Gizmos and Gadgets: A Traveler's Necessities

by Jon Brandt

Whether you’re going to your favorite weekend camp site or taking that dream vacation to somewhere far away, it’s always important to have tools to keep you going. From better backpacks to cleaner water, these products are endorsed by GoNOMAD as the very best and latest in traveling accessories.

Brite-Strike LED Flashlight

Never worry about getting stranded in the dark again with the Brite-Strike Tactical Illumination Tool. Specifically designed for the military and police, these flashlights pack quite a punch.

They may be small, but with ridges for grip and a crown on the head, you can definitely take down an intruder or attacker.

But these lights don’t just take down an assailant. They light up the night, as the Lithium cell batteries power 80 lumens, which will last for 10,000 hours.

These flashlights are extremely lightweight and fit very well in a pocket. In fact, it’s only five inches long. The PS-2C-3W-HL runs at a retail price of $100, and it comes with a holster as well. It seems like a lot of money for a small flashlight, but it will absolutely blow away any other flashlight you’ve seen. With the Brite-Strike, you’ll never be left in the dark.

oYIKES 24.7 Packs Within Packs

Ever have the problem of too many bags and not enough room? oYIKES has the solution for you. Introducing the 24.7 Slingback pack set, you get three bags in one with a convenient and comfortable strap.

Like a Babushka Doll, the bags fit comfortably inside each other. In the smallest bag you can fit travel accessories like iPods, chargers, and travel alarm clocks. GoNOMAD Editor Max Hartshorne has quickly become an oYikes fan since he finally has found a place for all those chargers and cords.

In the medium sized bag you can fit a book or magazine, airline tickets, or even a small portfolio. In the largest bag you can keep your laptop safe from damage or theft, all while keeping a bag lunch or spare clothes inside as well.

Once you’ve got the bag on, you don’t need to worry about fumbling in your pocket to find your cell phone because a cell phone pouch is located right on the strap. These bags are great for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, or kayaking, as the single strap rests on you shoulder and back, freeing up your arms.

The single strap has a trendy European look too, so you’re bound to get some good feedback. oYIKES sells the bags for $145 directly from their website. These bags are a must if you stress about saving space when you travel.

Aquapure Traveler from Pure Hydration

If you’re going on a backpacking trip to parts of the world with questionable water or just going on a hike in you backyard, this new water bottle is for you. Pure Hydration has taken the concept of a Brita Filter and melded it with a traditional water bottle.

Never again will you have to wonder if the water in the stream is safe to drink.

Using it couldn’t be easier. Just fill up the bottle with water, shake it up, then wait 15 minutes. Voila! You have safe, clean water for drinking.

Of course, if you are going to a country with different bacteria in the water, the only true way to stay protected is by boiling the water or buying bottled water. However, this gives you even more protection if you feel unsure about the bottled water. It’s also good for getting water from the sink in a bathroom or kitchen.

OKA B Men's Sport Sandals....comfy and cool.

The Aquapure can produce up to 350 liters of safe water, which adds up to 700 plastic bottles of water. Now you’re helping the environment too.

Pure Hydration is a British company, so you’d have to buy it from their website. Based off of the current exchange rate, it costs ₤34.99, or $70.77. It sounds like a lot, but remember that you avoid buying 700 bottles of water for at least a dollar or more.

OKA b Traveler's Sandals

These are lightweight comfy plastic sandals with a "non-slip, reflexology-inspired design' with microbeads that massage your feet as you walk. They're very comfortable and nice to have around. The anti-microbial material keeps your feet clean and they come in both men's and women's styles. The men's variety, called Men's Sport come in hot chocolate or licorice colors. The women's versions come with saucy little beads on them and are also cool looking. $25.00 shoesthatloveyou.com

Power to the 'Pod

For the iPod lover on the road, here's a neat way to get you all of the power you need. It's a portable multimedia dock and battery--so you can plug two iPods in and listen at the same time. You can also get about 80 hours of playback in case you're no where near an outlet.

This device also positions the iPod at a perfect angle to view videos and is rechargeable using any iPod charger.

www.xtrememac.com/chargers/micropack/index.php

Jon Brandt majors in Journalism at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and is interning this semester for GoNOMAD. Read his blog, Travel Reader.

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