Gear & Gadgets Judi Dash archives

Note to readers: Items listed here were available, at these places and prices on the date the report was published. They may not be available today. 

--Judi Dash Gear & Gadgets (OCTOBER 2007) Helpers for your car By Judi Dash  Drive and shine with the following helpful products, all of which have been tested by the author. 1.  NEW DIRECTIONS:  GPS devices can be great tools for motorists, but too often you need an engineering degree to navigate the device itself.  Not so with Garmin's Nuvi 200, an easy to use driving aid that's the size of a deck of cards.  It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so you can use it in the car or on foot. Ready to go right out of the box, with a user-friendly touch-screen and on-screen keyboard for spelling out destinations,  the Nuvi 200 comes pre-loaded with color maps and turn-by-turn voice directions for the continental U.S., Hawaii and Puerto Rico. ( The data base also includes points of interest such as hotels, restaurants and fuel).  Just slide the power button on and follow the screen cues.  An SD digital film slot (SD card not included) lets you add customized points of interest as well as view JPEGS on the 3.5-inch-diagonal screen. The software includes a world clock with time zones, currency converter, calculator and more.  A car power cable and vehicle suction cup mount are included, but an AC adapter (recommended) costs extra.   Nuvi 200 GPS is $250, AC power adapter, $18; at www.amazon.com.  Info: Garmin; (800) 800-1020; www.garmin.com. 2.  POWER PACK:  iGo, an innovator in power adapters that can charge a variety of gadgets with the switch of interchangeable tips, has bundled together a bargain package that deserves space in the glove compartment  --  whether you're traveling in your own vehicle or a rental car.  The Dual Charging Power Bundle includes the popular iGo Everywhere Universal power adapter --  designed to power low-draw gadgets, such as cell phones, PDA's and MP3 players --  an AC and car charger, a 5-foot retractable cord, and a power splitter for charging two devices at once.  iGo sells tips for most mobile devices (which is not true for many of the company's competitors), but check the web site to make sure yours are included.  iGo also makes larger adapters for more power-drawing electronics, such as laptops.    iGo Dual-Charging Power Bundle is $50; adapter tip, $10, at www.igo.com; (888) 205-0093. 3.  KEYS TO CLEANLINESS:  Where's a wash cloth when you suddenly need one for junior's icky hands?  Right on your key chain. Teeny Towels Anti-Bacterial wipes are miniature  sanitizing towelettes packaged in a little plastic dispenser with a built-in noose for attaching to a key chain.  Although marketed for children, this is a great product for adults as well when soap and water aren't handy. Teeny Towels also are available as Bug Repellent Wipes, which are DEET-free and vanilla scented.  You just never know when a simple road trip can lead you into enemy mosquito territory.  Available in multipacks, the best bet is an 8-pack, which includes two dispensers and 8 packs of either anti-bacterial or insect repellent wipes.   Teeny Towels Anti-Bacterial 8-pack is $10; Insect Repellent, $12 at www.target.com; (800) 591-3869. 4.  NO MORE RUFFING IT:  Most dog mats designed for travel are thin roll-up pads that provide meager cushioning for your precious animal companion.  Three barks, then, for Bowser Pet Products' Fold-n-Go, a 3-inch-thick dog mat composed of three connected panels that fold neatly against each other for storage in the car trunk. Available in three earthy colors, the Fold-n-Go measures 24- by 12- by 9 inches when closed, but opens to a luxuriant 36-inch length  --  ideal for stretching out in the back seat (Fido, not you), or, if necessary on the cold, hard floor.  Each panel unzips so the foam inserts can be removed and the cover machine washed and dried.  The color-coordinated strap that secures the folded bed is also an adjustable 4- to 7-foot clip-on leash with a roomy handle loop.  Very fetching.     Fold-n-Go is $120.  Info: Bowsers Pet Products; (877) 269-7377; www.bowsers.com. 5.  