Gear Junkie - Minaal Daily 2.0 Review (with 2 Year Update)

Its all about first impressions, until you use it and make a proper formalized opinion...

When I first ordered it on Kickstarter I thought - this pack may be a little too large for a daily backpack. But it looks so awesome to bring it to work. So why not?

When it first arrived - dang... everything looks like it may be a little too small to fit everything I need for work and my after work activities (gym / climb / runs). But the quality (I ordered the daily bag and super light weight packing cubes) looks absolutely fantastic. The guys did a good job putting in thoughtful pockets to keep and organize everything.

Actual use?

Its my new go-to bag for the city.

I can put in all my work stuff + after work gear e.g. climbing gear all into one bag. With space to spare for a 500 ml water bottle or small umbrella. Usually after I put my work shoes in, its packed to the brim. The organizing is easy with all the convenient pockets. Easy access no problems. If anything gets lost I simply open the lid fully and TA-DA.

Top Row L to R - Minaal Daily / 14" Laptop / Box File for Documents / Climb Shoes / Chalk Bag / Sit Harness

Middle Row L to R - MP3 player / Flip Flops / PAS / Various Karabiners and Belay Devices 

Bottom ROW L to R - Notebook / Staff Pass / Wallet / Hand Phone / Coin Pouch / Climbing Attire

Design: Its sweet as comfortable, well thought out and a blast to commute with. Everything is easily accessible, with the organizing pockets. Pockets are not too big that things become lost inside and not too small - everything your need fits instantly.

Looks: The profile is compact, sleek and simple. You look smart with your work attire. After work, still pretty chic not like a nerd heading home after a session at the gym.

Price: Not the cheapest laptop bag in the market. But with all the nifties you get its well worth it. I have a feeling it will also last a long long time.

Bottom line: This is not for you if you're just looking for something cheap and does the job. But if you want to look good to, during and after, good design, great quality and transition from work to play matters to you... this is the one bag you have been waiting for. The one to replace them all. Almost - as girls, we can never have enough =p but this comes darn close.

- Updated after 2 Years of Daily use -

Still in fantastic condition. Except for the logo peeling off slightly everything else is intact.No coating peels yet. The material in the inner shoulder straps are slightly stretched out.
I've used it so far for daily commutes to and from work, short work trips, the gym after.

The logo starting to peel - doesn't bother me at all

No wear on the lower back that usually happens with my other packs

Slight stretch of the inner strap material due to usage

Tips For Driving in New Zealand

As with all advice, anyone can dish it but it’s very much up to your digression to follow. But trust someone who’s crashed (aka ‘stuffed’ – in Kiwi) their car and met fellow travelers who’ve shared their stories. We’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.

1) Car Insurance

Or at the bare minimal, get roadside assistance or coverage for towing service. Towing can pretty expensive especially when you have to get a truck out to a remote place.

Tip: If you do get stranded somewhere with no cellular reception, best is to ask someone to call for you when they get reception (people are awesome and they will do that) or hitch out.

True case: Paid $250 alone just to tow the car for 45 mins out.

2) Check your rental / bought car before heading off

No brainer. But people can get careless. Check for its general condition – brakes, lights, tyre treads, sufficient oil, radio or music player (important on long drives). Equipment – snow chains (in winter), spare tyre, and tyre tools that work, jumper cables…

True case: Punctured tyre. Had a punctured spare. Another had a punctured tyre but had  the wrong tools and was unable to change the tyre. Changing a flat is so simple, it’s silly to be stuck for those reasons.

3) Good music or buddy to keep you company or awake

4) Respect the road and its conditions

Obviously, drive to the conditions. Slow down when it’s snowing or raining. Rest when you’re tired. Plenty of places to make scenic stops. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

True case: Passed by one too many accidents for loss of control or drunk driving.

5) Make sure you have sufficient gas

Especially on the South Island West Coast. Petrol can get costly or not exist for a few hundred kilometres.

Tip: Grocery receipts or membership cards can go a long way on discounts.

6) Follow the rules

      Drive on the left side of the road. There have been many head on collisions with foreigners who are used to driving on the opposite side. Adhere to the parking timings. Trust me the parking attendants are efficient.

Feel free to add more tips on the comments below!

Gear Junkie - X-Bionic Effektor Running Power Pants

                                  

Saw this pair or tights on sale and decided to try it out. Besides its a brand used by some elite mountain racers in Europe, what can go wrong?

Pulling it out of the box the tights looked really really small. But they stretch well, fortunately was able to try my size at the shop so I got an XS. It's one size down from my normal. So I'd be careful if this is your first pair and you're not used to wearing compression, might end up getting a size too large.

