Gear Review: Jaktogo

Remember when Jet Blue put out the following ad making fun of Spirit Air’s decision to charge for carry-on luggage:

We all had a good laugh. C’mon a bag that could be worn as a coat. Ridiculous……or is it?

Introducting the Jacktogo—the bag that becomes a coat.

Let’s start with the coat…..made of “durable” polyester and weighing in at about 1 1/2 pounds, the front of the coat has six pockets—four that close using velcro strips which are also used to keep the coat closed and two regular open coat pockets.

The back of the coat has three zippered pockets and the two logos that will be seen on the side of the bag.

Inside is where you find the remaining pockets all with velcro strip holders. 

And now for the magic….when you want to carry it as a bag, it turns into:

The bag. 

In total it has 15 pockets (Jacktogo claims 14 but I counted 15).

On a coolness factor, this is cool. When I first heard about it, I was intrigued.  I had fun showing it a few people. 

Now, on a practical level. 

If you are flying a discount airline and really want to carry everything on and don’t want to pay for checked luggage, especially if limited to one carry-on, I guess this could work. Although I wouldn’t try to convert it from bag to coat in front of airline personnel like on the Jaktogo video. I’d do it before trying to check in. (Oh, and Jaktogo wanted to remind me that it’s not really meant to be worn as a coat, just for the times at the airport when you need to get it past check in or gate people. They also suggest ordering it one size larger so it can be worn over a regular coat.)

Considering the material, I wouldn’t put anything of value or real weight in the pockets. It should be fine for clothing. 

As a coat, the logos are fairly visible on the back and eventually the airlines may catch on. Detailed instructions on how to fold the coat into a bag are included but don’t expect to do this on a plane. You really need to lay the jacket down to do it. There’s no place I can think of on a plane. The best you’d be able to do is a quick fold and then put it in the overhead. 

As a bag, it’s virtually impossible to get most things out unless you undo all the straps and turn it back into a coat. There are two small zippers near the logos. But since most people would have a carry-on as well, only put items in this that you wouldn’t need on the flight. 

So, as I said earlier, if you really want to get stuff on board rather than pay the checked luggage fee, this item might work. But then, why choose this over a Scottevest. At least the Scottevest can do double duty as a coat/vest, etc. But then some people might not want the extra coat—especially if traveling in hot weather. 

The Jaktogo is made in Bulgaria and is available from the manufacturer in that country for 80 Euros ($114US). (It’s on sale for 60 Euros ($85US) through August.) Shipping to the U.S., Canada and Australia is an additional 8 Euros. To the UK it’s 6.50 Euros. (Mine took about a week to get to me in the U.S.)

If you want a better look at this item, with better photos, I suggest going to the jaktogo website. 

Jaktogo provided this item for review.

(Frank II)

New Passport Day

The U.S. State Department has declared Sept. 17th to be Passport Day. On that Saturday, most passport facilities will be open. It’s the only Saturday when they are.

However, it is possible that some may not open so its best to check before heading out. 

You may remember this was postposned from an earlier date this year due to a threatened government shutdown. 

(Frank II)

Nein to body scanners

The German police are not impressed:

Body scanners being tested at Germany’s Hamburg airport have had a thumbs down from the police, who say they trigger an alarm unnecessarily in seven out of 10 cases, a newspaper said Saturday.

The weekly Welt am Sonntag, quoting a police report, said 35 percent of the 730,000 passengers checked by the scanners set off the alarm more than once despite being innocent.

The report said the machines were confused by several layers of clothing, boots, zip fasteners and even pleats, while in 10 percent of cases the passenger’s posture set them off. - AFP via Google News

(Brad)

TSA: New Behavioral Detection Program

The TSA will soon begin an enhanced Behavioral Detection program in Boston where specially trained officers will engage is conversation with all passsengers once they enter the screening process. 

After watching the interview below, I have to ask: what would happen if, politely, we explained we preferred not telling a representative of the government about our travel plans, who we’re seeing, why we’re traveling, what we do, etc? They claim it’s not the actual answer they’re interested in but how we respond. If that’s the case, will we be “punished” for refusing. Or, should we be required to answer any question in the name of security?

