Nomadic PE-08 Pencil Case Review

Last Updated on Sunday, 06 February 2011 06:58 Written by Atticus Friday, 19 March 2010 00:00

This Nomadic PE-08 is the first pencil case from the Nomadic line that I have used.  I was filled with mixed feelings when I transfered my gear into it for the week.  On the one hand I was looking forward to checking out the popular Nomadic range but, on the other hand, I was seriously unimpressed with the colour of this case.  I wanted the orange version but it was sold out so I had to choose the grey.  If the colour appears uninspiring in the photos you can believe it is in real life too.  I was underwhelmed when I first held it in my hands.  However the old adage, 'never judge a book by its cover' can be applied with this pencil case.

When you get over the yawn inspiring colour (seriously get the orange version people) there is much to like about this case.  It has three zippered sections.  Two are located on one side of the case with the third occupying a side to itself.  Check out the picture below if this doesn't make too much sense.

Firstly the pouch.  It is a giant of a thing complete with gusset hinged sides.  Sporting bright orange insides the pouch on this pencil case can hold a serious payload of pens.  It can take at least 20 with room for more.  The inside of the pouch has two mesh pockets suitable for thin items like lead cases, post-it notes and similar items.  The mesh pockets appear to be as sturdy as mesh pockets can be - no more and no less than the two Kutsuwa Edwin pencil cases I have already reviewed.  The main pouch zip also has two handles which I like.

The smaller of the other two sections is just that, small.  I like it though because it can separate items you may need quick access to without rummaging through the larger pouch.  I kept my USB drive in there but lead cases, a packet of staples, correction tape, whatever can be kept inside it.

The third section I found interesting.  It has two layers.  Beneath a dividing layer of material several pens can be hinged for protection.  You can see below I did just that with a pencil, eraser pen and a couple of whiteboard markers.  I even slipped my ruler in there too.  Then there is more room on top for extra items.  This top layer extends down into the case to where you can see the mesh.  For a couple of days I had a packet of post-it notes inside this section as well.  It is quite roomy especially if you haven't filled the main pouch.

You can see below how visible your items can be through the mesh.  I don't know why Nomadic designed the mesh to be in this position.  I can't see the functionality in it and I wonder if a weakness has been created.  The nylon material used in the construction of this case is very tough.  I don't see any mechanical pencil sleeve puncturing it but the mesh is no where near as durable as the rest of the nylon material.  A pair of sharp scissors would wear through that mesh in no time.  In the picture below you can also see that the case has been double stitched, which is a positive.

Attached to the pencil case was a tag with a diagram highlighting the sections of the pencil case.  The writing describes how to clean the case and warns of its vulnerability to heat.

This pencil case was a pleasure to use in class.  I appreciated its functionality and ease of use.  It easily held all the gear I needed and had ample room for more.  I am tempted to use it for another week.

If you have questions about the Nomadic PE-08 pencil case please email me or leave a comment below.

Summary

Dimensions - 22.5 (l) x 10 (h) x 6 (w) cm

Positives - Functional, tough nylon material, a real pack horse.

Concerns - Outside mesh - what is it for?

Negatives - None.

Users - Students, Artists.

Price - Medium (15-30 AUD)

Other reviews - Pen Archives, No Pen Intended

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites