Gear Diary » Traveling and Travel Gear http://www.geardiary.com Everyone can understand technology; sometimes it just takes a little translating. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Road Warrior/Technogypsy Notes: The Right Stuff Helpshttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/13/road-warriortechnogypsy-notes-the-right-stuff-helps/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/13/road-warriortechnogypsy-notes-the-right-stuff-helps/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:00:13 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=182932 ™

No, I don't travel with quite that much stuff; close, though (Image courtesy of The Tech Journal)

So it used to be that I had to travel basically every week--my job was in California, but my home is in Austin, so I did an awful lot of flying around.  After a while, it got to the point where it was practically automatic, and I didn't give much thought to the things I did to make traveling easier. Recently, however, after a 5 month hiatus, I had to make a business trip, and I'm finding that some of the gear that I got to ease my way makes things much easier.  If you yourself are a road warrior, a technogypsy, a traveling nerd, then maybe some of these hints can help you out, too. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/13/road-warriortechnogypsy-notes-the-right-stuff-helps/feed/ 0 Sena Messenger Bag for Tablets Video Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/12/sena-messenger-bag-for-tablets-video-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/12/sena-messenger-bag-for-tablets-video-review/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:00:33 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=183455 I carry my iPad with me pretty much all the time. And, increasingly I find myself carrying ONLY my iPad and my smartphone during the day. I don't carry my laptop. I don't carry a pen or even my Livescribe Echo SmartPen. I don't even carry an external keyboard for the iPad. And if I am going to go light I might as well carry a small, light bag. I've been on the hunt for something small and light that also had some style to it. So when I saw the Messenger Bag for Tablets on Sena's website I took note. But I had some questions about it. Would it be TOO small? Would it be too heavy? Would the silver plate on the front be too big and "blingy"? Would it look too much like a murse? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/12/sena-messenger-bag-for-tablets-video-review/feed/ 1 Gear Deal: Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphoneshttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/10/gear-deal-sony-mdr-nc500d-digital-noise-canceling-headphones/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/10/gear-deal-sony-mdr-nc500d-digital-noise-canceling-headphones/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:30:47 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=183155 Today's Gear Deal brings us the Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones at a nice discount. They feature noise canceling technology, noise reduction, a digital Equalizer, an internal Lithium-ion battery, and more. Normally $399, our Gear Sponsor has found a number of different ways you can save that, when all are applied, drops the price all the way down to just $229. You'll find details and ordering information here on the deal site. Gear Deal: Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones via LogicBUY Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/10/gear-deal-sony-mdr-nc500d-digital-noise-canceling-headphones/feed/ 0 The Cenoire Eluo Sonic Toothbrush Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/07/the-cenoire-eluo-sonic-toothbrush-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/07/the-cenoire-eluo-sonic-toothbrush-review/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:00:21 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=182598 Your teeth are precious. And as tough as they are, they actually need to a good bit of attention if you want them hanging around. Brushing and flossing are a must. Water picks are good too. And while it is easy to get into a healthy routine when you are home, it can be much tougher when you travel or are out and about for a 14 hour work day. That's where Cenoire's Eluo Sonic Toothbrush comes in. The Eluo is easy to carry, simple to use and, believe it or not, even looks kind of neat. Here's a look. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/07/the-cenoire-eluo-sonic-toothbrush-review/feed/ 0 TripIt gets “iPadified” with New “On-Map” Interactions and Planninghttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/02/tripit-gets-ipadified-with-new-on-map-interactions-and-planning/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/02/tripit-gets-ipadified-with-new-on-map-interactions-and-planning/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:15:34 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=181925 20120202-162503.jpg Judie turned me on to TripIt about two years ago, and I have been a devoted user ever since. And today we got word that TripIt.com just got “iPadified", and now "Travelers can interact with their trip plans on a map and create directions instantly online." This is a new way for TripIt users to access trip maps and get directions and makes the service even more valuable than ever. As the news release we received explains,
Now, when travelers log onto TripIt.com, they’ll have the option to view their itinerary alongside an interactive map, or select the traditional detailed view. By clicking on their hotel, airport, or other itinerary item on the map, they can get directions created instantly.
A Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/02/tripit-gets-ipadified-with-new-on-map-interactions-and-planning/feed/ 0 JumpFromPaper Makes Real Life Feel Like a Cartoon with Seriously Ridiculous Bagshttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/27/jumpfrompaper-makes-real-life-feel-like-a-cartoon-with-seriously-ridiculous-bags/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/27/jumpfrompaper-makes-real-life-feel-like-a-cartoon-with-seriously-ridiculous-bags/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:30:41 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=181002

