From our Brain to our Hands

A great saying is where you don’t know where to begin, just begin. It’s just that concept that we will figure out what we don’t know when we cross that bridge. Humans are incredible with the idea of “from the cuff” and “learning on the fly” to get to the point where we create. The proof is all around us, so what separates us from AI to the monkeys is what we can do with our hands. The thought of the idea, the tools needed, the first step, the second step, and the final product—a true testament to a masterpiece, a work of art. But wait, what if it sucked, all that time spent on something that wasn’t up to par. It can be a little disheartening, but there is a saying: to get knocked down seven times to get up eight. We backtrack from our final product and can see where we went wrong; this may have been a better option. We learn, and we should move on and try again. Being an artist can be discouraging from our ideas to a final product that people don’t see value. They don’t get it, and you open yourself up to scrutiny and lousy critique, but it’s all good because we create; that’s what we do.

I'm 53 and I never worked with leather, so let's give it a go!

So, they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, hogwash; I’m learning a new trick, and it’s working with leather. I find it relaxing, and I’m sure that will change the moment I lose a finger but wish me luck. We, artists, are a gluten for punishment when we put our work out there, but we had an idea; maybe it’s what we thought was a good idea, maybe it is something we like to do, and we believe it can provide novelty, comfort and sure perhaps it can solve problems.

Got idea? Just do it!

So, my brain tells me I have an idea. My brain and I are wondering what we should make out of it. Do you know how to do that? I tell my brain, of course not, but let’s learn, And you guessed it, YOUTUBE! There are brilliant teachers out there; I’m at the point where I am thirsty for knowledge, and YouTube scratches that itch. Being an artist, I have said before, “You need to be inquisitive.” So, from step one to step one hundred, we learn, we fail, and we understand it better, and the end result is what comes from our brain to what we make with our hands, and we share it with friends and family, and they say what is that, and maybe they say it’s cool or I don’t get it… and that’s OK.

From step one to step 100.

If your wheels are turning, and you have an idea, do it, research what you don’t know, and learn, then apply it. You may come up with something that helps you out, and it's your unique idea that you did. You get to own it, and the process to where it got you to that final product is well rewarded because you finished what you started. You learned what you did not know how to do, and you applied that artistic touch to what you may enjoy.

!Sucess! It works!

I hope this inspires you to begin… just begin, and the momentum will get you to the finish line. Be inquisitive and solve problems, from the little ones to the big ones. There is a little bit of art in every one of us; begin from your brain to your hands, and you may surprise yourself.

That being said, I am surprised with my tobacco holder catcher mitt. I can’t say I took the time to name it, but it’s mine; it works, I learned, I conquered, and it’ll be in my pack where the day takes from time to time. I cherish my small victories because I’ve grown from that kid who didn’t want to be as inquisitive and wasted time not trying to surprise myself; I hope you use time wisely and get out there and seize the day.

Pen to paper… Why so serious?

Why do we write it down? Why sketch it out? What’s important to do or not forget? I know I’m getting old, but what is older is the action of putting pen or pencil to paper, and more so now in the tech world, is to key in your notes, which is still the fundamental concept of jotting it down, recording, and remembering. The little pocket notebook has been around since I was a kid, and it’s still here; it must still be favored to write things down, from the little things to the complex to the overthinking breakthrough moments that will bring us fame and fortune. And it all starts with a bit of thought and action from pen to paper.

Since school, we were taught to write, read, and take notes for quizzes and tests. We were taught what was important in the lecture or what we read to get the key points, record, and remember. In art school, we were taught how important a sketchbook can be for our craft, not only for practice but to explore different media and ideas. Being able to sketch what we see and what we can create is essential to our growth as an artist. The sketchbook is a reminder to be persistent at it, pick it up, and scribble, draw, or paint. At that moment when it becomes essential, we should record it so we don’t forget it. There are many words for this action of personal importance from sketching to journaling to jotting it down, all the way to the sacred diary. If it’s in the notebook, it must be significant, and rightfully so; we use it as a balance of tasks that need to be done to keep us on point. Some applications are Ideas and reminders we need to spitball with bosses and clients, and as random sketches and tasks, the thought and action that needs to be done are also the many choices of pocket notebooks to regular-sized journals and sketchbooks we want to use to “jot it down.”

Diary entries and journaling can come in many forms, and we all have our style and how it will work best for us. There is something about holding the booklet and going through the motions with the writing instrument that is elegant and nostalgic. But most importantly, it’s personal; our thoughts, ideas, and agendas help us find purpose and fulfillment. Most importantly, we get our ducks in a row and prepare for action to conquer what is on our minds.

Our booklet can be significant, small, thick, or just sheets of paper in a folder; there is no right or wrong way to do it. The adventure in our notepad starts with nothing but its empty shell, then the journey unfolds as each entry takes place, and in the end, I think it reflects many versions of growth and personal ambition that we are all capable of. Ultimately, the empty shell becomes a complete book of us with random to complex ideas, wish lists, and essential to-do lists. When someone writes something down, I think it shows responsibility, which, in turn, shows me good character.

I know my notebook is not the most organized; it’s filled in all random pages with all sorts of different things and more than eleven-teen paper clips to separate specific entries and sections, and the truth is it works for me. I rather have my journal notebook chaotic than my life. The main objective should be to balance every day with what is most important and finish your day on a level you’re happy with. You’re delighted with the outcome and find it’s a good stopping point to be continued the next day; I call it plugging away and progress. And every day I’m going to figure out a better way to trek through my life, from note-taking to personal achievement.

My old leather go-to wallet

It Holds a small notebook and sheets of grid, lined and sketch paper that I cut myself and fixed to shock cord and paracord. I carry at least 2 small pocket notebooks, one for art ideas and the other for random day to day progress and plugging away!

Paper is a clutch for me, not so much the quality of paper but the layout of the style of paper, because of what I use it for in my go-to journal business random work notebook. I cut my paper, which I like to size, and fold it into individual booklets. I try to have at least blank sketch paper and a grid layout to line traditional paper, and I’m getting used to the dot grid paper which I find pretty cool—and paper clip each section to get to them quickly. I like my style because of the convenience of having all types of different layouts on paper that I want and need. I have found making little notebooks rewarding, and the mix of paper I find unique because I can’t find them to buy, and I enjoy my complete book that has that one-stop shop for my drawing and writing needs.

I added blank sketch paper and grid paper for different options for different entries I may want. The pages are cut to size, folded, and held together with shock cord for one booklet and paracord for the other little booklet. It works for me. But don’t get me wrong, the convenience of store-bought notebooks and journals is more than adequate, and the paper quality is quite suitable for smooth writing and note-taking. I try not to overthink my notebooks too much. With each one I use and go through, I learn maybe a better way to organize my thoughts and notes for the next time; growth is good, and pen to paper reinforces that notion to be better at my job, my thoughts, and more importantly to be better organized in my life. Write your story then live it, carry a little or big booklet, and invest the time to jot it down to remember what is important to you. “Stay safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you.”

