Overall Impression A funny think happened as I began packing my new Briggs and Riley 20-inch Carry-on Expandable Wide-body Upright for a recent multi-week, winter into spring trip to Europe: I became convinced that its designer had been reading my mind. I had long harbored the fantasy of one versatile suitcase that would be the only piece of luggage I would need; a suitcase that would, as circumstances required, instantly morph from carry-on to checked baggage and vice-versa. Now, there it was, sized to meet most major airlines current carry-on requirements for domestic as well as international travel. Yet it was wide enough to accommodate side-by-side two neat stacks of sweaters, shirts and other travel necessities, plus a mesh and nylon side pocket to keep small items within easy sight.

The contents could be held down by broad compression panels, leaving sufficient room to hold the deep zipped compartment fitted in the case’s lid. A tri-fold sleeve turned this top compartment into a full-length garment bag where dresses and suits could be secured by wide velcro’ed flaps for wrinkle-free travel. There was an additional zipped pocket on the face of this internal compartment that proved handy for stashing flat items. Then there was the ultimate feature: a 2.5-inch (6.5 centimeter) zipped expansion gusset extended the capacity of the suitcase by almost 25 percent, for those situations along the way when a carry-on bag will definitely not suffice.

The exterior of the 20-inch Carry-on Expandable Wide-body was equally well designed. The lid included two zipped pockets, with the upper one sized to keep travel documents and small electronic gadgets or books easily accessible. The lower pocket occupied three quarters of the lid. It was convenient for additional storage of flat or crushable items. At the rear, the telescopic handle was stored in a smooth external housing, with an additional deep zipped pocket tucked in the center of it. I found it an ideal storage space for the infamous one-quart (one-liter) toiletry bag required by airport security check.

The expandable carry-on was as convenient to handle as to pack. The broad wheelbase, large smooth wheels (three inches or 7.5 centimeters in diameter) and adjustable height telescopic top handle made it a breeze to steer, even in airplane aisles and on crowded train platforms. The front stabilizing feet extended with the gusset, ensuring that the case remained balanced when heavily loaded. The streamlined top and side grip handles facilitated retrieval from the most awkward overhead bin. But it was in unusual travel situations that the 20-inch Carry-on really showed its mettle. It became an impromptu stool when I found myself traveling for one hour in the corridor of a high-speed European train, and its wheels and rear kick-plate remained unscathed when I had to drag my heavily loaded case up one flight of Paris métro stairs.

With its compact and exceptionally sturdy exterior, outstanding packability and easy handling, my Briggs & Riley 20-inch Carry-on has become my traveling companion for short trips as well as longer itineraries where it can alternate between checked-luggage and carry-on functions.

Colors Chocolate, olive, black. Mine is black.

Dimensions 16 x 20 x 8 inches (40.5 x 51 x 20 centimeters). Expands to 16 x 20 x 10.5 inches (40.5 x 51 x 26.5 centimeters)

List Price $369

Manufacturer-Distributor Briggs & Riley Travelware, LLC.

Materials Exterior: abrasion resistant, water repellent 2520D ballistic nylon. Interior: nylon twill.

Type Of Product Soft-sided rolling carry-on suitcase.

Warranty A lifetime “Simple as that” warranty covered even damages causes by travel carriers.

Weight 9 pound and 6 ounces (4.4 kg)

Features Protective corner covers and wheel housings; exterior adjustable telescopic handle and handle housing for maximum packing space; outside zipped pocket for security-checked items; built-in retractable luggage tag sleeve for privacy; easy to grip side and top handles for good handling; sturdy bottom front stabilizing feet; expendable main compartment zips-out added an additional 24 percent capacity; interior compression panels to secure packed load; two-inch (five centimeter) deep zipped compartment in suitcase top with tri-fold garment sleeve. It came with a resettable three-dial combination Transportation Security Agency (TSA) approved cable lock.