I loved the way "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988) and "Cool World" (1992) mixed cartoon elements into a real-world backdrop. I enjoyed the same effect as a kid, watching older Disney movies such as Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Song of the South. There's just something quirky and irresistible about imagining a world where cartoons can come to life; anything can happen! Evidently the minds behind JumpFromPaper feel the same. Created by Taipei-based design duo, Chay Su and Rika Lin, JumpFromPaper is a bag company that has produced a line of travel, camera, laptop and general gear bags which look like props from a cartoon.
One cozy afternoon, the two girls were chatting, when they got to sketching their dream designer handbag. A surprising idea popped up – “How amazing it would be if a two-dimensional hand-drawn illustration could come to life as a real bag!” They explored every possibility, rendering fantasy handbags in perspective, and giving birth to JumpFromPaper™. Cartoon-like outlines and bright and cheerful colors add a brisk yet funky flavor. And despite the slim appearance, each JumpFromPaper™ bag has a roomy interior to accommodate personal belongings and even a laptop.
This is one of my favorites, the "Cheese" camera bag ...

  Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/27/jumpfrompaper-makes-real-life-feel-like-a-cartoon-with-seriously-ridiculous-bags/feed/ 3 Alaska Airlines, Your Mega-Church in the Skyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/alaska-airlines-your-mega-church-in-the-sky/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/alaska-airlines-your-mega-church-in-the-sky/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:00:21 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180703 A few years ago I was on a plane that almost went down. The person next to me had spent the flight trying to convince me why I was wrong in my "choice" of religions, and when the wingtip almost hit the ground he looked at me and with all seriousness said, "At least I know where I'm going when I crash." Some might have found his comment and attitude offensive. Others might have nodded in agreement. I saw it as proof of what is strong about this country. This is America, and he is entitled to his beliefs; my co-passenger was entitled to believe that I was wrong, and it mattered not that he Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/alaska-airlines-your-mega-church-in-the-sky/feed/ 19 GearDiaryGo Tip: Don’t Travel Without TripIthttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/08/geardiarygo-tip-dont-travel-without-tripit/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/08/geardiarygo-tip-dont-travel-without-tripit/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:00:03 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=177628 20120108-075351.jpg

We've mentioned this numerous times in the past but it's worth reiterating, TripIt is probably one of the best travel companions you can have. The service and accompanying smartphone and tablet applications make it easy to arrange your trip, track your plans, and get notified when there are changes. And if you are traveling with a group that is coming from various locations you can link one itinerary with another so you can see where they are and what their plans will be. Ever since Judie introduced me to it two years ago I've been a huge fan. In fact, I don't know anyone who has tried it hasn't stayed with the service. And getting a pro account for Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/08/geardiarygo-tip-dont-travel-without-tripit/feed/ 0 CES 2012: The Gear Diary Big Battery Shootouthttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/04/ces-2012-the-gear-diary-big-battery-shootout/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/04/ces-2012-the-gear-diary-big-battery-shootout/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:00:42 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=177178 One of my all-time favorite Tom Lehrer songs is Be Prepared. (You can hear it here.) Unfortunately despite our best efforts we weren't prepared to keep our devices running all day at CES last year. This year, however, that's not going to happen. No, this year Judie is bringing the Yoobao Power Bank 11,200 mAh Battery Review we reviewed a few months ago and I am likely going to bring the PowerBag Messenger that we reviewed here. That isn't enough however so we will bring a few more external batteries along for the ride. As I was trying to figure out which external batteries to bring I realized a few things about Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/04/ces-2012-the-gear-diary-big-battery-shootout/feed/ 0 It’s Not Too Late to Enter the SCOTTEVEST Trip of Your Lifehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/16/its-not-too-late-to-enter-the-scottevest-trip-of-your-life/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/16/its-not-too-late-to-enter-the-scottevest-trip-of-your-life/#comments Sat, 17 Dec 2011 02:00:16 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=174561 Back in October we told you about the SCOTTEVEST Trip of Your Life $10,000 Contest. I even made a video for it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sadly, in the "view-count" department, it has been destroyed by other entries and it looks like I'll be doing all my traveling on my dime. That doesn't mean YOU shouldn't enter though. The contest is live, people are entering (and did I mention kicking my butt!?!?!) and there is still time to enter before a winner in announced. Here’s where you can learn more about how to enter.