Friends on the Rocks. Cheers, Savages & Cigars.

Call me a “SAVAGE,” but I do think of others. Don't get me wrong, I think of number one and watch out for number two. So, with that being said, I love my dear friends; they’re number one in my book! And we smoke cigars, drink and haler, and contemplate life's mysteries. Together, we will solve the world’s problems with one sip and puff at a time. The more sips, the better the idea is of world domination, or at least my backyard domination for the time being. My good days outnumber the bad, but that’s when a true friend is there during the worst days. My wife always said to be my own best friend, and Lord knows I try to be the best husband, father, and friend. We all have good days and bad, but I will say with my friends, there are always better.

What is it about toasting the glass with your buddies? I think it sets the tone for saying I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now or with anyone else for that matter. I know when we light our stogies, it's celebratory, that ritual that we know we're going to kick back and relax, and we have all the time for each other to talk shop, sports, and nonsense.

It’s all about comradery. Our toasts, the games we play, and the support we give each other. The only truth of the matter is the useless knowledge we share, the horrible ideas we will try, and the fact that our wives know we’ll be useless ourselves by the end of the night. And we’ll toast again to a great day! We are savages of the party! but I will say with wisdom in our older years, more responsibility has come with it, too, so the savage grows up, and the wives know we will behave and still be invited back again.

Passing Time, sharing time, wasting time. I know it’s all a good time with my buds! I still remember my younger days when life was more fulfilling having friends, but never as important now in my older years because of my friends. I know my wife calls it the “BRO-Mance,” she may be right, and you know what? we’ll raise our glasses and cheer for that, too! take another sip and probably write and sing songs about it until the girls give up and walk away because they know there is no way to stop us right now.

We never want the day to end, but we know the clock is ticking, and most days are the same with our routines and day-to-day grind. We “Party Animals” know how to squeeze it all in a day. We give it our all before we give in, we’ll even throw the dishes away, so we don’t have to clean them. I’ve come a long way from late nights at the local gas and sip for midnight snacks.

Good food and good friends mean good times, so I’ll toast that! I love how much I learn from my friends' experiences, and I’m grateful for them sharing the good and the bad with me. From my mower to my car, they have a cure for that, I’m a better chef, meat smoker, fisherman, and mechanic. They pointed me in the right direction for many decisions. They may have suggested a good cigar and a new beer that they thought I would like. They got me out of slumps when times were grim and introduced me to something like kayaking when I wanted to wallow and stay in bed because of my bad day. Thank God for them. Friends are good for the soul and for your survival. I’ll drink to that and to them all my life. They got my back, and I have theirs.

My friends may not be perfect, but their steaks can be.

Day turns into night, and my friends are still there, and I’m sure yours are too. It’s unfortunate, though, that we age. I have no control over that, so that is ok, but we hear from time to time how we lost a friend or a friend of a friend, and it’s sad. You feel for them, and it’s hard to fix hearts that are missing people. Time has healed mine, and that seems to be the norm for the response that time will help with the pain; it’s a nice gesture, but at that moment, we know it hurts a lot!

It’s never a wasted day with our crazy and good friends. Maybe I even got a little bit smarter at the end of the day. My wife may disagree with this response because she witnessed the jack-ass moments of many of our adventures and outings, but we survived to tell the tale, and we’ll do it even better the next time.

Our friends come in many different shapes and sizes, attitudes, and opinions, and all are forgiven because they are one of our own. Our journey through life even brings us close to meeting a best friend; we are the lucky ones that make claim to that, they are there for us through thick and thin. My best friend came in the form of a dog, my best friend and most consistent, loyal companion was a Bichon Frise, the runt of the litter. He was a momma boy, but we had the greatest 15 years together. Time always reveals what you truly mean to someone, and that saying hits me hard and touches my heart when I think of my best friend. He was another son of ours, I have never been so gutted when he passed. 2024 has been one of the most difficult years of my life and losing my best friend was the tipping point for already making it a disaster. Two things helped me along the way: my other best friend, my wife, who is my rock, and an old saying that I heard a long time ago. “First, it hurts, then it makes you stronger.”

My old friend made me become a better version of myself. We have invited a new friend to the family; She is a handful and a “Savage.” Someday, I hope we become best friends.

Want to introduce your backpack to a friend of mine?

Learn more about the All-American backpack accessory that’s got your back!

Got Molle Pack?

What is a Molle pack? Do you own a tactical/molle backpack? You should check out my latest masterpiece, the “mini OPSnet,” and it’s not so mini. I know the PALS webbing provides many options for compatible pouches and such to attach, but what about an option to pack, hold, and carry bigger stuff and keep it on your back while keeping your hands free? How clutch would that be? I know for commuting and riding my bike, I need my hands free for essential stuff. and the idea of carrying what I need on my back makes sense for comfort, safety, and practicality. I know this sounds like an advertisement, and it is, but I need to share it and get it out there. A product like this exists, and I’m proud that I made it. I want others to know they can get one here in the good ole U.S of A. I hope it helps everyone who wears a Molle pack from point A to point B. Before my trucking days, many moons ago I was an artist, studied art, made art… and now I craft art here in Pennsylvania for your backpack.

So, let’s look at the Molle pack. I have seen newer backpacks come into the market providing the PALS webbing on them because they know backpack owners want to rely on their packs, and bonus for the backpack to be more and do more for them, the just-in-case moments that this pack needs to perform like this at this moment, could use some extra pockets or organization area. This pouch can come with us today but not tomorrow, and I get it; we change our packs out to our needs daily. These manufacturers don’t want to fall short of delivering that their pack has the capability of add-ons and not letting you down, and let’s face it, Molle pouches and such are accessories for the PALS webbing backpacks. I don’t know many packs that come with them. So it adds an extra cost and extra convenience for the wearer, but it gives the option to say this is how I want to set up my pack; I need it set up like this today, and this is how I rock it. Backpacks may look similar on the outside, but I bet no two are the same on the inside. To each their own on what is essential to bring for today. In my opinion, what is important and delicate can stay inside, and what is cumbersome can be put on the outside.

Got Molle Pack?

Being prepared is an art in itself. To be able to foresee circumstances and act on them is a gift in itself called self-preparedness. I definitely would want you on my side for bug-out-bag armageddon and emergency situations.

The material alone on the Molle pack is tougher and more durable than your standard pack, and that comes in handy when you beat your pack up from your lifestyle and adventurous habits. They really can take a punch; the added possibilities because of the PALS webbing are clutch in my eyes. If you don’t mind looking like G.I. Joe in the middle of the city, I highly recommend the Molle pack because of its versatility. So I guess I’ll be G.I. Frank. Check out the Mini OPSnet. It’s a great option to have if you need it from time to time. It’s not so mini and it can expand the size of your backpack space. As always, stay safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you…and thanks for bringing me along.

The mini OPSnet…not so mini

Changing the rules and size of Backpacks…because I can.

