And the winners are..………

After close scrutiny and durability testing by a team of experts, and yes 10 years of school carrying stuff makes you an expert,  we have declared some winners in each category.

As different schools and different  dudes have different requirements, there is not a “one size fits all” solution to what to buy and what to carry.  Commuters need one thing and on campus housing might need another.  Still,  we were about to narrow down the field to just a select chosen few.

BEST COMMUTER BACKPACK  (Lighter weight division)

“The Smart Alec” by Tom Bihn-Seattle .

This bag is light weight but sturdy .

The Smart Alec has two long pockets on either side of the bag that zip open and close with splash-proof zipper. One of the side pockets has an expanding water bottle pocket .The other side pocket has two pen slots and a wallet/PDA sized pocket, and can also fit other items such as a paperback book, notebook, scarf, or other smaller accessories.

The comfortable shoulder straps on the Smart Alec are made from 3/8″ padding that offers serious comfort without bulk.  This worked great for Ben who is 6’5″ tall.

 

MOST AWESOME LARGER SIZE ( longer) BACKPACK

“The Babylon Backpack” by  Wheelmen & Co.

 

 

One of the greatest features of this backpack is that it sits a little narrower and longer than the traditional size backpack.  We found this bag doesn’t interfere with standing  in line at airports as it doesn’t sit “out” as far on the sides .  The quality is amazing with leather trim and a waxed cotton outside shell.     This bag was Max’s choice for the perfect backpack.

 

BEST ACCESSORIES TOM BIHN-SEATTLE

Vertical Sleeve for papers and folders

Vertical Freudian SlipThe Freudian Slip slides inside the Smart Alec and features four slots of files and folders on one side, and organizer pockets for cables, small electronics, business cards, pens, and more on the other side. Best of all, you can pull the Freudian Slip out of the Smart Alec and hang it nearby your desk, giving yourself easy access to your accessories while keeping them organized.

Organizer Pouches:these simple pouches will add an extra pocket of organization to any bag. The clear window allows you to know what’s inside.  We found that these were especially good for jump drives and SD cards along with cables.

 

FAVORITE MESSENGER BAG-SKOOBA Ipad/Netbook Messenger

Just perfect for our new Macbook Air, the SKOOBA messenger bag is a great size for Ipads,  netbooks, kindles, nooks and smaller size electronics. Compact and light, yet packed with  pockets.

• Holds iPad or other tablet or netbook(up to 10.5″ x 8.5″ x 1.5″), plus power cord and accessories, with room to spare for books or papers and more.

• Over a dozen pockets and compartments in all, hold cords and adapters, compact gadgets and accessories.

If you are able to go without carrying books or large notebooks, this bag is awesome.   It was definitely  our favorite messenger bag of all the ones tested.

 

BEST BIKE COMMUTER BAG-NORTH STREET BACKPACK PANNIERS

 

This small, durable backpack organizes everything you need for the day.  A quick-release flap and pockets inside and out keep everything organized and accessible at a moment’s notice.  Each bag is made from durable water resistant fabric which works well in the unpredictable South Florida weather.  They are made in Portland Oregon where it rains a lot too.  The only downside to this bag is the metal connectors where it attaches to the bike frame.  You wouldn’t want to bang into anyone with them cause they are quite rough on the edges.  Other than that, this bag is a perfect commuter backpack for bike riders.   Check out all the great bags this company makes for bike riders!

 

 

That’s all for the award winners.  Check back in late August for our video feature.

The Crew

Cris Cab Interview by Rachel Barrick

Cris Cab, a 17 year old singer/musician from Miami, Florida is on the verge of becoming one of the next big artists in the music world. He is an extremely talented young musician with a positive, “it’s all good” attitude toward life and his music. Cris’ inspiration came to him at a very young age, as music always just came naturally to him. Since he was young, he was always surrounded with music, and it became a natural tendency of his to have music play a major role in his life. Music has always been a passion of his, and performing and producing it is all he has ever wanted to do

. Cris’ major influences in music include artists such as Bob Marley and John Mayer, along with more modern, hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Drake. His favorite genre of music is reggae, which can be heard in much of his own original music. Cris’ music is incredibly meaningful, portraying his immense talents and positive ideals, and is the type of music that can most definitely be enjoyed by everyone. Cris writes and produces his own original music, along with recording a few cover albums in order to draw in listeners and expose them to his music. His musical talents, however, are not limited to singing, playing guitar, and producing. Cris, as he put it, plays a “smorgasbord of instruments” as well. Cris’ ultimate goal as an artist is mainly to expose people to good music, and to show them what has given him his love of music and formed his passion for it. In reaching this goal, he hopes that being a musician and performing his music will be a part of his life forever. Cris begins his East Coast tour on June 7th, 2011; the same day on which his debut album, “Foreword” will be released.

Some of Cris’ songs on this album include “Good Girls” and “No Hatred”. Fans can get his music on iTunes, and can listen to it on blogs, and Facebook. Everyone can check out Cris and his music on his website CrisCab.com, his Facebook page, Cris Cab Music, or on Twitter at Cris Cab Music as well.

Rachel got to try out some cool hair accessories from Medieval Metal and we were enthralled by the original designs that this company features. Their metal hair twisters are unlike any hair accessory that you have ever owned. The hair twister wraps around a pony tail or section of hair giving it a sleek finished look. They also makePonytail Wraps, Mini HairTwisters, Hair Hooks, and Charms. We thought they’d be great after the pool or anytime your hair is wet. It totally dresses the ponytail up.

 

by Ben Pawliger

 

During the 2011 NFL Lockout, some players like Drew Brees are working hard, some players like Chad Ochocinco Johnson are having fun, and some players, like Bret Lockett are trying something completely unique for a football player. That, is singing. Bret Lockett, a safety for the New England Patriots, decided one day that he wanted to not just spend his life playing football, but also singing.

Bret is a R&B/ Rap artist, and has already started creating music. When I asked him what it is like to be a Professional Football player while a musician at the same time, he said it was different and unique and a good experience. Some of Bret’s inspirations for his music are Tupac and Jay-Z. Bret filmed his music video, Let’s Go in the Dominican Republic, which Bret described as the experience of a lifetime and a life changing adventure. But wait, there.s more. Bret is also a model and designs athletic attire and regular attire. You can check out Bret’s music video, Let’s Go right here.