With all but a well-fitting case and several adjustable straps, Paragon Gear delivers a product that boasts extreme versatility and modularity, allowing users to express their inner creativity through the likes of their own travel kit. For two years, the firm has been building this sophisticated strap system, patent still pending, in the hopes of delivering a case that can mold to the user's own preferences.
That time was assuredly meaningful, as the strap system and accompanying field case prove there is the endless arrangement at the heart of Paragon's product. Below, I shall underscore the design ingenuity and array of potential inherent within Paragon's strap system and field case from my week-long utilization of their product.
Boundless Variation
The strap system by Paragon utilizes four main adjustable velcro modules, which can hold up to 15 lbs of force and be applied in practically any variation within the field case. Yet, given the fact that the strap system's versatility, Paragon ensured that it could be utilized on its own, giving the straps a multitude of usability. In its own Kickstarter campaign video, Paragon shows off the straps working without the need of the case through an iPad integration, collecting all of the necessary accessories together along the device.
As mentioned previously, the strap system comes equipped with four varied sizes: small (2.25 in), medium (4.5 in), large (6.75 in), and extra large (9 in). For everyone comes a range of available segmentations, including 1-4 for small, 1-9 for medium, 1-12 for large, and 1-18 for extra large. Thus, customizability comes readily available from the outset through enhanced adjustability, made all the more convenient via included divider loops.
While the straps could work on their own, it's clear that Paragon designed them to have immediate interconnectivity with its own field case. For that very reason, it's only fair to review them as a bundle, even though I found the straps themselves rather limitless in their base design. Specifically for keeping chargers with laptops, maintaining the collection of assorted USB-C, USB, and other cables together made the straps a tech wizard's dream come true, but in tandem with the field case, they prove extraordinarily modular.
Related Article: StaFi and Its Ecosystem Project rDEX
Encased in Compatibility
Used on its own, Paragon Gear's field case proves to be a travel bag that can fit as much as a full beaker in its interior, an average of 3.3 liters of volume, according to the California-based firm. The case boasts 36 Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) hard points, ensuring that whatever can't fit within the case will surely fit on its exterior. The product's handle can turn into twin strap ladders for simplified connectivity to alternative gear and packs, allowing the case itself seemingly unlimited compatibility across the board.
The case can also take a beating, despite looking somewhat frail. It utilizes heavy-duty stitching and high-quality materials to ensure items within the case don't get damaged in any condition you may find yourself in. Still, while rugged in its design, it's probably best to keep the field case safely stored in or on the outside of a backpack so no unforeseen issues occur.
For me, I used the field case to house most of my content creation kit, including a camera, mic, and assorted necessities. I also used it as a Nintendo Switch case, and it surprisingly worked wonders. Though it won't fit every single conceivable thing necessary for every workflow, it allows for most things to be bundled together and have a home. It helps that the straps can literally be applied in any arrangement due to their varying lengths and adjustability, making even the most awkwardly-designed items fit cleanly within.
For Everyone
Although it is marketed heavily for the rugged terrain outgoers and military-minded individuals, Paragon's product is essentially an all-encompassing design. This means that legitimately any form of workflow can be utilized through the field case and straps. Tech wizards, writers, photographers, real estate brokers, and even doctors could find a use case for the Paragon Field Case and Strap System, thus making it rather fluidly engineered.
Additionally, while the case and strap system are sold separately, I found that they aren't necessarily needed in the bundled format. Thus, if consumers would prefer to try the strap system out with their own backpack, it's fully realizable. For that reason, in addition to its assorted versatility, I can't recommend the field and strap system enough. At Tech Times, we rate them together at four stars merely because I wish the case itself were larger.
With that being said, I do hope Paragon makes some varied forms of the case. I'd like to see a smaller and larger version of the pack, thus ensuring that practically anything can fit its mold. Paragon Gear, only as recently as July 14 concluded its Kickstarter campaign and is working out logistics. In a comment to one backer, the firm notes that it will potentially consider additional designs, highlighting a pouch option in the future. Thus, Paragon clearly understands where to take its strap system and field case next.
From the outset, Paragon's ingenuity proves remarkable, and its product speaks for itself.