Countries Tested Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and United States

Date Of Last Review April 2010

Number Of Days Tested 60 days

Reviewers Article and photographs by Josette King

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression With airlines issuing ever more restrictive luggage regulations in recent years, I had gradually adopted a rolling duffle bag as my checked baggage for long trips; but I yearned for the stable, tidily organized suitcases of earlier times. Until the recent demise of my latest duffle led me to consider the Eagle Creek Hovercraft 25. Its firm, heavy gauge Cordura nylon shell, coupled with the packing convenience of a hard-sided suitcase and the reduced weight of a duffle made it especially attractive. The broad wheelbase, sturdy knurled wheels (four inches or ten centimeters in diameter) and adjustable height telescopic top handle made it a breeze to steer.

The base also featured a long front stabilizing bar to keep the case upright even when it was heavily loaded. This efficient stabilizer doubled as a grab-bar, which in addition to the large padded top and side handles facilitated retrieval from the most chaotic airport luggage carousel. The front flap of the suitcase had two external high-capacity front pockets with three-sided U-shaped zippers for easy access. The exterior of the Hovercraft 25 was designed to avoid handling damage. It included thoughtful details such as a streamlined shape with no sharp angles or visible seams, deep wheel wells and a rear kick-plate that provided extra protection to the base of the suitcase.

The Hovercraft 25 was as convenient to pack as to handle. Its large, well proportioned opening easily swallowed multiple layers of bulky clothing that could then be neatly flattened under the 14 inch (35 centimeter) wide compression flaps, leaving room in the remainder of this 11 inch (28 centimeter) deep case for multiple easily accessible piles or bags of other travel necessities. In several instances I fitted smaller soft bags inside my Hovercraft 25, each filled with the items specifically required for various side trips. Two large interior netting pockets conveniently fitted in the front flap were large enough for everyday items and toiletries, placing them within easy reach and sight. This bag also featured a two-inch (five centimeter) zipped expansion gusset said to extend its capacity by 15 percent. However the bag has proven so capacious in its original state that after several long trips, I have yet to need the additional space. With its lightweight, smooth exterior, easy handling and gargantuan appetite for my belongings, my Hovercraft 25 travels like a twenty-first century steamer trunk. It has become an indispensable accessory for any long, multiple destination journey.

Colors Graphite, tomato, marine blue and tree frog green. Mine is blue.

Dimensions 16 x 25 x 11 inches (41 x 64 x 28 cm). Expands to 16 x 25 x 13 inches (41 x 64 x 33 cm)

List Price $249

Manufacturer-Distributor Eagle Creek, Inc.

Materials Main body: 210D Mini Diamond Helix Nylon, 500D Tough Weave. Shell: 915D HP Cordura nylon

Type Of Product Soft-sided, lightweight rolling upright suitcase

Warranty Lifetime, a “No matter what repair policy”

Weight 8 lbs. 14 oz. (4 kg)

Features Protective kick-plate and wheel housing; adjustable telescopic handle for easy wheeling; large, soft side and top handles for convenient handling; bottom front stabilizing bar doubles as additional grab handle; retractable luggage tag sleeve built into the top of the suite case to ensure privacy; expendable main compartment zips-out to add additional 15 percent capacity; interior compression panels to compress and secure packed load; reflective center front center strip for nighttime visibility.

Countries Tested U.S.A., France, Portugal, New Zealand, and Australia

Date Of Last Review March 2009

Number Of Days Tested 90 days

Reviewers Article and photos by Josette King

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression Finally, an adventure travel vest designed with a woman’s figure in mind!  After trying several that I found to be mere scaled-down versions of the men’s counterpart, I was delighted by the Scottevest Women’s Travel Vest. With its discretely tapered waist, the hip-length vest was flattering enough for casual wear about town, while its lightweight brushed cotton blend water-repellent outer shell made it well suited for sport activities. Since my original intent was to use this vest as a substitute for an adventure travel daypack, I was immediately attracted by its many pockets, 21 in all, inside and out.

