly, I plugged the USB-A cable into a 5V/2A USB port and the USB-C end into the charging case.  

INSTRUCTION MANUAL:

While the case for the flashlight was charging, I turned to the 2 1/2 inches wide by 5 1/8 inches tall multilingual instruction manual (English, Chineses, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Nederland, Polish, German, Hungarian, Russian, Spanish, Romanian, Ukrainian, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, French, Greek, Italian, and Slovakian).  When I unfolded the manual, I found the entire top row of the 8 x 2 pamphlet in English. 

The first panel provided an ink outline of the charging case, while the second panel provided the contents (Baton 3/battery, charging case, USB cable, Microfiber cable) and specifications of the light (detailed above). The third panel provided specifications regarding the wireless charging case (plastic shell, 62x30x83.5mm/2.44×1.18×2.39 inches dimensions, 114g/4.02oz, 3.6V/3500mAh battery, 5V/2A input, 4.2V/1A output, up to 2.5 hour charging time). 

The fourth panel provided instructions to remove the insulating films, as detailed above.  The fifth panel provided information regarding the battery indicator of the Baton 3 light (>60% green, 10-60% orange, 5-10% red, and <5% blinks red) and of the wireless charger (>60% green, 20-60% orange, 10-20% red, <10% red indicator).  Lastly, the outer led will shift from red to green once fully charged.  The final panel’s detailed danger/warning/notice information and provided a table of contents. 

Starting with the second row, the flashlight’s manual provided operation instructions in the above languages, providing nearly an entire page per language.  As a native English speaker, I was impressed with the language, the translation, and the overall presentation.  I liked the presentation method that the company used to illustrate the light’s instructions. 

To power on/off the light, one can simply press the side button on the light.  As an added feature, the light will remember the last saved mode and will return to that level when powered back on.  To change the brightness level, press the side button to power on the light, and then press-hold the side switch to cycle through the options. It will start at whatever brightness level you were on last and then cycle through the modes in an ascending manner. 

To select the desired brightness level, you need to simply release the finger from the side button.  Without knowing that the light had a moonlight/strobe/direct turbo access mode, you would likely enjoy the ability to shift between the low, medium, and high modes.  The manual did a great job detailing how to access each mode.  You can activate Moonlight mode by pressing and holding the side button, while the flashlight is off.  You can activate Quick Turbo mode by double-pressing the side button at any time. You can start the strobe mode by triple pressing the side button while the flashlight is active.  

Below the mode descriptions, the instruction manual of the flashlight reviewed the timer and lockout/unlock features.  The Baton 3 has an automatic shutoff at either 9 minutes (long) or 3 minutes (short) to prevent overheating and possible burns.  The activation/changing of the timer may require a bit of trial and error and may require a quick return to the instruction manual. 

While the flashlight is illuminated, double press and hold the side button until you see either a short blink (short) or two blinks (long) to indicate the timer duration.  Once the timer completes the cycle, the light will immediately extinguish.  Like the light setting memory feature mentioned above, the timer feature will remain at the previous level until changed.  To prevent burning/overheating/damage/battery drain to the light by accidental button press, the light does have a much-appreciated lockout/unlock feature. 

While powered off, press and hold the side switch until the moonlight mode is present (~2seconds).  Instead of releasing your button-press to keep the moonlight mode, continue to hold the button until the light extinguishes.  You will notice a red LED below the button, which signifies the locked-out status of the light.  Press/hold the side button until the moonlight feature returns to unlock the device.  

The final segment of the instruction manual provided additional information about the wireless charging case, LED indicators, auto-off safety features, and low voltage alerts.  I was quite impressed with the safety features built into the setup.  With the importance of light, when you plug in the charging case with the flashlight installed, the power will divert to the flashlight first, and then will power both the light/case once sufficient power was present for the flashlight. 

The automatic-off feature was perhaps my favorite feature.  I have read numerous reviews of accidental Olight button presses causing skin burns and damage to jackets/bags/pouches.  I suspect without an auto-off feature, one would likely have damage to the internal charging case and perhaps even a fire.  However, thanks to the ability to deactivate the light automatically, the setup directly prevents a potential catastrophe. 

The following 31 panels detailed similar information to that mentioned above but in different languages.   The final panel provided information about the Warranty, customer support (USA cs@olightstore.com and Global customer-service@olightworld.com), product website world.com), product manufacturing labels, and the company address in China.

The amount of light pumped out by the 1.83-ounce flashlight was astounding. As I did not have a lux meter at the time of the review, I used scenery to showcase the moonlight/Low/medium/high/turbo modes. From dark to bright, the Olight Baton 3 provided various options. The 0.5-lumen moon mode provided enough light for a stroll down my ice-covered driveway. I was able to make out the terrain at my feet and for several feet in front of me.

