Civilian Lab pods and wallets

Last month we introduced you to the Civilian Lab bags, reckoned to be some of the most versatile ‘activity’ luggage known to man. This month we take a look at some of the smaller pieces of kit in the range, for keeping glasses, electronic gear, money and documents safe. First up is the Hard Case…

The Hard Case

This is a solid case for smaller gear – mobile phone, i-pod, glasses, etc - and its name describes it well; a hardcase cell/capsule made of Kevlar… the same stuff that is used to make some bulletproof vests, in fact it is so tough that the Civilian Lab factory has to use ceramic blades to cut the material. Kevlar is also virtually fire proof, so this Hard Case is one tough cookie.

The Kevlar has a colour weave called ‘goldenrod/titanium’ giving the capsule a distinctive ‘metallic’ visual impression. Its composite lamination to the substrate under heat pressure makes it very crush resistant, yet light, while . The egglike shape is strong, looks good, and has elastic retainers for keeping gear from falling out when open and a fuzzy Tricot liner for preventing scratches on delicate equipment that you may carry in it.

The Hard Case has a swivel snap-hook for quick snap on and off, that will clip to a belt loop, a bag, split ring, or virtually anything else to enable a secure carry. The case is water repellent and measures 4.9" (124mm) L x 2.4" (60 mm)W x 2" (51mm) H. Price is just £9.95

The Gear Pod

This is a simple yet unique hardcase designed to give solid cover to glasses and medium sized electronics. Use this case to safely carry your glasses, digital camera, g.p.s. receiver, cell phone or charger. The rigid thermoformed construction has a tough, fibrous outer material, and peapod shape to provide good protection from crushing and shock, with scratch resistance and a neat look as well.

A Tricot fuzzy inner liner stops scratches to lenses or surface finishes. Clip it to your belt loop or onto any bag or shoulder strap with the swivel snap hook. Take it on your outdoor missions or to dusty work areas to keep out dirt, grit, and water. Earphone or charging cables can be passed through the end of the zipper to leave the smallest possible open area.

The Gear Pod measures 6.87" (174mm) L x 2.37" (60 mm)W x 2" (51mm) H, and costs £13.95.

No Loss Wallets

Civilian Lab make a number of high security wallets. They had the active, adventurous user in mind when they designed their lossless wallets. While the basic shapes may say "surf-wallet," the premium materials, unique retention devices, and top quality craftsmanship scream smart, progressive design.

Andora ‘Rewind’ Wallets take care of themselves when you have other things on your mind.
Each model is equipped with a gear retractor which is detachable, so can be used for other small items. The Gear Retractor is a simple piece of equipment that takes the place of a lanyard to protect valuable pieces of equipment. The Retractor’s high-strength, spring-loaded reel is a compact 35mm in diameter and houses 2 feet of 2mm plastic coated steel cable. Fitted with twin swivelling spring- clips it can be fastened to almost anything. The reel will hold 170g in weight before extending. This gives you the piece of mind to enjoy whatever active task or job you are doing without having to worry about your wallet launching itself out of your pocket. You simply attach one end of the retractor to the wallet, and the other to a secure pocket/belt loop or split ring. The Andora ‘Rewind’ Wallet measures 110mm x 80mm and costs £30.95. The Gear Retractor is available as a stand alone item at £12.95, and is ideal for keys, flashlights, multi-tools or knives etc.

Other designs from Civilian Lab include ‘clip’ wallets. Many people now wear a phone, multi-tool, or flashlight on their belt, so why not a wallet? The clip wallet can be worn in the same secure way, instead of weighing down your pockets and tearing out the linings. The exclusive system used by Civilian Lab employs a military-grade stainless steel belt clip with a tip made to hook under the belt edge and make it very difficult to remove by anyone but you. Turn it around and worn under the belt or even inside your waistband with only the clip on the outside, makes it totally covert and extremely difficult for thieves to snatch. It can also be used with a neck lanyard, with the wallet tucked inside your shirt/vest.

The wallets come in a number of inventive materials making them a cutting edge fashion choice, not just a practical one. None of the materials will be damaged by sweat or moisture. The white version has a velcro strip whilst the black has magnetic buttons to close the wallet securely. Both types allow one handed opening by the wearer while it is still on your belt.

The Kevlar clip wallet is an even tougher version. Made from a mixed weave of military spec Kevlar and a rubber-like material it makes a very robust wallet that is both hard wearing yet looks good too.

Both wallets are 110mm x 80mm (4.5” x 3.25”) and cost £17.95 each.