They came in a variety of sizes and purposes. The manufacturer conveniently delivered the garment with suggested use cards in each pocket and also stitched tiny cloth reminders in the seams. There were pockets inside of pockets, with Velcro, snap and zipper closures. They kept my contents tidy, safe and easy to access. There were clever surprises as well, such as a detachable chamois cloth tucked inside the zipped compartment marked “glasses.” A pocket just the right size for travel documents piggybacked on a larger pocket intended for reading material. These same pockets turned out to be perfect for storing camera lenses, while two separate tiny Velcro-secured slots on either side of the front zipper, intended for MP3 ear buds, were just right for storing camera memory cards.

Although the vest was designed for techno-gadget devotees, complete with a patented Personal Area Network (PAN) system that provided a network of conduits and easy release Velcro tabs within the lining to facilitate the use of all manner of personal electronics, it proved perfect for a variety of unrelated uses. It was so versatile that it made my pocketbook obsolete on shopping trips, replaced my personal items carry-on bag for air travel and my daypack/camera bag on adventure excursions. The thoughtful design and placement of the pockets allowed for even distribution of the weight of the items carried, while the no-bulge pockets kept a streamlined look.

One minor inconvenience was the polyester lining that made the vest warm for hot weather wear; I remedied that by keeping the vest unzipped. Thanks to its clever structure even with most pockets loaded the vest remained well balanced and comfortable on my body when I wore it open. Through months of repeated use, I have been amazed by how much I could carry in complete comfort and in a broad range of situations. My Scottesvest is fast becoming a trademark travel accessory while I continue to discover new ways to maximize its functionality.

Colors Black Lava, Red Rock and Desert Sand (mine was Desert Sand)

Machine Washable Recommended washing instructions: machine wash cold, delicate cycle with like colors. Tumble dry low. No bleach, iron or steam press. Do not dry clean.

Made In China

Made Of Shell was 65 percent cotton/35 percent nylon; lining was 100 percent polyester.

Manufacturer-Distributor Scottevest, Inc.

Retail Price $100

Size XS-2XL (I tested XL)

Type Of Product Travel vest

Weight 1 pound and 2 oz.

Features My Classic Travel Vest featured 21 pockets and compartments, DuPont Teflon treated water repellent fabric protection; patented Personal Area Network (PAN) licensed by TEC (Technology Enabled Clothing) that provided a network of conduits and Velcro tabs concealed within the lining to easily wire gadgets. It was possible to store ear buds in collar loops and miniature pockets. Zipped pockets included extra large and deep external, internal and back pockets. Alternate magnetic closure offered additional safety for external pockets. Convenience items within the pockets included a built-in extendible and removable key holder, a chamois eyeglass cleaning cloth and an elastic loop to secure a water bottle.

Countries Tested France, Mexico and USA

Date Of Review April 2008

Number Of Days Tested Several months

Reviewers Article and photos by Josette King

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression The Eagle Creek ORV (Off Road Vacation) Gear Bag was everything I ever hoped for in a duffle bag! Compact enough to meet airline carry-on requirements, it also managed to hold everything I needed to take along on two-week African safari. Its oversized, three-sided top opening and its two internal zip-up divider panels made packing a breeze. Contents were neatly stowed, readily visible and accessible. It stayed put even when the bag was tossed from the hold of a small airplane into the back of a land cruiser, and then taken on an hour-long rocky ride. The exterior organizer front panel kept my travel documents and reading material close at hand. Two interior zipped pockets were fitted into the top flap of the bag. One was lined with heavy plastic, making it an ideal place to store toiletries. The bag was lightly padded for optimum contents protection.

The ORV Gear Bag was as convenient to handle as it was to pack. It could be carried either with a conventional padded shoulder strap, as a backpack or using the sturdy grab handles located on the top and at each end of the bag. When not in use the padded backpack straps were tucked away in their own compartment at the bottom of the bag. This also provided additional padding to the bag’s bottom. The detachable shoulder strap featured one additional refinement: the triangular fastening loops were located on one side of the bag, near the bottom. This allowed the padded bottom of the bag to lay flat against the body while making the top handle easy to grab for additional stability; a welcome detail when jostling my way through crowded airports.

