Pioneer Carry Global Pouch Review
Our first look at a product from a company focusing on premium and high-end tech fabrics.
Pioneer Carry Global Pouch Review Introduction
Pioneer Carry - let’s talk premium EDC/travel accessories shall we? This was a new-to-me brand that I discovered recently through the usual online channels. Looking into their material choices and aesthetics, they are clearly targeting the premium market. And it should be mentioned, the price tag reflects that. To be fair, that’s not always unwarranted. We’ll discuss more of that concept later.
But who is Pioneer Carry, then? They are a US company focusing on both their completely custom fabrics as well as their engineering processes (like welded seams) to make their products a cut above the rest. We’re talking passport holders, wallets, pouches, and more recently - bags as well. Today we’re going to be focusing on their Global Pouch.
This is my review of the Pioneer Carry Global Pouch. An organizational tech pouch for life on the move that of course comes with the previously mentioned premium, custom fabric. Is it worth it? Let’s check it out.
For full transparency while I did in fact speak with one of the founders about reviewing some product, we couldn’t make the timing work and therefore I went ahead and purchased this with my own money. This is not a sponsored review article. I do use affiliate links to help keep the site running, but those are of course at no additional cost to you. Thanks for stopping by!
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Global Pouch Overview
The Global Pouch is just that - a tech pouch that is built to meet all your organizational needs be it for travel (like me) or EDC (also like me in this case).
They are targeting a “just right” size here - so in my mind you shouldn’t expect a pouch that’s too small or my worst fear - a pouch that’s too big. Though for you over packers (or let’s be fair, content creators/professional designers) there is a bigger version if you need.
Closeup of the 10XD
The Global Pouch that I have in Forest has been given a sleek design using their 10XD fabric in this case. Though, there are various color choices and each of those choices might be in one of their other custom fabrics (Baby ballistic or 3XD), so make sure to pay attention if you want a specific fabric. Bellroy employs this variation method as well because different fabrics allow for different dyeing/coloring.
There are no external pockets and very minimal branding. All the organization is on the inside.
The fabric is rigid enough to usually stand on its own on a table top, contents depending.
The colors offered are Onyx (10XD), Forest (10XD), Black (Baby Ballistic), Navy (3XD), Slate (3XD), and Earth (3XD).
It retails for $78.00 USD as of May 2024 - but as of that same time it’s also on sale for $67.00 so it might be a good time to grab one if you’ve been eyeing it. I cannot speak to how often they have sales.
Pioneer Carry Global Pouch Features
Checking The View In Qingdao.
While this thing is not over designed, it does come with some good features inside. And that’s worth saying again - inside. There are no external pockets on here.
Inside we find three main components: slip pockets, empty space, and a zippered pocket.
The slip pockets are made of the same fabric as the outside and they are shaped to be able to fit many things: AirPods case, cables, an under 5mAh battery, charger plug, etc.
The empty space is for pretty much anything. Works well for a phone. A 10,000mAh battery would fit. For reference, this does fit an Apple Pencil 2.
The zippered pocket is then for the rest. Any bits and bobs you want can go here. I also keep my USB-C to Lightning adapters in here, and a pen.
On the outside, we’re looking at a YKK zipper and aquaguard to boot. Love to see that on a tech kit. Inside is a YKK as well. Both appear to be self locking so they aren’t going to come undone accidentally if you put them in position. This is not a security feature however.
The Load Out:
I like to keep my tech pouches slim. Putting too much in, especially things with bulk obviously makes the pouch bulky and that’s not smart wandering. Most people need way less cords and such than they think. It’s very rare that you need to charge everything at once, and everything fast charges now anyway.
2x USBC to USBC cables (one for me, one for player two)
1x USBA to USBC (for outdated planes and hotels)
1x Aukey International Multi Adapter with 18w (this can handle charging an iPad or MacBook Air, though only “just” on the latter)
1x Anker Slim USBC wall charger (back up and in case player two and I both need to charge)
1x USBC to Lightning Cable (left behind with player two)
2x USBC to Lightning Adapter (for my remaining cords when I left the Lightning cable behind)
Work iPhone
Pen
Card Style Phone stand (honestly, I never use this but it’s so light I have it just in case)
2x AirFly Bluetooth Adapters in their zip pouch.
For one person, this could be even slimmer.
The Good
Shanghai Skyline
I’m going to be stating the obvious here by saying the materials. I mean, custom fabrics? Love that. This is kind of extra for some people and that’s OK. I think Pioneer Carry would understand that. This thing isn’t made for them. This thing is made for those that want cutting edge materials with sleek, minimal design. Why? Because we like it, that’s why. And if you ask me, that’s OK. It’s the same reason people buy an expensive niche “anything”.
In fact, you can read up on their fabrics here: Material choices. It’s cool stuff. Something to jump off the page at you - the 10XD is 10x stronger than steel per weight. That’s bananas.
The look here has that minimalist, futuristic WestWorld vibe. Especially with the muted (but awesome) colors. Honestly, it wouldn’t be out of place next to some Veilance jackets or bags. That’s a compliment - Veilance is the height of urban tech wear design.
Utility and functionality. It’s got both. The slip pockets work as you’d expect, and the zippered pocket in the middle is actually awesome for your small items so you don’t lose them. The fact that there is still room in the middle after both of those for more flat items, all the better.
The Bad
Hanging in Kuala Lumpur.
You’ll need to be careful with bulky items in here or it’s going to get out of line quickly. I’m pretty conscious with the items I use so I'm buying things that are sleek and thin when possible. My GaN international adapter - fits fine in here but I don’t put it in because it bulks it out and makes it bulge. It also makes it not work so well with my second phone in there. That’s a bit of a me thing, and would be better without the phone. But, that’s what I need to carry.
Calling it out where I need to, because we have a wide cross section of readers - the price point is going to put some folks off and they won’t move on this one. Again, I think that’s totally OK and comes down to personal choice. But Pioneer Carry made a choice too, and with their design and custom fabrics, it’s going to cost more. Know that going in so you can evaluate for yourself.
Improvement Requests
I’ve got no additional improvement requests here. Doesn’t mean the pouch is perfect for every user, but I had no nits to pick in usage - and I used it for three weeks for EDC and nearly two weeks to two countries and four hotels, 8 flight legs, and 18+ hours on the world’s longest flight.
Final Thoughts On My Pioneer Carry Global Pouch Review
To me, Pioneer Carry has a winner with their Global Pouch. Being honest though, you pay for it.
The fabric is fantastic in both look and hand feel. It really does feel premium like it should. I appreciate them trying to differentiate themselves from the pack, even if that means they’ve priced out some users. I found it just as usable as the Aer Slim Pouch, but much more premium. The size is also great and fits in most storage areas in backpacks, or additionally it fit in the storage nicely in most business class seats I was able to try.
The pouch looks great and was a joy to use for me. I really do like the visible ripstop pattern. I think I’ll keep this one for a while.
If you’re in the market for a high end tech pouch and nerd out on tech materials with minimal design language, this is absolutely worth checking out. It’s a short list in this part of the space.
As always I recommend buying directly from the manufacturers to ensure the best experience.
Wander more and Wander smarter, everyone.
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