T'Pod Table-top Camera Tripod

On every long travel trip I've ever taken, I've managed to find room for a small camera tripod. I may not use it that often, but when you need a tripod to get a specific shot, being without one can be a real drag.

I'm just an amateur hack though, with a not-so-expensive camera. If you are a serious photographer or just trying to be one, you might want to pick up this very nice T'Pod compact tripod that sits on any flat surface. This is no flimsy plastic and velcro job like the one I usually carry: it's a serious and rugged piece of equipment. We're talking cold hard steel, powerful magnets, and a carrying case that looks like it will stay together for years. It has two different mounts depending on the kind of camera you have: a light one or a heavy professional SLR one with a big lens.

It's not all that light and it lists for $80, but it doesn't take up much room. The tripod breaks down into two pieces and fits in a case that's a tad larger than two cigarette packs stacked end to end.

For the average person shooting snapshots on a pocket camera with image stabilization, carrying this heavy-duty tripod around may not make much sense. But if you're trying to shoot in low light or get some nature close-ups, this would be the ticket. If you're a pro or serious photographer who still tries to leave the house without 50 pounds of gear, this tabletop tripod would do for a lot of situations and still keep the pack relatively light. (They also make a larger stand-up version that doubles as a walking stick, for the hiker/photographer.)

The magnets provide a lot of stability and are the key to how it packs up and reassembles, but they're not for the clumsy or those with heart enhancements. "The magnet is a powerful rare earth magnet that can pinch fingers, and could possibly, in close proximity, cause damage to the electronics in a pacemaker."

Get the tabletop T'Pod at Amazon.

Pelican's Micro Cases

Pelican Products came about over 20 years ago as a company that made things to solve scuba divers' problems. Some of that technology works elsewhere, like these nifty Micro Cases that can hold whatever valuable small gadgets you want to keep protected. They come in different sizes, with the smallest one just about right for a pocket digital camera, a PDA, or a mobile phone (a Treo fits too). It's watertight, crushproof, and dustproof.

I got a sample to try out, but wasn't about to test its waterproof claim with my phone--I've got calls to make today! So I stuck one of my kid's little dolls in it, along with a handful of coins to make sure it would sink. Five minutes later, I removed the case from the sink and the inside was as dry as before.

OK, now I will trust it with my phone next time I go on a canoe trip or I've got to carry my digital camera around in the rain. And should you find a compelling reason to go diving with one of these strapped on (please don't tell me you might have to check your crackberry), there's a purge valve to equalize the pressure.

This small one has a listed retail price of $13.95 and they make lots of larger ones for different needs. They come in a variety of colors and have a lifetime guarantee. For the whole array, go to the Pelican Cases section at CableOrganizers.com.

Aeromexico Ups Baggage Limit to 70 Pounds

If you're a professional photographer or documentary filmmaker heading to Mexico, skip Spirit Airlines and hop on Aeromexico. In a move running counter to the trend of squeezing passengers for overweight bag fees, Aeromexico is now allowing two bags of up to 70 pounds. Go business class and you can take another one just for good measure. (And, we assume, have a gaggle of porters waiting for you at the other end to lug it all around.)

There are very few cases where the average traveler should be bogged down with this much baggage, but it's still nice to see an airline leaving that decision up to the passengers. Also, this could come in very handy on the way back from Mexico if you have loaded up on souvenirs you want to take home. Considering that it takes a month for a letter or postcard to make it from Mexico to the U.S. or Canada, carrying goods back from there is definitely preferable to shipping them.

Judging by this photo from AirlineMeals.net, the breakfast spread isn't too bad either...

Mini Maglite Solitaire

If you're doing some hardcore hiking through the backcountry, you need a real flashlight with some power. But if you're traveling around the world with a light load and just need to find your way to the squat toilet outside now and then, you only need a basic beam of light. This little Maglite can be just the ticket, with only one AAA battery needed and a sweet retail price of $5.99.

The Maglite Solitaire is not much bigger than a cigarette and though it's metal and feels rugged, it weighs next to nothing. It has a keychain hookup that can also be used to hook it to something more substantial. Otherwise the worst drawback of this little torch would be how easy it would be for it to get lost in your pack.

This Maglite has the usual wide-to-spot adjustment and a bulb that can be replaced. It comes in blue, silver, red, and black. You can find it at the usual travel gear stores, but I got mine at Home Depot, for $5.99 plus tax.

Carry this in conjunction with a cheap MP3 player that also uses AAA batteries and you can use a portable battery charger to keep from adding more acid to the world's landfills and trash dumps.

A Swiss Army Knife with 85 Tools

Have you ever wanted a Swiss Army Knife containing every single tool ever included? Apparently this monstrosity came out last year, but I just saw it in a magazine. It's the Wenger Giant Collector's Swiss Army Knife, selling for a mere $1,200.

No, it's not cheap and it's certainly not practical: it weighs in at 2 pounds, 11 ounces and is 8 inches long. But you've got to admire them for managing to put this together. It's got pliers, a corkscrew, cigar cutter, tire gauge, golf club face cleaner, scissors, fish scaler, and anything else that's ever shown up on any version. (See the full list at the link above.)

I'm not posting this because anyone should actually buy this thing and it looks like they're out of stock anyway. If you do have money to burn and just have to have it though, try eBay.