Although only three pounds in weight, the Eagle Creek ORV Gear Bag was exceptionally sturdy. It was made of tough, lightweight Cordura Nylon and all exterior seams were double-stitched. The bag came back from that African safari and several shorter trips since showing no signs of wear. With its superior design, lightweight high-quality construction, and packing and handling versatility, my ORV Gear Pack has quickly become a favorite travel partner.

Colors Black, Palm, Sangria and Sienna Mine is Palm.

Dimensions 26 x 10 x 13” (66 x 25 x 33 cm)

List Price $135.00

Manufacturer-Distributor Eagle Creek, Inc.

Materials Main body: 420 denier HT Ripstop Cordura Nylon. Bottom: 1000 denier Cordura Nylon

Type Of Product Carry-on duffle bag

Warranty Lifetime, a “No matter what repair policy”

Weight 3 lbs (1.36 kg)

Features Zip-up inside dividers customize bag to fit packing needs; oversize top opening for easy packing; three-way carrying options include hide-away backpack straps for hands-free carrying, padded top and ends grab handles and shoulder strap; exterior organizer compartment for travel documents; two interior side pockets, including one liquid proof; exterior compression straps to alleviate stress on zipper; meets many airlines carry-on requirements.

Countries Tested USA, France, South Africa, Zambia, Mexico

Date Of Last Review October 2007

Number Of Days Tested 30 days

ReviewersArticle and photographs by Josette King

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression 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.

It was hand washable and dried in minutes. It flattened and folded easily to take no more packing space than a handkerchief. It could be extracted from the most overstuffed bag wrinkle free and ready to wear to any outdoor activities, from city sight-seeing to hiking in the wilderness.

Colors White with navy brim lining

Made of 100 percent polyester with plastic slider locks in the back and chin strap

Made In China

Manufacturer-Distributor Solarveil America, Inc.

Retail Price $19.50

Size One size fits all

Type Of Product Women’s sun hat

Washable Hand wash. Do not dry clean

Weight 3 oz.

Features The Solarveil Sun Hat featured an adjustable slider lock in the back to comfortably fit all head sizes, and an adjustable chin strap to secure the hat in windy conditions.

Country(Ies) Tested USA and France

Date Of Review March 2007

Number Of Days Tested Several weeks

ReviewersArticle by Josette King

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall ImpressionThe 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.

The left side of the wallet consisted of a thick clear vinyl pocket edged in stitched leather, sized to snuggly accommodate my passport. Meanwhile, the right side, with its three deep credit card slots, driver’s license pocket with a clear vinyl window and full length bills pocket underneath functioned efficiently as a self-contained wallet. Once closed, the RF-ID Blocking Passport Wallet had the appearance of an elegant billfold, slim enough to easily slip into my handbag or inside coat pocket. I especially appreciated that this wallet gave me the ability organize passport, cash and credit cards in a single, compact case.

Colors Black and red

List Price $19.85

Manufacturer-Distributor Magellan International, Santa Barbara, CA

Materials High quality tanned leather, high conductivity RF shielding aluminum mesh, thick clear vinyl and smooth nylon lining

Size 5½” x 4” x 0.4” closed

Type Of Product RF-ID blocking passport wallet

Weight 2.7 oz. empty

Country(Ies) Tested USA and France

Date Of Last Review March 2007

Number Of Days Tested 14 days

ReviewersArticle by Josette King

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression Using public restrooms can be challenging, especially while on a trip and for travelers with medical conditions or mobility limitations. Sometimes, even restrooms are an extravagance. This is the case in remote areas, while camping and in the bush. In South Africa, for example, national parks usually have rest stops including public facilities but there are no toilets in the bush.

