Before this COVID-19 mess started, we were looking into air purifiers for our apartment. After countless hours of research, we learned that HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are pretty much the gold standard for air purifiers. According to the EPA, they “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).”

Many entry-level home air purifiers feature a HEPA-like filter, but that’s not the same. We knew we wanted a true HEPA filter. The problem is that purifiers with true HEPA filters are often expensive.

To be honest, the whole research process proved too confusing. I learned a whole lot of jargon and plenty of buzzwords, but nothing meaningful about which home air purifier we should actually buy.

Fast-forward to a month ago when Sharp reached out to us — somewhat serendipitously — with an offer to do an at-home test of the Sharp Air Purifier (FPK50UW). They didn’t pay for this review. They just sent us a sample, no strings attached. In return, all I promised them was an honest review.

Here’s what we found …

The Skinny on the Sharp Air Purifier (FPK50UW)

Here are the most important bullet points according to Sharp:

• Recommended for Medium Room Areas up to 259 sq. ft.
• Long-Life True HEPA Filter Lasts Up to 2 Years
• Plasmacluster® Ion Technology Eliminates Microscopic Pollutants That Traditional Filters Cannot Trap
• Proven Effective in Reducing Certain Germs, Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, and Fungus
• True HEPA Filter Captures 99.97% of Particles That Pass Through The Filter as Small as 0.3 Microns
• True HEPA Filtration is Ideal for Removing Common Household Allergens
• Three Manual Fan Speeds Plus Express Clean
• ENERGY STAR® Rated, AHAM Verified Tested, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Certified
• CADR: Smoke (167)/ Dust (171)/ Pollen (188)

Our Honest Take on Sharp’s FPK50UW Air Purifier

I should preface this by saying that we have no way to test a product like this in a scientific laboratory with beakers and Bunsen burners and graphs. These are only our subjective impressions based on using the FPK50UW in our apartment. It’s been running almost non-stop since we received it more than a month ago.

Setup was simple. The air purifier is a standalone unit that comes preassembled. We dropped in the two included filters, plugged it in, and turned it on. The entire process took five minutes.

Sharp bills this as an air purifier for “medium-sized rooms” of around 260 square feet. We set ours up in the master bedroom which is smaller than that.

This purifier is dead-simple to use. The photo above shows a close-up of the only buttons on the unit. After setup, we turned it on and hit the Express Clean button. This is like a “maximum” mode that activates Sharp’s own Plasmacluster technology.

According to the company, this:

… mimics nature’s own cleaning process, by splitting water molecules into positively and negatively charged ions, which spread throughout the room and actively break down pollutants like germs, airborne and surface-adhering bacteria, fungus, mold, viruses and clinging odors, and then return to the air as water vapor.

The purifier turns off this mode automatically after an hour. The air in our bedroom immediately smelled crisper, cleaner, and less “heavy” (for lack of a better word). We use this mode every other week or so, especially on days where we’ve had the windows open for a few hours and want to “scrub” the pollen and other allergens from the air.

On most days, we use one of the purifier’s main modes (indicated by the fan icon in the photo above). During the day, we run it on “low” mode which is very quiet. We can hear it running if we stand next to the unit, but the noise is low enough to sleep with if we needed to.

At night, however, we switch it to “night” mode. This turns off the indicator lights on the front of the purifier (which are normally quite bright) and switches the fan to its lowest setting. In this mode, it’s almost completely silent. I’m a pretty light sleeper and it doesn’t keep me up at all.

After more than a month of almost non-stop use, it’s still running quietly and consistently. A week or so ago, the red maintenance light on the front clicked on. This happens after a certain number of hours of use. I vacuumed the filter with our regular house vacuum, reset the light, and that was that.

Thankfully, I don’t have problems with allergies, so whatever is in the air rarely bothers me. But, both Kelsey and our cat do (we suspect the cat is allergic to herself — is that possible?). Since running the purifier, Kelsey noticed a significant decrease in her allergy symptoms. She also takes less Benadryl most nights. Lizzi the cat was having occasional sneezing fits for years — especially when the seasonal allergens really kicked up. Now, she has virtually none.

The Bottom Line

With its minimal, user-friendly design, compact size, and built-in true HEPA filter, Sharp’s FPK50UW Air Purifier is an affordable clean-air solution for health-conscious travelers.

Pricing + Availability

The FPK50UW Sharp Air Purifier officially retails for $229.99. Amazon often has it (along with other Sharp purifiers) for less.

The post Why We Made a Home Air Purifier Part of Our Travel Lifestyle appeared first on Vagabondish.

That’s the manufacturer’s claim for the new BioLite HeadLamp 200. And they weren’t wrong, as I found out the hard way while camping in Nevada recently. While removing my knit winter hat, I absent-mindedly forgot the headlamp was wrapped around it, and almost dropped it into my campfire on three separate occasions. Every time, I cursed myself and swore I wouldn’t do it again. And every time, five minutes later, I’d already forgotten the 50-gram lamp was on my head.

The Skinny on BioLite’s New HeadLamp 200

Here’s how BioLite bills the new HeadLamp 200 …

The Vagabond’s Take

For most folks, a headlamp is a headlamp is a headlamp. All include a stretchy band with a rectangular, usually high-intensity LED light that sits in the middle of your forehead to help you navigate dinner at camp or spot a bear leering at you from between the trees. Yes, BioLite’s newest headlamp does all that, but in a more streamlined, ultra-lightweight, comfortable package than most.

