by Editor | Nov 26, 2007 | New Articles, Products
Article and photo by Josette King
Eagle Creek ORV Gear Bag
The Eagle Creek designers must have been reading my mind when they developed their superb ORV (Off Road Vacation) Gear Bag! I tested it on several trips in recent months and found it was everything I ever hoped for in a duffle bag. Compact enough to meet airline carry-on requirements; it still managed to hold everything I needed for a two-week African safari.
Thanks to its oversized, three-sided top opening, it is a breeze to pack. The two internal zip-up divider panels and the two pockets fitted into the top flap of the bag make the contents easy to organize and access; no need to unpack and repack at each stop of my itinerary. The ORV Gear Bag is equally convenient to carry as it is to pack. In addition to the detachable padded shoulder strap, it features sturdy grab handles at the top as well as both ends of the bag; or it becomes an instant backpack thanks to comfortable back straps hidden in the bottom of the bag.
Although only three pounds in weight, the Eagle Creek ORV Gear Bag is exceptionally sturdy. It is made of tough, lightweight Cordura Nylon, and all exterior seams are double-stitched. The two external compression straps are especially useful when the bag gets over packed.
Click here for the complete article on Eagle Creek ORV Gear Bag
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by Editor | Oct 29, 2007 | Products
Article and photo* by Chester Godsy
We used Sexy Beast on Wager, our model dog
During a recent trip with our dogs we tried Sexy Beast, a new hypo-allergenic and vegan product grooming line for dogs made by Project Rover, LLC. Sexy Beast is a three step refresher process, Fresh, Powder, and Gloss, to condition dog coats. While Fresh is described as a gentle cleanser and deodorizer, Powder promises to add body, fluff and shimmer to a dog’s coat, and Gloss is described as a laminating mist “to restore luster and shine.” A travel set in due to be released soon.
We tried Sexy Beast on our three dogs and a friend’s two dogs that traveled with us. We keep our dogs fairly clean; we bathe them frequently and they live in our house. We use a variety of products to keep our dogs clean and keep their coats healthy. I must admit that I was a bit skeptical of this product. However, I found that the dogs did not mind having these products on their coats. Often dogs will react poorly to perfumes on their coats. After shampoos and product application dogs will usually go outside and roll around.
Sexy Beast Gloss and Fresh
This was not the case with these products; they reacted well to the Sexy Beast line. At the same time, people liked the fragrances. A little bit of the Sexy Beast product goes a long way in terms of fragrance. There is no substitute for keeping a dog clean. Although Sexy Beast was pleasant for dogs and their human friends, the products won’t cover up an already stinky dog.
We used Sexy Beast products on our dogs just before we traveled so that they would smell better to the people we encountered along the way. We also traveled with two other dogs owned by friends. One of these two dogs had a reputation for smelling poorly. After we treated the smelly pooch with Sexy Beast products things improved for us humans. One thing I liked about the products was that the were made with natural ingredients.
Based on my experience with Sexy Beast , I recommend it to my friends who want to improve the scent of their dogs and keep their coat clean and shiny between shampoos. The line is available on the company website and at luxury pet stores.
*Product photos courtesy of Sexy Beast
by Editor | Jul 30, 2007 | Products
The Garmin C330 StreetPilot is a street map based global positioning system (GPS) custom designed for use in a car. My overall impression of the Garmin C330 was excellent. I really liked this unit. I was able to test this unit in my home city where I am familiar with the roads, and also when I traveled to a large east coast city where we rented a car that did not have a GPS already installed.
When we traveled with the C330 we landed in an unfamiliar airport in a large east coast city. The C330 is small and lightweight enough that it easily fits in a small travel bag. The Garmin unit acquired its position quickly so we didn’t have to wait on it after we were inside our rental car. Before we left our home I had already entered the destination address of our hotel as well as several other important trip destinations – Chester Godsy.
Click here to read the complete article about Garmin C330 StreetPilot
by Editor | Jul 16, 2007 | Products
Radio Frequency Identity (RF-ID) Blocking Passport Wallet
Josette King tested Magellan’s Radio Frequency Identity (RF-ID) Blocking Passport Wallet recently: The U.S. State Department began issuing passports embedded with radio-frequency identity tags (RF-ID) in August 2006. These are also becoming the norm in a growing number of countries. While the new RF-ID passports are expected to enhance border security, enough concerns have been raised by computer security experts about the privacy risks they pose to the passport holder that I felt compelled to secure mine.
The RF-ID Blocking Passport Wallet, made of fine leather with a protective shield inner lining to ensure the RF data cannot be accessed unless the wallet is open, provided an inconspicuous way to protect my new passport from potential data-stealing hackers. Click here to read the complete article about the Radio Frequency Identity Blocking Passport Wallet
Click here to purchase Radio Frequency Identity Blocking Passport Wallet
by Editor | Jun 4, 2007 | New Articles, Products
Solarveil Sun Hat
Photo: Josette King
Josette King tested the Solarveil Sun Hat recently and liked it. Here’s what she had to say: With its SPF 20+ rating, this lightweight wide-brimmed hat delivered superior sun protection without sacrificing style or comfort. Its generous three-inch brim offered excellent face and neck protection, and featured a navy lining that effectively reduced glare.
The hat was made of patented loose-weaved Solvarveil® fabric, a complex yarn structure touted for its superior breathability, wicking properties and the ability to block UVB and UVA rays. Click here to read the complete article.
Click here to purchase Magellan’s Solarveil Sun Hat 
by Editor | Apr 16, 2007 | Products
Photo: Magellan’s
A couple of week’s ago a friend was forced to leave behind $100 in champagne from her luggage at the airport in Houston, Texas. She had exceeded her luggage allowance in business class for her international flight; and although she was willing to pay extra to take the bubbly, the airline refused. She was forced to leave the bottles behind at the airport.
We have avoided that fate and excess luggage fees on more than one occasion by carrying a light weight, inexpensive ($9) and simple to use gadget, a portable luggage scale. After packing our luggage and zippering each bag, we lift it with the scale to see how much it weighs. If it exceeds our weight allowance we lighten it. We take the 8-ounce scale with 75 pound weighing capacity with us. On the return trip, when our luggage is bursting with souvenirs, we pull out the scale and repeat the operation.
Using the scale is fast and easy, especially with two of us. While one person lifts the luggage with the scale, the other observes the weight needle carefully. In order to use the scale effectively we have to be able to lift the suitcase or bag completely off the ground.
To weigh the luggage, we attach the handle of the suitcase to the scale hook and lift the cushioned handle of the scale. That means, if the suitcase weighs 50 pounds, we must be able to lift the 50-pound bag. We have used the scale and taken it with us on at least six international trips and it has worked like a charm.
Click here to purchase scale 