Why do I do it? Let’s face it and say that every industry tries to deliver but sometimes falls short of satisfying our needs. The backpack industry is no different. Change is constant. Quality changes, prices change, and even styles change. My wife buys shirts and jeans only to take the scissors to them to meet her style. At my job, when we get new trucks, the company turns the speed down and already comes with or without the bells and whistles they deem fit for our drivers. The decision had already been made for them. My wife works at a restaurant where what is on the menu is what it is. We seem to make do with what we have and make the best of it, and that’s okay. I think the laws of nature are true when they say adapt or die… but where human, with opposable thumbs and a brain, and THEY University doesn’t exist.

No Fun!

When I bought my brick rancher home, I knew right away change would happen, from the inside to the outside. It’s now my castle the way I like it, home to my kid, paradise for my wife. It will always be a work in progress with the idea of making it better than what it was when I found it. Thinking of what is next is always tricky because of the unknown if that should be the next course of action. Come to think of it, thinking, in general, is underrated, considering how much time it takes, and in my opinion, shouldn’t be undervalued either. I know my art life took up a lot of time from the thinking to the action of works. In the end, if you’re proud of it, then it’s a success.

I remember in the movie Gangs of New York C. Diaz stated to the guys “You don’t talk much.” to which Leo responded, “We’re deep thinkers.” I chuckled at that response, but it was clever. So let it be known someone dazed off, looking into space could be thinking of the next big idea. The sight of their cluelessness could be on the brink of brilliance. I guess that saying think before you speak makes even more sense as I get older, and maybe wiser. The thought process in itself is overlooked by many industries. and I bet many employees are scolded and/or penalized because they’re trying to figure something out and not producing at that moment. Too much go-go-go can make a mess. So go ahead and think away, think it through so we don’t have to think of how to clean up the mess.

So lights, camera, and ACTION… the action is what matters, physically taking the steps of your thoughts and putting them into action. I tell my kid, that you can dream big, and think away on ideas, but if no action is taking place it stays an idea, a dream, to where if you put action to it that seed grows with every step into a reality that you created, and a work in progress will finish to be something great that you can be proud of. What’s the next step, and the next? Action-action-action.

So, I make a backpack accessory; it’s my side hustle, and I love it! Every day I’m thinking of ideas and putting them into action. I’m done daydreaming and ready to make it a reality. I’m making changes and pursuing my ideas for my product. I’m not here to shake the industry standard of the backpack but to compliment their design with what I think can add value to the wearer by giving them options. So yes, I’m making art! I’m changing the rules and size of backpacks one net at a time for those backpack users who want options. So maybe we don’t have to adapt or die. We can find options, and we can make changes when it matters.

Stay safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you and think away… and thanks for bringing me along.

Got backpack? Want to supersize your pack?

Land, Sea, or Air

What is your vacation destination? and do you get there by land, sea, or air? Where is your sanctuary for R and R Is it out in the middle of nowhere, up high on mountain tops, or by fresh or salt water? Does it have to be vacation time to get to your sanctuary, or do you have one nearby? It’s common worldwide we all have an escape plan, that I need to get away plan to breathe, and figure something out. They come in many shapes and sizes, from one’s favorite couch in the study or living room to the stoop or breezeway outside one’s porch, to maybe a fort in the woods, or just the backyard.

We’re in thought, and it’s not as much where this happens because we can get caught up in deep thinking driving in our car, but what I’m getting at is when we plan for it, I’m going to my sanctuary for R and R deep thinking mode. I made a little place outside our little deck. It’s one of those fabric gazebos that give me shade, and when I walk out, one end of the hammock is staring at me to get off my feet and lie down to look up at my tree and the sky. In the winter here in Pennsylvania, I’m restricted to my garage or the basement, which is not as scenic, but it’s my haven, my safe place, my planned lazy moment, and it makes me count down the days for the warmer weather.

Obviously one of my deep-thought ideas is that I should fix up the garage to make it more inviting like our patio, and maybe attempt the man cave downstairs. The truth is the garage is a glorified storage unit, and the idea of going downstairs takes me farther from outside, which I prefer more. I guess when I think about it, breathing outside air is more relaxing than the inside air for me. Cold winter days here don’t damper the mood much, my wife and I have braved many evenings in the cold with a bonfire and late happy hour, it’s fun and when we finally make it inside, we say that the warmth inside feels nice. Now, don’t get me wrong, we are not outside playing when it feels like northern Maine or Vermont came over to visit; we have mild winters here sometimes, and we’re blessed by it, so we take advantage of it.

I try to take advantage of deep thought as much as possible, and I know that I’m cut from a different cloth than my wife and son, but that’s the beauty of random. I still remember I found my kid on the hammock, and his immediate response was I wanted a different perspective, I got bored of the same thing in my room. How about that “change” that’s a cool perspective, and “something different” is a powerful feeling to change our routine. I guess that’s why we make forts and man caves and go on adventures near and far. I wish everyone the beauty of random; find that motivation and create your Rand R spot. Thinking is underrated and undervalued which is the foundation of the plan that comes together or unravels, which we have to tweak or improve on it.

Here’s to your haven!, Vacation spots, forts, she-sheds. and man-caves. Stay safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you. So Go on and Carry on, and “Think away.”

Thinking about changing the size of backpacks one net at a time.

Got Paracord…Got Molle Pack?

Want to save space inside your molle pack, want to learn another carrying option for the outside of your molle pack? I’ll show you how I made this paracord panel that clips to your carabiners and makes a small paracord flap/ pocket to hold certain things you may want to carry for your journeys, adventures, and commute.

Let’s begin, It doesn’t take long. I used 50 ft of paracord for this panel, you can use any color of course. I made a daisy chain out of almost the whole length, it took less than 10 minutes and the more footage on the paracord the bigger the panel. I added a cord end and a loop to the one end, leaving the final working end bare because it’s much easier to weave the remaining cord that is not cinched up from the daisy chain into the little loops and in and out thru the small meshes for the weave.

When you’re finished with the daisy chain make bends up and down to create a square or rectangle and just flatten it out to see the whole shape to weave the working end of the cord thru the chain itself. This will connect your panel together.

Just keep going back and forth from one end back to the other end of the panel, It will take shape.

When all connected I weave the extra working end of the cord in the other direction to keep the panel from stretching out too much, even though that can be useful and maybe a good thing. You can also cinch up the remaining cord, start another daisy chain, and weave it out of the way. There is no right or wrong way, you just want to create the panel and make sure it is intact.

The next key factor is the molle backpack or more so the PALS webbing for the anchor points. I hope you found value in this tutorial, it all starts with paracord and the imagination. Have fun with it and don’t overthink it. I hope it also adds convenience to your carrying options, as always stay safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you!

More than just rope…& just knot simple string.

