Pierre reviews for PM: Cape Union Mart’s gear guru gives us the gadget low-down.

Interesting gear and gadgets, and clever technology, is what PM is all about, so teaming up with Cape Union Mart and their top product specialist was a natural fit. Here’s Pierre’s low-down on some everyday items.

POWER LAPTOP BAGS

Power banks have become an essential travel accessory because we simply cannot afford to lose battery life on our phones. The design team at K-Way understands this and has incorporated an amazing innovation in the latest K-Way Power Laptop bag collection.

The packs each have a convenient external USB power port that connects to an internal USB cable where it houses almost any size power bank. You can now keep your phone or tablet charged while your power bank is safely tucked away in the backpack.

There are five bags in the series, starting with the smaller briefcase, the slightly larger 25-litre or 35-litre laptop bags, a larger duffle bag, and lastly, the roller backpack. All of the bags are made with super-durable PVC and heavy-duty polyester with many little hidden compartments to keep your valuables safe from pickpockets.

The K-Way Power Trolley Backpack is by far my favourite pack in the selection. There can be little doubt that wheels have revolutionised travel packs, as there is no more need for a trolley when transporting your luggage through the airport.

But wheels can become cumbersome when rolling over uneven surfaces and cobbles, and have you ever tried to climb stairs with a roller bag?

At last, a roller bag with backpack straps. The K-Way Power Trolley Backpack has hidden shoulder straps and converts into a backpack should the need arise. It is also compliant with most airline carry-on restrictions and is spacious enough for a few days of clothing. The Power Laptop bags start from R999.

EXPLORER SHIRTS

I love the mountains, so I spend a lot of time in various ranges and for more than 15 years have confidently relied on K-Way to keep me comfortable and safe while I feed my passion. The K-Way range of outdoor apparel started in Cape Union Mart in 1981 and has become one of South Africa’s favourite outdoor brands.

I summited Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest Base Camp completely covered in K-Way. These expeditions don’t come cheap, though, and the reality is that I need to work in-between to afford the next outing. But, of course, I cannot arrive at the office dressed in my outdoor gear…

Welcome to K-Way’s range of outleisure tech shirts. These are technical shirts that can be used for outdoor or leisure activities and some are even smart enough to wear in the boardroom. These tech shirts, also known as the K-Way Explorer series, boast a range of benefits you’ll generally only find in outdoor gear, with the added bonus of fashionable designs. The material is hydrophobic, so it repels water, which enables it to dry a lot quicker than normal cotton shirts. The hydrophobic properties also make these ideal travel shirts as you can wash them at night, hang them up immediately and they will be dry in the morning, without the hassle of having to iron. If the shirt is still a little damp in the morning, I usually put it on and the material dries quickly while I’m wearing it.

I’m also a big fan of the wicking properties of the material, which take moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry, no matter the ambient conditions. These super thin and light shirts also have a built-in UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), which means the garment will protect you from the Sun’s harmful rays. Pick one up – they’re priced from R550.