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Five Cool Pilot Bags

The perfect cockpit gear for every pilot personality.

When it comes to pilot gear, long gone are the years when the whiz wheel and bulky electronics ruled the day. The recent introduction of tablets, compact personal cameras and smart watches, along with a slew of other products, has changed the way we fly, giving us new information at our fingertips, new ways to ensure our safety and ultimately new ways to enjoy our time in the air. Now more than ever, pilots have the luxury of a nearly endless array of flying products from which to choose, not to mention a variety of top-quality bags with which to carry the gear. For those navigating the marketplace for some new pilot swag or those simply taking notes for their flight bag wish list, we’re here to help. To that end, we’ve put together five different flight bags jampacked with products geared toward a wide range of pilot personalities. Whether you’re someone who prefers to minimize baggage by carrying just the essentials or someone who would rather have the latest high-tech gadgets on hand in flight, these bags offer something for everyone.

THE MINIMALIST

A lighter load that packs a punch.

1. Muzetto Outback Canvas from Waterfield Designs

13-inch shoulder bag that gets softer with age | Tan, waxed, cotton canvas | Zipper internal pocket and two exterior pockets | Multiple color options | $239

2. Clarity Aloft Classic Headset

An ultralight headset with great sound | Dual balanced-armature speakers | 29 db to 47 db noise reduction | Head weight under 2 ounces | $525

3. iPad Mini

Apple’s reliable product in a more compact package | 7.9-inch retina display | 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB options | Wi-Fi plus cellular | from $299

4. ForeFlight Mobile 6.1

The one-stop shop for all preflight and inflight planning | Maps and charts | Inflight weather | AF/D | Terrain awareness | from $74.99 per year

5. Stratus 2

Subscription-free weather at a bargain price | ADS-B traffic | Attitude indicator | GPS | $899

6. Spider S5

Real-time tracking for enhanced safety and communication | Bluetooth | Watch automated tracking | Speed up and slow down messages | $1,795

7. GoPro Hero 3

Stellar video from a smaller and lighter action cam | 4K video | 12 MP photos | Wi-Fi | Waterproof | $399.99

THE TECHIE

The ultimate in portable tech.

1. MyGoFlight Flight Bag PLC Pro

A combination backpack/briefcase with a place for everything | Compartment for laptop and tablet | Multiple mesh pockets | Headset storage for two | $159

2. LightSpeed Zulu 2.0

Incredible comfort and quietude | Active noise reduction | 15.7 ounces | Bluetooth | 5-year warranty | $850

3. Garmin GDL 39 3D

Subscription-free weather and much, much more | Attitude indicator | Bluetooth | GPS | ADS-B traffic | $849

4. GARMIN VIRB

An action cam that delivers stellar video and lasts longer | HD 1080p | 3-hour battery life | Water resistant | GPS data | from $249.99

5. Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch

A watch that lets you ditch the smartphone Galaxy products compatible | 1.63-inch screen | 1.9 MP camera | $199.99

6. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Top of the line Android tablet | WQXGA display | Multiwindow | Wi-Fi plus cellular | $529

7. Garmin Pilot

The go-to electronic flight bag for Android devices | Nexrad | ADS-B traffic | AF/D | From $75/year

8. SPOT Gen3

Pocket-size GPS emergency messenger for a bargain price | Motion activated tracking | Custom messaging | Unlimited tracking | $169.95

THE LIFESTYLER

Where luxury and utility meet.

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1. Osprey Ozone

An incredibly light, versatile bag on wheels | 6001 aluminum frame | Extendible handle | Rear pocket panel | $229.95

2. AKG AV100

A purpose-built aviation headset from one of audio’s most trusted names | Hybrid active noise canceling | Map light LEDs | $1,099

3. iPad Air

A stunning retina display in an unbelievably thin package | 9.7-inch retina display | 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB models | Wi-Fi plus -cellular | From $499

4. WingX Pro

A great-performing EFB that goes with a large array of portables | Synthetic vision | Interactive weather | AF/D | $99/year

5. Breitling Avenger Blackbird

Sophisticated style for true professionals | 48 mm diameter | Black titanium | Caliber -Breitling 17 | $5,100

6. iLevil SW

All-in-one portable for info on any device | ADS-B weather | Traffic | AHRS | iOS/Android compatible | $1,195

THE CLASSIC

No-fuss reliability and style.

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1. Jeppesen Paper Charts and Leather Binder

A time-tested navigation essential | 2-inch leather binder | Steel hinges | Safety lock | Binder: $100; USA chart service: $1,388

2. David Clark H10-13.4

Proven sound and consistency | Soft head pad | M-7A noise-canceling microphone | $345

3. Classic Pullman from Skytop Trading

A bag with unmatched American craftsmanship | 8-ounce saddle leather | Shoulder pad | Adjustable strap | $1,175

4. Sporty’s SP-400 Handheld Navcom

Ultra user-friendly portable radio | Built-in weather receiver | Full ILS display | 5-year warranty | $369

5. Hamilton Pilot Pioneer

Easy to read, a -pleasure to wear | Stainless steel | Caliber H-31 | 41 mm diameter | $995

6. Ray-Ban Aviators

The ultimate classic pilot eyewear | 100 percent UV -protection | Prescription ready | $150

THE STUDENT

Must-haves for learners on the move.

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1. Flight Gear Backpack

Organization with fliers in mind | Tablet sleeve | Headset pocket | Laptop compartment | $64.95

2. Telex Stratus 30XT

Great fit for all-day wear | Active noise reduction | 1-inch-thick ear cushions | Auto shut-off | $569

3. Pak Lite Pilot LED Flashlight

Guaranteed vision both in and out of the cockpit 9-volt battery | Red, white, off modes | $24.99

4. iPad Classic

The tablet that started it all | 9.7-inch retina display | 16 GB | Wi-Fi plus -cellular | $399

5. Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck VFR

Easy-to-use electronic flight bag with a slim price | Charts | Route planning | Weather | $49/year

6. G-Shock X-Large G

Accurate time-telling on the fly | Shock resistant | 200 m water resistant | Auto LED light | $99

Download our iPad version of the September issue for more!

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