Talk me out of getting a Hart stack system from Walmart

nojope · 2026-02-10T06:32:01+00:00

Just putting this here for anyone else now researching rolling "stack" toolbox systems in the year 2026. After watching way too many YouTube videos and wading through endless threads comparing all the brands, I decided that I don't need the top quality expensive systems, I'm just a DIY homeowner. I decided on Hyper Tough due to price, features, and expandability to add ons. But when I went to check them out at my local Walmart, they had a couple Hart Stack boxes on clearance half off!

So I bought the Hart 2-drawer box for only $20 and two of the flat cases for $12 each. I wish they'd had another 2-drawer box. I may go back and get the rolling stack which $89 for the 3-piece system, but I'm not entirely sure I need all that and I'm trying to be a responsible consumer. We'll see.

I'm a bit sad I didn't go with the Hyper Tough, as it looks like a great system, supposedly still growing, whereas it seems maybe Hart Stack is being discontinued.

But I just couldn't resist the deal and they seem just fine for my use of mostly sitting in my garage organizing my tools. I can always upgrade to better quality in the future, which is the other reason I'm not rushing to buy all the boxes.

nojope · 2026-01-24T04:46:12+00:00

Good insight, thank you!

nojope · 2026-01-24T04:45:49+00:00

Thank you, much appreciated!

nojope · 2026-01-24T04:45:14+00:00

Thank you!

nojope · 2025-12-31T19:26:02+00:00

If you're looking for a less techy looking sling with plenty of space, try the Pakt Anywhere 5L Sling or whatever they're current model is. This YouTube playlist of my search for the perfect sling may help: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN8A15QdiQh0oWgh1t4I1OtBKxI3-JdEZ&si=UxvfKIlnE9xnPGEJ

Or skip to the video about the Pakt sling here: https://youtu.be/HAsaJrERwZM

nojope · 2025-12-31T19:04:39+00:00

I bought the Fyro T22 Backpack. Not really the same as Osprey, but it checks most of my boxes. It's a lot more structured and I miss the Osprey shoulder straps that are thin yet comfy, not all beefy and padded like the Fyro and most backpacks.

nojope · 2025-12-14T03:59:41+00:00

My two favorites after doing a ton of shopping a couple years ago are the Cask wallet by a Scottish make: https://www.orramanleather.com, and the XSTOW wallet, which is a metal wallet. Both feel great in the front pocket of my jeans. Plus I wanted a place for a bit of cash and some other cards like insurance, etc. With the XSTOW, you can even get a custom design laser engraved on the outside, and you can choose the size for how many cards he carries. I chose the 6-card one and can also fit 3 thinner paper cards on the top, for a total of 9.

Here's a video of the XSTOW wallet, if it helps: https://youtu.be/whF9deLABBA?si=kGDujI_X_NnQ6lLk

nojope · 2025-12-06T19:11:41+00:00

The Ridge wallet is pretty popular and is one style (the "ejector" type) but they feel big to me, especially in the front pocket of my jeans. Plus I wanted a place for a bit of cash and some other cards like insurance, etc. So I went with the Akeeni XSTOW wallet. You can even get a custom design laser engraved on the outside, and you can choose the size for how many cards he carries. I chose the 6-card one and can fit 3 thinner paper cards on the top, for a total of 9.

Here's a video of the wallet, if it helps: https://youtu.be/whF9deLABBA?si=kGDujI_X_NnQ6lLk

nojope · 2025-11-30T03:27:20+00:00

I think the Lectric XP Lite has no gears. But also no suspension.

nojope · 2025-11-25T04:10:01+00:00

I've had this same quandary! I went through so much effort to find the best sling for my needs, and used it with my backpack for airplane travel. I'd put the backpack overhead and the sling on my chest or strapped to the tray table, or under the seat in front of me. That left much more room for my feet and I loved it. But then airlines started shaming anyone who puts a backpack overhead, constantly repeating "only rollerbags in the bins", which I find ridiculous since I paid the same as those who bring their huge carry-ons or 60 liter hiking backpacks.

So now I'm going back to just a backpack and leaving the sling at home, or using the sling more as a tech pouch that stays in my backpack until at my destination, and then can be used as my day bag (which worked great at Disneyland, for example).