TAKING THE WATERS:  No one should hit the road without a supply of water for emergency hydration or the perils of an overheated car.  As an alternative to buying bottles of H2O, consider the more versatile  --  and environmentally friendly  --  Water Tanks from Cascade Designs.  The lightweight flexible polyethylene water carriers  come in three jumbo sizes  --  2 liters, 4 liters and 6 liters --  but collapse practically flat when empty.  For easy refilling and cleaning, the Water Tanks have a wide-mouth top that "zip" open and close securely and leak proof.  A corner spout, with screw-on cap makes for easy pouring. I keep one of these filled up in my car trunk and frequently take one on my travels for use in my rental car or hotel room.  Water Tanks are $16 to $20 from Cascade Designs; (800) 531-9531; www.platypushydration.com. (September 2007)   A-CAMPING WE WILL GO By Judi Dash  Roughing it is a little less rough thanks to the following new products, all of which have been tested by the author. 1.  GIMME SHELTER -- WITH A VIEW:  My dream tent would have lots of bug-proof mesh windows, be tall enough to stand up in, and have a window in the rain-fly roof so I could gaze at the sky even in bad weather.  The folks at Big Agnes must have heard me dreaming.  The company's new ripstop nylon Big House tents have giant zippered doors fore and aft, a wide swath of tightly woven mesh around the sides, and a big mesh triangle-shaped window in the roof that lines up with a matching vinyl skylight in the fly.  The 4-person model is 68 inches high; the 6-person model, 75 inches high.  Everything assembles easily via lightweight shock-cord poles. An optional zip-on polyester vestibule makes room for more gear.  An optional footprint ground cloth protects the tent bottom. Big Agnes gets extra points for the neat briefcase-style carry bag with separate compartments for tent, fly, poles and stakes --  much more user-friendly than the usual stuff sack.  Big House 6 tent is $359; Big House 4, $299; Footprint, $55 and $50 respectively; vestibule, $110 and $100; from Big Agnes; (877) 554-8975; www.bigagnes.com. 2.  QUEEN FOR A NIGHT:  Anyone who has tried to put sheets or a sleeping bag on an inflatable bed knows the frustration of watching them go slip-sliding away.  SwissGear has come up with a solution to the problem designed especially for queen-size air beds, a boon to couples trying to snuggle up without sliding off the mattress.  The Queen Size Sleep System is a 60- by 80-inch polyester-fill sleeping bag with a zip-off comforter and built-in straps for securing the bag to the air bed --  or any queen-size mattress.  Both sides of the bag unzip, so no one need feel claustrophobic.  A poly/cotton percale liner functions as a built-in sheet.  Works well in a tent, the back of a van, or as instant bedding anywhere. Comes with a stuff sack.  The bag is intended for cool, but not cold, weather. A good choice for an air bed is SwissGear's queen-size Swiss Comfort Airbed, which has a raised pillow area and built-in battery-operated pump (runs on four "D" batteries, not included).  But any queen-size model.   Queen Size Sleep System (SG11091) is $50; queen-size Swiss Comfort Airbed with built-in pump (SG55043), $63; from Wenger; (800) 267-3577; www.swisscampinggear.com. 3.  ORDER IN THE TENT:  A tent is by nature a congested place  --  all your gear and you cohabiting without benefit of closets or drawers.  Thank goodness for The Organizer. A multi-sectional hanging hamper, the nylon Organizer has four, vertically stacked zippered compartments; the two lower ones are transparent, the upper two solid blue cloth.  Stash your flashlight, extra batteries, and reading glasses in one compartment, a rain poncho and underwear in another, perhaps a book or journal in a third --  you get the idea.  The unit has two adjustable straps with hooks that clamp onto the little ceiling rings provided in most tents.  Or, hang The Organizer from a tree, or from a roof rack while car camping.  The Organizer is $28 from Sierra Designs; (800) 635-0461; www.sierradesigns.com. 4.  RECHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE:  First there was the kerosene lantern  --  effective but useless if you run out of those little cloth mantles.  