Just how much privacy are we required to give up to fly?

TSA at Boston’s Logan Airport testing ‘behavior detection’ approach: MyFoxBOSTON.com

(Frank II)

Gear Review: MEI Voyageur

Contributer Michii recently contributed this to a previous thread on the MEI Voyageur and I wanted to bring it forward rather than have it lost in the archives:

I ordered this bag back in April 2011 and it came in about 4 weeks later, which isn’t bad considering I live in Canada.  I used the bag for one bag travel three times since I bought it, once on a plane and twice on a bus.  Every time is was great to just stuff everything I needed inside and walk where I needed to go without having to lug around a giant suitcase on wheels like I did in Japan.

I found that packing cubes would’ve been helpful but I haven’t found an upper limit to what I can stuff in the bag as of yet.  The most I carried in there was 4 textbooks, a laptop, and a weeks worth of clothing (around 50 lbs) and it wasn’t heavy on my back.  There aren’t any popped seams or zippers and I am quite rough on the bag as I lug it back to forth to work with all my books inside.

I recommend this bag for anyone who would like to travel and either go heavy or light.  The bag is suitable to both.

Thanks Michii

Updates to recent postings

Recently, I posted on the blog about TSA. Granted it was a negative posting because I was not happy with their new policy. I have taken it down because the thread  got very nasty.

As editor, I am responsible for the postings on the blog. I will continue to post things I feel are of interest to light travelers. That includes stories about TSA. (BTW, although some claimed that’s all I write about, the truth is in the last two months, ony 8% of postings were critical of TSA. And 8 % were positive. Not exactly the majority.)

However, from now on, as to not hurt those extra sensitive to having to read anything about TSA, I will start all postings about that subject like this:  “TSA—” Those people will then know to skip those postings.

Someone also asked why we need a blog and a Reader’s Forum. Well, they are two different things. A blog is just that, a place where I can post items of interest to people who come to this website. Not everything will be of interest to everyone.  You’ll need to pick and choose.

The Reader’s Forum is a place where everyone has a chance to contribute. Whether it’s something they want to share or a question they’d like answered.

I spend between 2-3 hours per day on this website. Between reviewing all postings, cleaning up spam, perusing dozens of travel websites for information I’d like to pass along, and contacting companies to try to get items for review, the time adds up. I am not compensated at all. I do this on a volunteer basis because I believe the website is valuable.

I also don’t believe in censorship. I only remove postings if they are spam or showing disrespect to another person. Nor will I be censored. 

I’m not perfect. And I may post some things you don’t like. But there is no reason to attack me for it. If you don’t like a posting or it doesn’t interest you, move on to the next. I can’t please everyone. 

(Frank II)

Airport gets creative with safety video

(Warning: this is not a negative TSA story. All those foaming at the mouth ready to pounce about TSA bashing will be pleasantly surprised.)

The management of Glacier Park International Airport near Kalispell, Montana weren’t happy with the long security lines but weren’t about to tell TSA to work faster. Instead, they decided to make the time spent prior to the checkpoints a little more enjoyable. 

The airport hired a local band to make their own version of the government roduced saftey video. Both versions are now shown on a continuous loop and have gotten great reviews. Here it is for your enjoyment. (Oh, make sure you watch it through to the end.)

In case you’re wondering, TSA has given thumbs up to the video. 

(Frank II)

There's a charge to check your bag, Your Highness.

Last weekend, Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Liz II got married in Edinburgh. It literally was a “royal” affair with all the family attending. 

Afterwards, you’d think all they’d disperse back to their respective homes in their private jets, trains and helicopters. Right? 

Wrong.

It seems some decided to, well, do a little cost cutting. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, better known as William and Kate, flew from Edinburgh to Manchester, the closest airport to where William is currently stationed in north Wales, on the discount carrier Flybe. Although accompanied by bodyguards, the royal couple sat with the common folk since Flybe does not offer first class. Their reported fare was $62 each. And yes, they had to go through security just like all the other passengers.