Where do YOU want to go? We want to know and SCOTTEVEST does too!

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/16/its-not-too-late-to-enter-the-scottevest-trip-of-your-life/feed/ 0 Augmented Reality Goes to Sea with Compass Eye Apphttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/03/augmented-reality-goes-to-sea-with-compass-eye-app/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/03/augmented-reality-goes-to-sea-with-compass-eye-app/#comments Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:15:24 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=172432 I think the whole "Augmented Reality" thing was a victim of a bit too much hype, you know?  I mean, the original iPhone didn't have a gyroscope, it's camera was only 2MP, it didn't have GPS--trying to ladle "augmented reality" on top of that was kind of a losing proposition out of the gate. But now we've got a pretty good resolution cam in the iPhone, it has GPS and a gyroscope, the body of internal software and apps is much larger, and some of these augmented reality apps are becoming pretty interesting.  There's a London Museum one that I quite like (and wish I could go back to London to check out), and I've mentioned Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/03/augmented-reality-goes-to-sea-with-compass-eye-app/feed/ 0 Free Mobile Travel Guides from Tripwolfhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/free-mobile-travel-guides-from-tripwolf/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/free-mobile-travel-guides-from-tripwolf/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:45:49 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=172503 Yup, not only is it the insane holiday buying season, it is also the insane holiday traveling season.  People are going to be taking planes, trains, and automobiles hither and yon, spending b'zillions of dollars and traveling millions of miles to see loved ones.  And their families, too.  (Boom!) And, you know, getting lost a lot.  Which is where today's news items comes in; here's what the good folks at Tripwolf are doing to help:
Tripwolf is giving away mobile guides. We're celebrating our recent win at WYSTC (World Youth and Student Travel Conference) in Barcelona, where we were chosen as the best travel app out of over 40 competitors. For the next two weeks, we're
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/12/02/free-mobile-travel-guides-from-tripwolf/feed/ 0 The Gammatech’s U12C Durabook Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/30/the-gammatechs-u12c-durabook-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/30/the-gammatechs-u12c-durabook-review/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:00:09 +0000 Francis Scardino http://www.geardiary.com/?p=163659 It takes a certain type of laptop to stand up to certain jobs. Most laptops find comfort on a desk, in a padded bag, or possibly in the local coffee shop around the corner. Gammatech sent me a laptop suited perfectly for all those tasks and a whole lot more. Usually the worst that happens to most laptops is polished keys and touchpad, where your fingers have rubbed the finish off. Possibly it could fall victim of a flight off of your bed or the table after you happen to trip over your power cord. Luckily for those accident prone geeks and tech abusers we have companies like Gammatech that fill that void and produce Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/30/the-gammatechs-u12c-durabook-review/feed/ 0 Quick Look: Belkin Travel Routerhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/30/quick-look-belkin-travel-router/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/30/quick-look-belkin-travel-router/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:15:30 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=171109 This year Gear Diary's CES base will be a suite at the MGM Grand. All of us will be bunking together which means we will be able to get even more writing done early in the morning or late at night. Of course that presumes we have the wireless connectivity to go online and post. :-)  The suite comes with free internet connectivity. That SHOULD mean both wired and wireless connections will work, but we won't really know until we get there. Add in the fact that during CES there is such a huge demand on wireless systems and… we need a Plan B. Meet CES Connectivity Plan B, the Belkin Wireless Dual-Band Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/30/quick-look-belkin-travel-router/feed/ 2 Get Serious About Protection with Pelican’s i1075 HardBack Case for iPad and iPad 2http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/28/get-serious-about-protection-with-pelicans-i1075-hardback-case-for-ipad-and-ipad-2/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/28/get-serious-about-protection-with-pelicans-i1075-hardback-case-for-ipad-and-ipad-2/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:20:21 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=171642 I've been seriously considering just bringing my iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard with me when I head out on vacation next Sunday and this has me pretty much convinced that that's just what I'll be doing. Pelican has just announced the availability of their new i1075 HardBack™ case for the iPad and iPad 2. The i1075 is part of the new HardBack™ Protector series of cases from Pelican so we will be seeing more styles for various devices in the coming months. Mail The i1075 HardBack™ case for the iPad and iPad 2 is
watertight, crush proof, and dust
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/28/get-serious-about-protection-with-pelicans-i1075-hardback-case-for-ipad-and-ipad-2/feed/ 1 Web Resource for Learning Chinesehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/27/web-resource-for-learning-chinese/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/27/web-resource-for-learning-chinese/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:00:05 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=171350 I know how to say about half a dozen things in Chinese.  Well, Mandarin.  I think.  Things like, "Hello," "Thank you," and a few things I picked up from watching "Firefly" that really shouldn't be repeated on a family web (the gentlest of which is "Shut up!").  But given that my son Joseph was born in Taiwan, that's honestly kinda pathetic.  What I need is some help learning the language. Which is what the folks at the Learn Chinese web site are wanting to do:
We've created this website as a small dedicated team to make Mandarin Chinese accessible to as many people as possible.  The website currently has 37 lessons and accompanying exercises.  The multimedia