The 12-lumen low-light mode provided significantly more light and threw the source out to around fifty feet. Holding the button, the 60-lumen medium-light mode illuminated a significant portion of my yard out to and beyond 100 feet away. Holding the side button longer, the 300-lumen high-light mode brightly lit up most of the corner of my yard at over 150-200 feet away. Without changing my position, I was able to gain quite a bit more detail with the added mode.

When I double pressed the button to enter into turbo mode, I was shocked by the 1200 Lumen output. Even though the mode will only last for about a minute and half before dropping down to the high mode, the light was enough to illuminate a room in my home. Furthermore, the light beam extended to ~400 feet, which was extraordinary for a light this size (just under 2 1/2 inches long and 7/8 inches diameter). The strobe mode was easy to access with a triple press of the side button. It appeared that the mode utilized the medium intensity during the strobe function. Lastly, I loved the lockout mode.

The flashlight features extended beyond the illumination capabilities and the 20-day moon, 33-hour low, 7.5-hour medium, 95 minutes-high, and 1.5/75 minutes turbo mode duration. The magnetic tail clip could attach to a ferro-metallic surface like a car engine/hood, refrigerator, tool chest, etc. for added convenience.

The removable double-clip was designed to slide over the brim of a hat, shirt pocket, or backpack pocket with the light facing outward or inward. Even though the clip could be removed from the Baton 3, the connection was secure and did not easily separate from the body of the light. The machined, ribbed metallic midsection of the Baton 3 proved to be yet another upgrade from the S1R2. I liked the feel, the texture, and the reduced chances of dropping the light.

When done with the light, I lifted the magnetic lid of the charging case, aligned the light with the charging slot and placed the light into the charging case. I placed the light into the charger in moonlight, low, medium, high, and turbo modes and felt the light click into place. The light did not extinguish upon being placed into the lid. However, once I closed and reopened the lid of the Zippo-esque case, the light was extinguished.

Summary:

The tiny Olight Baton 3 is a solid enhancement to the previously exquisite S1R2 Baton that I have come to love. The light modes were easy to navigate and the button combinations were quite intuitive. The hands-free magnetic tail cap feature, double-action clip, 3500 mAh battery, and up to 1200 lumens of light output were outstanding.

I loved that they created a dedicated charging case to capitalize on a known need. If you did not want to take the extra charging case, you can utilize the Olight travel charger or other Olight charging cables with a portable battery or wall outlet.

Learn more about the Olight Baton 3 Premium
Follow Olight on Facebook and Twitter.

I have a great fascination with EDC (everyday carry) items. I will actually spend time researching different types of EDC items to find what can be most useful to me. During this research, I found the Hub Keychain from Alpaka, a company that focuses on environmental issues hand-in-hand with creating products. For every product they sell, Alpaka plants a tree and donates 1% of revenue to environmental causes/non-profits. 

Alpaka’s product design is inspired by the desire to meld form and function together. That’s exactly where the Hub Keychain came from. It’s a part of the Hub Ecosystem – a magnetic modular system that helps to keep users organized with their most-used EDC items. Other parts of the system include the ModPanel MAX or ModPanel MINI, keychain, cardholder, sanitizer holder, clips, and USB Lanyard. 

The Hub Keychain is based on the Hub quick-release magnetic system. It is built with high-quality components including the Fidlock magnets and Hypalon pull tab. The keyring is a convenient and easy-to-use D-ring and it has a Hub clip included. The clip will attach to any fabric (belt, pants, bags, etc.). The ring will fit up to 8 keys. 

SPECS

• HUB Keychain: 65mm (2.6”) x 9mm (.35”) x 28.5mm (1.1”)
• Weight: 7.5g
• HUB Clip: 71mm (2.8”) x 23.6mm (.93”) x 30.8mm (1.2”)
• Weight: 26g 

The keychain arrived in a plastic resealable baggie. The clip was attached to a cardboard backing that had the name of the product along with some information about the company included on it. The back of the cardboard shows how the keychain can be used and how it detaches from the clip. I do want to point out that I do not have any other parts of the Hub Ecosystem, but I love the design of it. And, after using the keychain, I would really love to get a ModPanel and the cardholder. Right now, our family keys are all hung on a typical keyring holder. They are messy and it’s really hard to find the keyring you want. The ModPanel would help keep the keys organized better than hung on individual rings.  

While I don’t have many keys that I carry on a daily basis, I do find this keychain to be incredibly helpful. The unique design is very useful. One of the reasons I wanted this particular keychain is because the clip is large enough and strong enough to attach to my camera bag strap. When I’m out on jobs it’s really convenient to simply clip my car’s key fob onto the backpack’s strap using the Hub Keychain so that I don’t have to hunt for it. Before I was using the Hub Keychain, I was just dropping the key fob into a pocket in the backpack. When you are running around and need to make a quick run to your car, the last thing you want to have to do is dig around for your key fob. The clipped-on keychain is a much easier solution. 