Rope or Paracord? what is the difference? Is it string or strings in a string? What are cordage, rope, line, and parachute cord? I think it all serves the basic function but some do it better than others. So I’m not gonna get into specifics about the difference between fishing line, rope climbing, and basic cordage for crafting bracelets and other crafts. But I will say the size of your rope does make the difference in what you want to accomplish. Do you want to go rock climbing with a fishing line? Do you want to pull the rip cord for the parachute from a braided rope that anchors ships to the docks? You don’t see cowboys lasso steer with dental floss.

It seems that every cord for our purpose nowadays has seemed to go thru that trial and error, and is the perfect size for the function that it is intended and it seems that the go-to material is Nylon and Polyester. I like to work with Paracord where the core is made up of Nylon, there are cheaper versions that don’t have the inner core strength as Nylon but you need to assess what you’re using it for. I like the fact that paracord comes in many colors and patterns that it is sure easy to find a match that suits your taste and the fact it is rot and mildew resistant. It can take a beating and if the Military trusts it, it must be good.

Paracord comes in different thicknesses also ranging from a different number of core strands to specialized core strands that are fire starters and emergency fishing lines. These are common and popular to have for your outdoor life and/or Bug-out-bag setup.

It blows my mind when I think of simple tools that are old and still around. Per google, Rope has been around since the Egyptians 2500 BC, and it could be longer, especially in other places around the globe. Rope, string, cordage, etc, sure has come a long way and it still surprises me from time to time when we still use them in some form or fashion. I find it fascinating how I see it in my day to day. I dare to say it will never go away.

So the artist comes out of me now when a string wants to be more.

It wants to do more.

And at this moment is when I respect the simple string, the cowboy’s lasso, dental floss, braided rope, and my beloved paracord.

I respect ingenuity and the people that use it because at that moment there using more than a tool…

…they’re using art.

Maybe the backpack wants to do more, it needs some help to be more to have your back. If you’re interested to learn more about what I do with paracord, and how I string along colored cordage to make a backpack do more. Check it out!

Carabiners…not Caribbean

Clips, hooks, and carabiners… and no these are not islands off the Caribbean, they are carabiners clips, spring action and all serve the same purpose to latch on, connect and hold something, but when it comes to backpacks and backpacking it’s the carabiner that has the strength and security as well as my vote, in my opinion, the go-to clip. The carabiner has come a long way since the eighties for me, just so much ingenuity and add-ons now, the evolution of the tool seems to be never-ending now. I believe backpack manufacturers cater to this too, adding extra anchor points for this tool and trying to provide that option for their customers. I know for me it started with my clip around my grab handle because that was the only spot for it. Well, even today I still use the grab handle to clip my boring almost 40-year-old repelling carabiner, I am surprised that I haven’t lost it. But let’s look at some history, per google the word came to English around 1915, its root from a German word that means “carbine hook” a hook used to connect a soldier’s carbine (type of rifle) to a strap, and the first modern carabiner was invented by a German climber Otto “Rambo” Herzog around 1911. Cool name and a cool tool! right? I love learning new things! Amazing how the common backpack adopted this climbing tool for its convenience and versatility, and how perfectly well they go together. Just go on Pinterest and you will see a ton of carabiners in all sorts of shapes and styles and how it is combined with even gadgets on them, what is even cooler is how they all use them in different ways.

Need a backpack net accessory to connect to your carabiners? PACK HOLD CARRY…just a little bit more

Molle Backpack Hacks

I like hacks, they’re convenient as well as a genius, in all they can make life easier. My hack for my molle/PALS webbing backpack is a bungee cord run thru the webbing to create straps to carry jackets, blankets to tool rolls, and such.

this pic is the front of the pack’s bottom pouch. The 2-way bungee cord contraption from the store, two-hole slider/stopper, and a cord end found on old jackets.

So let’s start with the bungee cord, it’s one of those that adjust from different sides, it creates loops from both sides and you can tighten it from different angles. How it works is it crosses over in the plastic housing and feeds thru and out the holes and for the life of me I can’t remember what it’s called and I’m sorry for that but they’re very common in the box stores and hardware stores. So moving on, let’s HACK on…

that big greenish plastic clip is the hip belt that I bring front and pass thru one bungee loop and clip it as it rides shotgun in the front.

I added a two-hole slider/stopper and a cord end from old jackets laying around, the 2 hole slider/stopper grips the bungee cord to keep it tight and creates another loop within itself if you want to add a carabiner and such.

So I start by taking the bungee cord apart (just untie the knots) and pull the cord from its housing entirely. Then feed the bungee cord thru the webbing of the pack and feed the bungee cord back into the housing, then feed your slider/stopper and I added the cord end for a more streamlined look.

I share the space in the webbing with my “Grimlock Carabiners” when feeding the bungee cord thru and you will notice in between the webbing I pull my hip belt thru and clip it out of the way and the bungee holds it in place and it’s not swaying by my side.

walla! one side is done! do the other side the same way

need to tighten, pull then slide the slider/stopper to hold it in place.

and it holds!

Real quick and really convenient, I hope you enjoyed it and hope it helps out, I rather carry it on my pack that in my hands.

Need more room for your molle pack? Need to PACK HOLD CARRY just a little bit more… meet the Mini OPSnet, not so MINI.

Zombies, Apocalypse, & Bugout Bags… Oh My!

Let’s save the zombies and apocalypse for last, but a bugout bag for preparedness and that just-in-case moment…You had me at prepare. My wife was a girl scout and went all the way and I can assure you there is nothing in this house that we live in that doesn’t meet the standards of a mother and a girl scout. We need it just in case, saving us time and effort to get it when we need it. “An ounce of preparedness is a pound of cure.” she would say. So that attitude goes from the house to our cars, to her purse, and to my pack and yes we have safety gear, preparedness gear, and gadgets packed away. Now you may be wondering that I’m making it sound like I got some cool outrageous rocket launcher, flying inflatable pontoon tank with zombie radar… Not at all, our home is like our bunker and we have our necessities and backup and in our vehicles, we have the basics as anyone else would, which says “I will not struggle and I’m making it home.” From the basic jumper cables to a blanket, extra oil, antifreeze, and small toolbox… oh yea! our bugout bags! For that just-in-case moment, we need to leave the car and we are on foot. Now understand this bug-out-pack has the making of I live in the suburbs outside a little big city, so nothing hardcore here, I will not survive the Mojave desert or the warmest part of Antarctica.

So one of the most important items in the pack is the first aid kit, all cars should have them, and I carry a boo-boo pouch in my pack at all times. Try walking around with a cut finger looking for something to stop the little bleeding that is now dripping everywhere and now becoming a big nuisance. The kit comes with all the basics plus extra gauze, scissors, ointments, tape, and such that I add, and a tourniquet which I hope I never have to use.

I do not carry a fire starter I would use a lighter, we have plenty of flashlights and I don’t carry a compass… I know this doesn’t sound like a bug-out bag and your right I would say it’s more of a get-home bag. I have blankets in the car and an extra jacket if I need to bring one. I live in the northeast so you can bet when winter comes around you need to think of cold and snow and yes I have a shovel in the trunk. Now don’t get me wrong if I was camping or hiking I would carry all those gadgets and necessities to keep me alive, but for now, I don’t see myself in that environment as much as I see my suburbs and sidewalks.

