Review: Archtek Toothpaste Tablets

If you’re one of those people who are trying to cut back on liquids/aerosols/gels and anything else that must be placed in that silly 3-1-1 bag, then the  Archtek Toothpaste Tablets may be for you.

While some of us have been using Toothpaste powder, and occasionally getting it all over the place, Archtek, which makes dental supplies, has come up with a toothpaste tablet. 

Made of of lots of chemicals and things that are supposed to help keep your teeth clean and prevent disease, they are fairly easy to use.

Pop one tablet in your mouth and chew. No water needed. Then brush. 

The tablet mixes with your saliva and makes a sort of foam. Not the tingling type or enough where someone will think you have rabies. Just a nice gentle solution. 

I brushed normally, with my electric, although I take a manual toothbrush when I travel, and when finished had a minty fresh taste in my mouth.  

With toothpaste powder I actually feel it on my teeth. With these, you have to take their word that the thin foam formed after chewing one of these is actually cleaning your teeth. But, you do finish with fresh breath. 

So, if you’re are looking to get rid of toothpaste during your travels, and want convenience, these should be considered. At home, I’ll keep using toothpaste. 

(Frank II)

Archtek supplied the Toothpaste Tablets for review. 

Review: Tom Bihn RFID Blocking Passport Pouch

A couple of weeks ago I was preparing to review the new  Tom Bihn RFID Blocking Passport Pouch.  I had done some research on RFID and was planning this whole essay on what it was, why we need to be wary, and what could be done. 

And then our buddy Kevin at Practical Hacks wrote a great blog posting on just this subject as well as a review of the same pouch—and in the same color.

I thought I’d wait a couple of weeks and then post mine. But, you know, I don’t think I could have done a better job than Kevin, and I agree with everything he says, so…..I’m just going to give you the link to his review and say……good job Kevin.

Practical Hacks review of the Tom Bihn RFID Blocking Passport Pouch

One thing I’ll add…pay attention to his suggestion of clipping it to your bag. I wouldn’t wear the passport pouch through security. In some cases, the lining might set off the metal detectors. And should you be chosen for secondary screening, and you’re wearing the pouch around your neck, you’ll have to take it off anyway. 

Be aware….some drivers licenses and credit cards are beginning to use RFID technology as well. If your cards are the type you can just wave to use they may have RFID technology and you want to protect them as well. 

BTW—I’m definitely going to use this when  I travel and/or need to carry my passport. It’s practically weightless and comfortable to wear around your neck. 

(Frank II)

Tom Bihn supplied the RFID Blocking Passport Pouch for review. 

Review: Goodhope 7260 3 Way Convertible Brief/Backpack

Before I get into the details of this bag, let me mention one thing. It costs $23 including  shipping to the U.S.

The Goodhope Convertible is an economical, smaller than maximum legal carry-on.

It’s measurements are 18” x 12” x 6.5” and it weighs 2.2 lbs with the shoulder strap.

The exterior is 600 denier polyester and the inside lining is vinyl.

On the front of the bag are two smaller pockets one large enough for a 3-1-1 bag but neither large enough for a standard magazine. 

The smaller front compartment contains a sewn in organizer strip consisting of two open pockets, one zippered mesh pocket and 4 penholders. The zippers on this compartment go down about a third of the way on each side. It is large enough to hold a netbook or tablet but there is no protection for those items. 

The main compartment has two unique tie down straps. They don’t unclip. To use the straps, you have to loosen them, stick whatever you want them to hold down underneath and then tighten. The bag opens wardrobe style with the zippers fully opening on three sides.

BTW—did I mention this is a $23 bag with free shipping within the U.S.?

The bag also has two backpack straps that hideaway when not in use. Functional, but I wouldn’t want to walk very far with them.  A shoulder strap is also included with the bag. 

There is only one grab handle located where you’d expect one if you carried this like a suitcase. All connectors are made of plastic and the main zipper on my bag slightly catches on the vinyl lining. There is an extended flap meant to cover the zippers of the main compartment in case of rain. 

If you’re looking for a smaller than average carry-on bag, aren’t looking to  take it into the deepest jungle, nor expect to check it often, this might be an inexpensive bag to consider. 

It would also make a decent laptop briefcase but there is no padding so a sturdy protective sleeve would be necessary. 

