From the NateDesigns channel · 5.5M+ views
Honest reviews of gear I actually use.
I'm Nate, a product photographer in Vancouver. I test desk, travel and tech gear for weeks or months before I say anything about it. If it's bad, I'll tell you. If something cheaper is just as good, I'll tell you that too.
Comparison · 5 tested
Best Carry-On Luggage (2026): I Tested All 4 Types
Aluminum, hard-shell, vacuum compression or roller backpack? I travelled with all four. Here's which carry-on type fits how you travel.
Holiday 2026
Gift guides, made from my own gear
No dropshipped junk and no products I haven't held. Everything here I've used myself.
Latest reviews
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8.6LEVEL8 Voyageur Review: The Boring Carry-On I Keep Choosing
I tested the LEVEL8 Voyageur 20" carry-on and 28" checked bag against metal luggage. It's lighter, simpler and the one I actually reach for.
7.9Bagsmart Blast Pro Review: The Best Budget Travel Combo?
A roller backpack and a travel backpack for about $300, less than one premium carry-on. I tested the Bagsmart Roll & Roam kit on real trips.
7.8MVST Zero vs Treva: Is the New Aluminum Carry-On Worth $126 More?
The MVST Zero has a flat interior, a matte finish and a new one-latch hinge. I compared it to the Treva to see what you gain and what you give up.
8.2BlackVoyage AirCabin Pro Review: Is a Vacuum Carry-On Worth It?
I packed a week of winter clothes into the BlackVoyage AirCabin Pro and its Zephyr backpack. Here's what the built-in vacuum compression actually gets you.
7.6MVST Treva Review: A Rimowa Look-Alike at a Quarter of the Price
I took the MVST Treva aluminum carry-on, medium and trunk to Hawaii. Built like a vault, satisfying latches, but heavy and it scratches.
Best of & head-to-heads
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Best Ergonomic Keyboard: I Tried Every Type for 1 Year
Mechanical, low-profile, curved split and tented split keyboards, tested for a year for wrist and finger pain. The one I use most isn't the 'most ergonomic' one.
Best Ergonomic Mouse: Standard vs Vertical vs Trackball After 1 Year
I used a standard, a vertical and a trackball mouse for a year to fix wrist and forearm pain. The answer surprised me: don't buy just one.
Best Carry-On Luggage (2026): I Tested All 4 Types
Aluminum, hard-shell, vacuum compression or roller backpack? I travelled with all four. Here's which carry-on type fits how you travel.
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How I test
- I use it for real. On my desk, on actual trips, for weeks. Some tests, like my ergonomic mice and keyboards, ran a full year.
- I compare it. Against cheaper options and against what I already own, so you know if the extra money buys anything.
- I say the bad part. Brands sometimes send me products. They never see a review first and they can't buy a score.
Watch the tests
Every review here started as a video.