So where does the preparedness begin and end? I guess we have to look at each scenario that we may come to day to day. During my over-the-road trucking days, it was like camping in a big rolling tent, and I had to think of what was necessary if I had to stop for my break in remote places. Truck stops were the vacation destinations for drivers, a great place to re-supply, but many times the day and night just can’t get you there for your break, let alone the room for you to stay, clean yourself up, and rest. I can remember many times my breaks, breakdowns, and sleep were on the side of the road, or maybe on an off-ramp. I remember freezing to death in Syracuse, NY, and at the border of Nebraska and Wyoming at a rest stop, my truck turned off overnight when I was asleep and I woke up blue! my hands were so numb I had to try to turn the truck key back on with pliers and it was painful. I was lucky but I knew a co-worker who wasn’t as lucky and got frostbite when he was stranded in a blizzard in Buffalo NY. I know trying to sleep hot and no AC is more uncomfortable than trying to sleep cold… that’s just my opinion, and all the time out there I just wanted to get the job done and get home time to see my family, it’s a hard living when you miss loved ones.

So let’s get to the Zombies and the Apocalypse, I would want to be home with my family hunkering down. Let’s get this straight, I’m not going out hunting zombies, I’m hiding from them. I get that the just-in-case moment is critical here if I were found, so in that scenario, my get-home pack would most definitely change to a military arsenal pack even though my knowledge is limited here and I know that I can’t buy grenades at Walmart.

I would want to be able to fish and hunt if I was out in the wilderness for food, I would need fire for many things. I would also want to be comfortable with the elements during the day and as well thru the night. So just food, water, and shelter here would take a lot of thought as well as room in the pack. So I would want that compass now and the fire starter, It’s all about survival now and finding safety in between chaos and I’m sure this scenario comes with struggle, and that to me is scary enough with all the hiccups the day can throw at you even without the zombies and Apocalypse. I remember many years ago I met a hiker that trekked the Appalachian Trail. He told me that what he started out with in his pack became cumbersome and heavy and little by little, he started to just downsize and throw away gear from time to time throughout his journey. Trekking Trails overnight for weeks on end is about as close to just living off the grid and the planning and preparation are just at another level and out of my league here. I like camping and for me let’s say that is my practice for D-day even though I pray that never comes. Let’s hope we can all get along.

Need to PACK HOLD CARRY more on your pack for the zombies and the Apocalypse?

So whether you are on the go for the day or for weeks planning goes a long way, and being prepared will get you thru the long haul safely. I get the bug-out-bag, I get the get-home-bag, I get it! We shall survive. If I could put straps on my house and carry it I would, it has everything I need, but most importantly what lives inside it is what I need the most, and I will provide and protect it… and OH MY! get home to it when I’m away. Happy New Year! to y’all and be safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you and be prepared.

Choosing the right backpack

Do you need a backpack or will your pant pockets do? If you need to carry more stuff will rocking a backpack cramp your style, If you think a backpack is what you’re looking for then how do you choose the right one for you? It doesn’t seem to be a tough question, but size matters. the pocket organization is a plus, better quality material will last longer. There is also the comfort level with straps and back panel, it all adds up to your preference along with the price, this pack is coming along for the ride with you a lot of the time. It is a question you need to ask, just like picking out outfits and buying shoes, it needs to fit and be comfortable, and has to meet my style. You need to ask, will it work for the many scenarios that I go thru? Then you look at prices, which is another decision you must accept. I have seen some packs up to 400$! and some that are around 30$, and when ordering online you take a chance when you can’t really see and feel it, you can only get some confirmation from reviews and reputation.

I’m about material first, I like a heavy-duty fabric for the long haul. I also like when the bottom of the pack has a heavier-duty material so it doesn’t wear out from constant wear and tear from being on the ground to dragging and throwing the pack around.

When it comes to the straps I look for reinforced stitching and good padding for comfort, I also want to see the padding on the back panel. While the straps look strong and comfortable the bonus would be if it comes with a sternum strap and load lifters. The size of the pack would determine if I would want a hip belt for more stability and comfort, and I am also a big fan of padding on the belt with pockets, along with the option to take the belt off or hide it away in the sleeves of the pack. If you walk a lot you would be surprised how a hip belt comes into play with a heavier load.

So let’s think about pockets real quick, the more the better right? I’m still on the fence about that assumption, I have found myself going from one pocket to the next and still haven’t found what I was looking for. But let’s face it we are at the mercy of the designer when it comes to what they think is functional and what they think is a good size for the pockets or the idea of a hidden pocket in a pocket! You got to be a little clever to make it work. Zippers can be annoying but you need to close things up. I like smooth zippers that don’t catch on fabric, but no promises here, it always happens to me, and why I like the heavier-duty fabric. To be honest, the main compartment of roll-top backpacks has caught my attention because of the fact you roll it and clamp it shut and that space also adjusts with how many or fewer rolls it takes to close it up.

I am also a fan of the big open space of the main compartment (the big dump pouch), just dump your stuff in, no need to force your hand into that small pocket when your pack is puffed out and full. I like the idea of consolidating things in packing cubes for my organization and it’s much easier to grab those pouches in and out than to get into those small places. The water bottle pocket is a bonus and a quick grab pocket on the outside for me, it will be used often. If a pack comes with some kind of daisy chain webbing and/or molle/PALS webbing on it, then this designer gets snaps for thinking that someone may want to add to this pack to make it more functional for their needs. We need our things to get us thru our day, we don’t need to overthink our options of how we get to point A to point B with our stuff. It’s better to carry it on our backs than to juggle it on a unicycle.

Backpacks are popular, they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, the concept is all the same but so different from one person to the next. So whether you wear it with one strap or two we can all agree and respect the fact that we bring more for the day than what are pant pockets will allow… and some just carry more.

Need to carry more and it won’t fit in your backpack?

Carry it ON your pack

The Adventure Ahead

To infinity and beyond!… Buzz Lightyear said it best with great enthusiasm. What adventures lay ahead for you? I’m pretty sure vacations are planned out way ahead of schedule than weekend getaways, when I went to Disney it took time to plan for the flight, and hotel rooms, and to coordinate the days to see my son, It was all set. My mother-in-law was to pick me up in Clearwater Fl. and we drove to Orlando Fl. to hang out and spend a couple of days at the “Happiest place on earth.” You know what I didn’t plan for, “Hurricane Ian!” and how he threw a wrench into my plans and hundreds of thousands more of others. The silver lining is if you were to be trapped anywhere I think Disney would be up there with one of the best, the only downfall was my budget took a hit because I had to stay two days more than planned, and getting a return flight was a little frustrating, but all minor compared what that storm did to many Floridians. But what an experience! so what next? Like many you do your vacation, get back home to start the grind, and plot and begin to think of where to next.

