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travel / travel magazine / summer 2007
Cool Tools
By Steven Threndyle
Mom calling
Garmin Rino Two-Way Radio ($180). Never
become separated from your hiking partner or
travelling companion again. The Garmin Rino
is a two-way radio with a built-in display that
shows, with a simple push of a button, approximately
where your partner is. The radio has an
eight-kilometre range, and its global positioning
system unit can also pick up other Rino
users in the area. Although its dual antennas
resemble a rhinoceros horn, its name is actually
an acronym for Radio Integrated Navigation
Outdoors.
www.garmin.com
Saddle up
DaKine Split Convertible Bag ($190). Don't get nailed with overweightbaggage
charges! DaKine's Split Convertible is a large-capacity (120 litre)
rolling duffle bag that readily divides into two medium-capacity (60 litre)
bags for greater versatility. To rejoin the two, simply zipper the bags
together and fasten using the two wide webbing straps and robust siderelease
nylon Fastex buckle. High-quality urethane wheels roll freely
on all types of surfaces, and the handle is retractable. Two exterior pockets
allow easy access to frequently needed items, and the tough nylon
fabric resists abrasion from airport conveyor belts and other hazards.
www.dakine.com
Safe sipping
Katadyn Microfilter Bottle ($40). Drinking contaminated
water is one of the biggest health risks for any traveller.
The Katadyn bottle holds 600 millilitres and has its own
built-in filtration system. The superfine pleated glass-fibre
microfilter and granular, activated-carbon core remove
both giardia and bacteria before they can hit your
stomach and turn your vacation into a holiday in hell.
For protection against viruses, add tasteless MicroPur
chlorine dioxide purification tablets (3 tablets/$20).
www.katadyn.com
Thief relief
Stick Protection Technology Tie Downs ($70/4-metre length).
Most of us are smart enough to lock our unattended bikes on a roof
rack or bumper hitch, but what about those kayaks, surfboards,
canoes, skis and snowboards lashed down with easy-to-cut webbing
or polypro cord? Stick Protection Technology has introduced a
lockable tie-down-strap system that uses slash-proof steel-cablereinforced
straps. All you do is snug the loose end tightly around
your load, feed it through the beefy cam-action buckle, then lock the
buckle with the twist of a key, and thieves will move on to the next
vehicle. Prices vary according to length.
www.canada-outdoor.com
Holiday shades
Smith District II Sunglasses ($160). These stylish yet subdued sunglasses won't
make you look like an extreme sports athlete, and they come with four sets of
easy-to-slide-in lenses. The polarized set offers superior vision when glare is a problem,
the clear lenses are perfect for activities such as mountain biking in shady
wooded areas and the yellow and rose-yellow lenses will brighten dull, overcast days.
www.smithoptics.com
Clean shave
On Sight Travel Wash Bag ($16). Far
more versatile than that shaving kit you
once got for opening a new bank
account, the On Sight Wash Bag has
multiple compartments and comes
with a large hook for hanging on
van doors, coat hooks or even tree
branches. The pocket mirror will show
just how much stubble you've grown
since you started your trek and remind
you to spruce up before hitting town.
Available exclusively at Mountain
Equipment Co-op.
www.mec.ca
Formfitter
Icebreaker Sprint/Pace Zip T-Shirt ($140). Finely
spun merino wool garments like Icebreaker's Sprint/Pace (male and
female, respectively) are perfect for active
adventurers and urban travellers alike.
The fabric disperses perspiration and
provides warmth, even when wet, and
the compressible, easy-to-pack longsleeved
shirt is form-fitting and keeps
its shape. Easily hand-washed in a
hotel sink or mountain stream, it dries
quickly. A bonus for your companion:
merino wool doesn't retain body odours.
www.icebreaker.com
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