The Hub Keychain is a really cool EDC and a great way to keep your necessary keys close at hand. It retails for approximately $30 USD (at the time of publishing), which seems high for a keychain, but when you consider the added function, I think it’s worth the investment. 

For more information, visit alpakagear.com, Facebook, or Twitter.

PORTABLE EMERGENCY JUMPSTARTER/FLASHLIGHT/POWERBANK

If you have ever returned to a vehicle to find a depleted battery, then you know how difficult it can be to find someone to give you a jumpstart.  Maybe your kids left a dome light on, perhaps the battery has aged, or perhaps there is an energy vampire.  Either way, a dead battery will not provide adequate power for the starter to do its job.  You may choose to carry your own cables, subscribe to AAA, or call for roadside assistance.  What if there was a better option?  What if there was a way to be self-protected and self-sufficient and to breathe life back into your battery without the need to search for another person/vehicle?  If interested, the Scosche POWERUP 600 Torch may be just the device for you.

The Scosche POWERUP 600 TORCH 600A Car Jumper/Flashlight/Powerbank arrived in a 10 1/4 inches long by 5 1/4 inches tall by 3 7/8 inches thick hanging retail package. The main white-colored panel provided the title along the top left and a vibrant yellow border along the bottom with the Scosche name in bold black font.  The focal point was the large, colorful, slightly raised glossy image of the flashlight/jumper cable, two smaller images of the device charging a cellphone, and one jumpstarting a car.  Beneath the images, you will find a car, truck, motorcycle, and boat icon and a description that the device will jump-start Gas Engines up to 8Cyl/5L and Diesel Engines up to 2L.  The top panel had a yellow plastic hanging tab, the product name, spark-free design icon, and pre-charged icon.  The rear white-colored panel provided nearly the same information as the cover but oriented the display parallel to the box’s axis.  The main differences between the cover and the back panel were the small black-bordered picture of the product contents (jump-start cables, USB-C charge cable, protective case, and car charger) along the left and the addition of two icons along the right (Spark-Free Design and Pre-Charged).  The bottom yellow-colored panel served as the perfect backdrop for the product manufacturing labels, and SKU barcode.  

The left side panel provided a life-sized image of the Scosche charger, which provided a clear view of the scope/size of the product. The right side panel proved to be busier than the other panels, providing five multi-lingual zones of information about the device. The top section provided a summary paragraph about the charger (jump-start your engine, charge mobile devices, and enjoy a bright LED flashlight). In contrast, the second section listed five product features (1. Spark Free 6-point, safety protection system protects your vehicle and jump starter from overheating, over current, overcharging, over-discharging, short circuit, and verse connection.  2. Has ample power to jump-start gas engines up to 5L, 8 Cylinders, or Diesel engines up to 2.0 Liters.  3. 600 Amp high-capacity lithium-ion battery has a four battery cell design that holds a charge for up to 6 months. 5. 300 lumens LED flashlight with 4 modes, including SOS. 6. Works with gas or Diesel engines, including cars, trucks, boats, ATV/UTV, and more.  The third section detailed the box contents: Flashlight/jump starter/power bank, charging clamps and cables, Car adapter and charging cable, protective case. The fourth section demonstrated how to safely jumpstart a vehicle in 3 easy steps: 1. Connect red clamp to + and Black clamp to – terminal of the vehicle’s battery.  2. Start your Vehicle. 3. Remove the clamps from the battery.  The last section provided the product specifications: 29.6Wh Capacity, Size 8.6” high x 3.1” wide by 2.6” deep, 35.27-ounce weight, 5V/2A input, 5V/2.4A output, jumper voltage 14.8VDC, Starting Current 200A, Peak Current 600A, Operating Temperature -4F to 140F.  

You will find a 10 inches long by 5 1/4 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches wide black nylon hardshell carrying case within the box.  The black nylon material felt rugged and had a pleasing tactile feel.  The Scosche name and logo were found along the top of the clamp shell and “JUMPSTARTER WITH FLASHLIGHT” along the bottom right.  The remainder of the case was left unadorned except for a 1/2 inches wide by 6 inches long nylon wrist strap along the case’s spine.  I gripped the single metallic zipper pull and unzipped the product (22 1/2 inches long zipper).  I was pleased with the action of the zipper and with the smooth pull but would have liked a nylon zipper cover or some way to add a lanyard pull to the zipper.  The yellow/black flashlight and a 22 1/2 inches long USB-A to USB-C cable could be found in the upper well with the carrying case opened.  The 16.3-ounce flashlight measured 3 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide at the light and approximately 2 1/4 inches diameter at the widest section of the handle. The handle had grippy material and was a bit large for my hand.  However, the included studying decreased the chances that I would drop the device.  The flashlight power ports were hidden within the screw-off butt of the light. To access the Jump 12V output, USB-A out, USB-C input, and the LED test button/bank of LED lights, grip the end amp and twist counterclockwise.  The cap will unscrew and will remain tethered by a section of rubber.  To reattach the cap, align the grooves and twist clockwise.  The product specifications and manufacturing labels were listed on the endcap of the flashlight. 