Where to next? Is it planned or spontaneous? I lost that edge many many years ago, I use to have that attitude of “ Go where the day takes you.” But I know each generation brings more adventurers out here to explore, see, and seize the days of getting out and having some fun! I salute you! R and R come in many different forms at many different places, You just have to put yourself out there.

What if it sucks? We all have been there, especially during the recent pandemic with all the do’s and don’ts and the slow-moving lifting restrictions coming to the post-pandemic times. It set the stage for distance, from social distance to no matter where you were, you weren’t close to having the normal good time that you once remembered. No matter what establishment said they could bring normality to you, it still wasn’t close to the magic and fun it used to have, I saw it with my sons’ university, we experienced it at our getaways when I took the family out, freeing ourselves from the bunker of mundane and boredom, the mentality has changed everywhere you looked, the times have changed, and for me, it will take some time to adjust even while writing this 2 years later. I remember taking time off and going to Dewey beach, Delaware, a great beach! but I forgot my grill spatula so I went to the nearest corner store and had to buy one for 15$! That’s right! no dollar stores at the beach learned a hard lesson to make sure I have everything before I get all excited and just want to get going just to get there and without a spatula. Wow, just reading that I guess I’m still scarred… were gonna soldier through, plan and prepare, and make our next adventure epic. I think the experiences of vacations and adventures that did not turn out so well bring us that experience of how to make it better next time… and that is what matters most, the next time. Live and learn.

So no matter what kind of sucker punch life throws at you, you will recover, I had an old friend who once told me that life is about loss and recovery, and he’s not wrong, but it’s all about how we respond and bounce back with class. So here’s to the adventures ahead, we know what goes well and what doesn’t. Here’s to taking a deep breath and enjoying the moments with gratitude and a smile. Be safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you… and don’t forget your spatula!

Got backpack? Need extra room for your adventures or spatula?

The Concrete Jungle

City life is unique, from the day and nightlife of everyday life living and visiting in the city. You wake up, go thru your routine, and gather your things for your day. You step outside and just before you you take your first steps the thought crosses your mind… do I have everything? I know when I lived in the city in my younger years this question was brought up many times every morning and I succeeded as much as I failed to answer that question. You have to live in the city to appreciate the dynamic and clout the urban trekker must endure and experience. My bicycle was my go-to means of getting around, sneakers were my second choice, and crunch time was the bus and/or taxi when it made sense.

Chances are if you live in the city transport and weather play a role in your daily routine. If it was raining then I’m probably not even outside, and the winter snow storms grounded my bike many times until roads were cleared so walking came into play a lot. I remember many times on my bike rides in the city, thinking of getting groceries and stuff for the week. I’m out, I got my backpack mine as well do this and get this done. It always seemed that the amount of space in my pack and what I can fit on the handlebars dictated what I can carry from point A to B. The days you know you were going to load up with stuff, you knew you were getting a taxi to load up its trunk or borrowing a friend’s car.

Need to supersize your pack for convenience? Check out the All-American backpack accessory

I wake up now every day in my small town and my days can pretty much be the same, with no regrets of course. During my city days, there were never two days the same. Pedestrians among masses of other people, street vendors, street artists (which were my favorite) from the police to the construction crew to the average joe; they’re all working, walking, riding, and driving in every direction. Who knows what is on their minds, and who knows what they’re up to, but it is all of them every day at every block and alley that make the city who it is and how it comes alive.

And only in the city does it also have a dynamic and characteristic when the sun goes down, it almost takes on another life and with it brings a vibrant picturesque nightlife that every city claims to have the best. One can take for granted so much commotion and distraction with every step you take in your daily travels through the concrete jungle, something to do, something to see, the foods and drinks from vendors to coffee shops and bars, to the numerous unique boutique shops. It’s never a dull moment, and your backdrop of towering skyscrapers is one of a kind from city to city.

If you have ever been to the city then you know the downside of it also because it just stands out, from the rats that sometimes run out squeaking and diving in heaps of trash, to the far out to the far from home individuals, but it’s the by-product of the city, they say it comes with good and bad, and every city has it all, you just have to go and visit and experience it. So grab your backpack and your most comfortable walking shoes, find a parking garage if you want to brave driving in, or grab public transit to get dropped off at the “Busiest place on earth.” whether it’s downtown, center city, uptown just soak it in, roll with the punches because your gonna have stories to tell so make memories and be safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you.

Got backpack? Need a helping hand carrying stuff that doesn’t fit in it? Go On and Carry on and keep it hands-free!

E.D.C.? Accessories?

Plan & Prepare

What do I need to bring? What do I always bring, can I do with this? Can I do without this? Just in case moments. I am sure these questions are asked a lot of times during the art of packing for the day or days, whether it’s your briefcase, purse, pockets, your lunch, backpack, etc…at least I always ask myself some of these questions.

But the difference between what to bring and what you may use and have in an everyday case scenario differs from one person to the next. There is a term out there called “Every Day Carry” or “E.D.C.” for short, and it is not just for just in case moments, but also I use this often so I carry it with me always. They are those accessories that provide that comfort and “I got that gadget here” solution. whether your “EDC” is in your pocket, bag, or pack, You know that you have come prepared and nothing is going to slow you down.

To bring or not to bring?

I bet that phone charger is an EDC for ya. I have forgotten mine just a few times and my long day went with a sense of nervousness every time I had to use my phone, I was rationing the usage like meals on the space shuttle. My phone like many is the number one gadget that is so close to me that it’s in a pocket all to its itself much like my wallet, equally important goes in my other pocket. Now that my two pockets are occupied everything else goes in my backpack and/or on my pack if it doesn’t fit. I picked up reading in my youthful old age now. I like to read at times so a book comes with me hoping for that wow factor of knowledge and entertainment. I also bring a sketchbook for notes, ideas, and doodling, it’s my journal of good ideas, you never know where good ideas can come from while just writing and drawing sketches of interest. What good is a sketchbook if you can’t write or draw in it? So a pen, pencil, and a sharpie come along for the ride. I carry my reader glasses because I’m at that stage of my life now, and I also carry sunglasses for those in your face bright days for my comfort. I carry two tumblers now with me, one for water and the other for coffee, and when it comes to my drink containers spill proof is a must, I learned the hard way with cheap and shotty lids.

So far my accessories are more for my comfort and what I would have for my comfort to pass time if I’m stuck somewhere or that lull time you find on many occasions at work and play. I do carry a small first aid kit in my pack, nothing fancy in it just the basics, more of a booboo kit. I also carry a multi-tool and pocket knife and these go where they are allowed to go, obviously when boarding a plane your accessories change because the rules change. Also for my comfort on rainy days, my raincoat is nearby if needed and that is pretty much it for comfort with me and some precautionary items and tools that can help me in a pinch. I bring a lunch box, and I don’t go out for lunch when I’m at work, for me saves time and money, and I’m an advocate for that. I use to buy coffee every morning before work during my over-the-road days. It came out to about 600$ a year, So I quickly changed that routine, so food in my lunchbox and coffee from home saves me more in the long run.

