Customer Reviews

Tamrac MXS5366 Super Utility/PDA Pocket Pouch Case Black

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I ordered this pouch mainly to carry my iPod Touch, plus a few ancillary items such as pen, pencil, and maybe a small, single AAA-powered LED flashlight. I try not to over-stuff my bags and pouches; I've proven to myself that it degrades the utility of the item since it makes things harder to extract, etc. Larger than necessary also makes it more tempting to take too much gear. With photography, less is more about 95% of the time -- too many choices mean you spend more time making choices, and not enough time seeing.

So when I received the Tamrac MXS5366, I was shocked by the size -- "It's way too large!" I thought. To be fair, I didn't read the dimensions. And it certainly is far bigger than necessary for an iPhone or Touch. And attached to a belt, the size seems almost ridiculous, especially for a smaller person like me.

But ordering without being fully aware is not the product's fault; as it turns out, there are some benefits that were unexpected.

First, it accommodates my iTouch with a silicon case on the Touch. My previous holster-type case for the Touch was a cheap leather job that, while protective, requires the Touch to be slipped out to really use the touch screen. So actually using the iTouch for things other than just listing to music means it is in one's hands, subject to an accidental drop that could prove disastrous. But with the Tamrac, I can use a silicon sleeve to provide some insurance. (This also makes my wife happier, as she gave me the iTouch as a gift. :) )

The next benefit is that there is a front, exterior pocket that is a perfect fit for business cards. Since it is not covered by the flap, it's easy to access a business card to give to a client (Elwood P. Dowd would love this feature!), put in a card from someone you've met, etc. You could also tuck in folded paper currency, etc.

Other design and construction pluses:

* Overall construction quality is very good.

* The main compartment interior fabric is densely woven and slick, making it easy to insert and extract the PDA or whatever you choose to store.

* The Velcro for flap closure seems to be of high quality and generous, but there is not so much that it interferes with function.

* The strap for attaching to a camera bag strap or belt is generously sized.

* The strap has both Velcro and a snap closure; excellent thinking for securing this pouch.

* The interior compartments for tools seem to be about the right size and are padded on the backside so as not to damage a PDA in the main compartment.

* The elastic loops for pens, etc., seem to be well sewn and high quality.

The only nit I will pick is that there is not much capacity for expansion. The compartment can't expand too much back-to-front. For my iTouch this is not a problem, but for a thicker PDA it might be an issue. I haven't tried it with my (now retired) Sharp Zaurus, but it would certainly be a tighter fit, if still functional.

Overall, I'm glad I purchased this even though it is different than what I had in mind. I've never owned a Tamrac product before, even though I have owned a variety of camera bags. I've usually found their camera bag designs not to be flexible enough for me and they don't have cotton/natural canvas as an option, at least as far as I know.

But primarily I really do not like black for camera bags and accessories. I did try to find a Domke product that would work for my application, as they offer cotton canvas in other colours; but they don't have anything quite like this pouch. So, Domke/Tiffen, take this as a challenge! Until then, I'll gladly use this pouch while knocking it one star for not giving me the option of colours and fabric type. Next, extended usage will prove how durable it is.

In reading about this one, even after taking the ruler out, I had a "picture" in my head of a smaller unit. Still, once I did the forehead slap, the piece has served just in an outstanding manner. It' holds the small tools and little junks I need when out playing photographer.

It is of a reasonable size that still allows you full movement without hinderance. It holds all the junk I want to put in it, goes off and on the Adventure 9 bag (or belt) with zero problem.

All in all, other than my mental misconstruction, this "pocket" has been a delight.

This item is made for primarily PDAs. I use it for my Dell streak which fits perfectly and has more storage room for me to keep my stylus, Gerber, and notepad. great product, More sturdier than I though. A+

This is the sort of item that is cheap and after having used it you don't want to miss anymore. It has become an essential attachment to my backback. It's large enough though to keep my Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather Sheath (without the sheath), flashlight and blackberry and a pen. These are the tools you don't want to be looking for in your backpack when you need them. Perfect addition to my photogear!

I bought this pouch as an alternative way to carry my old PDA. It works well for that purpose, but the extra loops and slots weren't very well thought out by the mfg. and aren't very useful. The velcro closure has to bridge over the pen/pencil loop and can only catch on the two outside edges..not very secure, but so far no losses.

JUST THE RIGHT SIZE. HANGS OFF MY TRAVEL BAG AND KEEPS OFTEN USED STUFF READY. HANGS OFF MY BELT AND KEEPS PICK POCKETS AWAY. TAMRAC QUALITY TOO. I USED THIS ON A RECENT CRUISE THROUGH JAMAICA, GRAND CAYMAN AND COZUMEL.
TUMS, BUG REPELLENT AND MY PASSPORT ALL HANDY AND ALL SAFE. WHAT A DEAL !

Adds a extra demention to the case and a lot of goodies can be loaded and kept close but out of the way.... Great addition

I tend to over-stuff the front pockets and the flap does not always
velcro close. But I tend to carry too much stuff.
The unit is a great utility pouch and holds up well.