The best tools, software, gadgets, books, magazines, and websites.

TOOLBOX

HARDSHELL

I’m hard on gear. I drag my Power-

Boblbee Megalopolis backpack $189, www.boblbee.com

Book, iPod, and digital camera everywhere I go. So over the years I’ve gone through a lot of bags and packs for storing gear.

Keep your stuff safe beneath a shiny, high-impact plastic, injection-molded shell. (Megalopolis Executive Spark shown)

The one pack I’ve found
that serves all my needs is the
Boblbee Megalopolis. It has a
lightweight ergonomic ABS plastic
outer shell that keeps my tech
safe not only from the elements,
but from direct impact. It also
has a padded inner pocket that
holds a 17-inch laptop. Because
the laptop sits directly against
the padded inner area that
goes against the wearer’s
back, it’s about as safe as it
can be.
It also has connections for a
variety of additional modules
and holders. With a pair of
side pockets and a bedroll
strapped on, I can carry every-
thing I need for a weekend trip.
At $189, this may not be the
cheapest option for lugging your
gear, but it’s certainly the most
durable. And most of the parts
are easily replaceable, including
the outer shell. I’ve even mod-
ded mine so that I can plug
all my gear into a power strip
inside and simply plug in the pack
itself at the end of my day.