Scosche included a nylon divider between the upper and lower wells.  The black nylon surface provided a nice backdrop for the white-font instructions.  1. Plug in the smart cable to the Jumpstart port. 2. Connect the red clamp to the + terminal and the black clamp to the – terminal.  3. Insert key or push button to start the car.  In addition to the above “How To” guide, you will also find a seven-point warning label. You will find a 2 inches long by 1 inches diameter bullet-shaped Cigarette lighter Connector Car Charger (Model  FMY-101, Input 12V-24V, Output 5v/2.4A.  Additionally, you will find a 3 3/8 inches square POWERUP Torch PBJF600 Instruction Manual, and the 1 5/8 inches wide by 2 7/8 inches long by 7/8 inches thick smart cable with 10 1/2 inches long red/black alligator clamps.

The ten-panel instruction manual listed the product elements on the first panel and then a pseudo table of contents on the second panel: Device Setup: Section A-Flashlight & Power Supply Overview. Section B-Charge Panel. Section C-“Smart Cable” Jump Starter. Section D- LED Functions. Section E-Flashlight Modes.  Each of the sections provided a multilingual detailed image of the device. For example, section C demonstrated how to insert the charging cables into the power supply, apply the red clamp onto the positive terminal first and then the black onto the negative post.  Section D demonstrated the charging panel and the LED legend for the main device (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), and the smart cable LED (Night Assist white, Error red, start green). Section E demonstrated the flashlight modes (dim, strobe, SOS, off). The last panel listed the product specifications: 12-24V input, 5V/2A output, USB-C input 5V/2A, USB-A output 5V/2.4A, 2000mAh Battery capacity, Flashlight 330 Lumens, Jump Start Gas up to 5L or Diesel up to 2.0L 600A, Charging temp 32-104 degrees, discharging temp 4-140, lifecycle up to 1000 jumps.  

To test the power output, I plugged a DROK USB-A Multimeter into the USB-A port, and then a USB-A to Lightning cable between the multimeter and my iPhone 12 Pro Max. I pressed the small button to activate the charge, and the multimeter read 5.05V/1.82A.  The 2000mAh battery provided approximately a 50% charge to my iPhone 12 Pro Max at 1% per minute. To test the jumpstart feature, I used a friend’s vehicle with an aged, struggling battery. I plugged the charger cable into the flashlight, the red clamp onto the + post, and then the negative post onto the vehicle’s frame.  The start light illuminated, we turned the key, and the Dodge Durango started right up.  I removed the black clamp, the red clamp, then removed the charging cable from the flashlight.  I slid the cable back into the lower well of the carrying case, placed the flashlight back into the upper well, and then zipped up the bag.

Summary

The carrying case served as the perfect transport vehicle for the Scosche flashlight charger.  The individual mesh-lined pockets kept the contents securely contained within their respective wells.  I appreciated the design, the shape, the weight, and the layout of the system.  The device will easily slide into a trunk, under a seat, into a motorcycle or boat compartment and will provide sufficient power to jumpstart most personal vehicles.  I loved that the device could provide emergency backup power to a smartphone or other device but would have preferred USB-C input/output instead of USB-A.  However, since USB-A remains ubiquitous, I understand the choice to include it with this setup.  The instruction manual was well organized and clearly presented the product features.  For those looking for an easy to use, reliable, emergency backup system, look to Scosche for your needs. 

Pros:

Spark Free Design
Up to 3 jumpstarts per charge
IP65 water-resistant (back cap on).
Convenient/attractive carry case.
Compact Portable Design
300 Lumen Flashlight
2000mAh portable emergency battery.
1year Warranty
60-day money-back guarantee.
Cost

Learn more about the scosche PowerUp 600 Torch
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A premium wallet to meet your modern needs

The definition of a purse (small bag for holding money) has had different meanings throughout geographical regions and with time.  In America, we may refer to the above as a wallet, whereas England and Western Europe might describe it as a Purse.  What we see as a purse is often seen as a Handbag in many regions of the world (larger bag that holds more items than money).  As a lover of history, I am always curious about why things are the way they are and about when certain events happened/changed.  For example, men carried purses for money/documents until about 1670 with the advent of pockets.  Through time, these smaller pocket pouches morphed into what we now refer to as wallets.  As a quick history, I invite you to review the loveyourleather.ca website for a more in-depth view of a “Brief History of Purses.”    

