14 February Week in Review: Pint-Sized Tools, New Outdoor Backpacks, and Smart Laptop Carry

A pint-sized pocket tool packed full of practical uses, new outdoor backpack releases from REI, plus laptop carry that makes a case for improving your posture…

A toolbox in your pocket

Finding a multi-tool with a wide variety of functions? No problem. Finding one that adds sleek style to the mix is where things start to get tricky. But the Titanium Pocket Tool pulls off good looks and functionality with ease, featuring a low-profile and multi-purpose design measuring just 4mm thin. The grade 5 titanium alloy construction with stainless steel inserts keeps the multi-tool strong but lightweight. Able to handle a variety of tasks, from DIY to everyday jobs, the Titanium Pocket Tool includes a universal wrench, bottle opener, screwdrivers, mini pry bar, camping fork and box opener amongst its numerous tools. Plus it also accepts standard utility blades (not included). Check out the TPT Kickstarter campaign to learn more.

Traversing multi-day trails and delving into day hikes

REI have been in the outdoor industry for over half a century, so they know a good thing when they see it. How do they find those good things? By getting feedback from their members and employees, which is what they’ve done with their new performance line. Utilizing feedback to improve product design, the brand has created two categories that feature a combination of backpacks and apparel. The Flash category includes the Rhyolite Jacket and the Flash 65 Pack (with a women-specific version in the form of the Flash 60). The Flash backpacks incorporate REI’s Packnit suspended mesh panel that conforms to the user’s body for comfort, stability and ventilation. Also featuring in the series are revamped versions of the Flash 18 and Flash 22 daypacks. The Traverse category includes the Talusphere Jacket along with the new Traverse 65 Women’s, Traverse 70 and Traverse 85 backpacks. The packs feature a 3D contoured hip belt for enhanced comfort, provide support and ventilation through a hybrid trampoline back panel, and include REI’s upLift compression system which increases stability by helping lift the load to the user’s center of gravity.

A lifeproof phone case that boosts the life of your battery

A case provides some much-needed peace of mind when it comes to protecting a pricey iPhone 6. Solid protection is exactly what the LifeProof FRĒ Power iPhone 6 battery case provides, covering four areas of potentional phone woe with its waterproof, dirtproof, snowproof and dropproof design that is submersible to 6.6 feet/2 meters for an hour and survives drops from 6.6 feet/2 meters. But the benefits don’t stop there. The case also features an inbuilt 2,600 mAh battery to give your phone a boost of juice so you can stay connected on the go, whether you’re trekking through sand dunes, trudging through snow-drenched backcountry or waiting for that important call while you’re hitting the city streets.

Standing up for laptop user comfort

Having a laptop is great – a mobile or stationary workstation when you need it, a communication tool, a gaming station and a portable movie theater all rolled into one. What’s not so great? The crick in your neck, the sore back and the aching shoulders that often accompany using a laptop for extended periods of time. HELCY is a laptop case that allows you to improve your posture and reduce aches and pains by doubling up as a laptop stand. The height is adjustable to suit different situations, and a choice of pockets house accessories and business cards. Constructed out of vegetable-tanned leather, HELCY can be carried as a sleeve or shoulder bag and looks equally chic for the office or some downtime in your local cafe. Check out the HELCY Kickstarter campaign for more details.