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/27/web-resource-for-learning-chinese/feed/ 2 SCOTTEVEST Puffer Jacket Review and Special Gear Diary/NGD Discount Codehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/26/scottevest-puffer-jacket-review-and-special-gear-diaryngd-discount-code/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/26/scottevest-puffer-jacket-review-and-special-gear-diaryngd-discount-code/#comments Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:00:08 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=171291 I love when SCOTTEVEST comes out with a new men's product, and I have the opportunity to do an early review; I love it even more when we get to review the new product and do something unique with it like, say, save YOU 10% off the purchase. I'm a bit of an SeV fan, and was one even before I came to Gear Diary. Barely a day passes that I am not wearing at least one thing that came from SeV. My wife Elana is quite used to it, and she has been quite impressed with the direction the company's designs have gone recently. That's why I thought I would mix things up a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/26/scottevest-puffer-jacket-review-and-special-gear-diaryngd-discount-code/feed/ 2 NGD Deal: 20% off SCOTTEVEST Camp Shirthttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/25/ngd-deal-20-off-scottevest-camp-shirt/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/25/ngd-deal-20-off-scottevest-camp-shirt/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:45:42 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=171143 I bought two SeV Camp Shirts last week for my upcoming trip to Aruba. They haven't arrived yet but I can't wait to wear them. They look great, are no doubt super comfortable and, of course, they are from SCOTTEVEST so they have some great "hidden" functionality. They even come in three colors! Safari The SeV Camp Shirt is 20% off today only. So get moving. You can choose your color and size and have them on the way by clicking here. Gear Daily Final Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/25/ngd-deal-20-off-scottevest-camp-shirt/feed/ 0 Oh the Times, They Are aChangin’http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/23/oh-the-times-they-are-achangin/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/23/oh-the-times-they-are-achangin/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:30:38 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=170859 Here's just one small indicator of how much things have changed over the past few years. One of our cars died and is on its way to the junkyard. Prior to having it shipped off we cleared out the glove box. Buried deep inside with these relics of travels past. Me, "hmmm, New car has nav. I don't think we need these any longer." Elana, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's just put them in the recycling bin." It is a new world and one in which, like phone books, maps are really a thing of the past Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/23/oh-the-times-they-are-achangin/feed/ 0 Love to Travel? Then This Contest is for YOU!http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/22/love-to-travel-then-this-contest-is-for-you/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/22/love-to-travel-then-this-contest-is-for-you/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:20:41 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=170565 I see dead places… or, to be accurate, I WANT to see dead places. Yup, that's where I want to be sent with $10,000 in my pocket and $1000 in travel clothing. You can enter, too… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/22/love-to-travel-then-this-contest-is-for-you/feed/ 1 Yoobao Power Bank 11,200 mAh Battery Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/19/yoobao-power-bank-11200-mah-battery-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/19/yoobao-power-bank-11200-mah-battery-review/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:00:44 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=168238 Welcome to another edition of "What's Coming to CES 2012". In our last episodes we visited with two PowerBags (I'll carry the messenger and Kevin will carry the backpack) and Mission Workshop Sanction waterproof rucksack that Francis will bring along for the ride. The PowerBags will give us a total of 12,000mAh of device-charging goodness. That's good… but it is not good enough. Thankfully we'll have a few additional external batteries with us. One example, we will bring along this 11,200 mAh battery from Yoobao. Despite its relatively small size and weight, it is a beast in the energy department. And the lovely white makes it perfect for Judie to take along. Here's a look… IMG 6377 From Yoobao:
Weighs at only 8.9oz, Yoobao Sunrise packs 11,200 mAh battery in a small package, enough to charge your iPad/tablet, iPhone, mobile phones and more. Perfect for everyday use, longer trips and emergency situations.
Features:
Highest quality Li-Pol battery with capacity of 11,200mAh (iPad 2 battery is rated as ~7,500mAh) Dual USB outputs to charger 2 devices at the same time Give your smartphone up to 90 hours of extra talk, internet, and video time, so you can truly enjoy what your phone can offer 2.1A output to charge your iPad or tablet efficiently Compatible with iPad 1/2, iPhone 4/4S, 3Gs/3G, and iPod touch Compatible with all cell phones with micro USB connection, such as Blackberry, HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG, etc. Compatible with e-readers, such as Kindle, Nook, etc. Compatible with gaming devices, such as Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, etc.
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/19/yoobao-power-bank-11200-mah-battery-review/feed/ 2 NGD SCOTTEVEST Deal of the Day: Save on the SeV Lightweight Vest for Men and Womenhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/19/ngd-scottevest-deal-of-the-day-save-on-the-sev-lightweight-vest-for-men-and-women/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/19/ngd-scottevest-deal-of-the-day-save-on-the-sev-lightweight-vest-for-men-and-women/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:25:14 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=170112 It has 22 pockets, is made from lightweight polyester, has a mesh lining and is Teflon-treated for extra protection. It's the SeV Lightweight Vest for Men and Women and it is on sale. Normally $100 you can get one for yourself, or a loved one, for just $80. Details, colors and ordering can be found here.     Gear Daily Final Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/19/ngd-scottevest-deal-of-the-day-save-on-the-sev-lightweight-vest-for-men-and-women/feed/ 0 Holiday Gift Guide: Subscription Services Your Loved One Will Lovehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/18/holiday-gift-guide-subscription-services-your-loved-one-will-love/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/18/holiday-gift-guide-subscription-services-your-loved-one-will-love/#comments Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:15:19 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=169703 From the Editorial Staff of Gear Diary: If you don't want to give your loved one something tangible this year, why not give them a subscription to a service that will enhance their life? Here are a few suggestions for subscriptions services we love and use on a regular basis ... Safari Tripit: Judie loves it and uses it all the time. Judie turned Dan on to it, and he's now an evangelist for it as well. Tripit is a great way to monitor your travels, keep all in your information in one place, and, with a pro subscription, get real-time updates when your travel plans change. In fact, you may even know about a gate change before it's announced at the airport! We find the service invaluable and especially love the new Pro feature that constantly scans your email for reservations and trip updates so you don't even have to send the documents to the service. TripIt Pro is just $49 a year.   Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/18/holiday-gift-guide-subscription-services-your-loved-one-will-love/feed/ 0 A Quick Peek at the Aligata Nude Beauty Medium Travel Baghttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/09/a-quick-peek-at-the-aligata-nude-beauty-medium-travel-bag/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/09/a-quick-peek-at-the-aligata-nude-beauty-medium-travel-bag/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:13 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=168151  