Even luxury bush lodges and camps can only accommodate their guests so far. Game viewing guests on sunrise and sunset game drives during which staff usually offer hot and cold beverages and snacks must await the end of the drive or make a “bush stop.” The drives, on 4×4 vehicles over rough terrain in the cooler times of the day, usually lasted two hours (we’ve been out four, even six hours). By the middle of the drive, even the hardiest may be tempted by a nature break. Using Freshette meant an easier, faster and potentially less risky “bush stop.”

Before getting started, it was necessary to learn how to use Freshette. Practice makes perfect and in the case of this device it also meant keeping shoes and clothes dry. It was necessary to carry the Freshette pouch which was feather light. The pouch began to tear soon after purchase and required a replacement bag. As a reusable tool, it was necessary to rinse the director after each use. Sometimes this task had to be postponed until there was running water available (this was the case in the bush). When public toilets were undesirable or unavailable, Freshette offered a convenient environment friendly alternative.

Color The main piece or trough was flesh colored and the extension tube was clear

Made In U.S.A.

Made Of Plastic

Manufacturer-Distributor International Sani-Fem, Inc.

Retail Price $23

Sizes One size fits all. The standard extension tube was 6” and the company offered longer tubes: 36” and 48”

Type Of Product Reusable urinary director for women offering “bladder relief while standing, sitting or lying down” with minimal undressing

Weight 1oz

Features A spout and extension tube that allows women to urinate standing, plastic zip lock travel pouch and small sheet with instructions

Other The manufacturer offered a medical system, longer extension tubes, disposable collection bags, and a carrying pouch.

Country(S) Tested U.S.A., South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana

Date Of Review February, 2007

Number Of Days Tested Three weeks

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Battery up to 8 hours, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, includes a 12V car charger.

Colors Black plastic case with a silver plastic border around the color LCD display screen.

Description A street map based GPS that was custom designed for use in an automobile.

Made In China

Made Of Plastic

Manufacturer-Distributor Garmin

Retail Price $349.99 U.S.

Sizes Display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diagonal ), 320 x 240 pixels; Unit dimensions: 4.4” W x 3.2” H x 2.8” D

Warranty This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin will at its sole option repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or unauthorized alteration or repairs.”

Weight 9.45 ounces

Type Of Product Automotive GPS

Features Pre-programmed with City Select® NT, providing street-level detail and addresses, plus listings of nearest restaurants, hotels, ATMs, etc., in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. It had a receiver WAAS-enabled 12 parallel channel GPS, a display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diagonal), 320 x 240 pixels; QVGA transflective TFT with 16-bit color; 64K colors; bright white LED backlight and touch screen, available with maps of Europe, fingertip touch screen interface, look up addresses and points of interest, 2D or 3D map perspective, upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cams, SD memory card expansion slot , StreetPilot Asian Americas in 5 Asian languages (Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, or Taiwanese). Screen-width scale 640 feet to 4,000 miles.

Navigation features: Routes automatically calculated with turn-by-turn instructions; custom road preference allows user to prioritize choice of back roads or major highways; automatic off-route recalc shows how to get back on track if the user misses a turn or exit. Trip computer with Resettable odometer, timers, average and maximum speeds. Acquisition times: Warm: Approximately 15 seconds, Cold: Approximately 45 seconds, AutoLocate®: Approximately 2 minutes . Update rate 1/second, continuous.

GPS accuracy: Position: < 15 meters (49 feet), 95% typical, Velocity: 0.05 meter/sec steady state. GPS (WAAS) accuracy: Position: < 3 meters, 95% typical, Velocity: 0.05 meter/sec steady state. Interface USB 2.0 full-speed. Antenna is a Built-in patch; MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection. Data storage is indefinite; no memory battery required. Temperature range: 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C).

Other The C330 package included: a StreetPilot c330, Preloaded City Navigator NT North America or Europe (full coverage), SD memory card slot, Vehicle suction cup mount with 12-volt adapter, PC/USB interface cable, Quick reference guide.

Country(S) Tested U.S.A.