With digital technology advancing, men often utilize backpacks, satchels, messenger bags, laptop bags, or briefcases to carry all of their every-day-carry “EDC” needs. However, these are often overburdened and contain larger electronic devices.  For typical excursions or quick jaunts out, many might carry a wallet, keys, or perhaps chapstick, a pocket knife, or a few other essentials.  The wallet (purse) has remained an integral aspect for many of us due to the need to carry paper money, plastic bank/credit cards, and licenses. Some have moved to money clips, and others stuff items into their pockets. Instead of a boring, generic wallet experience, why not upgrade to a more modern offering. Luckily, companies like Ekster have just the device you are looking for.

The Ekster Fortuna Parliament wallet arrived in a classy 3 inches wide by 4 13/16 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick black cardboard box.  At first glance, the packaging appeared quite barren. However, after a more thorough evaluation, I could visualize the glossy, black-colored EKSTER name and Logo/Design.  The dark black cover panel slightly masked the black glossy text/imagery and added a degree of mystique to the experience.  It felt like I was opening a package of a secret society like the movie “Skulls.”  The front panel provided a glossy black Ekster logo with the “E” within a shield.  Other than this logo and the design on the cover panel, the top, right, left, and bottom panels were left unadorned.  The bottom panel did have an add-on sticker that provided the product SKU barcode, product manufacturing labels, name/logo, color, and batch number.  I liked the placement of the sticker and the overall packaging design.  It takes a lot of confidence to leave a panel blank, and I appreciated the simple yet alluring Ekster presentation.

I lifted the lid of the outer packaging, removed the Ekster tissue paper, and lifted the 2.8-ounce (cards removed) wallet from the inner box.  Beneath the wallet, the company provided a nice Ekster shield Logo, a comforting paragraph thanking me for using their product, and an invitation to visit www.Ekster.com/usermanual to get started.  My first impression of the Fortuna Parliament wallet was one of luxury.  I loved the gold etched logo along the bottom right, the Cognac color, the black plastic thumb-button along the bottom left of the cover, and the well-spaced light tan stitching surrounding the edges of the wallet. To start, I pressed the ejector button along the lower left and removed the six informational cardstock cards.  The back surface of each of the black cards had a small rectangular design with FSC, www.fsc.org, “recycled,” Paper made from recycled material, and FSC C074709.  The front of the cards provided information about their story, a user manual QR code (Ekster.com/user manual), information about their Instagram giveaway, information regarding becoming an affiliate (ekster.com/affiliate), a review card, and a 10% coupon code with a QR link. 

The wallet measured 2 1/2 inches wide by 4 3/8 inches tall by 3/4 inches thick in the closed position.  The front flap had a golden shield and “E” along the bottom right and well-spaced leather stitching along the margin.  The back panel had a 3 1/2 inches wide by ~1 7/8 inches tall pocket designed for an optional Ekster tracker device or an extra card (credit card, business card, rewards card, etc.).  When opened, the wallet measured 5 1/2 inches wide and resembled an upside-down letter “U.”  As noted above, I loved the smooth cognac-brown colored leather surface and the fashionable leather texture.  For the leather enthusiasts, the highlights did not end with the texture.  The experience was enhanced by the alluring smell of the leather/tanning process.  I opened the inner flap and found a golden “EKSTER” name along the bottom of the panel.  Similar to the “E” shield on the outer surface, I appreciated the golden accents.  The inner flap contained two card slots, which could each hold 1-3 cards depending on the thickness of each card.  If using a card with raised/embossed characters, you may only get 1-2 cards in the slot.  However, if you inserted rewards cards, GameStop/Best Buy cards, insurance cards, a driver’s license, etc., you may be able to fit ~3 cards into the slot.  

The main body of the wallet consisted of a leather-encased aluminum shell, an extractor button, and a 1-inch wide elastic retention strap.  Within the strap, you will find a 1-inch square section of leather with the Ekster “E” shield stamped into the surface.  Interestingly, the company added a symmetrical 8-stitch upper/lower section, while the left/right sides remained unstitched.  I am uncertain of the intended purpose of this aspect of the case or if it simply served as a classy embellishment.  However, I found that I could fold a bill and slide it under the strap.  With the added elastic strap and spacing built into the wallet, one could add several bills (folded into thirds) under the elastic retention/money-holder strap. Despite the added features listed, the main feature of the Ekster Fortuna wallet was the aluminum cardholder.  I found that I could insert up to seven unembossed cards into the holder or approximately four cards, if using credit cards with raised surfaces.  As a bonus, the retention mechanism did a great job at retaining a single credit card against a forceful shake.  The card did peak out mildly, but when more cards were added to the device, the increased friction prevented the movement further.  With two or more cards placed into the holder, I needed to press the extraction button to remove the cards. 

