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.

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.

Here are five must-have gifts for the active traveler in your life (even if that active traveler is you) …

Best Gifts for Active Travelers

LG V30+ 128GB Smartphone (Unlocked)

It wasn’t long ago that I never left home without my entire DLSR camera kit — full Nikon body, several lenses, a bevy of filters … the works. Now, I’m a little more lax. Smartphone cameras (both photo and video) are lightyears ahead of where they were just a few years ago. The one camera that turned me on to the possibility of traveling “smartphone-only” was LG’s V30+.

There’s a lot to love about this smartphone. The 6-inch QHD+ OLED display is crisp, bright, and absolutely beautiful — perfect for reviewing my just-taken photos and video. The F/1.6 glass camera lens takes awesome shots in even super low light, while the wide-angle option means it’s great for landscapes.

The shell is lightweight yet ultra-durable with IP68 dust and water resistance. It’s rugged enough for even the most active travelers to take on the road (or way, way off). For all of these reasons, the V30+ was my go-to hip camera for my entire two weeks in Antarctica. I took it kayaking with me every day and it performed like a champ.

The best part? Since the release of the new LG V40, the LG V30+ is now discounted as a “previous generation” smartphone. No matter though! For travelers, I highly recommend hitting up Amazon for a deeply discounted V30+. Choose the 128GB unlocked version, and you’ll be ready to travel with it almost anywhere in the world with whatever SIM/carrier you choose.

[amazon box=”B07895W8Z4″]

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Sports Watch

Any hardcore adventure traveler (myself included) loves to keep tabs on their outdoor activity. For that, Suunto has fast become my favorite, go-to brand for sports watches. The flagship Suunto 9 Baro Titanium is their most durable multisport watch which features an almost absurd level of versatility, flexibility, and customization options.

The 9 Baro Titanium tracks your GPS coordinates, distance traveled, heart rate, barometric functions, weather alerts, and has 80 built-in sports modes. The big get for avid outdoorsmen, however, is the durability and battery life. I threw everything I could at this watch for the last three weeks and it barely blinked. The battery is good for up to 120 hours, but the watch is smart enough to throttle usage based on your activity. It’ll even provide alerts when it needs to be charged, and let you know if your next workout/activity requires more juice than the watch is currently charged with.

It’s damn pricey, but I’ve long believed that you get what you pay for and this is the single best GPS multisport watch on the market right now.

[amazon box=”B07D5KK17R”]

Henty CoPilot Messenger Bag

Wheels were one of the last truly “revolutionary” additions to modern luggage. Not a whole lot has changed since.

So, I was pretty excited to check out Henty’s clever line of luggage. Their CoPilot Messenger is an ingenious design that offers all the versatility and portability of a traditional backpack, but with the added capability of keeping your clothes wrinkle-free while on the road.

Once unfurled, the design allows you to lay out enough clothing for a long weekend (or even longer, depending on how much of a packing ninja you are), then “roll” it up around the single, inner, waterproof chamber in which you store 20L worth of toiletries, shoes, booze, etc. Separate exterior pockets provide for easy-to-reach storage for your passport, travel documents, and laptop. The smart, built-in hanger makes it a snap to stow in the closet once you get where you’re going.

The Henty CoPilot is also available as a backpack.

AxisGO Waterproof Housing for iPhone X

A decent waterproof housing for your DSLR camera can sometimes cost as much as the camera itself. If you’re looking to get into the underwater photography or videography game for far less and you already own an iPhone, AxisGO’s purpose-built housing is a great alternative.

To be clear, the AxisGO waterproof case/housing isn’t the first and only such underwater iPhone case on the market. But, from what I can tell, it’s one of the best designed. The feature set is incredibly solid for photographers looking for something more than just a way to waterproof their iPhone:

• Functional touchscreen membrane
• Interchangeable Lens port
• Robust top and bottom mounting brackets
• Pistol Grip kit
• Professional quality accessory lenses
• Optical glass
• Anti-reflective and hydrophobic glass coatings

Tenba DNA 15 Messenger

For the last two years, Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger was my go-to carry-on. It held exactly what I needed it to — my camera gear, water bottle, reading material, electronic cables, and all the other bits and bobs that my travels require. I still love it. But, it was starting to fray. So, I figured it was a good excuse to try something new.

In my case, that something new was Tenba’s DNA 15 Messenger. It holds an ample amount of gear: a 15-inch MacBook Pro, 1 DSLR or mirrorless camera body, 2-3 lenses along with plenty of additional space for documents, cables, memory cards, my passport, and a water bottle on the side.

The zippers feature oversized pulls that are easy to grab, even with gloved hands and the Velcro uses some sort of space-age technology (my words, not Tenba’s) to make it almost completely silent when opening.

Plus, I love the dark, cobalt, denim-ish look. It’s stylish, but stealth enough not to make me feel like a mark for pickpockets while I’m traveling. I prefer the standard DNA 15 Messenger, but if you want something a bit more streamlined, the DNA 15 Slim Messenger is comparable but not quite as deep.

The post Holiday Gear Guide: 5 Must-have Gifts for Active Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

Dust and debris have a way of working into every nook and cranny of keyboards, lens filters, USB ports, and all the buttons on your travel gadgets. The question becomes: how to clean it all simply and effectively when you get home?

While on the road, I love Giottos’ Rocket-Air Professional Blower. It strikes a good balance of being gentle enough that it won’t harm even the most sensitive electronics (like a digital camera sensor), but strong enough to blow away most dust. Because it’s compact yet sturdy, I always travel with one.

But, once I get home and find the real stubborn dust that’s collected in the crevices of my gear, I always need to give everything a more thorough cleaning.

Compressed air cans are an effective tool. They’re like little leaf blowers for your gadgets — a simple way to shoo away dust and debris. But, they contain harsh chemicals and create unnecessary waste, so I’ve used them less and less over the years.

All of which led me down the path to find the best canless air duster. They’re exactly what they sound like: electric-powered air dusters that do exactly what canned air is supposed to do. But, they produce a lot less environmental waste. One electric air duster can purportedly replace 5,000 compressed air cans. That’s a small mountain of waste not ending up in a landfill.

Luckily, Canless Air Systems offered to provide us with a test unit of their much-hyped X3 Hurricane Canless Air System. Here’s what I found …

The X3 Hurricane Canless Air System Review (or Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear)

The Skinny

In Canless Air Systems’ own words, the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System is their:

… strongest unit ever! It produces an incredible blast of air at over 260 MPH and runs for over 15 minutes straight.

This unit is equal to over 5,000 cans of traditional duster … if you use a lot of canned air and want the most power possible you need this unit.

Great for cleaning large computers, server rooms, camera lenses and mirrors, high-end medical equipment, displays in retail stores, complex circuit boards and so much more.

The Traveler’s Take on the X3 Hurricane Canless Air Duster

The X3 Hurricane is Canless Air System’s flagship product. It’s big, loud, and industrial strength. Frankly, it’s overkill for most travelers.

But, if you’re serious about keeping your mobile and photography equipment squeaky clean, I think it’s worth the investment for the strongest canless air duster they offer.

Portability

Compared to typical compressed air cans, the X3 Hurricane is larger but not by much. The battery pack can keep the motor running for a solid 15 minutes which is far longer than most travelers are likely to need just to clean off their gear. It seems like the X3 could be made smaller and lighter by halving the battery size/capacity.

To be clear, this isn’t a “travel gadget” in the sense that you’ll be taking it with you on the road. You certainly could as it’s quite portable. But, I prefer to pack as light as possible and, with the integrated battery pack, this compressed air alternative is just too heavy for me. I use the X3 Hurricane to clean my gear only after returning home.

Canless Air Systems offers a less “industrial strength” solution, however. Their Special Edition Canless Air System offers many of the same features as the X3 Hurricane, but costs just two-thirds of the price.

Functionality: Does the X3 Hurricane Actually Work?

At first, I was worried the 260-mph claim would be too harsh on electronics. That sounds like an unnecessary amount of force just to dust off a laptop, a smartphone, and especially a digital camera.

But, in my experience: yes. The X3 Hurricane works exactly as advertised. In my not-at-all-scientific testing, I found it to be almost as strong as a can of compressed air. I’d say it’s 80-90% as strong.

Plus, the air flow is not only strong but steady. Regular compressed air cans weaken to the point of being unusable after a couple of minutes. Plus, they can spray harmful liquids and chemicals all over your electronics.

A 3-piece attachment kit helps bolster the X3’s usefulness. This includes:

• An extra long flexible straw that can bend around corners
• A 45-degree nozzle that can focus the air
• A brush attachment that can be used when cleaning items that require more than just air

What’s the Catch?

If there’s one downside to the X3, it’s the noise. This thing is loud. I’m talking “hide the cat and small children” loud. It’s actually surprising for such a small device.

The first time I revved it up, I thought there might be something wrong with it. I was a little concerned it was going to shred to pieces in my hand.

Using an admittedly crude decibel measuring app, I tested the X3 in the relative quiet of my basement where the ambient noise averages 26 decibels. By comparison, the X3 Hurricane’s motor creates a cacophonous 85 decibels of high-pitched, vacuum-cleaner-like whirring.

To put that in perspective:

None of this is too surprising though. Compressed air cans rely on a chemical process to quietly expel air out of the can. Because the X3 uses an electric motor to accomplish the same feat, it must move a ton of air very quickly through a very small space. I’m not a professional engineer, but I’m guessing it would be difficult to design a device like this that’s actually quiet — or even quieter.

This might be an issue if you’re traveling. I can’t even imagine using this in a hotel without management calling the cops on you. But, for anyone planning to use it at home, I don’t think it’s an issue. It is what it is.

The Bottom Line

With a suggested retail price near USD $150, the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System is a premium accessory for tech-loving travelers.

Sure, it’s loud enough to wake the dead. But, the decent portability, long battery life, and reliable air power of the X3 Hurricane make it a good buy for eco-conscious travelers.

Buy the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System

The X3 Hurricane Air Duster can be purchased for around USD $150 direct from Canless Air Systems.

It’s also available through Amazon:

[amazon box=”B00IK3KTBY”]

Bestselling Alternatives

[amazon bestseller=”canless air system” items=”3″]

Have you used the Hurricane Canless Air System? Or any similar canless air duster before? What was your experience?

The post Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear appeared first on Vagabondish.

To be honest, I tsktsk‘d the entire thing in the beginning. That was until I received a subscription to Cairn’s monthly boxes. Now, I can’t get enough of them. It’s become something of a strange addiction.

So, when Trailfoody reached out with a three-month trial of their Pathfinder subscription — monthly snacks to fuel my outdoor adventures — I jumped all over it.

Trailfoody Subscription Review

The Skinny

Trailfoody is exactly what it sounds like: a subscription box service that delivers a variety of healthy, hiker-friendly, nutrient-dense snacks to your door in reusable stuff sacks each month.

In their words, the company notes:

Trailfood has to get you to those special places, sure. But, we also believe that taste is part of the adventure. Each month, we select premium foods that are healthy, have the right nutrient mix for outdoor activities, and also have great taste.

The Traveler’s Take

So far, I’m only a month into my Trailfoody subscription. The box contents change every month, although everything has been very high-quality. Think premium dried fruit, jerky, artisanal trail mixes, energy bars, or small meals that are ready for your next adventure — a picnic, roadtrip, or even the airport — no napkins, utensils, or coolers required.

The latest example is October’s Trailfoody Wanderer box which included:

• Nuun Electrolyte Lemon + Lime drink mix 10-tablet tube
• Taos Mountain Bars’ Caramel Pecan energy bar
• Vermont Smoke & Cure Chipotle meat stick
• Bearded Brothers Mega Maca Chocolate energy bar
• Gorilly Goods Jungle trail mix
• Tram Bites by Kate’s Real Food
• Bare Cinnamon Apple Chips
• Blue Diamond Sea Salt Nut Thins crackers
• Nut Butter Nation Brown Sugar Cinnamon peanut butter

For hardcore trail lovers, the entire kit above tops out at nearly 2,000 calories! More than enough to fuel a couple of solid hikes.

It’s so straightforward that there isn’t much to review beyond what’s in the box. As long as they keep delivering the same quality snacks — and I’ve no doubt they will — I’m loving it!

Even Lizzie the Vagabond Cat loves Trailfoody (and she doesn’t like anything!) …

Pricing + Availability

Trailfoody is available in four package levels (all prices in USD):

• The Wanderer: Best for 1 person who takes 1-2 monthly outings — $19.95/month
• The Pathfinder: Best for 1 person who takes 3 monthly outings — $42.95/month
• The Deuce: Best for 2 people who take 1-2 monthly outings — $35.95/month
• Family Pack: Good for an entire family who like 1 monthly outing — $36.95/month

The company promises a savings of 10-30% off retail each month. You can skip a month, change plans, or cancel anytime with no commitment.

The post Trailfoody Is the Subscription Snack Box You Never Knew You Needed appeared first on Vagabondish.

Spider‘s brand of camera holsters, straps, and harnesses remedy this problem. They’re designed to secure your camera tightly to your body, whether on your belt or backpack strap. They were kind enough to send us a sample of the SpiderLight Backpacker Kit to check out.

Spider SpiderLight Backpacker Kit Review

The Skinny

So … what exactly is it? In Spider’s own words, the SpiderLight Backpacker Kit is:

… to securely attach a SpiderLight Holster and select GoPro accessories to a backpack strap or messenger bag strap. The quick snap-in connection fastens the SpiderLight Adapter to your bag’s strap. And the ergonomic adapter shape works with the body’s natural contours for optimal carrying. The adapter pad employs elastic band wraps around the camera lens to prevent camera movement when walking or hiking.

The Traveler’s Take

The SpiderLight Backpacker Kit is among Spider’s most versatile camera harness kits. It includes a holster, a plate, and a pin — all allowing the traveling photographer to secure their camera just about anywhere on their person. The smartly designed pin mounts to the tripod mount of most any DSLR with near-universal compatibility. This forms the “male” end.

On the other “female” end, the holster and pad provide a place to clip the pin into. Securing your camera to your person is a simple matter of sliding the pin into the holster where it clicks neatly into place. The camera can be quickly released by grabbing the camera body with one hand and swiping the holster “safety switch” to unlock it.

Like so:

The heavy duty metal and plastic construction feels extremely durable and well-designed. Even with my relatively heavy Nikon d610 and a medium zoom lens, the body remains securely in place on my backpack strap with little movement or swing. An included pad and Velcro elastic strap help keep it firmly and — most importantly — comfortably in place.

Out of the box, the SpiderLight Backpaker Kit is also designed to be used with GoPro cameras. By simply removing the standard metal SpiderLight holster (used for your DSLR camera) and swapping it for the included GoPro compatibility clip, you’re GoPro can be quickly and easily mounted for capturing POV footage while biking, hiking, or just traveling.

Spider’s SpiderLight line is best for mid-sized DSLR cameras. However, Spider’s long list of additional gear provides for versatility no matter what camera you’re trying to mount or where. For larger DSLRs, their SpiderPro line is perfect for even the bulkiest, heaviest cameras. For lightweight point-and-shoot cameras, the compact Black Widow series is best. The SpiderMonkey series also includes purpose-built clips for additional gear and accessories like flashes, light meters, battery packs, water bottles, and rain covers.

Pricing & Availability

The SpiderLight Backpacker Kit camera holster is available now for around $125 USD directly from Spider.

