Grabit Pack - Serious holster for seriously active people

I've done a couple gadget holster/holder reviews already and found myself in touch with Louis Kiss - the guy behind the Grabit Pack. The photo above is from their site. He sent one over to me to see what I thought of it.


My first impression - It's pretty big. The build behind it is much more durable (nylon instead of rayon) and the clasps are stronger. The main pouch was a bit too small for my UMPCs (7" screen devices) and too big for my Nokia Internet Tablets, but would be good for a Raon Everun, an OQO model O2, or any number of supermobile devices. the full size specs are on the product page. In the photo above, I have a book in the main pouch, a Nokia N810 in the side pouch, and a Nokia N95 in the top pouch.


Note: I AM WEARING THIS WRONG! This is the right-hand model and I am wearing it on my left side. Oops! It makes more sense when I turn it around.

The design is focused on very fast access to all three compartments. While it can hold a great deal and offer that, I realize it is not for MY lifestyle. You see - I'm a geek and not a very active one. I also had to take the strap to the very extreme limit of length to get around my rotund hips. My tape measure says the hip strap will go up to 45 inches and still close comfortably. This one is for people who need big pockets on the go. I'd say it'd be good for:

• Skaters and roller bladers
• Street stunts (parkours)
  
• Other physically active people who don't want to be encumbered by pockets, jackets, or backpacks.

The reason behind this is that stunt-loving people know how to fall and roll. A jacket would bind them up and use of back pockets would hurt them when they land on their butts. Holding their stuff on the outside of the leg makes more sense and the contents are less prone to be crushed. Cargo pants may carry more than normal pockets, but cargo pockets are much further down on the leg and not as roomy or varied as the Grabit Pack.

One seriously impressive part of this is the price: $23 plus shipping at the time of this writing. That's less than some simple cell phone holsters and most backpacks. If you have a lifestyle conducive to this kind of activity and still want an array of gadgets (or other handy stuff) with you, it's a preferred alternative to backpacks, fanny packs, or jackets.