Now for the extras! which is that stuff that a minimalist probably would not carry, but I’m saving money now and I rock a backpack that still has room in it, and if It doesn’t, I bring it with me and use the ALL-American backpack accessory that gives that extra room planned out of course.

two Mini OPSnet with my molle pack

Carabiners are a favorite accessory of mine, such a simple concept, hold something and connect it to something, from little pouches to sunglass holders many products come with it already for you to attach and hang on your pack, the quality of them all differ from product to product. I am more about quality now than in my younger years because that has an essence of lasting thru time. I carry about three carabiners, one is about 40 years old and I use it for my key chain, the other two are on my pack with one of them the Hero Clip that has that extra hook that swings out to hang on a post, railing, tree limbs, etc, it is genius and very useful for bags to keep them off the floor/ground when needed. The only annoyance is the swaying of stuff you connected them to on your pack, but that can be overlooked many times. For the molle/PALS webbing packs, the webbing screams out hang stuff on me, and there are special carabiners that are designed especially for those packs, an example is the “Grimlock Carabiners” on the photo above they are the black clips that fit in the webbing and create an attachment point for hooks, loops, etc or in my case I attach my backpack net to it.

Another favorite accessory of mine is my headset to listen to music and audio, love the privacy to turn it up and chill while waiting around and/ or doing tasks, it also comes in handy for hands-free phone calls. I actually have a couple of headsets from the blue tooth to my backup one that you plug in the phone jack. This comes to the next point of why I plugged in my old school earpiece, my battery ran out and I need juice! I carry an external battery pack for charging my phone, blue tooth headset, and other things, which makes my life easier because I have it there waiting for me at any time to use it, no more searching for outlets, or going into panic mode.

So the saying goes “better to have and not need it than need it and not have it.” I have practiced this philosophy for many years now and there are benefits to planning and preparing for the day. Our accessories are there to provide that preparedness and it will differ from person to person. My vacations and outings are that more memorable when I didn’t forget something that changed my mood or made me scramble in my day to get what I needed. Accessories are more than flare and beauty but necessities for us to seize the day.

Got backpack? looking for an accessory that’s got your back?

Sharing the journey

I heard the saying “ A lion hates a crowd.” I can relate to that much of my life. That table for one can be fun, but when you’re surrounded by great friends and family the adventures become more special because of that vested time sharing it with them and making memories. Even reminiscing about those events can be fun over food and drinks. Live, laugh, and love, right? I am grateful and appreciate my friends and the company that wants to share their time with me, but I know there are those days you have to go at it alone. It’s those days that are calling out to you, dreams and ambitions you are following, grasping for them, and trying to own and understand them. Finding that balance when your mind is racing and you need action now at the moment to progress. I think that is where growth for our body and spirit comes into play. I remember a movie about surfing I can’t remember the name, but these big wave surfers were chasing these massive waves, and their coach said something like where too “Gun-Ho” can end badly and too” Gun-shy” you’ll miss opportunities. Gotta find that middle ground, that balance, I can relate to that now as I’m much older and wish that was practiced and thought out more to me as a kid many moons ago. We all grow at different times and in different ways as long as we grow…and for the better of course.

We all don’t like to miss out on opportunities and regret plays a role when we charged too hard without thinking of the consequences. Regardless of whether our days are filled with people or not we can only depend on ourselves. The moment we step out it’s all on us, do I have everything?, am I prepared physically and mentally for whatever the day throws at me? I took a chance with my product, the All American backpack accessory, and ventured to the unknown. I wanted to share my product which helped me countless times. The irony of the net is that it can trap you or things, and share that space for the good and the bad. Life has a way of casting that net over us, and we have to share those days with loved ones, co-workers, and friends… sometimes we have to go at it alone, figuring out our own escape route or planning our day-to-day, journeys, and adventures.

Wishing all of you the best of luck. Take life by the horns and hold on. Life is a journey full of adventures and I hope they are filled with the people you can count on and Live, Laugh, and Love. I hope your journeys are ”Zen-like” accompanied by your soul and thoughts and that you are figuring things out, giving yourself a chance to grow. I know our everyday commute can be a grind and boring with the same scenery and people that fulfill us and don’t. But do plan adventures with your family and friends, make memories and share them, as well as take that day for yourself. You may discover something “Zen-like” and I wish nothing but balance for all of you on your adventures, journeys, and commute. Seize the day and thanks for sharing your time with me.

Be safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you and thanks for bringing me along!

Got backpack? Supersize it

Need a backpack accessory that’s got your back?

PACK HOLD CARRY…just a little bit more and keep it hands-fee.

Blog: Why I like Molle Packs

I’m used to hearing it called a “molle pack” and mine is my go-to bag for when we go, go for the day, overnight, beaches, and vacations, I literally can pack for the week and one bag is with me… my wife needs the room for her stuff. It does help because the Mini OPSnet gives me that supersize option to PACK, HOLD, and CARRY just a little bit more. and adding extra clothes and stuff to packing cubes or drawstring bags and stuffing them into the net is choice. And it’s that webbing that the molle pack has that is key to attaching the net to and supersizing my pack.

The Mini OPSnet is made for your Molle/PALS webbing packs

What is molle? It stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment, basically, the smaller pouches that attach to the webbing by sliding its belt thru and snapping it on or other equipment that attaches to the webbing, for example, the black “Grimlock carabiners” pictured above that clips around certain meshes of the Mini OPSnet to keep it attached to the backpack.

What is PALS webbing? it stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System, basically the rows of webbing that create anchor points.

Backpacks are popular, I don’t see them going away ever! but backpack design is forever changing and evolving, with high-end kryptonite fabrics, pockets in a pocket that’s in a hidden pocket, and even to the strap design to make it more comfortable. The more bells and whistles the better the pack can be for some, and I’m sure it comes with a price. But such a complex/ cut-throat industry, they all share the common and simple concept to pack, hold, and carry, just like my backpack accessory. It’s just that some do it better than others while some do it cheaper and others go over the top. The bag is beyond brilliant it must be called a “pack” and how convenient to carry it on my back… I think I came up with a Dr. Seuss rhyme.

Back to earth, backpacks are everywhere and out of all the backpacks out there, I’m a huge fan of the molle pack. I don’t mind that tactical look even if I have to dress up and rock it on my back. I like the fact that there are options of smaller pouches you can attach to the webbing and it’s clutch when it comes to organizing the smaller stuff, chargers, cables, headphones, keys, etc. The webbing is very useful for adding carabiners to clip things to it.

I like the fabric, feels rugged, mine is a cheap version tactical pack but works great, it feels durable to me and that is key. I have gone thru my share of backpacks and when I shop for one I look for those straps that are thick, tough, and reinforced. The bottom needs to be durable and the whole pack needs to be comfortable. Now granted the space inside is important, but that is another conversation down the road. I need space for stuff and some packs work better than others.