The post “Wear” Your Photography Gear Mission Impossible-style with the SpiderLight Backpacker Kit appeared first on Vagabondish.

It’s no surprise really that they’ve evolved with forward-thinking products that feature (wait for it …) GPS tracking. The new TomTom Spark 3 is one such device. In particular, the company was cool enough to send us a sample of their TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music (Headphone Bundle).

Here’s what we found …

TomTom Spark 3 Fitness Tracker

The Skinny

In TomTom’s own words, the Spark 3 Cardio + Music is a next-level fitness tracker with a whole host of bells and whistles to help you “train with up to 500 songs and your heart rate on your wrist.”

The Traveler’s Take

The TomTom Spark 3 isn’t your mama’s Fitbit. This is a device designed for athletes and adventure travelers looking to track every facet of their training and outdoor experiences.

The Spark 3’s central 24/7 activity tracking functionality offers multisport modes for the most common athletic endeavors, including biking, running, swimming, treadmill running, gym workouts, cycling, and more. Its full-featured tracking measures distance, speed, time, pace, calories burned, and heart rate — all live and on the go. The built-in heart rate monitor means you can skip the typical chest strap to free you up to actually move. It allows you to easily keep tabs on your heart rate throughout the day.

The Headphone Bundle version of the Spark 3 adds a bunch of music-centric features designed to supplement (or replace) your smartphone during your workouts. The included Bluetooth headphones are weather- and sweatproof, feature comfortably contoured ear hooks, and pair with the TomTom Spark 3 (or your phone) simultaneously. The 3GB of onboard storage is also good for up to 500 songs meaning you can literally leave your smartphone at home if you like.

Battery life is solid: up to 3 weeks when activity tracking and around 5 hours when it’s running full-bore with the GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and music all activated.

We dig the minimal user interface which feels a bit “retro futurist.” The purposefully simplistic display is reminiscent of first generation digital alarm clocks (in a good way).

Pricing and Availability

Available now in Black or Aqua (with small or large straps) for around $249.99 USD from Amazon.

The post TomTom Spark 3: A Next-level Fitness Tracker for Adventurous Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

The entry-level Luminoodle Light Rope is intended to be functional because, well, light is important when you’re camping in the dark. But, the Luminoodle Color ups the ante by adding a bit of splash and (wait for it …) color to the campsite.

The good Luminoodle-ers (also known as Power Practical) were kind enough to send us a sample. Here’s our Luminoodle Color review …

Luminoodle Color Review

The Skinny

First off, what is the Luminoodle Color? In Practical Power’s own words:

The Luminoodle Color is 5 feet of waterproof, flexible, ultra-bright light that you can use in nearly any situation. From camping to your home or even the next music festival, the Luminoodle Color will take your nighttime activities to the next level.

The Traveler’s Take (a Luminoodle Color Review)

String lights are nothing new. But Power Practical has added a few clever features to the tried-and-true string light design that actually make them both functional and fun.

They’re designed to be hung pretty much anywhere. Built-in slider magnets are incorporated into the cable so they’re easy to mount inside your tent, to the side of your car, or along the hatch of your wagon or SUV. We love the latter as it provides for actual useful lighting when we’re tailgating and hanging out in the back of the 4Runner. If you don’t happen to have a metal spot to mount them (unlikely), noodle ties and quick straps are also included.

All of these options allow you to mount the Luminoodle string lights pretty much anywhere. They can also be gathered up into the included stuff sack to create a soft-sided “Noodle Lantern” (our words, not theirs). The entire kit is also waterproof so if you accidentally leave it outside in an overnight deluge, no worries.

The basic Luminoodle is cool and all, but we much prefer the Luminoodle Color version. It offers 500 lighting scenarios, including 15 color options, 3 white modes, 10 dimmer settings, and 3 fade/strobe fade modes. So your campsite mood lighting can be everything from “romantic” to “functional” to “super-crazy-disco-party-hour.” It’s your call. And, it’s easily controlled by an inline switch built into the Luminoodle’s cable or via a wireless RF remote.