Then came the battery-operated lantern.  Nice, but carrying around those big extra batteries was a hassle --  and wasteful.  Enter SwissGear's Rechargeable Lantern, which comes with a built-in long-lasting battery that can be recharged via the included 120-volt AC adapter or 12-volt car plug --  both of which stash in the base of the lantern. The lantern has two fluorescent tubes; push a button to light one tube, both, or the little LED night light. The lantern has an LED power and charge indicator light as well as a built-in compass  --  just to make sure you light your way in the right direction.  The carry handle has a built in retractable hook.    Rechargeable Lantern (SG66301) is $30 from Wenger; (800)267-3577; www.swisscampinggear.com. 5.  TO HAVE AND KEEP COLD:  Coleman has invented a cooler cooler.  The Ultimate Xtreme Cooler has 2 inches of insulation in the lid and case that the company guarantees will keep ice frozen and cold things cold for six days in 90-degree heat --  just the thing for a long camping weekend.   The Ultimate Xtreme cooler comes in several models; my favorite is the wheeled version, available in 50-  and 82-quart sizes.  The coolers have tight-fitting hinged lids with four deep indentations for holding beverages, two large wheels at one end, a fold-down tow-handle at the other, and sturdy two-way handles at both ends for lifting and carrying.  There's also a channel drain at the front that allows for draining without tilting the cooler. At about 17- and 24 pounds, respectively, these are more suited to car camping than backpacking --  unless you just can't live without ice cream in the wilds.  Ultimate Xtreme Wheeled Cooler in 82-quart model is $112; 50-quart size, $60, from Coleman; (800) 835-3278; www.coleman.com.  These will help you think warm thoughts January 7, 2007 A ski vacation or other cold-weather outing can be less chilling when using the following new products. All items have been tested by the author. Toasty tootsies Once you've slipped on Sierra Designs' new DriZone Down Booties, you may never want to take them off. The soft nylon ripstop booties are filled with thick featherweight down up to the calf. A thick-ridged rubber sole lets you venture outside — perhaps to an informal dinner or a gathering around a campfire. They pack down to practically nothing, but why pack them when you can wear them on the plane or during a long car ride? Available in a variety of colors in men's and women's sizes. Your toes will thank you. DriZone Booties, $55 from Sierra Designs; (800) 635-0461, http://www.sierradesigns.com . Haute coat Rejoice. A toasty down parka has debuted that doesn't sacrifice shape for warmth. The Snow Princess Parka from Cloudveil is the shapeliest and softest down jacket I've encountered. Plus, its full-length cut covers your bottom and thighs — a nice switch from the "fattening" look of the typical parka that abandons women midhip or higher. The quilted fabric is made of a silky synthetic blend accurately branded "Luscious." The neckline and cuffs are lined with soft shearling-like fleece. The parka has a two-way zipper closure with a snapping over-flap for extra insulation. A zippered inside pocket can hold a credit card or extra cash, and zippered outside pockets provide plenty of depth for hand-warming or securely stashing gloves. Available in black or snow white. Women's Snow Princess Parka (3517) is $275 from Cloudveil; (877) 255-8345, http://www.cloudveil.com . Hat trick You don't have to look goofy to keep your head warm. Tilley's wool Winter Hat has a flattering fedora look. The downward slope of the brim, both front and back, not only looks suave but also protects the forehead and back of the neck from wind and snow. The wool exterior is rain and stain repellent. The most welcome features are inside the crown — a thin layer of foam, to help keep your own body heat in, and a tuck-away forehead warmer and earflaps for really cold or windy conditions. Available in black, navy, charcoal or autumn tweed, in standard hat sizes. Winter Hat is $85 from Tilley Endurables; (800) 363-8737, http://www.tilley.com .