It offers a few seemingly minor features that have already made it a go-essential for my camping and car camping trips. The first is a moisture-wicking fabric headband that’s soft, comfortable, and stays dry no matter what I’m doing (all of which contribute to the “too easy to forget I’m wearing it” factor). The second is an easily articulating bezel for angling the light exactly where I need it with one hand.

But, perhaps most importantly, it’s USB rechargeable via an included micro-USB cable. I love being able to leave the standard alkaline batteries at home, knowing that I can top up the battery from my car or backup power bank on the road. It also features a clever lock mode so it never accidentally turns on in my pack and bleeds the battery dry. At its lowest setting, the 700mAH lithium-ion battery is good for 40 hours of burn time — plenty for a long weekend away, even without recharging. But, at least I know that I can recharge it from any powered USB port.

The BioLite HeadLamp 200 features four lighting modes: white strobe, white spot (with dimming), red flood (with dimming), and red strobe. I use the white spot mode 95% of the time. It’ll blast a 50-meter beam when I really need to hunt for something. But, even in the pitch-black Nevada desert, that was overkill for most tasks. It works just as effectively — and lasts far longer — at a dimmer setting. (If you decide you really need more, check out the BioLite HeadLamp 330 with nearly 50% more brightness.)

At 200 lumens, it certainly isn’t the brightest headlamp on the market. But, that modest illumination is plenty for almost any task at basecamp. For cooking, reading, finding a pee tree in the middle of the night, or searching for the right camera cable, it’s more than enough.

Pricing and Availability

The BioLite HeadLamp 200 is now available in four earthly colors: Midnight Grey, Ocean Teal, Moss Green, or Ember Red. At less than $45, it practically feels like a steal.

The post BioLite HeadLamp 200 Is the Featherweight Head Lamp You’ll (Probably) Forget You’re Wearing appeared first on Vagabondish.

The Best RV Kitchen Gadgets for Every On-the-Go Chef

Flexible Wood Cutting Board

The easiest way to keep the cabinets, countertop, and mise en place in your RV tight is by using compact, lightweight, and cleverly designed kitchenware. This flexible wood cutting board from The Grommet is all three. It’s lighter and more durable than most glass cutting boards, and thinner than traditional wood alternatives. We coated ours with food-grade mineral oil (because the surface is made with real hardwood), and the chopped food slides right off. Plus, the non-slip silicone backing ensures it stays in place while we’re chopping.

Hestan Cue Smart Cooking System

I’m not typically a fan of all-in-one systems that promise to do sixteen different things. The Hestan Cue Smart Cooking System is a rare exception. Fair warning: It’s pricey. But, I’m a firm believer in “you get what you pay for.” The pan + burner combo set guarantees powerful, precise cooking via a clever induction burner. The 11-inch pan is perfectly sized for couples, although the 5.5-quart chef’s pot is available for RVers who need to cook bigger meals.

The best part about the system, however, is that it integrates with the custom Hestan Cue Recipe App. The app provides step-by-step instructions that allow you to cook elaborate, gourmet meals with restaurant-quality taste.

All American Sun Oven (Solar Cooker)

Spend any time off-grid and you quickly realize that two things become quite challenging without ready access to electricity: Air-conditioning and cooking. The All American Sun Oven aims to solve the latter. It’s not an in-the-kitchen gadget, as it’s designed to be used outside.

Setup is straightforward — just unfold the reflective panels and point toward your nearest star. The sun’s concentrated rays can heat the inside to an incredible 400 degrees which is good enough to cook almost anything. While it sounds like a bizarre infomercial product, it really works. The company even includes a recipe book to help you perfect your oven-less solar cooking skills.

AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker

Devotees of AeroPress‘ wildly popular coffee maker will tell you it’s the best and only way to make damn good coffee. Unlike any other brewing method, it uses a rapid, total immersion process that guarantees a smooth full-flavored taste with little bitterness or acidity. Although it packs down small, it’ll pull up to three cups of traditional-style coffee in less than a minute.

While a French press can promise the same, the AeroPress uses a paper microfilter to eliminate grit and make for easy cleanup. Also: It doesn’t rely on electricity so it’s perfect for your RV kitchen while dry camping.

Lodge Cast Iron Pan

For cooking in your RV kitchen or by the campfire, there’s hardly a better tool than an old-school cast-iron skillet. We love Lodge — their products are durable, American-made, and they’ll probably outlast you. Despite the fact that they’re extremely heavy, they’re a perfect addition to your any RV kitchen in every other way.

Opt for a medium size (like a 10.25″ skillet) that’s well-suited for making almost any meal for two. Unless you’re traveling with a baseball team, skip the cast-iron pan sets. If you buy the right size, you shouldn’t need more than a single pan. This skillet from Lodge comes pre-seasoned and ready to use.

Clear(2)O® Water Filter

A water filter is hardly a “sexy” kitchen gadget. But, great-tasting H20 can make a big difference in your RV kitchen. For obvious reasons: It’s healthier for both cooking and drinking.

