Category: Gear & Gadget Reviews

Gear Review: Targus Citylite II Ultra Backpack

Losing important documents and gadgets while on the road is every traveler’s nightmare. To address this, different bag companies have come up with bags and backpacks with anti-theft features.

One such option is the Targus 15.6″ Citylite II Collection, a line of business backpacks that promise to give users peace of mind while traveling and commuting. There are four backpacks under the collection, namely the Citylite II Ultra Backpack, Max Backpack, SL Backpack and the Ultimate Backpack. The first three are designed to fit 15.6″ laptops, while the Ultimate Backpack can store laptops up to 17″.

targus backpack aiport
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Gear Review: Targus EcoSmart Messenger Bag

It’s good to know that more companies are doing their part to help the environment when manufacturing products. The EcoSmart Emerald Green Messenger bag from Targus, a manufacturer of accessories for the mobile lifestyle, shows how companies are blending environmental sustainability with a functional product ideal for urban use. I was surprised to find out that the bag (along with other products in their EcoSmart line) is made from polyester material sourced from recycled plastic bottles and PVC-free material.

01. targus emerald green messenger bag biking

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INFOGRAPHIC: Motorcycle Gear Upgraded!

I often like to think of myself as a character in a video game when I travel. In fact, this blog was inspired by the whole video game concept of “Leveling Up” and I consider every trip as a way to earn EXP points. Last year, I was fortunate to get upgrades for some of the motorcycling gear I’ve been using for road trips. So in the tradition of upgrading equipment in video games, here’s a look at the main features of the motorcycle safety gear by Spyder and what makes them so cool:

motorcycle gear infographic TravelUp

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Gear Review: Spyder Reboot Motorcycle Helmet

One of the most important safety gear to have if you’re a motorcycle rider is a protective motorcycle helmet. Wearing a high-quality helmet can spell the difference between leveling up on your road trip and “game over.”

Because of the passage of the Motorcycle Helmet Act at the start of the year, all riders are now required to wear helmets that have passed the standards of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and have ICC stickers. There are a handful of brands that are certified, including Spyder, a major sporting brand in the
country that specializes in high-performance athletic gear. Spyder helmets bear the marks of excellence and safety, so they’re a very good investment.

They promise safety above all, but they don’t scrimp on convenience, functionality and style either.

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Gear Review: Targus Sports 26L Backpack

I have never liked using rolling bags or maletas when I travel. I always prefer using backpacks, since they are easier to carry around, easier to sift through when you need to get something and they render you more mobile on the road. I hardly ever check-in my bag at the airport to save on waiting time since I’m paranoid about losing things. I usually carry a small laptop and camera when I travel so it also makes sense not to check-in my bag. Since I don’t have a Givi box yet for my scooter, it also helps to bring a backpack for short day trips and rides out of town.

This year, I’ve been using the Targus Sport 26L Backpack, which I’ve found to be versatile enough for overnight to week-long trips. The laptop and accessory case company is known for crafting products that are functional and ideal for both work and travel. Here’s a quick review of the backpack’s main features. Continue reading “Gear Review: Targus Sports 26L Backpack”

Travel Gear for Geeks

Originally posted 7/28/12; post updated 7/22/2013 (added Pacman Slippers)

Contrary to popular opinion, geeks don’t spend ALL their time just vegging out in front of the television or computer. For some of us, real-life adventures are preferable to virtual ones. But when we do travel, we like to channel our geek pride by using clothes and gear that show off our unique interests. Here are a few cool finds that I use for travel and where you can find them here in the Philippines.

Pacman Slippers

These collectible PAC-MAN flip-flops from Havaianas really bring back some great memories. Anyone born in the 80s will have spent time playing this hit video game arcade classic and will love the retro chic look of the slippers. They come in two designs – navy blue with a yellow logo and a maze from the game and black with a green logo decorated with Pac-Man, pac-dots and the ghost enemies (Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde). Plus, the slippers glow in the dark! How cool is that? Thank you so much to Havaianas for coming up with this design and to All-Flip Flops store in SM Naga for letting me have this! I will be eternally grateful.


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Travel Gear I Use

To be honest, I don’t really like shopping. I find department stores overwhelming and tend to go there only if there’s something I really need to buy. My closet is filled mostly with multipurpose cargo pants, dry-fit sports jerseys and souvenir shirts from different provinces. Not exactly your typical fashionista fare. But there are times when I do head to the mall to buy travel gear and accessories. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the travel gear I frequently use. Click here to see my previous posts on travel gear.

MULTI-PURPOSE HEADWARE

This is the only travel accessory I really tend to splurge on. I’ve been a fan of multi-functional headwear ever since the early days of reality show Survivor. I use these mostly as a bandanna, motorcycle dustmask and a blindfold for sleeping on buses and planes. It’s also pretty useful as a wristband for trekking (and wiping off sweat), headband & tube top for swimming.

I really love the Marvel limited edition series from Headware and currently own 5 out of 21 designs. The Spiderman mask (which is pretty hard to find in stores) is a favorite. Including the Buffs from Buffwear & cheaper variety multi-purpose headwear that you can get in department stores, I own about 20 pieces of this and counting (couldn’t find the other pieces for the photo) :p

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Geeky Cool Travel Accessory

One of my favorite travel accessories has got to be multi-purpose headwear, the seamless tube that can be worn in all sorts of ways. This really comes in handy for all sorts of outdoor adventures and travel in general. Aside from wiping sweat and keeping hair out of the face when I use it as a bandana, it’s also useful as a facemask for motorcycling. When folded up, it can be a blindfold for sleeping in buses and planes. I’ve also used it to cover my camera when it suddenly rains.

HeadWare is a  local brand that is pretty affordable and makes the products out of good material. The fabric is more breathable than the cheaper knock-offs you can buy at bazaars and it actually keeps you cool during hot weather and warm during cold weather. Unlike the cheaper headwear, the print designs don’t fade when washing and the fabric itself doesn’t get stretched out of shape. Continue reading “Geeky Cool Travel Accessory”