Boots Travel Waist Bag
This waist bag is almost ideal for carrying around a few props and effects if your a small time/minimalist close-up magician. However if you are going to be carrying around a miriad of tricks, props and gaffs this bag probably won't be able to satisfy your need. I suggest a rucksack.
The whole bag measures approximately 9" x 5" (l x w)with an extendable waist strap. It has two compartments; a main compartment which makes up the majority of the bag and a smaller front compartment.
The main compartment, as I say, takes up the majority of the bag and will hold about four decks of bikes plus another two or three square inches worth of space for any other prop. However, if you need it to the bag will accomodate more because there is space round the other items but for a comfortable-no-fuss setup it's probably best to only use the stated ammount of items.
The smaller compartement on the front measures about 9" x 3.5" and is really only suitable for flat props or gimmicks e.g. gaffed card, buisness cards, etc.
The overall look of the bag is pretty simplistic. It's plain black with a (very) small green logo label on the front. If neccesary that could be removed but I've seen these at work (by waiters in a restuarant) and it was hardly noticeable.
As far as ease of use is concerned I havn't audience tested it yet but I have run through a couple of routines in practise whilst having everything loaded up. Compared to having everything secreted around your body in various pockets this little bag makes it so much more easier to manage yourself.
It also elimintaes the sneaky-so-and-so element of your audience because you are taking everything out of one place and puting everything back into the same place. For example, I used to (and usually still do) always perform the Invisble Deck, but I would be doing regular effects with cards aswell so I would be carrying at least two decks all the time, usually in seperate pockets for ease of identification. However, there would sometimes be a sneaky so and so who would notice that I put one deck away in one pocket and then later brought another deck out of another pocket. If you have BOTH decks in the bag (no pun intended) then the chances that somebody will pick up on this are minimal, especially if you where the bag slightly at an angle such as just behind and above your hip pocket (wearing the bag in this position also allows you to use it as a handy dumping spot if neccesary, but I havn't audience tested this yet).
I think that's everything tha needs to be said about the bag so I'll give it a score now...
Price: £5.99
From: Boots (on the high street) or
http://www.boots.com/shop/product_detai ... id=1045786
Use-ability: 10/10
Style: 10/10
Price: 10/10 (especially compared to bags that are specifically designed for this)
Overall: 10/10
However, I would just like to add that I think this bag is ideal only because it suits my needs so please take your needs into account when you are looking at this item.
Fish