Luxury Collection of Underwear from Tani Product:  Air Fitness Boxer Brief from Tani Rating:   (out of three hearts) Features:  Designed to be worn for athletic and everyday activities, the Air Fitness Boxer Brief keeps you cool and comfortable in any situation. The three-dimensional pique knit creates tiny pockets of air that helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool where you need it most. The SUPERFINE Tencel wicks away 50 percent more moisture than cotton. What He thought:  I handed these over to my favorite guy traveler for review, asking him to pay special attention to comfort and wearability. I asked him to wear them under a variety of conditions:  every day, for high energy activities, for long and sweaty travel, and for light exercise. He put the boxers through its paces, laundered it by hand as well as by machine, […]

I’ve had a Kindle since the very first generation was released. It’s served me well (although I do have my eye on upgrading to the Kindle Paperwhite), allowing me to carry all the books I’d like to read for a little under half a pound. Compare that with the weight and bulk of carrying around a book or two – or a dozen when I’d head to Europe for a few weeks – and it makes practical packing sense. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the heft of a real book and the feel of real paper, but my back and shoulders appreciate my efforts to lighten the load when I’m on the road. I’ve recently discovered that my local public library offers Kindle books on loan, and it’s an inexpensive way to catch up on a lot of […]

Tamagear Mid Layer Jacket Product:  Perfect Mid Layer Jacket from Tamagear MJ Rating:   (of three hearts) Features:  Tamagear’s Mid Layer Jacket is a new production item.  It’s soft, comfortable and stylish, and was designed with both fashion and practicality in mind. Made of a polyester/spandex blend, it features four strategically located pockets. It serves as a great mid-layer on those cold days when a heavier coat would be required and layering is a must, but is a perfect lightweight “only” layer on cool, but not cold, days. What I thought:  I’m the person that’s always cold. Friends may be in shorts and a t-shirt, but I’m the one carrying a sweater. And since I frequently have to pack for widely varying weather – Hawaii and New York in winter time – I need clothes that layer and do double duty. […]

Compression Socks from Zensah Product:  Tech+ Compression Socks from Zensah Rating:   Features:  Zensah Argyle Compression Socks provide for increased circulation and decreased recovery time by utilizing advanced graduated compression in each pair of argyle compression socks. Moisture wicking keeps the socks dry, and a padded toe and heel make them comfy. A graduated compression provides increased oxygenated blood flow and decreased recovery time from athletic activities. The compression socks are made in Italy. What I thought:  Make no mistake about it, I am not an athlete and I don’t pretend to be one, but when I saw these compression socks I thought they’d be great for traveling. There’s been plenty written about the advantages of compression hose/socks while flying, so I won’t go into here, and these Zensah socks caught my eye because they cute (c’mon pink and black […]

Comfy Commuter has the Travel Pillow of Your Dreams Product:  Comfy Commuter Travel Pillow Value Luxury Rating:    (2 out of 3) Features:  The Comfy Commuter travel pillow is made of soft plush and designed to create a space at the base of your neck so that your head is not forced forward into an uncomfortable position. The pillow extends up past the ears to support your head on both sides. An optional chin strap can be used to keep your head from slipping through the front when in use. The washable pillow has a side pocket for your iPod or phone and an attached bag for easy storage. What I thought:  Let’s face it — I don’t usually travel with a travel pillow because I’m betting on that upgrade to business class and the lie flat seats! Alas, that doesn’t happen all the time and […]

The Trail to Rapids Line from Baffin Product:  Cabo Trail to Rapids from Baffin MJ Rating:   (of 3) Features:  This lightweight and highly breathable trail shoe is designed for comfortable use on dry or wet trails. A specially design 5-layer system allows water to drain through, while a metallic grid in the sole keeps rocks or other debris from getting into the shoe. The insole channels take care of draining all moisture. The Cabo comes in black with purple lacing (the one I have) and chocolate with black lacing. The shoe is available in for men and women. What I thought:  I refuse to bog down my luggage or day pack with multiple pairs of shoes. They’re heavy and take up too much room that can be put to better use. My rule of thumb – wear a pair, pack […]

The Collins Collection from Brenthaven Product:  Indigo Chambray Messenger Bag from Brenthaven Rating:  Features:  The Classic Collins collection gets a new edge with the Indigo Chambray color option featuring pinstriped lining and leather touch points. The messenger bag has been designed to hold laptops up to 15.4 inches and has a padded, custom fit tablet pocket. Your gear is kept safe with Brenthaven’s signature High Density Foam protection system. What I thought:  Brenthaven is headquartered here in my home town, Seattle, and I love doing business locally. They offer value-priced premium bags designed to fit the needs of modern technology users. This messenger bag was perfect to give to a guy in my life who would put it through its paces to see how it performs. Used every day for several weeks, stuffed full of files and gadgets, this bag lived […]

Nuu-Muu Product:  Nuu-Muu exercise-and-everything-else dress MJ Rating:   (of three) Features:   The Nuu-Muu is an easy care multi-purpose garment than can be worn for a variety of purposes. There are basically two styles – one with pockets, one without. What I thought:  I’m always looking for clothing choices that are easy to pack, yet stylish enough to do double (or triple) duty while on the road. After all, there’s a fine line between practical comfort and looking frumpy. Need I explain which one is the better option?! I was interested in the Nuu-Muu exercise-and-everything-else dress because it seem designed to flatter real women’s bodies – you know, with all those little imperfections – and it looked perfect for exercise, travel, and as a beach cover up. The Nuu-Muu can be worn over bike shorts, running tights, yoga pants, swimsuits, jeans, leggings, pretty much […]