New Reviews

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow | Practical Travel Gear

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

By Jill | April 18, 2014

Plenty of elements of travel are uncomfortable, especially bus, train, airplane and airport seats. Considering the amount of time you send in each of them, perhaps a little more luxe treatment is in order, like the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow. This inflatable pillow comes in two sizes: regular and large. The regular pillow…

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Pakems Packable Boots | Practical Travel Gear 2

Pakems Packable Boots

By Amy | March 4, 2014

In my quest for the perfect apres ski boot and all-round, packable outdoor travel shoe, I gave Pakems a trial run. This brand new product designed by a single mom is marketed as a lightweight, compressible shoe designed for use after a ski day. Pakems come in two styles (for both men and women): a high…

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Squishy Oofos Shoes for Recovery or Just Comfy Walking | Practical Travel Gear 1

Squishy Oofos Shoes for Recovery or Just Comfy Walking

By Tim Leffel | February 20, 2013

I may have found the most comfortable shoes ever. On top of that, they’re super-light and durable. As Jill and I walked around the floor of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market last month, a trade show where 1 out of 10 exhibitors seems to be selling footwear, it was easy to get jaded and feel…

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Helium II Packable Jacket From Outdoor Research | Practical Travel Gear 1

Helium II Packable Jacket From Outdoor Research

By Tim Leffel | April 19, 2012

Taking the concept of a packable, water-resistant, breathable jacket one step further, this super-light Helium II one from Outdoor Research packs a punch in a pouch. Sure, when I’m out on the town in my home city or driving somewhere with loads of room in the car, I love to wear the best-looking jacket in…

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Icebreaker Challenge: Five Merino Wool Pieces for 10 Days | Practical Travel Gear 1

Icebreaker Challenge: Five Merino Wool Pieces for 10 Days

By Jill | March 16, 2012

One of the most important requirements for travel clothing is the ability to mix and match a limited wardrobe. But when you’re traveling for more than a few days, you have to start thinking about washing your clothes. Or not. Would you believe it’s possible to wear five pieces of clothing for 10 days without…

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Innergie PocketCell Travel Gadget Charger | Practical Travel Gear 1

Innergie PocketCell Travel Gadget Charger

By Tim Leffel | February 9, 2012

Need to recharge your gadgets on the go without carrying a lot of extra bulk? This Innergie Pocket Cell charger is a handy little device that’s not much bigger than a Bic lighter. Smart phones and gaming gadgets are great fun when you’re traveling except for one thing: lousy battery life. On an Android phone…

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TravelLite Seat Cushion by Lifeform  | Practical Travel Gear

TravelLite Seat Cushion by Lifeform

By Kara | September 6, 2011

When I drive long distances in one stint – say the 3.5 hours from my mountain house to the “big city” of Denver – my right foot gets fatigued and I feel dull pain radiating up my leg to my tush. Sometimes my lower back gets a bit sore, too. I stretch and flex while…

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Mini GO Styling Iron from FHI Heat | Practical Travel Gear

Mini GO Styling Iron from FHI Heat

By Kara | May 31, 2011

At the 2011 Aspen Fashion Week festivities last March, I picked up a Mini GO Styling Iron from FHI Heat, a hairstyling-tool company that was one of the event’s sponsors. While I rarely straighten my hair with the full-size iron I already own (coincidentally also a freebie I received the 2010 Aspen Fashion Week swag…

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Serengeti Sunglasses with Polar PhD Lenses | Practical Travel Gear 1

Serengeti Sunglasses with Polar PhD Lenses

By Tim Leffel | February 4, 2010

When does one graduate from mall kiosk shades to performance sunglasses? If you’re there yet, check out this new line from Serengeti Eyewear. When you’re a purist backpacker traveling on a shoestring, scoffing at anything requiring a sizable layout of cash is a necessary survival instinct. You laugh at the rich package tourists who spend…

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