I have used the wallet over the last two weeks and have fallen in love with this wallet style.  I have traditionally loved slim wallets, but found myself carrying non-essential cards, receipts, and junk.  The luxurious Ekster wallet was designed for thoughtful minimalism!  By design, I was able to carry my two credit cards, my insurance card, my license, and several denominations of paper money.  Combined with a digital keyring App on my iPhone, I found I did not need to carry every brand of reward card available.  Instead, I packed the daily essentials and found that the extraneous cards only weighed down my pockets. In addition, I liked that I could press the ejector button, and the cards would separate.  I selected the needed card, pressed the other cards back into the holder, and then reinsert the card where I wanted it to go.  Combined with the convenience factor, the packaging, the device, the utility, and the overall ambiance summated to an exceptional experience.  If you desire to take your wallet experience to the next level, look to Ekster to fulfill your need. As a father, I would have been glowing to get this from my family so I can easily say this would be an amazing fathers day gift if you are looking for one.

Learn more about Ekster Fortuna Parliament Wallet.
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A premium leather wallet for everyday use.

I’ve been a fan of ‘real’ leather goods since I was a kid. My grandfather was a jockey and my family has always been involved in horse racing. So, I’m familiar with the smell and feel of genuine leather and how to care for it. Even now, the smell of premium leather takes me back to the stables to when I was helping my grandfather clean saddles and bridles. With that in mind, I was very excited to get my hands on one of the newest leather wallets by Nomad. 

DETAILS

In the past several years, Nomad has been making a name for itself as a designer of premium leather goods and accessories. They have an entire collection of Rustic Brown Horween Leather products that include Apple AirPods Pro cases, iPhone cases, Apple Watch straps, and, of course, wallets. Today, Nomad is launching three new styles of wallets made from Horween leather. According to Nomad, “All three versions of the wallet rely on a unique 3D thermoforming process that gives them a great look and feel.” During this process, the Horween leather is bonded to a thin layer of reinforcing fabric and then molded into shape using heat and pressure. The thermoforming process should provide space to store cards without causing the leather to stretch out. In addition to that, all three wallet styles are available in either brown or black. 

The three styles of wallet include the Card Wallet, the Card Wallet Plus, and the Bifold Wallet. The Card Wallet stores up to 10 cards and is 3D formed to fit in a front or rear pocket. The Card Wallet Plus is designed for both cards and folded bills. It can fit up to 16 cards (maximum capacity) and up to 12 cards along with folded cash. The Bifold Wallet, which is my personal preference, is designed for maximum storage. The 3D formed leather provides enough room for cash and cards, plus and external quick-access pocket. The wallet can hold up to 15 cards comfortably and can fit unfolded bills up to 70mm tall. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The Bifold Wallet I chose is the Rustic Brown color. It comes in a very special box that is adorned with a rope-like handle. The front of the box has an image of the wallet along with the name and color choice included. The back of the box has another image of the wallet, but this time it is opened and shows the difference in colors between Day 1 and Day 100 of use. This was a very unique way of showing the natural of patina coloring to people who may not understand how leather ages. The inside of the box has a small description of Horween Leather and then a message about Nomad’s philosophy as a company. The wallet is housed inside a soft cloth bag and it comes with a card that describes the Thermoformed Leather process and a small pouch of leather conditioner. 

 When I handled the wallet for the first time, I was impressed with how smooth the leather felt. The color is gorgeous and I really love the stitching around the seams. The wallet feels like quality and it has that strong leather scent that you only find with quality leather goods. The back of the wallet has the external pocket that is perfect for quick access items. I tend to use it for different types of membership cards. I would use it for my ID, but I have concerns that as the leather loosens over time that the card might slip out. Membership cards can be replaced much easier than state-issued IDs. 

On the inside of the wallet there are two standard card slots on each side and a pocket behind those slots. This is where the cards are stored. The description states that up to 15 cards can be stored in this wallet and while it is possible, it is quite a tight fit — especially with cash in the cash pocket. The fabric inside the wallet is extremely soft and it makes it very easy for cash to be placed into and taken out of the cash pouch. 

CONCLUSION

I’m a true fan of quality leather and the Nomad Bifold Leather Wallet is just that. It holds plenty of personal items without the wallet being too large to manage. The color is gorgeous and it just feels like a premium product. I hope that it holds up well because I really like having it as a part of my everyday carry items. 

