I just took a little walk down memory lane, browsing through all the posts I’ve written since PracticalTravelGear.com launched in May. I’ve written more than 50 reviews of items ranging from hiking shoes and backpacks to mosquito repellent and instant coffee (having a ball along the way).

Here are five items I wrote about this year — all things that I absolutely love. Looking back, I may not have gushed about them enough in their original posts; these are all pieces I keep in my own personal arsenal of travel gear, and will continue to use in the months to come (except for those great shades… keep reading):

Mountiainsmith Modular Hauler 3 Deluxe: This durable bag and organizing system has a permanent place in my minivan these days. I actually use it to keep grocery bags upright in my trunk, and having three sturdy tote bags (aka packing cubes) in my car has come in handy to hold wet towels, dirty shoes and other miscellaneous items. One served as a cooler for an impromptu picnic. The entire system will certainly be used to haul random gear for our lengthy family road trip over the holidays.

Teva Westwater Sandals: These shoes got a ton of use this summer, and I’ve brought them to warm-weather destinations, too. They’re perfect for city sightseeing as well as casual off-road walks, and can be worn to the beach or river, too, since they’re made with quick-drying mesh. The colors — a subtle spring green with brown — go with just about everything I own. Including…

Lucy Activewear Solaris Crop Pants: I love these capris. Cannot stress that enough. They’ve come with me to New Hampshire, California, Mexico, Belize and just about every weekend trip I took in Colorado this summer. The slightly stretchy, lightweight material is forgiving, and the cargo style is casual and hip. I love these pants. Did you catch that?

Julbo Angel Sunglasses: I didn’t expect to like these shades as much as I did, but they absolutely became my go-to glasses this summer and fall. I wore them with shorts while hiking and with a cocktail dress out to dinner. Unfortunately, on my trip home from Belize last month, I foolishly tossed them in my carry on bag with out a case — and one of the “arms” (temples in glasses-speak) broke off. I even tried super-gluing it back on (it busted in the corner near the joint screw) and for a while I wore the glasses without being able to shut one side fully (yes, even traveling to Cancun like that). The other day, I was carrying them and bumped into a door frame, breaking them again. I’m very sad about that.

Enfold Travel Snorkel by Body Glove: I’ve now brought this convenient, bendable travel snorkel to Belize and Mexico, and it hasn’t let me down. The mask skirt is comfortable on my face, and the snorkel mouthpiece is malleable for comfort, too. I love that it takes up such little room in my suitcase. For me, the casual snorkeler who might be near an ocean three or four times a year, this set is perfect.

Okay, so I can’t name just five. Here are five more items I’ve reviewed that I think are especially great (and are used regularly in my house and on the road):

• Black Rhino Laptop-Holding Backpack from Eco Gear
• Otterbox BlackBerry Commuter Case
• Briggs & Riley Large Shopping Tote
• Stanley Ultra Bright 5 Watt LED Spotlight
• Overland Equipment Donner Bag

Finally, I’ve got to give a shout out to Tom Bihn and the Seattle company’s quality backpacks, messenger bags and luggage. I’ve not reviewed any Tom Bihn items here at Practical Travel Gear (I save those for The Vacation Gals, since Tom Bihn provides us with products specifically to review there), but my colleagues Tim and John here have given rave reviews to Tom Bihn bags this year.

I look forward to learning about new great travel items in 2010!