Comments on: Perfect Gifts for the Traveler in Your Life

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:20:09 +0000

Hey Greg – Awesome! Thanks for the cool review. I love the super-light weight and flexibility of the OR sacks, but with the amount of use and abuse we’ve subjected them to, little holes have cropped up.
Question for you: can I crumple up the Sealine pack or use it as a compression sack in my luggage as well?

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:19:21 +0000

Hey,

I have a few of the SealLine backpacks that I’ve used for several years doing heavy construction work in remote, mountainous locations. They are completely waterproof, rugged, built to last. I’ve never had so much as a small hole or tear. They’re light, and have comfortable, durable shoulder straps. I’ve hiked long distances with heavy loads on my back. Wouldn’t use anything else. Clean regularly, as ventilation is non-existent.

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:57:44 +0000

@David – thanks! We seem to be some of the few people out there who “discovered” the OR Summit Sacks (and everybody we meet seems to think it’s a great invention), so I’m not holding my breath on a review of the Sealine packs! But you never know…

@Kate – Woah – thanks for the awesome info on the Kindle! I thought Amazon had sorted out the whole “America” issue with an offer of International Kindles….but it may still be a work in progress. Looks like I’ll be well served with my iPod Touch then! (hopefully) Cheers!

@Dave & Deb – The journal is great for bits and pieces you want to jot down before you forget, and the laptop is great for focused writing etc. You won’t find me anywhere on the road without both very close by.
How is India???

By: Dave and Deb

Dave and Deb — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:14:42 +0000

Fabulous list. I have to get that compression sack next trip. That steripen looks great too! Ah, if only this list came out before we left for India:) Oh well, we will buy them for next trip. I am with you, I still write a lot in my journal still. Although, I have my laptop with me at the same time. Ha!

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:53:47 +0000

Hey Nora,

One thing I found out about the Kindle (as I was going to get one from Eddie for Xmas) is that it is currently available worldwide, but you can only download books if you live in America. Amazon is not advertising this fact, but will explain it to you if you ask them specifically. The Sony Reader is supposed to be inferior to the Kindle because there is way less material available for it. Obviously a company like Amazon can offer you a better selection, but in my investigations for my own Xmas present, I found that once the Kindle actually becomes available worldwide, it will be the far superior option in terms of having a virtual bookstore at your fingertips.

By: David

David — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:46:19 +0000

Great list and I look forward to hearing some more comments. Hope you manage to get your testimonial for the new bags.

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:55:49 +0000

Thanks Frank! (And thanks for the tweet too!)

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:18:18 +0000

Great post Nora,
I too lust after some of the things on your list! We don’t go anywhere without our headlights when we are travelling or hiking. They are probably the most useful piece of gear we own.
We own a stack of dry bags and use them all the time. A compression sack when travelling is a great idea for dirty clothes.

By: theprofessionalhobo

theprofessionalhobo — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:05:53 +0000

@Dave – Thanks! And the SteriPen is way better than iodine tabs! You don’t have to let the water sit after treating it, and there’s no residual taste. Just make sure the water is clear (as in no debris) to begin with…

By: The Longest Way Home

The Longest Way Home — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:53:49 +0000

Nice list! Dry bags for me are a prized possession! Compression sacks too. Great for dirty laundry.

I will have to check out that steri pen for water once i reach a place mainland again! Seems better than iodine tabs!