Lastly: the power. The Luminoodle is universally powered by any 5V, 1A USB port. This could be from a wall outlet, a car cigarette lighter, or a portable battery back. The latter is a $10 option.

Pricing and Availability

The Luminoodle Color light rope is available now from Amazon, or make it a complete kit (with a lithium 4400 battery good for 30+ hours of power for the Luminoodle) for just a bit more.

The post Baby, Baby, Baby, Light My Way: Car Camping With the Luminoodle Color appeared first on Vagabondish.

If you’re heading anywhere with questionable tap water, this is something you need to think about. While I hate scaremongering when it comes to travel, water-related disease and illness (think cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A) are a very real concern in many parts of the world.

Assuming you’d rather not go the bottled water route (which can get expensive, is extremely wasteful, and is not always available in parts of the world), here are five alternatives to purifying water while traveling.

Best Ways to Purify Water While Traveling

Portable UV Water Purifier

UV water purifiers are hands-down my preferred method to purify water while traveling. I travel with the SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier and, after several years, have zero complaints. It’s portable, lightweight, sturdy, and — the best part — it destroys more than 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.

If there’s a downside, it’s that UV water purifiers require batteries. Older SteriPen models relied on proprietary batteries that are difficult to find in more remote regions of the world. Thankfully, newer models like the Ultra are rechargeable via a USB cable that can be connected to any standard, powered USB outlet (like a wall, laptop, or spare battery pack).

How: For this water purifier, you simply push the only button on the unit, then swirl the UV bulb around the water until the timer stops. It doesn’t get much simpler. A smiley face pops onto the OLED screen if you’ve done it correctly, so you can feel a sense of accomplishment.

Survival Straws for Purifying Water While Traveling

A close second to the SteriPen Ultra … Ultra-lightweight survival straws are among the newest and best ways to purify water while traveling.

Among the many brands now available, LifeStraw is still my favorite — it’s less than $20 USD, filters a minimum of 99.9% of bacteria and protozoan pathogens, and lasts for up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water.

How: They function like a wide drinking straw — stick the business end into almost any water source and sip.

Purify Water with Chemicals

Although chemical purification covers a few different means of purifying water, I’m lumping them all into one method for simplification. Water purification tablets have been used by backcountry hikers for years. They’re cheap, portable, and effective. A 100-pack of Aquatabs, for example, is available via Amazon and they won’t leave your water tasting like chemicals.

The same can’t be said for bleach. It’s dirt-cheap, readily available, and extremely effective at killing nasty things in just about any water. But, it also leaves the water tasting, well, bleachy. Thankfully, you only need about two drops per gallon for it to effectively purify your water.

Boiling

If none of the above are available to you, the age-old method of boiling is one of the simplest and most effective ways of purifying water of any unwanted living organisms. This includes parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens.

You might wonder who the hell travels with pots and pans? GSI Outdoors makes great, lightweight, portable camp pots that are perfect for traveling. I pack their Halulite Boiler on every trip so I can make coffee and breakfast oatmeal no matter where I’m staying. (Incidentally, it also doubles as a place to safely store small, possibly fragile, souvenirs when I’m heading home)

How: Place your water in a heat-safe container (metal, ceramic, or glass will do) and boil over a high-heat source for ten minutes.

Distillation via a Solar Still

Distillation is the most effective means of purifying water when you have access to almost zero materials and you’re struggling to improvise. It’s more of a last-ditch, survival-style means of purifying water (if you’re in a life or death situation that would leave even Bear Grylls scratching his head). It’s time-consuming, difficult, and often yields little drinkable water. On the plus side, it purifies questionable water incredibly well.

How: It requires plenty of time, a tarp, digging a hole, a bunch of leaves, and a cut-off shirt like so:

The post Best Ways to Purify Water While Traveling: Filters, Purifiers, and More appeared first on Vagabondish.