It’s available in black or green.

Bottom line: I doubt Tom Bihn, Red Oxx, Briggs & Riley or Tumi are very worried about this bag stealing their customers. However, if you’re on a budget, are looking for a smaller convertible bag, and will mostly do car or light air travel, this bag may work. It’s no Western Flyer, which has the same basic dimensions, but it will do in a pinch. 

Did I mention it was only $23 including free shipping in the U.S.?

(Frank II)

CSN Stores supplied the Goodhope Convertible for review. 

Update on May 15, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

Oops, forgot to mention….this may become my “just in case” bag as mentioned in the posting below. It could also become my overnight bag for one night business/pleasure trips.

Packing "just in case"

Ask any experienced light traveler and they will tell you that packing items “just in case” is a big no-no. Take only what you really need and will actually use. Anything else can be gotten at your destination.

I adhere to this belief and it has worked well. With one exception—the day trip. 

Occasionally, I take a one day trip by air. These flights are usually under 90 minutes each way and I can leave early in the morning and return at night. However, since 9/11 and after a few cancellation scares due to weather, I have started to pack a “just in case” overnight kit. This includes a clean shirt, underwear, socks, medication and some basic non-liquid toiletries including laundry sheets should the delay stretch more than a day. The weight is minimal and there is no need to take a full sized carry-on. 

This way, should I get stranded, I’m not forced to wear the same clothes twice. 

Anyone else do this? 

(Frank II)

Review: Tom Bihn Large Cafe Bag

I needed a new messenger bag. I was in the process of switching over from years of using an efficient packable backpack and decided it was time to go hands free. But what to get. 

My requirements were many:

—It had to be sturdy yet not too heavy.

—It had to be able to act as a netbook bag as well as a vacation bag.

—It had to fit inside a standard non-wheeled carry-on bag. 

—it had to have some sense of extra security to thwart pickpockets.

—it had to pass the test of not being thought of as a “murse.”

For awhile, I’ve had a Rick Steves Veloce Bag and used it when having to take my laptop anywhere. But it’s way to big to pack inside my carry-on.

I then got a Pacsafe Metrosafe 250. An excellent bag that allayed my fears of pickpocketing but for most of my travels, it would be overkill.

I quickly realized there were literally thousands of messenger bags on the market. But for some reason, I couldn’t put my finger on one I really wanted. 

So, I turned to Tom Bihn to see what they had. I admit, I’m a fan of their products and the way they do business. I’ve never been disappointed with anything I gotten from them. 

Tom Bihn makes a few different types of messenger bags. It didn’t take me long to realize that most would not fit my needs. They where just too big. 

I thought about getting one of their newer Ristretto’s made specifically for netbooks/ipad but what function would the sewn in laptop sleeve  serve when I wasn’t carrying a netbook?

And then I zeroed in on the Tom Bihn Large Cafe Bag. 

Made of 1000d Cordura Nylon with a 500 denier Codura lining, the Large Cafe Bag (LCB) measures 13” x 12” x 3” and weighs a hair under 1 lb. (1.2 lbs with the upgraded Absolute Strap.)

The front of the bag has a flap that covers the open topped main compartment as well as a smaller zippered compartment. It attaches to the bag via an offset Duraflex Warrior buckle.

The top of the bag has a smaller carry handle.

The back of the bag has a removable waist strap should you want to attach it to your body. (This is popular with bicyclists who carry the bag messenger style but don’t want it flopping around.) There is also a magazine pocket and I have put a standard sized magazine in so you can get an idea of size. 

The main compartment of the LCB is open and contains 4 pockets: 2 large enough to each hold a PDA, smaller camera, notebook or cellphone. The other two are meant as pen slots. There are also three Tom Bihn signature “o” rings and one key strap.  

In the smaller zippered pocket, large enough to hold a smaller wallet, you will also find another “0” ring.

Next step, the tests of my requirements.

First up, how would it handle being a netbook bag. I wouldn’t suggest putting your netbook in this bag without some type protection. I turned to the Tom Bihn Netbook Vertical Cache.  This is an excellent protective cover. While it’s made to go in vertically, I prefer to carry it horizontally. It’s a snug fit but the netbook doesn’t bounce around as much.