Strike a pose, then copy it

December 17, 2006

Innovations in photo and video products continue to impress and amaze. Just take a look at the following neat new items, all of which have been tested by the author.

Snapshots in a snap

If you're looking for a place to stash typical 4-by-6 prints, I vote for the neat Photo Storage Tray from KangaRooM Storage. Made of classy-looking leather-like vinyl with cutout tray "handles," the stackable tray is divided into six compartments with tabbed lids. Each lid has a built-in 4-by-6-inch frame to display a prize photo that also can identify what's in that compartment. Each section holds up to 70 prints. The trays are available in black with lime trim or brown with blue trim.

Photo Storage Tray $35; (415) 543-3615, http://www.kangaroomstorage.com .

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Stow and grow

M-Rock makes camera bags that are willing to be flexible. The 15 bags, from small pouches to a large backpack, are designed to work together to meet different needs at different times, using assorted belts, straps, cords, loops and Velcro strips. Most of the larger models can be carried as a shoulder bag, waist pack, backpack or front chest pack. Any of the six smaller bags, which can hold lenses as well as smaller cameras, can hook up with the nine larger bags using Velcro strips or the optional modular belt. All the bags are made of a tough water-resistant nylon and are padded with dense closed cell foam. The main compartment on most of the bags closes with both a heavy duty two-way zipper and a front buckle attached to a rain flap. Internal padded partitions are adjustable and removable with Velcro strips. Extra pockets help organize accessories, and an included coated nylon "weather jacket" provides additional dust- and water protection. The company website helps match bags to specific cameras.

M-Rock camera bags $16-$140; (800) 773-7067, http://www.m-rock.com .

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Super duper

Money may not buy happiness. But it can certainly help eliminate the tedium of burning multiple CDs or DVDs of your favorite photos or family videos. The 16X Kanguru DVD Duplicator tower is a stand-alone dual format DVD burner that, depending on the model, can copy up to three, seven or 11 disks at one time. Just insert a master disk, slip the blank disks into their slots, press "copy," and voilà. The unit comes with a 250 GB removable hard drive that can store the equivalent of 40 full DVDs to burn at any time. A built-in LCD display facilitates copy, test, compare, load and erase functions.

DVD Duplicator with hard drive, $900 for three-DVD model, $1,200 for seven-DVD version, $1,800 for 11-DVD version; (888) 526-4878, http://www.kanguru.com .

70 steps to jump-starting a car and more good stuff

November 19, 2006

Hitting the road can be more manageable with these new products for the car. Each has been tested by the author.

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High-pressure work

Driving with under-inflated tires wears out the tread faster and is a drag on fuel consumption. Happily, you no longer need to get down on your knees with a tire gauge to make sure your air pressure measures up. The battery-operated Air Alert Valve Cap screws onto each tire's air-valve stem and blinks red if the pressure falls more than 4 pounds per square inch. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure and screw on the Air Alert caps. The brass cap has a sensor that memorizes the tire pressure when it's initially screwed on. The pressure cannot be reset on the cap, so it's important to have the tires correctly inflated on first use. After the tire is reinflated to the proper pressure, the light will stop blinking.

Air Alert Valve Caps are $25 per four-pack from A.U.T.; (877) 293-3714, http://www.automotiveupgrade.com .

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Leading the charge

Freeplay Energy, creators of hand-crank emergency flashlights and radios, has developed a people-powered car battery charger. The hefty 19-pound FreeCharge Weza is a 12-volt battery and generator that can provide enough power (about 400 amps) to jump start a vehicle in emergencies using a simple step treadle. Ideally, the internal lead acid gel cell battery would be fully charged ahead of time by the included AC wall adapter or cigarette lighter adapter. It also can be partly charged by steady foot-pumping at about 70 steps per minute — though fully charging it this way could take an hour or more. In an emergency where the FreeCharge battery is flat, you can jump start a dead car battery directly from the FreeCharge's little generator component using pedal power — 70 steps per minute for about five minutes should do it.

FreeCharge Weza is $269; (866) 697-7529, http://www.freeplayenergy.com .

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Vibes for the ride

Driving may be less of a pain in the neck thanks to the new IZON In-Car Massager. The vibrating neck rest, covered in spongy nylon, mounts onto the vehicle headrest with a detachable strap and is powered by the cigarette lighter. The control panel provides an on-off switch, a choice of eight rhythm modes and five intensity levels. The IZON does not actually massage — it performs no kneading motions — but the vibration can reduce tension. The IZON also can be used to

provide back support and soothe back muscles when wedged between the user's back and the seatback.

IZON In-Car Massager is $29.95; (800) 439-9169, http://www.izon-therapy.com .