A decent filter like the CLEAR2O RV and Marine Inline Water Filter uses a solid-block carbon filter to reduce contaminants down to one micron (even many of the best filters on the market only filter down to 20 microns) — 70 times smaller than a human hair.

It even reduces herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial wastes, and perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOA’s) in your water. Plus, it’s inexpensive, easy-to-install, and lasts up to six months.

Planetary Design RV Kitchen Storage

Overlanders are a resourceful bunch. They often travel to places that even hardened dry campers won’t go. So, their tools need to work flawlessly and their kitchens need to be organized to a fault. The Overland Band Bundle from Planetary Design is a clever, foolproof gadget to keep your RV kitchen essentials in check.

The set includes two airtight food storage containers — a small, 4-inch and a medium, 7-inch — plus a durable rubber band to keep them together. (Bonus: The band can also be used to secure measuring spoons to the outside of the containers). It’s perfect for storing coffee, spices, pet treats, or baking essentials.

What do you recommend for the best RV kitchen gadgets? What tools make campfire cooking easier for you?

The post 7 Must-Have Gadgets to Trick Out Your RV Kitchen for 2020 appeared first on Vagabondish.

To be sure, this list has never failed me on trips to countless countries on all seven continents. This isn’t intended to be comprehensive, of course. No single list can simultaneously prepare you for Antarctica and South Africa, for example. The clothing you might wear on a polar kayaking expedition would hardly work on safari. But, I’m confident that packing and knowing how to properly layer these men’s travel clothes will prepare you to travel just about anywhere comfortably.

If you’re not interested in specific recommendations, these are the best men’s travel clothing brands I trust and recommend:

The Best Travel Clothes for Men

Best Men’s Travel Pants: Aviator

Maybe it’s the fact that my butt stopped growing at twelve years old, but I’ve always had a helluva time finding pants that fit well. I stopped buying jeans online because I returned every single pair I ordered. Aviator makes a big promise with their self-described Best Travel Jeans in the World. That’s literally what they’re called.

When they offered to send me a pair, I was skeptical. But, after just a few weeks, I can safely say they’re hands-down the most comfortable pants I own. They’re soft and made to stretch, which is why they’re now my go-to pants for long-haul flights. Three zippered pockets (one in the front, two around back) provide plenty of secure storage for a wallet, passport, phone, and maybe a switchblade to keep the muggers at bay. Plus, how rad is that rear leather patch?

They’re available in a variety of traditional denim washes, but I opted for the Khaki version. It’s a versatile design that’s dressy enough to wear to a decent restaurant, but lightweight and casual enough for day hikes and city exploration. Every pair is sold with a 34-inch inseam, but the company will tailor the length for a nominal fee.

Best Men’s Travel Shorts: Icebreaker Connection Commuter Shorts

Straight up, merino wool is the best material for active travelers. If I could pick just one material for every piece of travel clothing — shorts, socks, hats, underwear, lederhosen — that I own it would be merino. Icebreaker is one of the biggest and best merino brands in the world. Every article of theirs that I own still looks as new as the day I bought it.

That includes my pair of Connection Commuter Shorts. The materials are a mix of nylon/spandex on the exterior (for durability, water repellency, and stretch) and merino next to the skin so they’re ultra-comfortable and almost never smell. The Monsoon Gray color is casual enough for hiking and city exploring, but can also be dressed up for evenings out.

Best Men’s Travel Shirts

I like to travel with a mix of casual and active shirts. Both kinds are well-suited for specific purposes.

Casual Men’s Travel Shirts: Bombas

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt seen the avalanche of online ads for Bombas. You probably already have a drawer full of their socks.

What you may not know is that the company also makes awesome T-shirts. Crew neck, V-neck, pocket crew, pick your poison. They’re all made of high-quality Peruvian Pima Cotton that’s soft and has a cool (temperature-wise) feel to it. It’s also ridiculously, buttery soft compared to both merino wool and even traditional cotton. It’s the perfect material for long plane rides, casual city exploring, and the like.

On the downside, it is cotton. That means it wrinkles easily and dries slowly. So it’s not ideal for super active days which is why I always pack merino wool as well …

Active Men’s Travel Shirts: Unbound Merino

If you’ve been online in the last year, you’ve also no doubt seen plenty of ads for Unbound Merino. Their marketing is filled with a lot of tall promises. Phrases like: “the perfect travel shirt for men,” “the last travel shirt you’ll ever buy,” and “you NEVER need to wash it!” I’m paraphrasing, of course, but you get the gist.

Honestly, believe the hype. Their travel clothing for men is amazing. I own two Unbound Merino shirts — one short-sleeve crew neck in black, another long-sleeve navy — and both are fantastic. They’re soft, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and dry quickly and easily. I pack one or both shirts for every single trip I take. Because merino wool naturally resists odors and germs, it’s possible to wear these shirts for days (even a full week) without washing them. The company doesn’t recommend that, but I’m telling you it’s totally possible.

The one minor note is that merino wool is not quite as comfortable as Pima cotton. That’s more an issue with the fabric itself than Unbound Merino. Don’t get me wrong, the shirts are very comfortable. They’re just not as comfortable as my Bombas shirts.

