Most rucksacks are pretty low-tech affairs, unless you consider adjustable straps to be witchcraft. If you are of that particular mindset, then prepare to have your mind blown by the latest Kickstarter campaign from Knomo.
The #LiveFree Backpack was looking for £50,000 worth of funding in 28 days, and has comfortably cleared that hurdle with 27 days to go. Assuming it ultimately delivers what it promises, your tech will appreciate the first-class upgrade to its travel arrangements, should you decide to back it.
First off, it’s made from waterproof waxed cotton canvas, which is handy for those of us who are inclined to leave their belongings at the side of a five-a-side pitch on a rainy Tuesday night. People who are shortsighted enough to join me in doing this might also appreciate the fact that it comes with the “world’s loudest Bluetooth tracker” should you need to hunt it down in the dark.
Alongside a compartment for 15.6in laptops, a pocket for your tablet or Kindle and an RFID blocking pocket for bank cards, the last trick up Knomo’s sleeve is a wireless charging sleeve designed to fit iPhones (with the DropGo wireless charging case) and Samsung Galaxy S6 and S7 handsets. If your phone doesn’t support wireless charging, you can just plug in a USB lead, but then you may as well just carry a portable charger around with you if that’s the case.
Which brings me on to the price, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it: it’s not cheap. If you want the bag with the DropGo wireless charging system, you’re looking at a pledge of £222. If you’re happy without, it’s going to set you back £189. That’s a discount of between 30% and 40% on the final RRP, but it’s still a lot of cash to put down on a rucksack. Even one as beautiful as this.
As ever, with crowdfunded projects, here’s a quick section entitled “Buyer Beware”. Don’t put in what you can’t afford to lose, as some projects don’t go to plan and there’s always a chance you’ll be out of pocket. Less likely with Knomo – an established brand – than someone like Znaps, but worth repeating that cautionary tale all the same.
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