For more information, visit nomadgoods.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

The locking mechanism for this knife is outstanding

When it comes to knifes I have been collecting for longer then I care to remember. I started as a kid watching Ninja movies and when I got older I started in martial arts and the collection got even bigger. Needless to say I’ve been around good knifes and some really cheap ones. One of my new favorite brands is CRKT and that’s thanks to there IGNITOR knife that I have been able to play with for the past few months.

DETAILS

The Ignitor has a modified drop point blade and features CRKT’s patented Outburst spring assist. The folding knife is considered ‘high-tech’ and is one of the knives developed by Ken Steigerwalt. His Fire Safe safety mechanism is used on many of CRKT’s blades. The blade has a non-reflective dark gray titanium nitride coating with a high hollow grind. This blade is available with or without Veff Serrations. The frame uses the CRKT’s rigid InterFrame build and has stainless steel liners, one locking liner, and textured G10 scales for gripping. The handle has a deep finger coil and pommel to help fit a users palm nicely. 

UNBOXING – USER EXPERIENCE

The Ignitor was shipped in a small green cardboard box. The name “CRKT” was printed on the top of the box with a small sticker on one end that has the model number and name of the knife printed on it. Opening the box, you will find the knife wrapped in plastic along with a couple of pamphlets that promote certain features on the knife and other CRKT products. There is no assembly required to get started with the knife and once it’s removed from the plastic, you can start using it right away. 

The Ignitor is a solid knife. I was impressed with it from the moment I took it out of the box. In its folded state, I though the knife felt really good in my hands. The blade locks into place in the handle really well and no matter how much I tried, I could get it to flip out without pressing the locking button in first. The blade was equally locked into an open position once it flips out of the handle, too. The style of the knife – especially the blade – is a work of art. I love the serrated edge the blade has and the way it looks l like waves. The smooth titanium finish really makes the knife look classy along with its matte black handle. 

As far as function goes, the knife does a great job of cutting and I am straight loving the locking mechanism build for this knife. It’s such a strong flip it almost feels like a switchblade. As someone who carries a Bobafett switchblade daily, this was a relief to have a good feel to the opening of the knife. I have used it to saw through a few cardboard boxes as well as slice through some shipping tape, and plastic box ties. It’s a very good everyday functioning knife. The blade was sufficiently sharp out of the box. I found the Outburst assisted opening and the Fire Safe actuation mechanism to be refreshing. I have some older knives from different brand names that have similar opening mechanisms, but they don’t work nearly as well as the CRKT’s mechanisms do. My fiancé found the knife a little hard to operate with one hand, but I haven’t had any issues with it. 

CONCLUSION

The Ignitor from CRKT is a classic pocket knife with some really great technology built into it. The knife is a solid option for daily use and it fits really great in the hand. In a couple of months I’m headed to Florida with some family and I plan on taking this little beauty along for the ride. It’s a great everyday carry knife. 

For more details, visit Crkt.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

A solid, well-made lighter that’s ideal for EDC kits.

As time goes by, I’ve been trying to limit my personal belongings to just the essentials. I don’t like clutter and I don’t like traveling with everything – including the kitchen sink. So, I’ve been trying to collect items that fit into the everyday carry (EDC) category so that I’m always prepared for any situation. So far, I’ve added a travel fork and knife set, a carabiner knife keychain, and a Space Pen to my EDC kit. To go right along with those items I thought a lighter made sense. I took a lot of time researching durable, reliable lighters that could fit into my EDC item kit. I finally settled on the DISSIM Inverted Soft Flame Lighter. 

DETAILS

The DISSIM lighter was born after 2 years of design production and engineering science came together to create an innovative solution to a classic lighter problem – lighting something upside down. The lighter is designed to produce a low-temperature candle flame and features a patent-pending circle grip. The lighter is powered by butane lighter fluid, which is not included. Like many lighters, the DISSIM Inverted Lighter has an adjustable flame, but unlike other lighters, it has an angled flame port that allows for the flame to light with no issues when it is in an upside-down state. The design of the lighter allows for it to be refilled and it’s made with cast metal components so that it lasts. There are several colors to choose from – black (metal), blue, green, red, orange, copper, silver, and gold. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The DISSIM lighter comes in a simple brown cardboard box with a paper sleeve on the outside of it. The brand “DISSIM” is printed along the top of the sleeve and a photo of the lighter is included on the cover. I selected the blue version so the box has a photo of the blue lighter. Overall I like the packaging of the lighter. It’s suitable for retail shelves as well as online orders. Along with the lighter, I also acquired the Zipper Pouch that DISSIM sells. 