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Road sage

For directions anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, Microsoft's Streets & Trips mapping and travel planning software program is one of the most reliable on the market, with plenty of neat graphic options. The 2007 version is available with an optional cordless GPS receiver that can work with a notebook computer by way of its USB port. The program also includes about 1.2 million points of interest — gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and parks — that can be incorporated into a personalized driving guide, complete with color maps and turn-by-turn directions. A "reroute from here" function helps you get back on track after a wrong turn. With all those spiffy options, I use Streets & Maps primarily to provide solid guidance I can print out or e-mail ahead of time from my home computer. A version for European road travel, called AutoRoute 2007, is due out soon at the same price.

Streets & Trips 2007 with GPS Locator is $129; $40 without the GPS locator; (800) 426-9400, http://www.microsoft.com/streets .

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Bow-wower

Fido may not mind being relegated to the back of the car after he settles into the swank Hammock Seat Cover from Bowsers Pet Products. Covered in soft nylon velvet in four classy color patterns (my favorite is "espresso houndstooth"), the thick polyester-filled bottom cushion has large velvety flaps that attach with nylon straps and clip to the front- and back-seat headrests, providing a hammock effect. Your animal companion can sprawl out over what would have been the gap between the front and back seats. One size fits all, and smaller breeds can double up.

Dog Hammock Seat Cover is about $200; (877) 269-7377, http://www.bowsers.com .

Cuddle up a little closer with comfortable items

October 15, 2006

Whether in hectic airports or on long car rides, travelers can use all the comforts they can get. The following new products fit the bill. All items have been tested by the author.

— Judi Dash

Leg lifts

Travel is often the stuff of sore backs. This new inflatable knee pillow takes the pressure off the lower back, hips and knees while you're lying down. Because it is contoured in the middle, the pillow stays in place when you move in your sleep. It can be inflated to a choice of firmnesses, providing custom comfort levels. The pillow, made of flocked vinyl, comes with a vinyl pouch and stashes easily in tiny spaces. Can also be used as a neck pillow or for back support in a car or airplane seat.

Inflatable Knee Pillow is $11.95; (800) 423-5487, http://www.mcnaughtoninc.com .



Sound investment

Bose headphones have long held a top spot for comfort and audio performance among full-size portable models. The new Bose QuietComfort 3 is about a third smaller than its powerhouse QuietComfort 2 predecessor, making it even more seductive as a take-along. The newest model rests on the ears instead of over them like the earlier version, without sacrificing the deep cushioning and effective external noise cancellation of the bigger model. The headphones run on an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides about 20 hours of continuous use. The ear cups rotate to a flat position for a more compact fit in the included carrying case. The optional QC3 Cell Connect Accessory Kit provides an interface with a variety of mobile phones, allowing the user to switch between music and incoming calls, and speak hands-free via an in-line microphone.

Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones are $349; QC3 Cell Connect Accessory Kit, $40; (800) 444-2673, http://www.bose.com .



Higher ground

Aero pioneered quick-inflatable beds with built-in pumps that connected to an AC outlet. Then came camping versions that could be inflated without electricity using rechargeable pumps. Now comes the most comfortable and versatile inflatable bed of all — the Aero Sport All-Terrain Raised Bed with Dual Power Pump. The bed is heavy-gauge punctureresistant vinyl, 19 inches high, which places the user nicely above the floor of a tent or guest room. The soft sueded sleep surface is a welcome buffer from the vinyl, and the bed fits standard-size sheets. The bed inflates in less than three minutes and deflates in about 60 seconds using a quick-release valve.

Sport All-Terrain Raised Bed with Dual Power Pump is about $130 in twin size, $150 in full, and $170 in queen; (888) 462-4468, http://www.thinkaero.com .



Blanket approval

The Cabin Cuddler is a lightweight travel blanket with a built-in foot pocket and shoulder wrap that maximize warmth and keep the blanket from falling off. Made of machine washable polyester fleece, the 80-by-67-inch blanket works well in an airplane or car seat or at an outdoor sporting event. Just place the blanket on the seat, with the foot pocket resting on the floor, sit on top of the blanket, tuck your feet into the pocket, and tie the shoulder wrap extensions for a cozy fit. The Cabin Cuddler is available in black, cranberry or periwinkle and comes with a matching pouch.

Cabin Cuddler (IF457) is $34.85 from Magellan's; (800) 962-4943, http://www.magellans.com .