It wasn't too long ago that I reviewed the Aligata Nude Beauty Big Weekend Bag, and they have just sent their newest offering -- the Nude Beauty Medium Travel Bag. I'll have a full review up after I've had some time to actually USE the bag and change its color from the nearly white Nude Beauty to a natural honey patina. But in the meantime, I just had to tell you all about it because it is something that I know would be an appreciated holiday gift for your special someone ...

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/09/a-quick-peek-at-the-aligata-nude-beauty-medium-travel-bag/feed/ 0 Quickie Experience: Groupon Getawayshttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/09/quickie-experience-groupon-getaways/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/09/quickie-experience-groupon-getaways/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:15:25 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=167948 Recently Groupon began expanding their deal offerings to include travel options. Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, and other resorts are offering significant discounts in off-season times for Groupon customers. Sarah and I took advantage of one deal over the summer, and this past weekend finally were able to use it for a long weekend in Cape Cod. Would we try this again, and recommend the experience to our friends? Read on to find out! On the Groupon side, the experience was as simple as it always is. The deal unlocked, and Sarah shot me an email with it, suggesting it would make a nice way to celebrate our anniversary. I pulled out my credit card, and we Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/11/09/quickie-experience-groupon-getaways/feed/ 0 FaceTime and iOS Impresses Halfway Across the Globehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/21/facetime-and-ios-impresses-halfway-across-the-globe/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/21/facetime-and-ios-impresses-halfway-across-the-globe/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:00:10 +0000 Thomas R. Hall http://www.geardiary.com/?p=161429