Best Men’s Travel Shoes: Astral Hemp Loyak

Of the brands on this list, Astral is the newest to me. I recently fell in love with their Hemp Loyak men’s shoes for travel. They’re lightweight, low profile, and surprisingly rugged. They can practically fold up in my luggage if I need them to. The rubber sole is flexible and thin, but in a good way — in a way that feels natural to wear as though you’re actually feeling the ground beneath you rather than being completely insulated from it.

Hemp is a great all-around natural material for clothing. It’s soft, comfortable, and breaks in a little more with each use. Plus, Astral blends the hemp upper with 23% recycled polyester, so every pair is ethically and sustainably made. They do run a bit narrow, although that hasn’t been a problem for me.

Best Men’s Travel Sandals: OluKai

I was a fan of Reef sandals for years. My last two pairs were possibly the most comfortable footwear I’ve ever owned. Both pairs, however, blew out in less than two years. If they weren’t nearly $100 per pair, I’d be fine with that. But, at that price, I expect more.

So, I recently made the switch to OluKai. The style, feel, and comfort of my new Alania sandals is similar to my old Reef’s, but the quality seems a tad better. These travel with me on every single trip. No matter where I’m traveling, I always have a use for them. From late-night bathroom runs at the campground to lounging around the ship on my Antarctic cruise to chasing raccoons off the porch of our Airbnb in Chattanooga, these have proven to be one of the most versatile pieces of travel clothing that I own.

Which brands do you think make the best men’s travel clothes? What articles of travel clothing do you always pack no matter where you’re headed?

The post The Men’s Travel Clothes I Pack No Matter Where I’m Headed appeared first on Vagabondish.

Cut me loose on a hike in the woods. Hand me a paddle and let me kayak the nearest river. Or throw me into the nearest lake or bathtub with a mask and snorkel, and I’m happy. But biking as a recreational activity never quite hooked me in the same emotional way that camping, paddling, or swimming does.

All of which is probably why I had no idea of the quantum leaps the bicycle industry has taken in just the last few years. I’ve been out of the loop, oblivious to the incredible folding bikes, electric bikes, and folding electric bikes on the market.

So, when Oyama asked me to check out their CX E8D Series II Folding Bike, my initial response was a shoulder shrug. I was a little curious, but again, I’m not really a bike guy. What convinced me, however, was the bike’s potential versatility and usefulness for road trips.

I’m hooked. It’s way, way better, cooler, and more useful that I imagined.

I think back on our recent drive along the U.S. East Coast, when we overnighted in tiny houses, campgrounds, and Airbnbs. To be able to park the truck in one place for a few days and explore the surrounding area on two wheels would have been a real treat. Plus, beyond the convenience factor, it would’ve been fun and a helluva lot more eco-conscious.

For the last few weeks, I put the CX E8D Series II to the test around Vagabondish HQ. If you’re not into reading, the short version is: I’m hooked. It’s way, way better, cooler, and more useful that I imagined. If you are into reading — particularly verbose, 1,000-word reviews about origami-inspired electric bicycles — read on …

Oyama CX E8D Series II Folding Electric Bike Review

The Skinny

In Oyama’s own words, they claim the Oyama CX E8D Series II folding electric bike takes their:

… original CX E8D model to the next level with upgraded components that provide a refined riding experience.

Riders will get the pedal assist they need to get where they want to go with this electric bicycle’s 350-watt hub drive motor, torque sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, and illuminated LCD display.

The Traveler’s Take

Folding bikes, in general, are incredibly versatile. Commuters, travelers, apartment dwellers, kids — just about anyone really — can find a use for one.

For my purposes, however, a folding electric bike is incredibly useful for road tripping. Our Toyota 4Runner is a medium-sized SUV with a decent amount of room, but it’s not huge. So, when we’re road-tripping, space is at a premium. One bike (and definitely two) is never an option for us. We just don’t have the room. The Oyama CX E8D Series II changes all that.

The Design

Straight out of the box, I love the design. The matte black finish is cool, stealthy, modern — very Knight Rider-esque if The Hoff was brazen enough to ride a folding electric bike.

It’s difficult to tell from just the photos, but the finish has a high-end feel to it. Instead of just slapping clear coat or a layer of paint on it, it’s evident the design team put some thought into the aesthetic.

Portability Through Foldability

The engineering of Oyama’s CX E8D Series II is nothing short of amazing. When folded, the bike takes up next to no room in the back of our 4Runner. It’ll easily fit into the trunk of most standard sedans with plenty of room to spare. Folding the bike down is a three-step process that takes less than 20 seconds:

1. Unlock the seat and push the stem through the frame to the ground
2. Unlatch the handlebars and fold them down to the side
3. Unlock the frame and fold the bike in half

That’s it. With the battery, the bike weighs 37 pounds. That’s not exactly featherweight, but it does make it easy for the average person to load in and out of a vehicle.

“Ride Wit Me”

Most folding bikes sacrifice comfort in favor of portability. Smaller seats, smaller tires, lightweight (in many cases, cheap plastic) components all help keep weight down. Oyama finds a good balance in the CX E8D Series II. Everything you’d expect to be metal is made of aluminum, so it’s lightweight and sturdy.

