Band-O-Gear
Band-O-Gear
CW EVALUATION
Stow-it-all hydro-sling
THERE YOU ARE, DECKED OUT IN FULL leathers, sportbike at the ready, all systems go for a day-long corner-carving fiesta. Question is, where to stuff your stuff—you know, the must-have paperwork and electronic
do-dads seemingly required for survival in today’s world? A tankbag is overkill, but a fannypack is too small. What to do?
Band-O-Gear!
This biking bandolier holds a variety of on-theroad essentials-digital camera, cellular telephone, compact-disc or MP3 player, PDA, tollroad transponder, maps and wallet-in a simple, sling-type carryall. An added bonus is a removable drink reservoir that keeps you hydrated during your travels.
Admittedly, there isn’t room within the 5-footlong strap-on for larger
items, such as a rainsuit, tire-repair kit or an extra pair of gloves. And only two of the six pockets expand, so the more slender the items you bring along, the better. Velcro strips provide a tailored fit, while adjustable nylon webbing and a snap-together plastic buckle guarantee the Band-
O-Gear won’t be set free unexpectedly.
The 2-liter drink reservoir resides within an insulated sleeve that rests across your back. Removing the screwtype cap reveals an opening large
enough to pass ice cubes. Two D-shaped rings hold the drink tube in place, yet let it slide to and fro as needed.
The enemy here, of course, is weight. An imbalance-the maximum 4-plus pounds of water in the reservoir and only lightweight items up front-will cause the Band-O-Gear to shift rearward, moving the cell-phone pocket, for example, out of easy reach.
Overall, though, we like the Band-OGear. It’s an innovative alternative to more conventional travel totes, and only a few nits shy of perfection. □
DETAILS
Band-O-Gear 738 Manitou Ave. Manitou Springs, CO 80829 719/685-2475 www.band-o-gear.com Price $70 A
`Ups A Easy on, easy off A Convenient access to essentials A Available in 1000-denier cordura nylon (red) or 840-denier rip-stop nylon (black)
owns V Can shift if overweighted V Not waterproof
