Blivet Sports is a Canadian company located in Québec City that specializes in the development and design of high-quality winter cycling products. Founded in 2018, Blivet’s primary focus is developing thermal protected and light weight products specifically for fatbikers.
Fatbike Republic received a selection of winter specific gear from Blivet (QUILO, KOLL, LOFI 3, BODDI) late in the season and gave it some great exposure to early spring wintery conditions – stay tuned for complete review when things cool down. While most of the products are winter specific, the BODDI actually crosses the line to be a multi-season multi-disciplinary product.
DETAILS & UNBOXING
Blivet describes the BODDI as a multifunctional pouch designed for transporting cell phones and other small items. The design and placement of the pouch has it close to the body which keeps phone batteries warm and not as exposed to the draining cold of winter. During the summer months the centrally located pouch keeps the phone protected and within easy reach.
I give kudos to Blivet for not excessively packaging the BODDI. Being displayed in a reusable, zippered, clear plastic bag you can easily see the BODDI – no hiding behind large graphics.
Inside the package contains the BODDI pouch - with attached nylon straps – and the 8” strap extension.
Dropping it on the scale it weighs in at 68g . . . about the same as a CLIF Crunchy Peanut Butter energy bar.
Product details include:
- Durable and flexible neoprene pouch
- Adjustable nylon straps with QR polypropylene buckles
- Reflective strips for night visibility – three strips forward and one back
- Two pockets – inside 165mm x 85mm (6.5” x 3.5”) and outside 115mm x 85mm (4.5” x 3.5”)
- Universal sizing – 990mm (39”) main strap for around chest
- 203mm (8”) strap extension for when wearing over a jacket
TESTING
Before I hit the trails I did a little bench testing of the BODDI. The two pockets looked plenty big for all but those freakishly large tablet sized phones. I was easily able to slip my older Motorola into the smaller front pouch and my Fuji FinePix XP130 in the larger rear pouch. But it was a little tight with both at the same time.
I then tested a couple of different combinations that included granola bars, multi-tool, camera and phone in both pockets. I discovered that the BODDI is a pretty versatile product that can be tailored to your individual preference and then switched-up based on your needs for a specific ride.
NOTE: All items fit completely within the pouch. They are showing in the pics for illustration purposes only.
When riding I normally drop my phone in my pocket or backpack, so my first outing with the BODDI I dropped the phone in the front pouch and strapped my camera case to the strap on the BODDI. Wanting to have quick access to my camera I wore it on the outside of my top layer without a backpack.
I immediately noticed that I did not notice the BODDI. Sounds weird . . . but it was so comfortable I did not feel it on my body. It just sat there, did not constrict my movements and felt natural. The camera case did bounce a little, but it did that anyway when I hooked it to the chest strap of my backpack during regular outings.
On my second outing I donned my backpack, slipped my cell phone into my pocket and popped my camera in the BODDI. When riding I rarely check my phone, but I’m constantly snapping photos/video with my camera and need quick and easy access. The extra weight and bulk of the camera never really impacted the performance of the BODDIE except that it felt a little more snug.
Before the next outing I popped in the 8” extension to give me a little more “breathing room” on my non-swimmer physique. On the next several trips I wore the BODDI when exploring, hitting the mountain bike trails and gravel grinding. In all instances it provided amazingly quick access to my camera, was comfortable and did not impede my riding.
While I did not focus on stuffing both pouches of the BODDIE while riding, I did find an excellent use when bikepacking. When completing a U24O (Under 24 hour Overnighter) I was looking for a place to stuff a small folded map that I wanted to have quick access. The front pouch of the BODDIE was perfect.
One afternoon after fatbiking, my wife and I went for a hike. I opted not to change and went in my riding gear . . . including the BODDI. Being a bit of a photographer, she immediately noticed where my camera was stashed and thought it would be super for her when she just wanted to take her favorite point-n-shoot on a trek. So far I have been able to successfully hide it from my wife.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When I first laid eyes on this new product from Blivet Sports, I thought it was a rather interesting concept and I was not sure what to expect or how it would impact my riding. For a relatively unimposing product . . . the BODDI now goes with me on every ride.
What I like:
- It’s really light so I forget I’m wearing it
- Super quick access for my point-n-shoot camera
- Soft surfaces does not scratch or mar my camera or phone
- It can be worn over or under jacket and is easily adjustable
- It can be used in all four seasons
- I’m continually finding new uses for it
RIDE FAT!
Comments
Post a comment