Traveling with One Hi-tech Shirt

In the latest issue of International Travel News, there's an article by a video producer who traveled around the world on assignment for a few weeks wearing just a t-shirt and one button up shirt over it. Here's the article: One Shirt, 40,000 Miles.

The shirt on top was an Air Strip Lite from ExOfficio. It's not cheap--at around $75 retail--but after reading this article I'm convinced it would be money well spent. The guy says it looks good as new after the trip. Since it dries in just a few hours, you can wash it at night at it's ready to go by the time you wake up.

I've gotten a few things from ExOfficio in the past. They've been well-made and the customer service at their own web site is quite good. This shirt is going on my list for the next long jaunt.

Flip-flops with a Bottle Opener - Sweeeettt

I don't get a whole lot of things in the mail that I get really excited about, but when my new set of Fanning Reef Sandals arrived in a box the other day, I was downright giddy. It may be winter outside, but I shed my socks and slipped into my new flip-flops, comfy and complete with a bottle opener on the bottom. I'm ready to go out and buy a six-pack just so I can try them out. Talk about a double-duty item!

Ever since I went to a party this past summer and saw a guy nonchalantly open his beer bottle on the bottom of his sandal, I've been wanting a pair of these. So last week when Backcountry.com's Steep and Cheap site had some on sale for less than $20, I pounced. In two weeks I'm going to be at a beach in Mexico, so I'll give them a good workout. And will be making other people eye my green flip-flops while getting green with envy.

The cheeky tag that came with them has an illustrated demo in four steps. A man takes off his sandal, pops open a beer, drinks it, and then saunters off with a babe on his arm. A note at the bottom says, "We can only guarantee steps #1-3."


Reef Fanning Supreme Sandal at Backcountry

Reef Leather Fanning Sandal with Bottle Opener at RockCreek.com

Travel Gear That Works in the Field

I just got back from an eight-day jaunt with one bag, so I thought it would be good to revisit some light and useful thing that are road tested and worked hard for me day in and day out.

Many of the gear reviews you read on blogs or in magazines are written by desk jockey sub-editors who are just pulling copy off a press release. Or they might have gotten a sample in the mail and will write about how cool it looks without ever using it out in the field.


So here's a collection of inexpensive and useful items that really do the job out on the road.

Retractable Razor (even bought one of these in Mexico for 3 pesos)


Hanging Travel Toiletry Kit

Perpetual Flashlight - No batteries

Compact Battery Charger (If carrying something that uses AA--like my digital camera does.)

Retractable Cable Lock (Cheap hotels often don't have a safe or lockers.)


Water Purification Tablets


And a Swiss Army Knife of course--just don't put it in your carry-on luggage!

Travel Gear Gifts - Independent Travelers

OK, I'll get off the gift kick after this, but here's another travel gear gift guide that's highly practical and doesn't tell you to go out and buy the coolest new gadgets. Rolf Potts, author of Vagabonding, offers Five Gifts for the Independent Traveler.

This is geared to long-term travelers, so it stresses the importance of considering bulk and weight in the equation. Yes, hiking boots look really enticing when you're browsing in the store, but they're kind of a pain when you're on the road for months on end. A lot of people end up tying them on the outside of their pack, which looks pretty silly and can end up bopping someone in the head at the most inopportune time.

Those nice digital SLR cameras also may seem ideal for a world traveler, but once again, not very practical. "First, a digital camera that is small enough to fit into a pants-pocket is ideal for most travelers, since it requires less storage space, and is convenient to bring and use in most any situation. Second, the rigors of travel mean that a digital camera is more likely to be lost, stolen, or knocked into the mud than one being used at home. Thus, don't spent exorbitant amounts on a travel camera; just get a quality, inexpensive digital model that is (comparatively) painless to replace in the event of a mishap."

Gifts for the Globetrotter

Every travel magazine and webzine runs some kind of "gifts for travelers" feature this time of year, most of them focused on whiz-bang goodies that require a serious chunk of change. This travel gifts guide from MSNBC is a pretty good one though. It focuses on what kind of activity your recipient will do (road trips, cruises, etc.) and goes from there. And there are lots of items that won't break the bank.

I especially like that they included a cool little Maverick tube alarm clock that also doubles as a flashlight. It does two jobs and it doesn't take up much space, plus it retails for under $25. You can put that on my Christmas list and I'll be a happy camper. Or backpacker. Or even maybe a cruiser...someday.

Sunglasses Meant for Skiing

Sierra Trading Post is running a closeout deal on some really great ski sunglasses. You can pick them up for around $60, which is half what they usually retail for.

Ski goggles do the job, but let's face it--they don't look all that stylish no matter how nice they are. Plus you end up with a raccoon-like tan on your face if it's really sunny out. And then you still have to have a pair of sunglasses in your pocket if you're going to be hanging out on a deck or even walking down the parking lot while it's still bright out.

With these Polarized Panoptx Cyclone Sunglasses, you can still shield your eyes from both the wind and the sun, yet you don't have to wear bulky goggles that cover half your face. They come in two styles besides what's shown here, with one being a more subdued and narrow black number. Nice.