You'll put the paper bag lunch to shame

September 10, 2006

These new products provide innovative thoughts for food. Items have been tested by the author.

— Judi Dash

Play with your food

Eating ice cream is a ball. Now so is making it. The Camper's Dream Ice Cream Ball is a low-tech but highly entertaining ice cream maker that gives a new — and fun — meaning to manual labor. Here's the scoop: The 8-inch-diameter transparent hard plastic ball has screw-on plastic lids at each end. Unscrew one end and fill the metal cylinder with a pint of cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar. Screw on the lid. Unscrew the other end and fill the space surrounding the cylinder with as much ice as possible, then add 8 tablespoons of rock salt. Screw on the lid. Then roll, shake, or even pass around the ball for about 20 minutes and — voilà! — a pint of vanilla ice cream. Also available in a quart model (dubbed Mega); it requires more of everything and 30 minutes or more of rolling.

Camper's Dream Ice Cream Ball (item 709077) is $29.95; Mega Ice Cream Maker (item 743166), $39, from REI; (800) 426-4840, http://www.rei.com .

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Cooler than coolers

Those big plastic coolers hold a lot but are bulky to store. The soft-sided collapsible models don't provide support for heavy items. The Gourmet Tote provides the best of both worlds and, as a bonus, accommodates hot and cold items at the same time, separated by a removable divider shelf. The tote is made of PVC board covered in leather-like vinyl with silver Mylar-laminated thermal insulation and folds flat for storage. It assembles by folding up the sides and connecting them via embedded snaps and Velcro strips.

Gourmet Tote is $85 in family size; $75.99, personal size; (941) 907-3003, http://www.gourmettote.com .

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Basket case

Coleman's Collapsible Basket is about the size of a supermarket hand basket but folds flat, making it a great item to keep in the car for picnics, camping trips or for stable storage anytime. The basket, made of canvas with a lightweight aluminum frame and double folding handles, is formed by two metal inner stabilizers that, when pushed out from the center, keep the sides taut. The basket provides handy storage for children's toys too.

Coleman Collapsible Basket (816-405T) is $14.99; (800) 835-3278, http://www.coleman.com .

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Fetching bag

The W.A.G. bag is for the dog that has everything — and needs it with him when he travels. The 17-by-13-by-10-inch zippered ballistic nylon bag has a reinforced wide-mouth opening for easy access to bowls, food, toys and other gear. A panel on the side of the bag unzips to reveal a bottom compartment containing a removable 4-liter Mylar water bladder with a built-in rubber spigot for quick dispensing. Seven internal and external pockets and pouches keep Fido's gear wellorganized.

W.A.G. Bag is $59.95 from RuffWear; (888) 783-3932, http://www.ruffwear.com .

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Vintage valet

Travelon, makers of myriad travel aids and accessories, has addressed that urgent question: How do I carry my wine bottles? The Wine Carrier has four bottle-size pouches made of neoprene, with a central carry handle. The lightweight neoprene — the same material used for wetsuits — keeps the bottles cushioned and somewhat insulated. When empty, it folds flat for packing. This wine carrier would be useful during a winery tour. Available in red or black and makes a nice gift, especially filled with wine.

Four-bottle Travelon Wine Carrier is $17.99 from EBags; (800) 820-6126, http://www.ebags.com .

Campers' comfort zones

August 20, 2006

A room of one's own can be especially welcome in the not-always-great outdoors. The following shelters have been tested by the author (and one by her dog).

— Judi Dash

Let there be light

The Mutha Hubba is the stuff of backpackers' dreams — a tent that sleeps three in its nearly 40 square feet and is also lightweight (less than 7 pounds, including the tent, rain fly and poles). Made almost entirely of no-see-um mesh netting, except for the waterproof floor and ceiling, the Mutha Hubba allows for maximum ventilation. The included rain fly provides protection from downpours and morning dew. Two zippered tent entrances and two matching vestibules on the rain fly make entry and exit easy at both ends and provide extra space for gear. The self-standing tent sets up quickly using a series of featherweight collapsible poles, all connected to one hub by elastic cord. The rain fly also connects to the poles, as does an optional waterproof "footprint" ground cloth.