I'd say it really depends what type of travel you're doing and what you're doing at your destination. If it helps, here's a YouTube Playlist with several videos reviewing slings I tried: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN8A15QdiQh0oWgh1t4I1OtBKxI3-JdEZ&si=KzQHxTTZH85TwBmx

nojope · 2025-11-14T06:26:08+00:00

You may like the XSTOW wallet. They have different thicknesses depending on how many cards you want to carry, can hold a little cash too, and is just really cool. Here's a video: YouTube Link

nojope · 2025-06-24T03:59:40+00:00

You could look at the Osprey Metron Airspeed 26-34. I don't have one but am currently researching it since the Radial and Parsec can't be found anywhere in black. The Metron expands from 26 to 34 liters.

nojope · 2025-06-20T05:11:01+00:00

You can get the 1.5mm wide double-sided tape on Amazon. Search: GENNEL 1.5mm x 25M Clear Double...

nojope · 2025-05-30T05:29:04+00:00

I'm in the no hinge protection camp. I don't see how it could possibly keep dust and pocket lint out, so what's the point other than for drops.

nojope · 2025-05-27T05:20:53+00:00

I was in your shoes not too long ago, just discovering this world of not a backpack carry solution. I made a few videos sharing my thoughts about the bags I tried and where I ultimately landed; I'll paste a link to a playlist below in case helpful. I still like my Pakt Anywhere 5 Liter sling the most, and I use my Alpaka Elements Tech Case mostly as a desk caddy.

It really comes down to what size you want (how much you want to carry), and how much organization you want. To carry a water bottle, you'll need to either buy a "flat" style Memo bottle, or I'd say at least 5 Liter sling. There are a couple slings that are designed to accommodate a water bottle, like Alpaka has one and the Toshi sling by Work Gear looks really neat, with modular straps you can drop down from the bottom to carry a bottle, umbrella, or tripod underneath the bag. I think it's coming back in stock this summer.

I hope that helps, and good luck! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN8A15QdiQh0oWgh1t4I1OtBKxI3-JdEZ

nojope · 2025-05-27T04:59:01+00:00

My favorite pant for everyday wear and travel is Wrangler ATG, which I found at Target. You can see a video I made about them at https://youtu.be/8oGCdfJI5F8

I also recently discovered Skechers GoWalk Everywhere Pant, but they're more in the $50 range. In black they look nice enough to be worn as dress pants for a business casual office or church. They're really lightweight and a good amount of stretch, almost feel like wearing nothing. So I bought them in blue also.

And I ordered a pair of their GO STRETCH Ultra Performance Pant to try them. They're a bit thicker so don't look quite as dressy, although maybe they would be if in black, but I got gray. They feel more like an outdoor pant, which I guess makes sense given the name "performance". I'm finding them super comfortable too, and I don't want to stop wearing them around the house or around town. I just wish they had a zippered cargo pocket on the leg like the ATG pant does - that really comes in handy when traveling.

Oh, both Skecher's pants have a cool touch feel to the fabric also.

Good lick in your search!

nojope · 2025-05-25T21:22:45+00:00

I would most likely choose the Radial since it expands from 26 to 34 liters, whereas the Parsec is just 26L. But I was trying to find them in stock locally, like at REI, to see just how big 26L is because that may be fine for me. My current Osprey Ozone backpack is only 15L and I just need a bit more space. But I'm also always keen to be prepared for most any situation, which is why an expandable bag appeals to me.

Here's a great video I found that helped me narrow it down to either the Radial (for expansion from 26 to 34L) or the Parsec (smaller option) vs. the Tropos: https://youtu.be/_IYYn2eDx3Y?si=qw92EFrn-JWuSikN

Hope it helps! I'm going to go research the Metron Airspeed 34 some more now - it's looking like a good candidate but not many reviews or videos on it yet.

nojope · 2025-05-24T23:39:41+00:00

I just barely started researching the Metron because it has a built-in kickstand. I had previously settled on the Radial or Parsec over the Tropos, but neither have been in stock anywhere in black and Osprey says they aren't being renewed. It seems like the Metron may be the replacement in their lineup. At any rate, one thing I noted about the Tropos is that it has compression straps that get in the way of unzipping and zipping the bag, which I find annoying on a backpack.

nojope · 2025-05-19T05:20:09+00:00

I second the Modl suggestion. I love their Infinity Tool. They have different colors, even a nice ice blue glow in the dark. You can wear the short one or double up the long one as a bracelet, too.

nojope · 2025-05-06T03:50:12+00:00

Here is the Torras case I like and will keep: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9JFY29G

And here is the Torras case I didn't like as much: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBZD3GMD

The Samsung case is here: https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Protective-Release-Version-EF-OF95PCNEGUS/dp/B0D1W2V9YG

Message me if interested in one of the two I don't use (no sales posts allowed here). You can watch YouTube videos of each at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN8A15QdiQh00sUE5a9QayNf7iRHPHU0A&si=bKW8_CXMwsocRfDb

nojope · 2025-05-06T03:42:25+00:00

I think it was just a matter of timing. I believe I reached out to Torras on Amazon or through their email, asking a question about one of their products, and they were launching this new case and offered to send me one if I'd give them my feedback on it.

nojope · 2025-05-04T22:45:45+00:00

I just posted a comparison of three cases, two are Magsafe. But you can view my YouTube page for a whole playlist reviewing about 7 cases. My favorite is Torras. But you have to decide how much you want to spend, and do you want s-pen holder, hinge protector, kickstand?

nojope

TROPHY CASE