Gear & Gadgets
WEATHERING THE TRIP
Reviewed January 2008
by Judi Dash
The challenges of traveling in cold or inclement weather can be eased by the following new products, which have been tested by the author and may be available in stores where you live.
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| 1. Mountain booties | 1. HAPPY FEET:
Cold feet, be gone. Big Agnes' silky nylon Mountain Booties are insulated with fluffy featherweight synthetic down that keep toes toasty in a chilly room, sitting around a campfire or strolling local streets. Thicker water-resistant Cordura around the lower foot area provides durability and the lightly rubberized sole makes for some traction. The booties stuff compactly into any small niche in a suitcase or backpack. An adjustable drawstring at the ankle keeps the booties from slipping off.. Comes in bright red with black soles in unisex sizes.
Mountain Booties are $40 at BigAgnes.com. (877) 554-8975.
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2. Public Alert
Weather Radio | 2. BE FOREWARNED:
Unlike your cell phone, Oregon Scientific's little Public Alert Radio will only bother you when it's important. The palm-size (4- by 2.5- by 1.5-inch-thick) wireless monitor continuously receives public alerts on civil and weather emergencies, such as severe thunderstorms, flash floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, national emergencies and Amber Alerts.
The device, which runs on a rechargeable NiMH battery pack or three "AA" batteries, receives info from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration and the Emergency Alerting System, It can be programmed to receive only local alerts, or more far-ranging warnings and forecasts. The radio also provides clock, calendar and alarm functions. An included 9- by 4- by 4-inch-thick plug-in base unit functions as a recharging dock (when the radio is running on the NiMH pack), and is also a full-featured weather station, displaying indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity readings, and 24-hour forecasts. Take along just the radio or the whole shebang. Great for hiking, camping and road trips.
Public Alert Weather Radio Station (WRB603) is $150 at Ambient Weather. (877) 413-8800.
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3. Long trail
down jacket | 3. DOWN AND OUTSIDE:
Sorry guys. This one's just for her. Burton's Long Trail Down Jacket provides head- to-calves warmth without the weight, thanks to satiny nylon jacket's 700 Goose-Down Fill. The wind- and water-resistant material is reinforced with insulating tape at the seams (which also prevents cold spots), has fleece inner cuffs, a magnetic storm-flap overlapping the zippered front, and a removable down-filled snap-off hood. The taffeta lining feels cuddly soft against the skin. Available in XS to Large in a rich Roasted Brown, a deep pink called Glam, and a light lavender dubbed Lust -- which is what this jacket is likely to inspire in less-insulated companions.
Long Trail Down Jacket is $300 at StoreBurton.com; (877) 313-1977.
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| 4. EvoGrip knife | 4. GET A GRIP:
Leave it to the designers at Wenger Genuine Swiss Army Knives to create a solution when you may not even know there's a problem. But there is. Wet or cold weather can make getting a good grip on a multifunction tool's casing difficult. Wet fingers or a wet casing can make for slipperiness, as can numb fingers. Not so with Wenger's innovative EvoGrip line of Swiss Army Knives. Rubberized inlays on the red handles and an ergonomic, slightly concave shape make for better traction and a better grip, whatever the conditions. The EvoGrip Series is available in five models, from a 9-tool knife with 13 functions to an 18-tool model with 31 functions (including a 2.5-inch locking blade, compass, wood saw, universal wrench, and all-important corkscrew.
EvoGrip knives are $35 to $116; (800) 267-3577.
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| 5. Travelsilks | 5. LET THEM WEAR SILK:
Just the thought of long underwear makes me feel itchy. Ah, but not silk long underwear. Travelsilks underwear has a gossamer-light feel, with a gentle stretch to the material, so you won't feel like a sausage in a casing. They are machine washable and quick-drying. Tops and bottoms in men's and women's styles have rib-knit cuffs, and come in black or natural. Women's styles, which have a delicate pointelle pattern, also come in Blush. Also available for women: Camisoles and Capri-length bottoms.
Travelsilks top or bottom in men's and women's sizes are $30; women's Capris or camisole is $20 at Magellans; (800) 962-4943. |
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Judi Dash, the Gear & Gadget Guru, reports regularly on new travel products that she tests.
The availability and price of the products were accurate at the time of publication. Prices and availability may change seasonally. The author has no business relationship with any manufacturers. |
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