Tag Archives: Gear

This Gear In Review

Multi-device USB Charger

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After traveling for 100+ days with something, I feel like I have a good sense of how good it really is. In particular, there is one item I never want to go without again. And lucky for you, it is on sale on Amazon right now!

The item is a multi-port USB charger. I shopped around before I chose this particular item, so let me explain why I like this better than many of the other options out there:

    1. I wanted a device that had a cable between the hub and the socket. Having a cable gives me more flexibility in how I set up my room, like leaving my charging phone on the bedside table so I can get to my alarm quickly without disturbing others. I also worried that a design where the hug plugged into the wall would add too much weight to the socket (I have experienced this socket problem with lighter things!), and also be limiting in tight places where furniture is close to the socket.
    2. Accepts 100-240 Volt input. There is more to travel and your electronics than just the socket being different shapes. It is important to know that your devices (especially those precious ones like your cell phone) will not be damaged while charging them in different power environments.
    3. Had enough ports to charge all the items I was bringing with me. There are versions of this charger with different number of USB ports to suit your needs. I promise I won’t judge you if you need more than 5….
    4. Promised to charge my devices quickly. This wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but I was very happy with the performance of the charger.
    5. Physical size. I was pleased with how small the box is on this device. The cables take up more room than it does!

I have even appreciated having this device during the non-travel moments of my life. It can just be nice to charge all my USB powered things in one spot.

Here’s an Amazon link to the specific device I have: Anker® 40W 5-Port High Speed Desktop USB Charger with PowerIQ Technology. I’m not making money off this, just sharing my experiences. http://amzn.com/B00GTGETFG

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Eagle Creek Specter Compression Bags

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I think this review will have to be updated after I get way more use out of my gear, but so far, I really appreciate these compression bags. They pack like packing cubes, which works pretty tidily if you roll your clothes, but you can also get a decent amount of compression out of them with the integrated zipper. I have been able to fit all my clothes into a larger one and compress it a significant amount, and use the medium size one for socks, underwear, etc. The inside of my backpack is now super segmented, and nothing gets disarrayed if all I want to do is change into my sandals. I have been using a ziplock inside the packing cube for dirty or damp items, which has been working so far.

Note: we also have a set of non-compression cubes in three sizes. We are using one for shoes, one for prescription medicines, and one for a miscellaneous bag. While these are acceptably functional, I would recommend buying the compression style instead. Even if you have all noncompressible items in the bag on one trip, if you don’t need the full space of the compartment, the compression feature allows you to use the same packing cube in a range of thicknesses.

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Drylite XL towel

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I am in love with one of the items I’ve packed for our long trip – it’s the drylite XL towel, and it feels like a luxury! Since we are flying carry-on only for most of our trips, space is crucial. This towel packs down super small, is even lighter than Matt’s travel towel, and is big enough to be modest or to use as a beach towel. The tradeoff is the texture- it feels like a chamois. I’m ok with the texture, especially because it comes with superabsorbent powers. I could use it to dry off after a shower and then be able to pull the moisture out of some sink washed laundry with absorbency to spare. I have been using it for a couple weeks now and am starting to think it may be my full time towel even when I’m not traveling….