I’ve long been fond of Monoprice. They’re a good place to get cables and random parts. So when I was given a chance to check out two new products from them, I jumped at it. As they compliment each other, I thought it would be better to put them both in one review.
First up we have the IP65 Rugged Power Bank. Even though I use a power case, I can always use more juice. In fact, I always carry a spare battery pack or two… or I did. Now i just use the IP65. The 10050mAh battery inside was huge, and enough for me to keep my tablet, wireless headphones, phone, and even the battery case from getting too run down. The solid construction was perfect for taking with on trips to the beach and hikes (and with a full charge, meant I was not worrying about making it back to an outlet)
Source: Monoprice.
Now, I admit the Rugged Bank is not as easily pocketable as a slim battery case. But that hasn’t come up much because it was usually inside my Tactical Backpack. If you think I was effusive about the battery, wait till you hear me talk about this thing. Honestly? I have never loved a backpack this much. Let’s start with price first – at only $30, I was honestly worried that the pack was promising too much and was going to be cheap junk. I say this not out of snobbery, but experience: I bought my last laptop backpack at an odd lot shop for $20 and it was a disaster. It technically held a laptop, but it was all off-balance and the straps irritated an existing shoulder condition. But not the Tactical.
Source: Monoprice.
I have now had the Tactical for about two months and I am still finding pockets (like the one on the side, above). I’ve managed to fit two a laptop, two tablets (please, no ten commandments jokes), spare outfits, and a whole lot of other goodies. The bright red interior makes everything easy to locate, no matter how much I overload the thing.
Source: Monoprice.
It’s really hard to explain how much I love this backpack without sounding like some kind of freak or a fake. But as someone who takes public transportation everywhere and almost always has multiple devices on him, a comfortable backpack with room for everything is a revelation. I know the school year is basically over, but it’s not too early to grab one of these for the student in your life! Seriously, this is not an exaggeration; I’m sending this review to my siblings in case any of their kids need backpacks. Because mine is mine.
Monoprice sent me a free backpack and battery to review. My daughter tried to borrow the battery. I hissed at her. I may have a problem.