At 13 x 12 x 3, the bag is small enough to fit into my carry-on, yet not seem too much like a man purse. It’s fairly lightweight at just under one pound but the optional upgraded Absolute Strap will take it up to 1.2 lbs. 

BTW, the main strap is not removable and my suggestion is to upgrade to the Absolute. I believe it’s worth it and your shoulder will thank you for it. 

And now the last category, safety from pickpockets. Sadly, as it is, a good pickpocket could slip his or her hand inside the bag and possible grab something. But being resourceful, I found two ways around it. And the answer, are the “o” rings. 

The first method I thought of was to get a few Tom Bihn pouches., and connect them to the “o” rings. I could put my camera, cellphone, ipod, and anything else of value in these pouches. It would then require a pickpocket to not just reach in but also unzip one of the pouches, sight unseen, and take what’s in it. Or if they tried to cut the bottom of the bag and grap what falls out, they’d be out of luck since anythng of value would be inside a pouch clipped to an “o” ring.

The pouches, of course, would be carried on the inside of the bag. They are outside in the photo simply to demonstrate what I mean.

The second idea I had may be even more practical. I decied to take my Tom Bihn Side Effect, use two key straps, and attach one on each side of the main compartment of the LCB. The other sides of the straps would then be attached to the outside “o” rings on the Side Effect. The SE would sit comfortably inside the bottom of the main compartment. Inside it has slots for smaller electronics or a notebook. With it zippered shut, it would be very difficult to get into and if the LCB was cut from below, the SE would stay connected to the bag via the two key straps. 

And here’s where it gets even better. Let’s say you go somewhere, like a museum, that makes you check a larger bag—yet you’re not thrilled about checking your valuables. All you have to do is unclip the Side Effect, put it around your waist, after all it is a waist pack, and then you can safely check the LCB. It may not be stylish, but it’s practical.

The Side Effect also comes with a removable thin shoulder straps for anyone who wants to carry it that way, (Guys can probably skip this.) It could be used as a small bag or clutch for evenings.

The LCB comes in numerous color combinations. Mine has a linen exterior and a steel interior. (Sorry about my photo abilities.) If you want to see better photos, go to the the Large Cafe Bag website This is first bag I own that is neither black or gray. The linen color is fairly neutral. 

All Tom Bihn bags are made at their factory in Seattle, Washington. 

The Tom Bihn Large Cafe Bag is a multi-functional, multi-purpose bag that is good for daily use, business use (assuming you don’t work with people who wear three piece Brooks Brothers suits,) and for travel. It can hold an amazing amount and is now my “go to” bag for most journeys—near and far. 

If the large cafe bag is too big for you, it also comes in a “medium” and small” version.

Tom Bihn supplied the Large Cafe Bag, the Cache, and two of the pouches for reviews. All other items mentioned or shown were purchased by the reviewer. 

(Frank II)

Review: Flylite Medium Foldaway Wheeled Cabin Holdall

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a question regarding lightweight wheeled bags. There were many suggestions but one bag, Flylite Medium Foldaway Wheeled Cabin Holdall , stood out. 

I’ve been aware of this bag for sometime but had never actually seen one. So, I contacted the manufacturer in the UK who was happy to send one for review. 

Honestly, I didn’t expect much. I mean, a bag weighing just over 3 lbs (1.4kg), with wheels and a strap for a pull handle? How good could it be?

First, the specs:

The exterior of the bag is made of 1680D woven nylon and the interior is lined with vinyl. The bag measures 55 cm x 40cm x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.8 x 7.9 in.) It weighs just over 3 lbs (1.4 kg.)

The pull handle strap is adjustable in length, has a padded grip, and folds away into its own pocket when not in use. The wheels are similar to those found on roller blades. There are three carry handles on each side of the bag for easy storage and removal from overhead bins. 

There is one large compartment for packing and one smaller, thinner compartment on the outside front. The larger compartment has two internal tie-down straps.

When not in  use, the bag folds down and is held together with a velcro strip.

Now, the verdict. Honestly, I was surprised. It’s a lot better than I thought it would be. When packed, the bag stayed upright and was easy to maneuver with the strap pull handle. 