Date Of Review Dec 2006

Number Of Days Tested 30

Reviewers Article by Chester Godsy

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression We tested these nifty little in-ear speakers for daily use as well as on domestic and international flights. They reduced ambient noise, making it more comfortable to hear music and audio recordings on an MP3 player and keeping airplane noises out. It was amazing how well they worked and how comfortable they felt. We could wear them for hours without tiring.

In contrast to other noise reduction headsets we’ve tried these were light weight and small, especially convenient for travel. In addition to the weight differential, these speakers required no batteries. Thanks to the tiny size and wee weight they could be stored easily for travel, in the small pouch they came with, and retrieved quickly. The only improvement we would make would be to find a way for the wires to remain untangled.

Part of the effectiveness of these speakers, in contrast with regular ear buds and full sized noise reduction headsets, stemmed from creating a proper seal in the ear canal with the silicone ear buds. It took some practice to insert and remove them but overall the effect was noticeable. We tried the foam ear buds without much success. Overall they have become a favorite, especially for flights where weight restrictions and security checks are becoming increasingly strict.

Box Contained One pair of StudioPhonic HEAROS TM In-Ear Spakers, 5-foot cable, 3.5 mm stereo plug, 2 replacement In-Ear speaker filters, short clip, filter changing tool, two replacement 20 dB noise reducing ear tips, two foam 20dB noise reducing ear tips, carrying case, and instruction card.

Colors Black

Made In China

Manufacturer-Distributor Made for DAP World, Inc. by Etymotic Research

Retail Price $200

Sizes Only one size

Type Of Product Noise reduction ear phones

Warranty 90 days

Weight 12 grams

Features Noise reduction between 15 and 20 dB; frequency response 20 Hz to 16 kHz; tolerance +/- 3dB to 6 kHz, +/-6 to 16kHz; dynamic transducer; impedance of 48 ohms; maximum outpost of 120 dB SPL

Other Although we were able to get them to fit, the manufacturer stresses the importance of inserting and sealing the speakers and noise reducing tips in the user’s ear canals. Every so often it is necessary to replace (they cannot be cleaned) the filters to maintain the noise reduction quality. According to the instructions this can be done by the user. Two sets of replacement filters and a replacement tool were included with our in-ear speakers for this purpose.

There were double dome silicone and round foam ear tips to choose from. There is a right and left speaker clearly marked with an “R” and “L.”

Cleaning The silicone ear tips can be rinsed with water and mild soap

Countries Where Tested U.S., France and Germany

Date Of Review September 2006

Number Of Days Tested A combined total of four weeks over time

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression We liked the Lewis N. Clark color-coded pill case on extended trips. It was convenient to divide daytime and nighttime pills (blue for night and red for red for example) for 8 days of travel. It was possible for two people with different pill requirements traveling together to share a pill case. We like to use it for it for 16 days of travel for one or two travelers on the same trip. When there were two of us sharing the pill case for 16 days, we shared the 16 plastic pouches.

The transparent plastic pouches were easy to fill and zip, keeping pills and vitamins secure. We would often carry individual plastic pouches to breakfast or on the go when we had to take pills with a meal or during the course of the day and didn’t want to take the entire pill case along. A Velcro strip made it possible to close the pill case securely inside the suitcase for check in with the luggage.

Colors Black

Machine Washable The manufacturer’s recommendations were to hand wash and air dry

Made In China

Made Of Polyester, PVC removable pouches and Velcro fastener

Manufacturer-Distributor Lewis N. Clark

Retail Price $12

Sizes One size, 7¾ x 4 x 1”

Type Of Product Travel pill case

Warranty One year

Weight 5 oz (plus the weight of the pills)

Features Individual plastic pouches for 16 days. It included a medical reference card and a zippered pocket on the back to store prescriptions. Side locking closures, zippered pocket, can be shut when not in use.

Country(S) Tested France, The Bahamas, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and USA

Date Of Review August 2006

Number Of Days Tested On several trips

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes