By Gregg Ellman
Tribune News Service
There’s no denying the popularity of the pocket-sized action camera systems along with the endless line of accessories. These systems let you mount the camera anywhere from deep into the earth, on land, in the air or in water.
MindShift Gear, a company, co-founded by Think Tank Photo which is known in the photo industry for top-qualifying storage solutions for pro photographers, has launched a series of cases and pouches designed for GoPro and other action camera setups.
Action camera systems are designed to work in extreme conditions and the MindShift action series is produced with the same mindset.
The series includes 13 products ranging from filter pouches up to backpacks for storing your camera systems in a safe manner with easy access.
According to MindShift, they were designed with organization and ease of access in mind, and after seeing samples from the line, it’s a slam dunk that they have achieved that and more.
According to the company website, “All fabric exteriors are treated with a durable water repellent coating while fabric undersides are coated with Polyurethane for superior water resistance.” They also feature YKK zippers, 100D shadow rip–stop nylon, 200D polyester, nylon webbing, nylon cord and three-ply bonded nylon thread.
What that means to the user is that the storage system is top-notch and able to withstand any environment.
When you see the MindShift rotation180-degree Trail 16L backpack you might think it’s big and bulky for such a small camera system, but it’s far from that.
Starting with a weight of just 2.5 pounds, the backpack features the company’s patented award-winning rotation technology. This allows you to rotate the built-in belt-pack 180-degrees from the back to the front while running, walking or even biking to grab the gear you need.
When you have what you need, rotate it back into its compartment in the bottom area of the backpack.
There are also endless storage compartments, including room for a 2-liter hydration system, adjustable and padded airflow harness, adjustable side compress straps and outside tripod panel holder.
The exterior is water resistant with a durable water-repellant coating and the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. Rain covers, which fit perfectly for each backpack, are available separately ($19.99).
Adding the GP Mounts storage case (7.1 x 7.1 x 1.2-inches, 3.5 ounces) to the backpack, makes it a complete system. The pouch stores anything from the camera to cables or even your smartphone and accessories.
It’s made with a center divider and clear front panel to see what is where.
Trust me, when ordering the GP Mounts storage case, you’ll want more than one of them; they are that cool.
The rest of the line has storage solutions for batteries, cables, filters, an LCD, memory cards, mounts or any accessory you want.
Details: www.mindshiftgear.com, $179.99 for the rotation180-degree Trail 16L, $24.50 for the GP Mounts _ Medium
Channel Marley with headphones
Part of the House of Marley mission is to build on the principles of superior quality and earth-friendliness, all in the memory of Bob Marley.
The Marley Liberate over-the-ear wired headphones (also available in Bluetooth wireless) come equipped with 50 mm dynamic moving coil driver with neodymium magnet.
If that makes your head spin, just know they sound great and look amazing.
An important feature of eye-catching over-the-head headphones is how they physically feel on your head and ears. In this case the Liberates pass the test. After a few minutes, you don’t even know they are on your head.
The soft ear cushions feel great and the headband is adjustable to get the right fit. They also have a fabric-braided tangle-fee cable with an in-line mic made from recycled plastic for hands-free calling and music controls.
The exterior of the headband is made with recycled aluminum and folds up in a compact design when not in use.
An included fabric carrying bag and the inside of the headband are composed of reclaimed hemp, organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles according to information on the packaging.
Details: www.thehouseofmarley.com, $99 for the wired, $149 for the Bluetooth wireless