So far I've tried it in really hot and humid conditions as well as a short cold run in winter. In terms of keeping cool in hot conditions I'll say yes it works - however prior to the run the heat did cause a slight itch. Which is normal I guess for any tight. After moving, the air seems to ventilate the tights well. No issues so far in cold conditions,  kept me pretty toasty.

Yes it works like a performance tight is supposed to, thought I can't confirm the claim of reduced effort or superiority over other brands without proper personal data. But I can say that it is the most comfortable one I've ever worn. The fit - like a stretchy cushy hug over your bum and legs.

Bottom line: If you're curious and have a couple of dollars to spare I'd say it's worth to try them out.

> To the Main Web Site - X-Bionic

> To the Effektor Running Pants

Gear Junkie – Aarn Peak Aspiration Pack and Sport-S Front Loaders

Was looking out to replace my REI Flash 52. It lasted a long time, great in every aspect - light weight, durable (still alive after almost 7 years of abuse), comfortable. Only down side was that the system can’t take more than 15 kg. So it was time to look out for a replacement. Tried several brands and common to load haulers, the larger the capacity, the chunkier and heavier it got (obviously).

Came across Aarn’s bags during my trip down down south in New Zealand, it’s a game changer in terms of bags. Aside from the awesome system, he’s put a lot of thought into his designs. Each bag is built attuned to its possible environment and purpose, it gave me a really hard time choosing (took me 3 hours). Adding on to the front loaders, you have a tonne of options. A good tip when buying an Aarn pack is to determine what you’re going to use it for – ultralight hikes, load hauls, alpine…


This review will be on the system combi I bought Peak Aspiration with Sport-S Balance Pockets/Front Loaders. Though focused on this combi, it should be enough for a general idea about this awesome brand.

My Objective: Mid load hauler able to take up to 20 kg. Accommodate to alpine gear. Haul asses when required yet downsize for lighter days. This is hard as large packs don’t really pack down.

                      


System
IT MOVES by golly it moves as YOU move. But the idea of the straps slipping and sliding to follow your movement is so simple. Not heavy at all. Next thing I noted was that the padding, though thin looking was very COMFORTABLE. I’ve put on up to 17 kg so far. In the bag alone, still holding. No hot spots. The whole system works with the front packs cause it was designed for it.



What’s this weird front pocket thing?
Yes yes, it looks weird I admit. And I was a skeptic too. Thought it looked super “obiang” (Local slang word meaning: embarrassingly out of fashion) But the benefits outweigh any doubts. The first bit is obvious, because its right in front, you have quick access to any of your important items. Water, food, maps, shades, whistle, first aid kit, rain gear, camera. It comes with straps that convert them into an instant day bag. Great for bagging summits while out on a hike. Everything essential is already inside, all you need to do is change out the straps and you’re good to go.

The load balance works, difference is that they have a dedicated weight distribution pole for each pocket that transfers the load to your hip belt directly. I do find that I didn’t strain myself as much trying to support the weight. The bags balanced itself out for me so I was walking more naturally.

I wanted a greater capacity, so I compensated with larger front loaders. Unfortunately my torso is a little short. So the front loaders I picked stuck out a bit and are swinging around slightly. But don’t bother me much. If I’d picked the smaller front loaders, would have been fine.


                 

> Accessing the Front Loaders Whilst Walking <

So a common question is how do they fair outdoors?
Scrambled and trekked in them – no issue on visibility or banging stuff (unless you need to belly crawl). Best part – anything I needed was just right in front of me. No more slinging my pack down and up again. Or waiting for someone to come round to help dig. Needless to say all the maps ended up with me… I was too convenient.



Weight

They are light and can get even lighter if you remove the inner pack liner that comes with the bags. Aarn’s even got a range for even lighter fast packing.



                  

> Happy Hiker <

Downside
DURH. Really need to adjust to YOU. Doesn’t take long. Remember to tighten everything or else it feels weird. Takes a while but fitting is not hard. Took me 3 hours in the shop. Alright I was also being a girl I was so undecided. The movement of the system together with you takes a little getting used to.

Also would be great if the front loader support poles could be changed out to accommodate to shorter torsos.

BOTTOM LINE: What I found my combi to be was a good all-rounder. Gave me a good balance to work between day pack with the front packs, easy day hike or alpine pack and load hauler with the combi. Quite an upfront investment but well worth it. System works well for me. I’m a new convert.

Cost: 6/10
Lightness: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Fit & Cut: 8/10
Breathability: 9/10
Durability: 9/10

Check them out here > http://www.aarnpacks.com/