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Posted: 2/5/2011 1:00:53 PM EDT
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A little while back I posted a topic looking for a pouch that would fit my netbook. Gene from HSGI contacted me about doing a custom pouch, we talked about the features I wanted, and he had it at my door in a couple of weeks.
The idea for it was that I wanted something I could attach to a chest rig or backpack and use the laptop for navigation with Google Earth while hunting/hiking/camping/etc. Or just something to keep my netbook in that offered some protection. Here is what he came up with: The front side has neoprene padding and HDPE plastic sewn in to give it some shock protection and make it rigid enough to attach pouches to if being utilized on a chest rig, as well as some hook side velcro for nametapes/patches: 
The back side has the same neoprene padding sewn in but no HDPE, as well as MOLLE webbing to attach it to a backpack or chest rig: 
The interior has a mesh pocket for maps or whatever and a cord to limit how far the pouch will open. Along the side with the HDPE is some hook side velcro to secure the netbook in place if being utilized on a chest rig: 
The netbook can be placed two different ways depending on how the pouch is being used. When using it just as a case, the pouch functions as a kind of "desk" with the mesh pocket on the back and the HDPE side down, the netbook secured via velcro: 
This illustrates how the netbook would be secured if the pouch was being utilized while attached to a chest rig: 
It also features a removable carry handle (not pictured). So far, the pouch exceeds my expectations and as with anything from HSGI, this pouch is made with high quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. The purpose of this review is to see what kind of interest this product might generate for the possibility of making it a production item. Please feel free to suggest any features you might like added/removed. |
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Quoted:
I like it.  I want to take my netbook out for the same reasons, but my concern is getting it wet. Only thing I can think of to prevent this is getting a Pelican case that it will fit in. Electronics and water don't mix  One thing Gene and I talked about was a clear vinyl sleeve that the netbook would slide into with the open end facing down when the pouch is closed to provide a kind of water shed if you were expecting wet weather. Or a flap on the inside or outside of the zipper to keep water from getting in through the teeth. |
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Quoted:
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I like it. I want to take my netbook out for the same reasons, but my concern is getting it wet. Only thing I can think of to prevent this is getting a Pelican case that it will fit in. Electronics and water don't mix One thing Gene and I talked about was a clear vinyl sleeve that the netbook would slide into with the open end facing down when the pouch is closed to provide a kind of water shed if you were expecting wet weather. Or a flap on the inside or outside of the zipper to keep water from getting in through the teeth. Wet weather would be one thing...going through a river is another  I like the idea of the vinyl sleeve though.
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I like it a lot! I've been considering some sort of pouch for attaching to a pack, and that seems pretty good. I do have a couple of questions, though:
How much bump protection does the HDPE give? Would you feel comfortable attaching it to the outside of a backpack and going hiking through dense foliage and over rocky terrain? Regarding waterproofing, what about making a two-layer pouch, basically a waterproof bag with nylon/MOLLE exterior? the netbook would be slid in from the side, while open. When the pouch is closed, the netbook is also (mostly) closed, and the pouch zips shut. Then have a ziploc-style closure on the entry side of the clear plastic bag, and a velcro flap on the nylon layer to keep it from getting opened accidentally. Probably too much shit for one pouch, may not be very practical. Just thinking of ideas. 
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Quoted:
How much bump protection does the HDPE give? Would you feel comfortable attaching it to the outside of a backpack and going hiking through dense foliage and over rocky terrain? It seems to offer pretty good protection. It's basically a padded exoskeleton. Quoted:
What size netbook? It's an HP Mini. About 10in x 6.5in x 1in Quoted:
Or whatever outdoor store you choose to frequent then. I like REI, I just hate how much money I spend when I go there
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Thats pretty slick I wouldn't mind having one of those if it was a bit larger (12.1 inch laptop here). I Gene had stated the possibility of a more standardized netbook size and laptop size... maybe... if there's enough interest. |
| Another piece of outstanding gear from HSGI. I've got a net book I was looking to carry for the same reasons and also on deployments. Right now I have one of the little zippered foam cases to carry it in my ruck. This looks like it would provide much better protection for it. If not too expensive I'd get one of these in a heart beat. |
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