(Image courtesy of Apple)

The world is a big place. At the turn of the century trying to visit loved ones who lived halfway across the world took months. Now, we can fly from one side of the globe to the other in less than a day. And even when we aren't physically technology enables us to feel as if we are. I was reminded of this when FaceTime and iOS brought me closer to my wife AND saved us money in the process. My wife and I live in the midwest, but she is from Thailand. She is visiting her family for an extended period of time and we wanted to keep Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/21/facetime-and-ios-impresses-halfway-across-the-globe/feed/ 4 Lessons Learned From A Week Of Road Trippinghttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/13/lessons-learned-from-a-week-of-road-tripping/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/13/lessons-learned-from-a-week-of-road-tripping/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=159977

(image courtesy Fotopedia)

Sarah and I have had a busy summer, but the big finale was definitely this past week. We started out Labor Day weekend, where we headed to Virginia, before returning to New Jersey for a day and then heading to Maine for a friend's wedding. Lots of travel, lots of packing, lots of gear. What did we learn? Read on to see our hard-earned lessons and tips! Technology: Let's start with travel gear. I opted to travel light to VA since we were driving to Richmond, then Virginia Beach for a race, then back to Richmond and then finally home. So all I had with me then was my Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/13/lessons-learned-from-a-week-of-road-tripping/feed/ 2 The Aligata Nude Beauty Big Weekend Travel Bag Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/04/the-aligata-nude-beauty-weekend-travel-bag-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/04/the-aligata-nude-beauty-weekend-travel-bag-review/#comments Sun, 04 Sep 2011 21:00:39 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=158633  

When I travel by plane, I use a virtually indestructible LuggageWorks rolling carry-on. It's great for getting through airports and attaching my other bags to, and I never have to worry about it being damaged when gate-checked because it's extremely durable and already ugly as sin. Did I mention that it's also ridiculously heavy? LuggageWorks bags have a metal frame around their bottoms and backs which is part of why they last virtually forever, but it means that the 22" version I have weighs 15 pounds when empty and can weigh 30+ pounds when fully packed. Although it is just fine for airport wrangling and for slinging into luggage compartments, this much weight does not make for an Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/09/04/the-aligata-nude-beauty-weekend-travel-bag-review/feed/ 1 New Gear Daily Deal: SCOTTEVEST Pack Windbreakers for 30% offhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/21/new-gear-daily-deal-scottevest-pack-windbreakers-for-30-off/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/21/new-gear-daily-deal-scottevest-pack-windbreakers-for-30-off/#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:15:58 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=154260 Mail Special Sale: SeV Pack Windbreakers 30% off!

Today only you can grab a SCOTTEVEST Pack Windbreakers for 30% off. That means you will get an awesome lightweight jacket for just $52.50! This is...
...the least expensive way to get into an SeV jacket, and at that price you can pick up a range of colors. They pack into themselves so they're perfect for "just in case" and many sizes even hold an iPad. Talk about being the most versatile iPad carrier on the market... you can wear it! Just use promo code PW30 during checkout to get the discount.
Check them out and order yours right here! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/21/new-gear-daily-deal-scottevest-pack-windbreakers-for-30-off/feed/ 0 The Maxxeon WorkStar 220 LED Pocket Floodlight Inspection Light Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/18/the-maxxeon-workstar-220-led-pocket-floodlight-inspection-light-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/18/the-maxxeon-workstar-220-led-pocket-floodlight-inspection-light-review/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:00:39 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=152909 photos by Kevin

There is not much worse than being in an unfamiliar dark area with no idea where to find a light, or that feeling you get when you have dropped something vital into a dark crevice, but you aren't sure if there is a "critter" down there that might bite or sting. Carrying a pocket flashlight (or penlight, as we've always called them) is an easy solution, and I've found one that you might like to consider.

The Maxxeon WorkStar 220 LED Pocket Floodlight is a slim penlight that uses three AAAA batteries, the first set of which is included Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/07/18/the-maxxeon-workstar-220-led-pocket-floodlight-inspection-light-review/feed/ 1