Mutha Hubba tent (12143) is $380; footprint (12154), $50, from Cascade Designs; (800) 531-9531, http://www.msrgear.com .

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Wind block

A cool breeze may be welcome on a hot day at the beach, but a mighty wind is another matter. Swirls of gritty sand and, on cooler days, chilling gusts, are no fun. The folks at WesArt have a solution: an improved version of their ingenious Windthingy. The nylon, 3 1/2 -foot-high, fan-shaped umbrella has a 7-foot span that, when staked to sand or soil (two plastic stakes included), shields its users from whatever is blowing their way. The Windthingy can be rotated on its central aluminum shaft if the wind changes, though it will have to be re-staked with each shift.

Windthingy is $30 from WesArt Productions; (800) 358-3269, http://www.windthingy.com .

Have music, will travel

July 23, 2006

You need never be bored on the go, thanks to the following new items, which pack plenty of entertainment punch. All have been tested by the author.

Carry a tune

Why settle for luggage that merely holds clothes when you can have a bag that also entertains you? The Boom Bag, a carry-on-size suitcase, has a removable stereo amplifier, speakers and a subwoofer. Just power up the system with the AC cord, plug in your MP3 or CD player, grab the included remote control and start a dance party in your hotel room. The Boom Bag also has a microphone jack for audio presentations — or turn any room with a power outlet into a karaoke club. When it's not onstage, the bag performs its regular duties as a 21-by-14-by-9-inch wheeled suitcase. Company President Mark Wright says the suitcases pass airport security just fine, and electronic compartments zip open for inspection by TSA personnel. 

Expandable Carry-on (BBS21) is $300 from Boom Bags; (800) 927-1767, http://www.boombags.com .

Tell me a story

What if you could listen to that hot-selling audiobook without having to schlep your CD or cassette player, or download it onto your MP3 player? Enter the Playaway, a battery-powered digital audio device about the size of a deck of cards that comes pre-loaded with an audiobook. The unit comes with mini headphones (or you can use your own) and a lanyard, and runs on one AAA battery (included). Besides books, Playaways also are available pre-loaded with language lessons and city walking tours. The Playaway is pricey. It plays your book, or tour, and nothing else, but the convenience factor is seductive.

Playaway Digital Audio Books start at $35; (877) 893-0808, http://www.playawaydigital.com .

Rock and stroll

For the 21st century baby and his or her minder, the stroller that only strolls just won't do. Better they should have the Jeep Liberty Limited Stroller, with built-in entertainment. The child gets to play with an electronic toy steering wheel — with a horn, car sounds and music — mounted on a removable snack tray with built-in juice-box and cup holders. A "parent tray" attached to the handle has built-in speakers, a jack and space for a portable music player so everyone can groove together on the go. The stroller has three 12-inch inflatable wheels (air pump is included) for navigating uneven surfaces.

Jeep Liberty Urban Terrain Stroller is $100 at http://www.babiesrus.com .



Wake up!

Portable speakers are nothing new, but this set has a programmable alarm clock attached — plus a docking station for charging and playing an iPod. It includes a jack and cable to adapt to any audio device with a headphone jack. The iHome2Go, about the size of a thick hardcover novel, features a pair of 3 1/2-inch-diagonal stereo speakers that pop up from the alarm-clock base. The speakers, which run on four AA batteries (not included), provide exceptionally full, vibrant sound without tinniness. The digital clock runs on the included AC wall adapter. A programmable sleep timer lets you drift off to dreamland with your favorite music playing for 15, 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

iHome2Go (item iH26) is $100 from SCI; (800) 288-2792, http://www.ihomeaudio.com .

Because some things are such a drag

Judi Dash,
July 9, 2006

Taking the kids to the beach and other fun places can be safer and easier to manage with the following items, all of which have been tested by the author. — Judi Dash

Hot seat cool-down

A few hours in the sun can leave a car or booster seat painfully hot to the touch; seat-belt buckles especially can scorch delicate skin. The Comfaset Car Seat Protector can make a difference. Its quilted cover, which has a silver reflective surface, acts as a buffer between the car seat and the sun. An insulated pouch holds a freezer pack (not included), which can be placed between the seat and the cover to keep the seat even cooler. The Comfaset fastens by Velcro to the top of the car seat or passenger seat back and rolls down when needed, or up and out of the way when the child is in the seat. Machine washable and dryable.