It all comes down to what you use your backpack for and as long as it comes with you, has your essentials, and your trekking hands-free. I think that’s a great head start to the day and wherever the day takes you. I’m a “packer”, not a “bagger”, backpacks fulfill my needs better than bags, unless I’m stuffing them in my net and the Molle packs give me options that change up my backpack capabilities as my days and nights change.

Got molle pack?… want to supersize it?

Blog: What to bring?

Can’t fit in your pack, make it fit ON your pack!

I need to bring it but it won’t fit!

Do you stuff that jacket in the pack only to take it out to get to your other stuff? Do you want to bring an extra pair of shoes only to find out your backpack can’t fit them…Sound familiar? I’ve been there. Slows you down, especially when you’re on the move. I witnessed a scenario at the airport while waiting for my flight, a lady walking by stopped and set her pack down next to me and rummaged and shuffled in it while juggling stuff in her arms and I heard her “ this isn’t working.” reshuffled her stuff in her pack, secured her stuff under her arms and went on her way. I know I’m not alone that’s what made me try to solve that problem for convenience and comfort, so I came up with a backpack net. Wrap it, STUFF it, and Carry on with your day.

Shoes don’t fit inside, make them fit outside…or any STUFF

If it’s important you want to bring it, you know you are gonna use it and you want it there, with you. I can relate because I think like that also. I plan my outings and my trips, I will never be as good as my wife when it comes to prepping for excursions…she thinks of everything and any situation, she was a girl scout. When I lived in the city in my younger days, before my product I can remember many times I needed a helping hand to carry more efficiently, especially when I was commuting by bike. I don’t worry about that now because my backpack partner is ready and willing to be stuffed, cinched up, and CARRY on comfortably on my back.

Fits all kinds of backpacks, up to 24 inches in height.

Hands-free is the way to go, especially now when one hand is always occupied with our phones, devices and/or drinks. It has worked well with me for the fact my backpack is now not as limited to what I can carry because at any moment I can supersize it for my convenience, my net stores away easily if I don’t want it on, but I usually leave on and work my pack around it, but it’s there ready when I am to PACK, HOLD, and CARRY…just a little bit more.

Blog: “Save your backpack!”

the day that started it all and got my wheels turning on my idea…PACK HOLD CARRY

That bad day started it all, and of course, I was in hurry. I get it… cars have blowouts, but I would never think my backpack would, but I would stuff the heck out of it… so it was coming. What I didn’t realize was that day was the beginning of my wheels turning on an idea of how to pack, hold and carry just a little bit more and still keep you hands-free and still use that one existing backpack that you love to carry with you. It was a seed that was planted and years go by and my trucking career was the spark to ignite it to fruition because I wanted everything I needed to be on my back. So my drives became my think tank and I would revisit that day of the blowout on my pack to lots of stuff in my hands and how to make it work. So from idea to product, the All-American backpack accessory was born, and its purpose was to save my sanity and hopefully others when I decided to put it out there for sale. It evolved on its own somehow that it does more than what its sole purpose was meant to do. Bonus!

Changing the size of backpacks one net at a time

Times have changed from early childhood years to now, I guess that’s why they say change is constant. I know backpacks came a long way from my school days, with more pockets, more rugged, and lots of thought put into them, some are even more stylish than others and come with a laptop sleeve. My days in high school “what’s a laptop.” Our contents in our backpack seem more expensive than my trapper keeper and pencil box, carrying clothes and other stuff may not have changed much, but what I do know is that the days out there are longer, our commutes are longer for some, and the work days are longer and not by choice. Only if our vacations were longer. We need to carry our essentials, at least I do, I don’t want anything to slow me down from point A to point B. Like many most of the time I do what I have to do, and sometimes I get to do what I want to do.

Work hard and play harder right? well my playing hard days are more steady now, I’ll say life for me right now is a marathon than a sprint, but I was a sprinter in my younger days, out and about I would give up sleep to give myself more time to get out there wherever and not miss a minute. In many of my adventures, my pack came along. I didn’t think much of it then as I do now, it was a silent friend all those years which I treated roughly at times stuffing it, throwing it, and even dirtying it up. I guess older age brings maturity and I respect my packs more than ever and really because prices have gone up, backpacks were cheaper in my early years everything was, now in my marathon life it’s about preserving what you have, and rightfully so, we spend our hard-earned money on our stuff, mine as well take care of it, right?…more money for outings then!

It’s more than saving money now, it’s about saving your sanity, as well as saving your backpack. So, when you’re ready to shove that sweater in that tight already pocket when you hear that tearing sound stop before your whole hand goes thru it, and don’t wait till the last day to pack…” that’s a whole other rant there.” and as always if your pack needs that helping hand to give you your hands back you should check into the All American backpack accessory and save your sanity…” I mean your pack!”

PACK HOLD CARRY…just a little bit more

“Send me on my way.”

“Yo! What is going on.” That is probably my signature greeting to my friends that really means what’s happening? Did you do something interesting, did you go somewhere interesting… where did you go? …and tell me about it!

I envy the adventurer and traveler, the time to get away, the places they see and experience. You got to love that freedom to explore that new destination and seize the day!

What to bring?…what to bring? I’m no expert but I would think backpacks have more miles and adventure experience in them than any other accessory that travels, I think I would include sneakers as well. I recently went to Disney and the backpack won among all the other bags out there, but then again I notice these things because I’m in the backpack accessory business. I travel with a backpack, I just find it convenient for comfort and practicality…and there just cool… Well, Indiana Jones satchel was cool too but backpacks just carry more and no two backpacks are the same, they need to suit our needs and perform to our expectations while we’re trekking away wherever. Now I’m no Dora the explorer but watching this cartoon back in the day with my kid, she pulled that pack out to get what was needed, hence the purpose of carrying important things that are coming with us.

It’s a jungle out there! and even though I would prefer my backpack and I to be on Vacation then any other scenario, like most “we do what we got to do!” and I’m talking about the commute, it comes in many forms; by plane, car, bike, wheels, and footwear. I know the backpack comes to play here too. I live it and see it. I Never knew then or really thought about it that a bag on my back would be so much of a partner in my day to day. I mean I see it now but I’ve been rocking a backpack since I was in kindergarten and I’m over 50 now. I don’t think I’m alone here. My kid carries a backpack to this day for his work and play and he made that choice when he was in kindergarten…Hmmm makes me wonder if backpacks are introduced to us at kindergarten. Well I’ve seen the laptop messenger bags also, and they seem popular too, so maybe I’ll come back to earth and say it’s not all about backpacks.

“stay safe and adventurous wherever the day takes you!”

It’s really all about carrying essentials for our convenience. It’s about “Carpe Diem”...” seize the day!” wherever the day takes you…. and don’t forget your backpack! I’ll grab mine too. So send me on my way and I’ll start my commute to earn my adventures.

need to expand and supersize your backpack?