Brother Harry followed suit and flew Easyjet from Edinburgh back to London. His reported fare was $36 although no one could confirm if he had to go through the nude-o-scope or security at all. 

Fortunately for them, security at UK airports does not include groping. 

(Frank II)

Update on August 3, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

It has been confirmed that Prince Harry checked a bag and was charged for it. I’m sure this is really thriilling everyone.

Travel Journals

I have yet to meet many travelers who don’t take some type of camera with them on their voyages. Whether it’s the latest DSLR or a simple point and shoot or an old, soon to be dinosaurish film camera, most bring something to record the visual memories.

But what about a written journal? I wonder how many of you spend time each day writing down your memories. Those that go beyond a simple picture. The thoughts, feelings, emotions and experiences that no image can display.

And for those who do, what do you keep them in? A simple notebook, a decdicated travel journal, or perhaps  an online blog? Do you write with pen, pencil or computer keyboard?

I’m looking for a new journal and wouldn’t mind getting some suggestions. And to hear about your journals.

(Frank II)

20% off luggage at Amazon

Amazon has an interesting offer going on. Sign up for email updates of Apparel and you get a coupon worth 20% off your next order by August 31. 

Why would I tell you about this?  Perhaps because to Amazon, luggage and luggage accessories come under “apparel.”

I’ve seen this discussed on a few travel blogs and I thought I’d pass it along. I signed up and got my coupon. 

You must sign up by this Sunday, July 31.

Check it out here:

Amazon offer

MY thanks to Kevin at Practical Hacks who was one up on the food chain with this one. 

(Frank II)

Gear Review: Spongeables

Okay, I admit it. I’m not a camper or hosteler. In fact, roughing it to me is a hotel without room service. So, just about everywhere I stay, soap is provided by the management. 

But what about the multitude of people here who—either by necessity or choice—bring their own bath soap when traveling? Yes, you can bring a tiny bottle of liquid. Or you could bring a solid bar. Or you could bring a  Spongeable.

Spongeables are basically body wash in a sponge. They’re available in different sizes and in separate formulas for men and women. (Blue for boys, pink for girls.) Each one claims to cleanse, protect, massage and hydrate. (They’re both paraban free and never tested on animals.)

I was interested in the ones made specifically for travel.  They are about the size of an Ipod Touch.

Using them is easy: just wet, squeeze and lather up.

I will admit the shower was invigorating and the sponge was at just the right texture to feel as if I was getting a good scrubbing yet not too harsh. I guess the term would be—cough,cough—exfoliating?

The box mine came in claimed they were good for 5+ shower. The ones on the website now claim 3. I think I’ll go with the three. Five would be pushing it. At least for a good sized male. 

The fragrance from the men’s version is very similar to the same smell of most of the newer body washes made for men. And I have no idea what that is. 

I need to put in a personal note. I don’t like soap with heavy fragrance. The first day after using Spongeables, the fragrance was still detectable on my skin some 14 hours later when I went to bed. For some this is a plus, and is actually a selling point. 

Being a good tester, I used the product again the next day. The sponge did not lather as much as in day one but still did a good job. I also noticed the fragrance was not as strong. 

After day three, the sponge was done. 

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get anyone to test the women’s version but I’m still working on it. 

All in all, it’s a pretty good product and it does what it claims. If you’re going somewhere you need to take your own soap, and don’t want to bother with either tiny bottles of liquid or a bar, then this product might come in handy. 

To the makers of Spongeables…..if you came out with an unscented, anti-bacterial version, for both home and travel, I’d buy it.  (And I may be wrong, since I’m not a camper, but doesn’t “fragrance” attract mosquitoes and other insecty type creatures?)

Spongeables are available both on the web and at some chain drug stores and supermarkets. At $7.99 for two travel size sponges, they’re not cheap. 

Spongeables provided the product for review. 

(Frank II)

Update on August 20, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

I asked a lady friend of mine to sample the Spongeable for women and write a short review. Here it is:

Too sudsy, too aromatic
 
The soap blend feels smooth and creamy enough on the skin, and I like that it is/claims to be paraben-free + never tested on animals. But I don’t care for the heavy scent, or for the propylene glycol and sodium laureth sulfate (two ingredients listed on the package, which I avoid whenever possible). I also don’t like unnecessary waste, and this product sudses up way too much for my needs during each use. So much so that I have to put it down while showering so that the suds-making will stop, and finish washing with bare hands—-which of course means losing benefit of the two different sponge surfaces. (Although when I did try to use the scrubber side, the sponge kept slipping out of my grip—-because of all the creamy suds!) I tried my sample three times, and then didn’t care to exhaust the soap supply on additional uses before stopping to write this review.
 
If this were the only soap available in the hotel or guest bath where I was staying, and I hadn’t packed any of my own, I’d use it. But I wouldn’t buy this product to take with me on travel, and I won’t be buying it to stock for guests in my own home. 

(Frank II)

RSS & Twitter

Hello OBOW fans….to make following what goes on here much easier……have you subscribed to us through RSS and Twitter?

Twitter—1bag1world

It helps us out.

(Frank II)

TSA makes us generic

The TSA has announced it will begin upgrading software on all it’s millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology machines that replaces actual passenger photos with generic outlines. The machines will auto detect any threats and show their location on the outline.

Since, the outlines are generic, the need for a remote TSA officer to view them is no longer needed. The passenger will be able to view the same outline as the operator of the machine. If there is no threat, an “OK” will appear. If there is, the area in question will be highlighted on the outline and the passenger will be lead to additional screening.

You can read the TSA press release here.

BTW, there is no proof that this is really be tested by TSA:  

(Frank II)

Gear Review: Sheets

We’ve all been there….that mid afternoon slump, the long day drags, the time of day when we know we need something to boost our energy. A cup of coffee, an energy drink, a load of caffeine….but nothing. No coffee in sight. No store to get an energy drink. 

Maybe you’re on line waiting for your friendly groping by TSA, or about to board a commuter plane with no toilet, or you’ve just landed in some far off land with a dozen other jumbo jets and passport control seems miles away. Liquid choices are either not available or not a good idea.

It may be time to Take A Sheet.

Sheets are a brand new product that one person called a cross between an energy drink and a Listerine breath strip. Available in two flavors, Berry Blast and Cinnamon Rush, each serving of Sheets, contains Vitamins E, B5, B6, B12 and caffeine equal to about one cup of coffee. No calories, no sugar, no carbs, no water needed.

The strips, which are about the physical size of a Listerine breath strip but thicker—similar to a very thin taffy—come individually wrapped.

I’m one of those people that gets an afternoon slump and has even been known to “close my eyes” for 10-15 minutes. What a perfect time to try a “Sheet.”

So, yesterday, when I started to drag mid-afternoon, I thought, let’s see how well they work.

The people behind sheets suggest you take 2-3 as a serving but no more than 4 in any 3 hour period. I decided to try two.

I’m not normally an energy drink person but I do like my coffee.

I opened the first pack, peeled the strip off and popped it on my tongue. It was a blast of berry. Then on to the next one and the cinnamon was cool. 

I followed the instructions to let the strip begin to dissolve on my tongue and then swallow. That only took a few seconds. 

And then I waited. 

I can honestly say that within 15 minutes….I was sound asleep. 

Perhaps you’ll have better luck. 

I’ll give them another chance and let you know if there’s any difference.

Sheets are available at GNC stores and on the web from their website. .They run $5.95 for a pack of 10 and that includes free shipping. Minimum order via web is two packs. 

(Frank II)

Sheets suppled well, Sheets, for review. 

Gear Review: Barefoot Wanderlite Day Pack

Recently, there have been discussions of the ultra-light day packs. The one’s weighing about 2 ounces and can fold down to attach to a key chain. I think we all agree these are meant for casual, light use. 

Then there are the sturdy day packs, weighing in at around a pound and nowhere near foldable, collapsible or whatever. 

Then there is the middle ground. The foldable/packable day bag that takes up little room when folded up, weighs about 1/2 a pound, and holds a lot.

The Packbarefoot Wanderlite Packable Day Pack. fills that niche.

The bag is made of  420d nylon, fills out to 18 x 14 x 8, has a packing capacity of 1925 cubic inches/32L, weighs 9 ounces, and rolls down into the size of a soda can—maybe a little bigger. 

The backpack straps are 2” wide and made of soft nylon. They are fairly comfortable even when carrying a heavier load.

There is a small pocket in the front. The main compartment has a clamshell like opening for easy packing.

I loaded it up with 9 lbs worth of stuff including the two water bottles seen in the above photo. The Wanderlite seemed sturdy and held the weight with no problem. I felt it could easily hold a few more pounds. Because it’s so lightweight, it doesn’t keep it’s shape and items do tend to shift around. 

This “Made in America” bag is a good option for those looking for a versatile, lightweight, no frills  day bag. It’s $28 and available from the factory in Colorado. It also comes with a lifetime warranty due to defects in materials or workmanship. 

Now, if I could just convince them to make a something similar but in a shoulder bag and one that could be worn across the body.

Barefoot Packs supplied a Wanderlite for review. 

(Frank II)

Update on July 19, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

I forgot to add this important note from their website:

Barefoot Enterprises dedicates the net proceeds from the sale of Wanderlite packable daypacks to support the work of World Vision : helping the world’s poorest people work toward bettering their lives and communities through intelligently and compassionately  applied microlending and agricultural activities. 

Road Warrior's travel tips

I recently read this article on Road Warrior’s Tips for Smooth Travel  and thought why not ask everyone here for their own tips. What do you do to make travel smoother. (And did you notice someone in the article said, “one bag only.” Hmm….I wonder where I’ve heard that before?)

(Frank II)

Gear Review: Tom Bihn Tri-Star

It’s been two years since Brad posted a review of the Tom Bihn Tri-Star.. I guess it’s now my turn.

I’m going to cut right the verdict—this is a great bag. It is so versatile that almost anyone who wants to travel one-bag style would probably find this bag easy to use.

Slightly smaller than maximum carry-on size (19” x 13” x 8”) and weighting 3 lbs, 6 oz, the three compartment Tri-Star can be used for both business and leisure travel.

It’s refined look will have most people thinking it’s an oversized laptop bag. By using the middle compartment for “work” and the two end compartments for your “stuff,” the Tri-star will allow you to go from plane to meeting without a stop at your hotel.

For leisure travelers, it allows you to  stay organized and compartmentalized so you don’t have to go rummaging through everything to find that extra camera battery.

Made of 1050 denier ballistic nylon and lined with lightweight Dyneema nylon, the Tri-Star has both #10 and #8 waterproof zippers.

A true convertible bag, the hidden backpack straps include a sternum strap and can accomodate an optional waist belt. (I also use this compartment to hold a foldable light jacket.)

The padded backpack straps make it comfortable to carry for  a long walk although it’s doubtful you’d walk into a business meeting that way. So, you have two other options: the padded handles or the optional Absolute Strap. (I have a chronically sore shoulder and find it hard to carry most bags using it. However, with the Absolute Strap I seem to be able to carry everything pain free.) There are handles on three sides of the bag helping to make it easy to put in and take out of overhead storage  bins. 

Let’s take a look at the bag section by section:

The front of the bag has four zippered compartments. On the left are three vertical compartments that go from their zipper closure to the bottom of the bag. These are great for thinner items like keys, magazines, newspapers, a book, 3-1-1 bag , etc.

The zipper on the right can accommodate a water bottle but can also be used for storage as well.

When the bag is full, don’t expect too much give from these pockets.

The front section has an optional zipper that will split the bag into two compartments: one taking up 2/3 and the other 1/3. In this photo you see the medium sized Tom Bihn Tri-Star packing cube and a Tom Bihn Quarter Cube. (The small Tri-Star packing cube is cut to fit into the right side section but I prefer the two-sided quarter cube. One side for toiletries, the other side for my laundry kit. I could also add a small Tom Bihn pouch and connect it to one of the “o” rings. (Be careful if you use the dividing zipper. I was a little too rough and it ripped the first week I owned the bag. As I don’t use it, it wasn’t a problem for me.)

The medium sized cube in this photo is holding my undies, socks and a t-shirt.

This section zips down on three sides with the top capable of folding flat making for easy packing.

The rear compartment is meant for larger clothes. Here is the large size Tom Bihn packing cube holding 4 shirts and a sweater held down by the included luggage straps.Underneath the pack is an additional pair of pants. This section also opens on three sides for easy packing. 

 The Center section is the hardest to photograph as it only zips down halfway to prevent items from falling out. This section is my office/technology section. 

The center section also has clips to attach a Tom Bihn Brain Cell. These are computer sleeves that come in different sizes depending on your computer. 

Currently, since I want to travel with only one bag, I put my Tom Bihn Large Cafe bag into the certain section as well as a Tom Bihn 3D clear cube with all those miscellaneous items.

And here’s where it proves you can’t go by size alone to see if something will work for you. In the case, size does matter. I like to pack my day bag into my main carry-on for travel days. This way I only have to be concerned with one bag while traveling.

I thought the Large Cafe Bag would be perfect for this. However, there is one drawback to trying to pack it. The strap. I ordered the larger, heavier, Absolute strap—which is wonderful—but it can’t be detached. So, that strap takes up too much room. I will continue to use the Large Cafe Bag as a day bag at  home. 

Since a tablet is in my near future, I may have to substitute a different day bag. I’m thinking the Tom Bihn Ristretto. Not only will it fit my needs for what it can hold, the strap is removable. No need for two Absolute Straps. I can use the Absolute Strap from the Tri-Star to carry the Ristretto when my main bag is at my hotel. I’d take the included standard strap should the Ristretto not be that heavy.  (I’ll have to talk to the good folks at Tom Bihn to see what they think about this idea. I’ll let you know.)

One other thing. “O” rings. These are tiny round rings sewn into all of Tom Bihn bags. They are great. You can attach pouches, keys, packs, etc and they won’t fall out. There are plenty of them all over the bag. 

Now, what about the cons…well….there just aren’t  that many. If you pack too much, the bag will go over the 8” side. (I got mine up to nearly 9.5” by really trying.)

All in all, the Tom Bihn Tri-star is excellent for those who take short business trips and want to pack light, for leisure travelers looking for a smaller than maximum carry-on size case and still want quality, and anyone else wanting to go from maximum to less than maximum in carry on size. 

It may seem that I use a lot of Tom Bihn products. Guilty as charged. They’re high quality, made in America, and are  from a company that offers terrific customer service. I’ve been a paying customer for years. 

The Tom Bihn Tri-Star goes for $270. A set of Tri-Star packing cubes (L,M,S) will set you back an additional $55 but weigh only 10 oz. The three sized packing cubes come with a mesh top. The smaller size is also available in all fabric for shoes or anything else you wanted to keep separate.

For more photos and color choices, go to the Tri-star page on the Tom Bihn website.

(Frank II)

Tom Bihn supplied all accessories discussed in this review. I purchased the actual Tri-Star awhile ago with my hard earned weekly allowance. 

Gear Review: Cocoon Grid-It Organizer

When I first saw the Cocoon Grid-It Organzier, I thought what a great idea. Here is a versatile tool allowing the user to organize small items in endless configurations. 

Items are held in place by a series of elastic bands that come in different sizes. You decide how to configure it. 

The Grid-it’s come in numerous shapes and sizes. Shown in the photos are the CPG-10 (gray) at 12” x 8” x .375” and has a gusset pocket in the back, and the CPG-51 (black) at 15” x 11” x .38”.

The two models shown here cost $20 & $30 respectively. 

For the traveler, these will come in handy to keep all smaller items organized and make it easy for airport security to view without taking things apart. They also make things easier to find. I like them. 

However for “light travelers,” there is one problem. The weight.  The smaller of the two shown above weighs 11 ounces and the larger one weights 18 oz. And for those of us that measure every ounce, that adds up to a lot. 

I’m going to use mine to keep all my travel accessories neat—at home.

Cocoon supplied the larger of the two organizers for review.

(Frank II)

Money belts

Money belts seems to be a one sided issue for most people: either you use them or think they are completely ridiculous.

Ever since I started traveling seriously, I’ve been wearing a moneybelt. I’ve seen too many people who were vicitms of pickpocketing, and the hassle it causes not to wear one.  

Yet most don’t wear or use them correctly. Here is a primer on moneybelts:

First, what we are talking about is not the belt with the hidden zippered pocket for a couple of bills. 

A moneybelt is always worn UNDERNEATH your clothing. It is not your primary daily source for money, credit cards, etc. Think of a moneybelt as deep storage. You only access it in private when no one is around. In it I keep extra money, credit cards, debit cards, my passport,  train/plane tickets (although these are becoming rare), or any other document I want to safeguard.

In my FRONT pants pocket is a wallet with a small amount of cash and  perhaps one credit card. This is what I use for purchases. If I should get pickpocketed, the thief won’t get much. Women might want to carry the wallet in their purse but the principle is the same…only enough for the day.

There are four types of moneybelts:

1) The type worn around the waist.

This one is the most popular and can be worn either in front or in the small of your back—whichever you find more comfortable.

2) The Hidden Pocket

This is one for people who wear belts. The pocket has loops that a belt goes through and then the entire thing hangs down inside your pant leg. (This is the one I use and find the most comfortable.) Some women have told me they use this type but instead of a belt, they put a safety pin through the belt loops and pin it to the inside of either their pants. 

3) The neck wallet.

This is usually worn a around the neck but some wear it messenger style with the actual wallet underneath one of the arms.

4) The Leg Stash

This one is worn around the lower leg.(I like this the least for as the day wears on, my leg tends to either perspire or my calf muscle would flex and the wallet would drop down around my ankles.)

One other bit of advice. As the day wears on, these moneybelts tend to get wet due to body moisture. I’d suggest that you first put anything you plan to carry in the money belt into a small ziploc bag to keep moisture out. 

The photos here show models made by Rick Steves and Eagle Creek. I’ve used both and find them functional and comfortable. Pacsafe is making some with extra security and I’ll have a review shortly.

Whether you use them or not is a personal choice. But if someone asked me, I’d say it’s one of the most important items you can take with you on any trip. It gives me piece of mind knowing the likelihood of having to waste a day either getting my passport replaced or filling out police paperwork is greatly reduced. 

(Frank II)

Packing lists

A friend of mine called me the other day and said he just experienced the lost luggage joke. You know, where your checked luggage is sent to nicer places than you were planning to go. 

Well, he had enough and wanted to learn how to live by carry-on alone. “What’s the first step,” he asked.

The first step, I told him, was to start reading this website and Onebag.com. But it’s the second step that really gets you closer to your dream: Make a packing list. 

A good packing list is multi-functional. It will help you visualize what you need, it will help to keep you from forgetting something and it will keep you from going overboard.

I have a generic packing list that I use to start and then add or remove depending on the type of trip I’m taking, where I’m going and the time of year. This list is also constantly updated when I replace one item with another. 

And the list also keep me from buying things I really don’t need. (Well, most of the time.)

I also take a copy of my final packing list on the trip with me. Why? Because it helps me to not forget something in a hotel room.  When packing up, I scan the list and make sure that charger, or small electronic device, or medication, or anything else, isn’t left behind. 

BTW—while packing lists are now available on smartphones and tablets, I stick to an actual piece of paper. I also send a copy to myself via email just in case the first one is lost. 

(This is not the packing list I use….it’s strictly here for adornment purposes.)

(Frank II)