Week In Review ~ 12 January

Welcome to the Week In Review. We’re checking out two backpacks (that work for the office and out and about respectively), a luggage tracking device and some handy hacking in the form of tips for waterproofing your own canvas bag. So let’s get started…

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The chances are you’d always opt for a waterproof bag wherever possible. However having the added protection for your bag’s contents comes at a price. Is there a cheaper alternative? Yes – waterproof your own canvas bag. How? By checking out this handy guide. It’s important to note we haven’t tested this ourselves but if anyone wants to give it a try we’d be keen to hear about the results.

In terms of creative style, Haerfest’s use of translucent liquid PVC on their AE1 backpack offers an unusual and eye-catching effect. The pack also incorporates gray lambskin, antiqued brass hardware and YKK zippers, as well as some nice design detailing on the adjustable single strap that functions as two shoulder straps thanks to a brass ring and stud system.

The plane touches down, you’re amped for the important business meeting just a few hours away, or alternatively the warm beach sand or fresh snow that awaits…only to discover your luggage is in another country. Nice. The Trakdot Luggage device from GlobaTrac aims to provide some traveler peace of mind by tracking your luggage. Obviously it can’t guarantee that your luggage is going to make it to the right destination (that’s quite literally in the hands of hopefully competent baggage handlers) but you can check where your bags are and where they’ve been via the Trakdot website or a mobile phone app. The device tracks its location via a cellular network and you receive a confirmation text message or email when your luggage arrives. There’s a one-off activation fee and annual service fee in addition to the cost of the Trakdot Luggage tracker, so maybe not for everyone, but if you’re a frequent flyer then it’s probably a worthwhile investment.