At 20 inches, the tires are a tad smaller than a traditional street cruiser (usually 24 or 26 inches). After five minutes in the saddle, however, I didn’t even notice. Overall, it rides like a typical street bike. Even after a few hours, it’s comfortable, smooth, and easy to control.

Roads? Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Roads

Take the battery out of the equation and everything so far makes this a great folding bike in its own right. Where the Oyama CX E8D Series II really shines — and the reason road trippers, RVers, va lifers are going to want one — is in the electric-assist motor.

The rear hub is powered by a 396-Wh battery. To put that in practical terms, the bike offers a maximum range of 40 miles. Ultimately, it depends on terrain, wind speed, how much you rely on it while riding, passenger weight, etc. For anyone looking to tool around their campground, make a quick grocery run down the street from their campsite, or explore the city for a day, it’s more than enough juice.

Power is regulated through a digital controller with a basic screen mounted on the handlebars. Eight speeds provide for a highly customizable ride that’s as tame (or not) as you want it to be. Based on the power setting and how hard you’re peddling, the bike intelligently senses how much assistance you want.

At the lowest setting (1), the electric assist is non-existent. At the highest level (8), the torque comes on smooth and strong. It’s never a sudden JOLT! of power, but rather a gradual increase as though a giant hand or a stiff wind is helping you forward. To be clear though, at max power on level ground, I’m easily able to push the CX E8D Series II close to 30 miles per hour without trying too hard. This thing seriously moves when you need it to. And the hydraulic disc brakes help you stop on a dime before things get too out of control.

Other (Literal) Bells & Whistles

A few miscellaneous thoughts:

• The luggage rack mounted over the rear fender is a nice touch. It adds greater utility, particularly for anyone looking to use this bike for running errands while on a road trip.
• The handlebar-mounted bell is a nice safety touch and one that reminds me of the first Schwinn I got when I turned six.
• The bike’s battery pack doubles as a backup power source for all your USB devices (which is pretty much everything these days). Not an essential feature, but nice-to-have if you plan on taking the bike to a campground or anywhere off-grid.

Pricing & Availability

The Oyama CX E8D Series II folding electric bike is now available with a retail price of USD $1,999. That’s certainly not cheap. But, if you’re reading this review, you probably already know that folding bikes, in general, and folding electric bikes, in particular, rarely are. Compared to its competitors, this bike is an incredible value at that price.

The list of available colors is short. As Henry Ford was fond of saying, “You can have any color you want, as long as it’s black.” But, honestly, the matte black is so damn cool, why would you want any other color?

A Second Opinion

The folks at NYCeWheels did a great five-minute review of the Oyama CX E8D Series II. So, you can judge for yourself whether it is indeed the best folding electric bike for travel.

The post I Never Thought I’d Want (or Need) an Electric Folding Bike … But This Changed My Mind appeared first on Vagabondish.

Enter Lanmodo: A company with a brief catalog of curious products designed to solve a variety of mostly car-related issues you never knew you had. Most notable: The automatic car tent.

Our introduction to Lanmodo came in the form of an invitation to test out the company’s Vast Automotive Night Vision System. The aptly named system is designed to do exactly as its name implies: It’s a purpose-built, all-in-one monitor-camera to help drivers see at night, in near-pitch-black conditions. They offered us a review model to see what we thought. Since it’s an interesting bit of tech for hardcore roadtripping, I was eager to take a look.

Lanmodo Vast Automotive Night Vision System Review

(One aside: This review is for the entry-level Lanmodo Vast Automotive Night Vision System, and not the upgraded Automotive Night Vision System with Rear View Camera)

The Skinny

First, let’s outline the two best selling points of the Vast Automotive Night Vision System in Lanmodo’s own words:

1080P and Full-color Image: LANMODO Car night vision camera is equipped with 8.2” IPS screen and presents 1080P HD full-color image even at night,helping judge the road conditions quickly when driving.

Wide-angle Vision, Long Distance View: LANMODO car night vision system is of 36° HD wide-angle vision, presenting a broader view of the road, night vision distance extends up to 300m, drivers will know the road situation in advance and take measures to avoid accidents.

The Traveler’s Take on the Lanmodo Vast Automotive Night Vision System

Installation & Setup

Straight out of the box, installation was a snap. Everything you need to get going (even a screwdriver) is included. I had the device unboxed, suctioned to the windshield of my 4Runner, and powered on in less than 10 minutes.

Two mounting options are provided: A traditional suction cup and a sturdy, and very grippy anti-slip mat. Both work well, but I prefer affixing it to my windshield for long-term use. One curious note is that the unit is essentially upside-down when mounted to the windshield, and the on-screen menus are too in this setup. There aren’t many options to change in the menus, so this isn’t a huge issue. Once you’ve initially dialed in your settings, there’s little need to tweak them again.

A traditional cigarette lighter cable is included, as is a separate cable for plugging into your car’s OBD port. I opted for the former, started my truck, and the Night Vision System powered on within a few seconds. I noticed two things straight away: The screen is bright and reasonably crisp and clear. There is a slight — very slight — but noticeable flicker. It might be a deal breaker for a home TV or computer monitor that you plan on staring at for hours on end. But, it’s mostly a non-issue with this product given that it’s designed to be glanced at for only a second or two at a time while driving.