Comfaset Car Seat Protector is $24.95 from Baby Outfitters; (866) 715-2229, http://www.baby-outfitters.com .

The big lug

The Wonder Wheeler Plus folding cart reduces the schlep factor when the family heads to the beach or other outdoor spots. Two fat rubber wheels at the back of the cart won't get bogged down in sand, and two smaller double wheels at the front make for easy rolling on solid ground and add stability when the cart is at rest. The cart can hold a 48-quart cooler, a large mesh pocket accommodates loads of towels and toys, and the front railing provides a roost for up to four folding chairs. A back pocket can hold lotions, books and other supplies. The cart folds compactly for storage, especially when the snap-on wheels are removed. A larger Deluxe Wonder Wheeler has a sleeve for an umbrella (not included) and an extra pocket, but it is a little bulkier.

Wonder Wheeler Plus is $54.95 (deluxe model $64.95); (866) 351-0240, http://www.4thebeach.com

Lighten up on your next journey

JUDI DASH,
March 5, 2006

The newest flashlights and other lighting devices provide assistance when you're on the go. These items have been tested by the writer.

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Stand and deliver

The folks at Stanley Tools must have had fun designing the new MaxLife 369 Tripod Flashlight. The 11-inch-long light has a built-in, pop-open tripod for hands-free operation and a pivoting head to direct the beam higher or lower. The flashlight can function on three, six or nine AA alkaline batteries (not included), which stack in the tripod legs. The more batteries used, the longer it runs — from 75 to 200 hours. A four-position, push-button switch — high, medium, low and off — controls the intensity of the beam from the six permanent LED bulbs. The flashlight has a slip-resistant rubber grip and a low-power indicator that lights up when the batteries should be replaced. Keep one in your car.

MaxLife 369 Tripod Flashlight is about $30; (800) 262-2161, http://www.stanleytools.com .

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Bright idea

It only takes one 9-volt battery to power the Pak-Lite. The small flashlight is an LED semiconductor encapsulated in a little plastic cap that snaps onto any 9-volt battery to produce an instant flashlight. Just flip the minuscule switch on the side of the cap and light flows out of two tiny bulbs at the top. When the battery is expended, just snap it off and replace with another 9-volt battery, whether a standard 9-volt, an alkaline or long-life lithium 9-volt. The Pak-Lite comes with a battery in place and is available in a variety of configurations, including a basic model with a standard battery and an on/off switch and a flashing model with a flash/off/high switch.

Pak-Lite LED Flashlight is $12.99 to $29.99; (541) 660-0349, http://www.9voltlight.com .

Light heavyweights

Judi Dash,
March 19, 2006

Innovative manufacturers are introducing luggage and accessories aimed at reducing the hassle of traveling. Both of the following items have been tested by this writer.

— Judi Dash

Expandable carry-on

The race is on for bags that provide the most space within an airline's rules. Eagle Creek's new Cross Roads nylon expandable wheeled bags are winners. The 22-inch wheel-aboard model weighs just 7 pounds, 9 ounces and has an impressive capacity (3,900 cubic inches when expanded). It and its 25-inch cousin convert to backpacks via built-in shoulder straps.

Cross Roads 22-inch wheeled bag is about $200; 25-inch model, $230; (800) 874-9925, http://www.eaglecreek.com .

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Mobile security

Sad to say, a tight grip on your tote may not be enough to foil thieves, who these days may come armed with knives for cutting free shoulder straps or slashing a bag's bottom. Enter the ToteSafe, a roomy 17-inch nylon bag that has stainless steel-fortified shoulder straps (one of which has a clip for lashing to any secure fixture), slash-proof steel mesh-reinforced front and bottom panels, and a zipper that latches shut. With all the reinforcement and compartments, it weighs just 23 ounces.

ToteSafe (LB321) is $64.85 from Magellan's; (800) 962-4943, http://www.magellans.com .