Awesome Travel Gear, Gizmos, and Services (2014 Edition)

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I’m amazed at the variety of travel gear, gizmos, and services that make life on the road easier, more secure, and generally awesome. Here is some of the cool stuff I’ve discovered in 2014.

Note: While this post was published in 2014, it has since been updated for accuracy of links and product info.

Editor’s Note: Some of these products and services were provided to me for free or at discounted rates. There are also some affiliate links in this post. All opinions are my own, and I practice what I preach.

Water Bottle with Filter

In spending three months in Peru, I had not one, but two gut-wrenching bouts of parasites and bacterial infections. I’ll spare you the gory details, but suffice it to say it’s debilitating, and incurable without medication. One of the leading causes of this yucky-ness? Water. In retrospect, I suspect even the “drinkable” water in my hotel in Lima was the cause of my second illness.

So, I went out and found a water bottle with a filter that removes 99.9999% of water-borne bacteria and parasites – including heavy metals!

2024 Update: Since originally writing this post, I’ve used A LOT of different water filters and water bottles with filters. Many have involved some kind of compromise (eg: weight or bulk or ease of use, or not filtering enough ickies), or been discontinued.

The water filter bottle that has won out over the years is made by Water-to-Go. It filters absolutely everything I want to filter (you can even fill it up with yucky river water and it comes out clean), it’s easy to use, and they even make their bottles out of sugar cane!

It has a straw-like filter that ensures I never suffer a parasite again. It’s perfect for everyday drinking, as well as any future treks I do in the wilds of Peru and elsewhere.

For more ways to treat unclean water, check out: Dealing with Parasites – a Full Guide to Getting Clean Water Around the World

Nord VPN

Now with clean innards, it’s time to have a clean computer. I wouldn’t want to travel and live without a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt my internet activities and protect my computer from hackers. (See also: How to Travel Securely and use a VPN).

2019 Update: Over the years, I’ve used a lot of VPN services, but none of have measured up to NordVPN for me. Here’s why: 

• Access to 5,716 servers worldwide
• Strict no logs policy
• Connect 6 devices at the same time
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• DNS leak protection
• Kill Switch (super important for security)
• Auto Connect (also super important, and not super common in the VPN world)

Get started with Nord VPN here, for as little as a few dollars a month.

Evolve Top by Encircled

Since getting Encircled’s Chrysalis Cardi last year (more on that here), every single time I wear it without fail, at least one person (usually a complete stranger) compliments me on it. So when Encircled came out with their next super-comfy and chic design, the Evolve Top, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It’s not quite as multi-functional as the Chrysalis Cardi, but there are still about 10 ways to style this very flattering shirt. Check out this video to see the Evolve Top in action.

Compression Socks

When I fly, my feet swell, often for days. It’s uncomfortable and ugly (and evidently I’m vain). So when Dr. Segal’s (a family-owned Canadian company) approached me, I knew it was time to get these compression socks I’d often heard of but never tried.

Apparently compression therapy socks reduce blood clots, ankle and foot swelling, leg pain, and increase energy. I was skeptical that a pair of socks could do all that, but then again they’re not particularly cheap, so it’s reasonable to assume they’ll to more than keep your feet warm.

The acid test was a 24 hour journey, including a 10.5 hour flight followed shortly thereafter by a 4.5 hour flight. Before I even arrived at the airport I was doing a little jig in them – they really do energize your feet and legs. After the first flight I was free of swelling (but then again I was feet-up in first class); the second flight (no bed) tested the socks more, and although I was a wee bit swollen, it was markedly better than usual and totally gone the following morning. I’ve also used them working out to add a spring to my step, and I look forward to using them for hiking.

Compression socks have officially earned a spot in my travel bag. Get them at Amazon.

Are you a Travel Gear Geek?

Join the club! I am too. Here are some posts you might find interesting:

Merino Wool Clothing for Travel: A Guide to Choosing the Best Brands

Anatomie: My New Favourite Travel Clothing

Pro Packing Hacks: Best Packing Tools

My Search for the Perfect Travel Sandal

The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel

Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel: Backpacks vs Rolling Luggage

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