Seeing in the Dark

The 8.2” IPS screen is quite wide, presenting a complete view of the road ahead. The rear camera can be angled slightly up, down, and to the sides to better capture your field of view. With the unit mounted square above my radio, I had to push the camera all the way to the left to capture the entire field of view — which it does. But, even at the extreme, the monitor faces the backseat more than it does the driver. For that reason, I wish there was a bit more play to push the camera farther to the left and right.

A series of buttons on the top of the unit are each dedicated to a specific function on the Vast Night Vision System. Customization is limited, but that’s by design rather than omission. There’s not much you’ll need to tweak. Power the system on or off, adjust the brightness and contrast to your liking, and decide whether you prefer the screen in full color or black and white. (I’m not sure why B&W would be preferable, but it’s there nevertheless …)

The Vast Night Vision System delivers on its promise. The photos below depict a visual test at dusk a few minutes for the sun went down near my house. The exposure, lighting, and color depicted both outside my truck and on the system’s screen are accurate to what I was seeing in person.

There’s a noticeable difference between the two with the Vast system greatly magnifying the available brightness. Because the system relies on at least some available light — no matter how minimal — it won’t work in complete darkness. Although, if you’re driving around in a pitch-black area with your headlights off, you probably have bigger problems than a night vision system can solve.

The Bottom Line

In short, the Lanmodo Automotive Night Vision System works and does exactly what it promises. It’s a niche product for sure, but it’s clearly a great alternative to much more expensive factory systems. If you’re in the market for night vision tech for your car, the Vast will absolutely do the trick.

In the future, it’d be cool if the front-facing camera could also record. Given the prevalence of dash cams these days, that addition would make this a true, all-in-one car camera solution.

Pricing & Availability

The Lanmodo Vast Automotive Night Vision System is now available with a retail price of USD $499 (without the rear camera). Add roughly $100 for the upgraded system with a 720p rear camera.

[amazon box=”B093WV9C46″]

A Second Opinion

Check out this complete video review of the Lanmodo Vast Automotive Night Vision System courtesy of Diablo Formula Racing:

The post Brighten Up Your After-Dark Road-Tripping with Lanmodo’s Vast Automotive Night Vision System appeared first on Vagabondish.

So, to be honest, I was skeptical of Airhook. At first glance, it seems to be an add-on accessory designed to do exactly what every airplane tray table already does. But, the more long-haul flights I take, the more its utility grew on me. Let’s face it: airplane tray tables are nasty, they’re rarely level, and they limit the already impossibly tight amount of personal space that economy passengers are forced to live with on most typical flights.

Airhook was kind enough to provide a second generation sample — the Airhook 2.0 — for me to review. Here’s what I found …

Airhook 2.0 Review

The Skinny

In Airhook’s own words, it’s designed as:

… a two-in-one solution for airplane travel comfort: a stable drink holder and a secure mount for an electronics device. The Airhook uses the tray table in its vertical and locked position as an anchor, rather than horizontally across your lap as a platform.

The latest version, Airhook 2.0, adds a few new features including a neoprene travel pouch and:

… a stabilizer bar that makes setup more secure, a convertible mode where the drink holder folds away when not in use, a separate device perch for full range of viewing, and integrated can support.

The Traveler’s Take

My first impression of Airhook was that it was larger than I expected. It makes sense considering that it’s designed to support not only smartphones but tablets as well. So, the design needs enough of a “framework” to support the weight and heft of a full-sized tablet.

For my purposes, I don’t travel with a tablet. When I do watch in-flight movies, it’s always on my smartphone. So, I wish Airhook had a more compact little brother — an “Airhook Mini” if you will. The current Airhook isn’t huge, but it is large enough that I know I won’t be traveling with it on every flight. I’m also borderline obsessive about packing as minimally as possible. So, for some, the size may be a non-issue.

That said, the construction is solid and sturdy with high-quality plastic components. It’s clear someone put thought into its production. The included carry case with attached carabiner also helps protect the entire affair when it’s not in use.

Setting up Airhook is simple, and the included quick-start guide (with links to relevant online videos in case installation isn’t self explanatory) makes setup a snap. It first clips to the back of any standard airplane tray table in the closed position. Two knobs allow for fine-tuning a snug fit and ensuring that your smartphone or tablet is angled the way you want it. Finally, a bungee cord and plastic clip secure your device in place. I found this to work very well even in modest turbulence.

That’s all there is to it. It works great as a simple support for your electronics device to keep your media at eye-level. But, the cupholder also adds a convenient perch for a standard airline cup or 12-ounce can. The design will hold a bottle as well, although it does get in the way of the device screen. The cupholder also folds away when not in use.

Pricing & Availability

Airhook 2.0 is available now directly through the official Airhook website for around USD $28 or on Amazon.

The Bottom Line

Though a tad bulky, Airhook fulfills its promise of freeing up your lap for a bit more in-flight comfort. It’s a clever, versatile, well-made alternative to traditional airplane tray tables.

The post Airhook Looks to Reinvent the Traditional Airplane Tray Table appeared first on Vagabondish.

I admit to times on the road where I may have worn the same clothes for a couple (or six) days in a row. With traditional cotton clothing, things get ugly (read: funky) fast. Synthetic fibers and merino wool can help matters. But, for any clothing that touches your feet or nether-regions, it’s a challenge.