The pouch is designed to store the lighter. It is made with a water-resistant material and has an integrated hang hole. The lighter fits into the pouch perfectly. I like it for two reasons. First, the pouch protects the lighter from outside elements, and second, the pouch protects me from the lighter. Even though it’s a very remote possibility, the lighter could be accidentally engaged while in a pocket or it could leak lighter fluid on the rarest of occasions. In those instances, the pouch can help protect the user from the lighter. 

The lighter feels really good in the hand. I always used to like the feel of a good Zippo lighter and the DISSIM kind of reminds me of that. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket but large enough to feel solid when you hold it. Adjusting the flame level is very easy because the dial for adjustments is located in a convenient place for your fingers to spin it. The lighter trigger is easy to depress and I’ve not had it miss-fire once. I’ve used the lighter in a variety of ways, but mostly to light our fire pit. My fiance has used the lighter a number of times to light candles and she’s used the inverted lighting function for that purpose. It has consistently worked every time we try to light something. 

CONCLUSION

If you are interested in building your own EDC kit, I can’t recommend the DISSIM Inverted Lighter enough. It works brilliantly well and with all the different color options, it’s easy to get a lighter that fits your personality. The lighter is durable and very portable. I think it’s a great addition to my EDC items.

For more information, visit dissim.com, Facebook, and Instagram.

The must-have EDC item for people who eat out

Before ‘coronavirus’ was part of our daily vocabulary, I was weird about shaking hands, eating at buffets, and just being too close to people in general. The pandemic sort of sealed the deal for me when it comes to being overly cautious in public places and my teenage years taught me how unclean restaurants can be. There have been too many times that I’ve unwrapped silverware to find spotty, dirty utensils. Needless to say, as a germ-a-phob, I started the search for the perfect EDC silverware kit so that I could have my own, clean utensils anytime I was out dining. That’s what led me to the Forkanife sets from Cold4Ged.

DETAILS

Cold4Ged started life in 2018 with the dedicated mission of eliminating the need for plastic cutlery. In the process, they developed two great sets of cutlery – the travel edition and the sport edition. Both sets are credit card-sized and made of stainless steel and aluminum. The sets replace harmful single-use plastic utensils. Both sets are also easy to clean and dishwasher safe. A portion of the proceeds from every sale goes to support Plastic Oceans Charity to help clean up the oceans. The Forkanife Sport features a sharp, serrated knife while the Forkanife Travel comes with a simple butter-style knife. The other main difference between the two sets is their size. The Sport version is a little slimmer (0.116” vs. – 0.1299″), but weighs more (59 grams vs. 56 grams). Aside from those differences, the two sets are designed the same.

USER EXPERIENCE

The unboxing experience was quite plain as the products were packaged inside cardboard envelopes. This is not a negative thing by any means. Honestly, it’s nice to see companies putting their product inside of something that will be biodegradable and good for the environment. I just mention this as someone who does enjoy the imagery and details on boxes. After getting the sets out of their packaging, I could tell the Travel set felt slightly lighter weight than the Sport set. Once I reviewed the specs, I was able to see that the Travel set was indeed the lighter of the two sets.

Because of the pandemic, I just recently started venturing outside our house to visit some local restaurants again. My household has been vaccinated so I felt comfortable enough to enjoy a meal with my family. Because I am still being overly cautious about spreading germs, I decided to take the Forkanife Sport with me. We went to a Mexican restaurant and I ordered a fajita quesadilla. These are typically loaded with meat and vegetables so I knew the Forkanife would have its work cut out for it (no pun intended). Once the food was delivered, I removed the fork and knife out of its sheath and started using them to cut through my meal. Even though the set is quite a bit smaller than standard utensils, the set performed like a champ. I didn’t really have any issues with the fork and knife collapsing on me or faltering in any way. I made it through the entire meal and said, “These have a permanent spot in my EDC collection.” I was so incredibly impressed by the set that I immediately relaxed because I realized I never had to worry about dirty, reused silverware again.

I would say the only downside to the set is having to clean them after a meal. After I was done eating at the restaurant my daughter asked me what I was going to do with the set since it was dirty. I took good care wiping off the set with a clean napkin before folding it up again to get it home. Then I placed the set in our dishwasher so that it was clean and ready the next time. I want to go out. The quality of these fork and knife sets is outstanding, I do have trouble getting the utensils back into the sleeve – it’s a tight fit – but that’s me not being able to see to line them up just right. Over time, I am sure that will not be an issue for me. I also think it would be really cool if somehow a spoon could be worked into the set.

CONCLUSION

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that one of these two sets will be with me always. They are extremely portable, durable, and easy to clean. At the time of publishing this article, the Forkanife Sport retails for $24 while the Travel edition is $20. This is an incredible value to me.

For more details, visit Forkanife, Facebook, and Instagram.