Bandolier Utility Strap Returned

I am a big Bandolier fan. I have had a bandolier case and strap for every iPhone as long as I can remember. My phone is attached to me at all times - and it’s great for taking photos and never forgetting the phone some place. It has a slot for credit cards and my ThinOptics readers are attached and that’s about all I need - until my husband locked us out of the house and I didn’t have my set of keys. So I went in search of something that offered a little more space for storing my keys. I found a great small pouch from Bandolier and it is working well. The keys, sunglasses, and Kleenex fit. They also had a utility belt that looked good - but it wasn’t in stock in black and silver. And then it was. So I ordered one and it arrived last week. However when I opened it I knew it wouldn’t work. It was just too bulky and really didn’t serve the purpose well. It was constructed nicely, but just didn’t feel like something I would wear. And I could tell by the look on my husband’s face that it was the wrong thing. Perhaps for someone who travels a lot or maybe is a bit younger. So I decided to return it and it was hassle free. I just packed it back up just as it had arrived and printed the return sticker. We brought it to the post office this morning and I hope to collect the refund once it arrives back where it belongs. I’m happy with the small pouch that is attached to the original strap I’m already using for my iPhone. And it looks more the part - for me. 

52Frames Technology Photo Challenge

My favorite technology things are iPhones, ThinOptics readers, Bandolier straps, and the Procreate art app. So for this week’s 52Frames photo challenge I thought a composite image of these items would be appropriate since the subject was “technology,” So I took a photo of my phone, strap, and readers on the kitchen island, then sliced that image out and multiplied it two more times. Of course the 52Frames website was the screen image. The photos were edited in the camera plus app. Then using the Procreate app - the same one I use for all of my digital art and custom pet portraits - a background was added, several layers were added, and more cleaning up was done. A few different color backgrounds were tried. Usually several photos are taken for the weekly contest, but I only had this image in mind. The biggest question was where to crop it. I ended up using the original idea with the straps showing some movement and less emphasis on the phone size. Things have really changed from the original PictureIt! software for editing photos, taking photos with my swinger instant camera and all the other cameras to the ready at hand iPhone, and the klunky readers that are now replaced with ThinOptics key chain readers that are with me at all times. These are really my favorite things and they are used on a daily basis. I suppose I always loved gadgets. As a nursing administrator I headed the project to implement one of the first automated documentation systems in health care way back in 1988. And I preferred ICU and cath lab clinical specialties. I always loved visuals and excel spreadsheets as a performance productivity expert. I’m hoping I can stay on top of all of the products yet to come. We haven’t seen anything yet. 

Bandolier Pouch

The other day we walked out of the door and my husband forgot his keys. Luckily we live in a condo and they keep a spare key at the desk. But it raised the idea that I should always carry keys too. Since the pandemic I no longer carry a large purse that held everything in it but the kitchen sink. And when I needed to carry more items I used a small Coach purse. I have an iPhone that is attached to a bandolier strap and case that holds credit and health insurance cards, and a bit of cash. My ThinOptics readers key chain is also attached to the strap. But carrying keys is too much. So I looked around for some options and found a bandolier pouch that could not only hold the keys, but also my ThinOptics sunglasses. It attached to the same strap that holds the phone. It arrived this week and I have been trying it out. I can no longer tuck my phone in to my front or back pocket because of the extra piece. But, I can now carry the keys and the sunglasses and tuck the readers inside. I love the strap because the phone is always with me and I’ll never forget it. And since I am always taking photos it’s so easy when the phone is this accessible - and it still is. There is also a strap that is made that has pockets built it, but it seemed a bit too much and bulky, and they didn’t have it with a silver trim. I suppose I just need to get used to the extra bulk. So now there is a place for the keys and the sunglasses. I guess that was the idea. 

Bandolier IPhone 8 Plus Case and Carrier Strap

When I got my iPhone 6Plus a few years ago I was still working and needed a carrying case for it because I didn’t have pockets and needed my phone with me. I found one that worked well that also had pockets for money, etc. Now that I am retired I still need a carrying case for my new iPhone 8Plus. My old case fit the new phone, but it was taped together from solid use, the hinge was broken, thread was raveling, and anytime I wanted to take a photo I had to remove the phone first before I could take the picture. So I searched around for something that might work to meet my usual needs and found the Bandolier leather case and carry strap. What I liked about it was that it covered the phone - but left the front open - and had a long enough adjustable strap to carry it cross body. So when I wanted to take a photo - which is all the time - I just had to grab it and shoot. Since I am very careful with my phone I didn’t see the “no front” cover design as an issue. I’m sure some people are worried about scratching or breaking the glass. When I’m not using it on its’ own, you can unclip the strap from the phone. And though I don’t have a wireless charger, this case is supposed to work without having to remove the it. So far I’ve had it a couple of weeks and it is working out well. I gave my husband the Otterbox case I initially got for my new phone to put on the iPhone 6Plus that he inherited from me. So depending on what you use your phone for this case works very well. I suppose I could carry it around the house all day if I had to. But for now, that’s not necessary.