MP Magic Socks is looking to solve the stinky foot dilemma (you’re still on your own for odor-free underwear) for travelers with their newfangled MP Magic Socks.

The Skinny on MP Magic Socks

So what are MP Magic Socks? In the company’s own words:

MP Magic Socks are the world’s best odorless socks with three-metal infused: silver, copper, and zinc.

[They] incorporate a super comfortable design … integrated with mineral substance, antibacterial fabrics that work hard to make your feet odorless.

These innovative socks are odorless, comfortable, antibacterial, super durable, and breathable.

The Traveler’s Take

MP Magic Socks are part of a new breed of activewear that relies on metal-infused fabrics to (literally) do your dirty work. They use a unique blend of cotton (for softness), nylon and spandex (for stretchability and quick-drying), and a proprietary yarn coated with zinc, copper, and silver.

But the most important feature — the one likely to cause travelers to seek out MP Magic Socks — is their antibacterial capability. The metal-coated yarn fabric ensures that bacteria can’t stick to the sock fibers. This means they’ll last for days, even a week, without stinking. Take them around the city, through the airport, on the subway at rush hour. Sweat in them all you like; they dry quickly and won’t smell.

I prefer to pack ultra-light (sometimes only 2-3 changes of clothing), to wash-and-wear my clothes along the way. These socks are incredible for my style of travel because they dry fast and I can literally go days without washing them.

Pricing & Availability

MP Magic Socks are available from MPMagicSocks.com in a wide variety of styles and colors for men and women. At USD $7-10 per pair, they’re definitely more expensive than a six-pack of Fruit of the Loom tube socks. But, in my opinion, they’re worth every penny.

Their Classic MP Ankle is a versatile all-around sock that should work for almost any traveler in a wide variety of situations. Personally, I’m partial to their Holiday Trip socks (the bold red pair at the top of this post) because, well, planes.

Oh … and, if you’re a frequent long-haul traveler, I highly recommend investing in a good pair of compression socks as well. After a few well-traveled friends shared their DVT-blood-clot-related horror stories with me, I wear these compression socks from CEP on every single flight.

The post Are These “Magic” Socks the Best Odorless Socks for Travelers? appeared first on Vagabondish.

Best Winter Car Camping Gear

BioLite FirePit

There’s nothing better after a long day of hiking than relaxing around a blazing campfire. This is 100 times truer in the dead of winter. BioLite’s FirePit is the perfect campfire companion for car campers.

There’s a lot to love about this clever, Swiss-Army-style gadget. First off, the fact that it runs on both wood and charcoal make it incredibly versatile so, no matter where you find yourself, you’re virtually guaranteed access to a proper campfire. Even with the FirePit at full blaze, patented airflow technology keeps it well stoked and smoke-free. You can even control the size of the flames manually or via a free Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app. The mesh design means you have a 360-degree view of your fiery handiwork. That it can double as a hibachi-style grill makes it all the better!

LEDLenser Flashlight

Of course, being surrounded by nature’s splendor does you no good if you can’t actually see it. It goes without saying that a proper headlamp is a must-pack for any camping trip. And a legit backup flashlight (“torch” for our U.K. friends) is every bit as important. It’s ideal for those tasks where directional lighting is critical.

For this, I’ve started packing LEDLenser’s MT10. It’s compact, puts out 1,000 lumens, is USB rechargeable, and features three illumination settings plus a strobe mode. Simple and straightforward. Because it’s manufactured under a subsidiary of the legendary Leatherman brand, it’s also durable as hell. For a beefier option, the LEDLenser MT18 pushes 3,000 lumens in case, ya know, you get really lost.

Outdoor Vitals Sleeping Bag

The old adage of why you should buy a decent mattress (“Because you’ll spend almost one-third of your life on it!”) is just as true for your sleeping bag. I never, ever scrimp on my bedding. When I’m car camping, I appreciate the luxury of being able to pack a little more to make my nights more enjoyable.

I’ve been loving Outdoor Vitals’ ultralight camp gear. Their StormLOFT Down MummyPod Sleeping Bag is everything you might need in a four-season sleeping bag. Most importantly, the 800 fill power hydrophobic down in the 15°F variety is good for all but the absolute coldest of nights (although Outdoor Vitals offers a 0°F alternative). Not only is it warm, but super soft and comfortable to boot.

I love the versatility of using it either as a traditional mummy sleeping bag or as an insulator for my camp hammock. And the YKK anti-snag zipper means you’ll never damage the sleeping bag or need to fumble with opening/closing it in the middle of the night because of a stuck zipper.

Somewear Global Hotspot

I’ve been toying with the idea of a personal locator beacon (PLB) for a while now. Frankly, I’ve always shied away from PLBs because they’re typically expensive and often require pricey, long-term monthly/annual contracts. But, I was intrigued by Somewear.

While the unit itself is a not-unsubstantial investment at USD $349, they promise the most affordable Iridium data plans on the market. So, that takes some of the sting out of the initial purchase price. Plus, it offers global two-way texting, location sharing, weather updates, and SOS emergency services all with the touch of a few buttons. The device integrates with iOS and Android devices through a smartphone app that’s dead-simple to use. For a seamless, out-of-the-box experience, it doesn’t get much easier.

What are your recommendations for the best winter car camping gear?

Also, if you’re a travel or outdoor photographer, check out our picks for the best travel photography accessories of 2019 (so far …)!

The post The Best Gear to Up Your Car Camping Game This Winter appeared first on Vagabondish.

Best Travel Photography Accessories for 2019

Lume Cube AIR LED Light

Good lighting is critical to good photography. But, it can be tricky to find (or create) even half-way decent lighting while on the road. I’ve seen quite a few solutions, but none tackle mobile lighting as effortlessly as Lume Cube AIR. At roughly 1.5 inches square, it’s hardly bigger than a golf ball. It weighs next to nothing. It’s bright. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s inexpensive. It’s also waterproof down to 100 feet and drop-proof to boot.

All of which makes it one of the best travel photography accessories of the year. In my own experience, it’s a huge help with food photography as well (no more relying on your dinner-mates to “light up” your plates for all those Instagram shots!). Plus, the included white and orange (warming) diffusers make the latter a breeze with nice, soft lighting.

Lensbaby Sol 45

Lensbaby‘s line of creative camera lenses is a polarizing (pun intended) topic among photographers. Personally, I love the challenge of using them. There’s a steep learning curve, even for skilled photographers. But, the payoff can be tremendous. Sure, you can achieve similarly creative looks using mobile photo editor apps like VSCO and Lightroom. But, I’ve found that none quite capture the moody, dreamlike quality of Lensbaby.

One of the latest in their line is the Lensbaby Sol 45. The 45mm fixed f/3.5 selective focus lens creates a tack-sharp circular area of focus surrounded by pillowy soft blur and a heaping helping of bokeh. Even Lensbaby admits it’s not for everyone. But, the results are unlike any other creative lenses I’ve personally test-driven!

It’s available for every major camera brand, including Sony, Canon, Fuji, Nikon, and Pentax.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 15″ (v2)

Of course, the gear bag you choose is almost as important as what goes in it. When I first tested Peak Design’s original Everyday Messenger bag, I absolutely loved it. It was the most handsome, best-designed, most durable such bag I’d ever tested.

Peak Design recently returned with a reboot of the original that basically started it all for them. I’m happy to report the Everyday Messenger v2 is every bit as awesome as its predecessor. Plus, it’s been upgraded with a luggage pass-through on the rear panel, better FlexFold dividers to keep your gear organized, more durable fabric throughout, and a better weatherproofing treatment on the exterior. Seriously, I can’t recommend this bag more highly!

If the messenger bag format isn’t your thing, the Everyday Line is also available in a backpack, a sling, and a tote.

Mobile Edge Core Gaming Backpack

It’s taken me a long time to hone my gear organizing skills. I pack almost as much — if not more — electronics than I do clothes and toiletries. So, finding a way to keep everything in its place is key.

One way I’ve found to do this is by keeping all my photography gear in its own messenger bag, and toting a separate bag or backpack for everything else. This makes the most sense, particularly if I’m traveling with my main 17″ HP laptop that doesn’t fit in Everyday Messenger.

The solution for me has been Mobile Edge’s Core Gaming Backpack. The list of features on this is almost dizzying, but it’s everything I need to keep all my non-camera gear straight. The name of the game here is: pockets, pockets, and more pockets. There are three separate sections for stowing my 17-inch laptop, headphones, tablet, accessories, and printed itineraries.

Plus, there are tons of compartments for organizing loose bits like pens, keys, cables, business cards, and gum, and side pockets for additional cables, Bluetooth travel speakers, phones, and even large water bottles. The external USB 3.0 Quick-Charge compatible port with a built-in charging cable means I never have to bother trying to hunt down the ever-elusive airport power outlet.

It’s all wrapped in a super durable ballistic nylon outer shell. The padded air-mesh shoulder pads and ventilated back panel ensure it’s comfortable to carry. And, the trolley strap makes it a snap to stow on top of my rollaboard. The entire design is also TSA checkpoint-friendly which means I can move through security much faster.

Polaroid Pop Instant Print Digital Camera

Sure, an actual camera seems a curious choice for a list of “best travel photography accessories.” But, for most photographers, this is likely to be a quirky add-on to their primary photography gear kit.

If you’re “of a certain age,” the name Polaroid no doubt elicits tinges of vintage photographic nostalgia. The days of snapping photos on some of the world’s first instant cameras, then impatiently waiting for them to develop in your hand were so damn fun.

Polaroid gets this, which is why they’ve brought back their iconic instant camera. The all-new Polaroid Pop 2.0 Instant Print Digital Camera is just like those instant cameras of your (well, at least my) childhood. But, the company wisely added all the latest tech bells and whistles including a touchscreen display, built-in Wi-Fi, and 1080p HD video capability.

With clever ZINK Zero Ink technology, photos print flawlessly and even feature the iconic, oversized white Polaroid border. Now, you can paper your fridge with all those amazing snapshots that would otherwise be “wasted” on Instagram.

What do you think are the best travel photography accessories of 2019? What bits of kit can’t you travel without?

The post Gear Up with the Best Travel Photography Accessories of 2019 (so far …) appeared first on Vagabondish.