The bag was made to meet the carry-on dimensions for low cost European airlines such as Ryanair. Those dimensions are slightly different than standard U.S. carry-on rules but since the bag is basically soft sided all around, except for the bottom where the wheels are attached, I doubt you’d have a problem carrying it on board most airlines unless the bag was over packed. 

I can’t say whether the Flylite would do well being continually checked, but for someone who wants wheels, doesn’t expect to take the bag into any rough terrains or over rough conditions, this Flylite may do the trick. 

The one downfall I did find was the lack of “D” rings to allow the attachment of a shoulder strap. Considering how light the bag is, I’d like the option of attaching a shoulder strap especially if I had to carry the bag for any distance. 

The Flylite Medium Foldaway Wheeled Cabin Holdall is available from the manufacturer.  The price is 45 GBP ($74) including shipping anywhere outside the UK or EU. 

(This bag was supplied by the manufacturer for review.)

(Frank II)

Review: Tom Bihn Guardian Dual Function Light

It has happened to me three times: the power in my hotel has gone out. The first two times, I wasn’t prepared. By the third time I had started carrying a small flashlight. It was about 6 inches long, took two AAA batteries and was heavy.

Lately, I’ve been carrying a Mighty Bright Carabiner Flashlight

They’re decent, lightweight and the light was okay, but they didn’t last very long and were not rechargable.

Then I found the Tom Bihn Guardian Dual Function Light.

This light is made in Canada for use by the military and law enforcement. It comes with either  a white or red bulb cover and includes both a belt clip and a lanyard with a swivel hook. It’s just over 1 inch all around and weighs a mere 0.7 oz (20g). The light can be seen for up to 3 miles.  You have the option of a steady light or a flashing one. To create either mode, it’s necessary to turn the batteries over. (CR 2032)

The uniqueness of this light is the ability to keep it close and hands free. You can use the belt clip to attach it to your belt or strap of your messenger bag or backpack.

Or,  you can use the lanyard and clip it to an internal “O” ring to use as a bag light or to let it hang freely outside the bag should you need to use the light and keep your hands free. 

Having the flashlight conveniently clipped to your bag makes it easy when you need it most…in the dark. No fumbling for a light. And that’s important.

I wish Tom Bihn would make both the white and red lenses available, so they can be interchanged, rather than be forced to buy two separate flashlights

For only $20, and a weight under 1 oz, this is my new go to light travel flashlight.

(Tom Bihn suppled the Guardian Dual Function Light for review.)

(Frank II)

Damage done, lives on

Osama is dead. The damage he (and we) did lives on and we can hardly step beyond our front doors without seeing it. This Front Porch Republic piece by Russell Arben Fox says it better than I can:

But what I didn’t realize until much later was that the pre-occupation we had with that threat was itself a perhaps even deeper threat to the American way of life…a way that, whatever else we all disagree upon, really shouldn’tbe a life conditioned by endless low-level wars, and the costly divides in American life they give rise to. We did that to ourselves, but Osama gave us the pretext for doing so, and for that, I guess he deserved what he finally,finally, got. If only I could believe that a well-executed firefight could rid us of all the civic and international damage he has left in his wake. - FPR

A new threat, a new attack, a new counter measure, less freedom, and no more safety. These prospects among other things keep me from anything like a celebratory mood.

(Brad)

Coolest bags you've never heard of

As you know, I love to root out bags “no one” has heard of. (HT: Carryology)

QWSTION

theMADLY

WHEELMEN

(Brad)

To promote one bagging or not....that is the question

This site has always been about promoting one bagging.  So much so that some of our disciples are now venturing off on their own. (See S & M)

But it makes me wonder. With alll this preaching, are we actually hurting ourselves?

As anyone who has flown recently knows, the overhead bins are packed tighter than a subway car at rush hour. If we’re lucky, we may get to put the bags under the seat in front of us but lose valuable, limited leg room.  Or worse, check our bags even though they are below the airline regs.

Would we be better not preaching and allowing people to find this out for themselves? Would it be beneficial to us to, instead, preach to those who take just a little too much the benefits of checking their bags?

(Frank II)

A new convert.....

…..sort of……

Carry-on Experiment

(Frank II)

How to NOT get robbed while traveling

I saw this article on CNN.com and thought it might be of interest to our readers.

How To NOT Get Robbed While Traveling

(Frank II)

Gear reviews

I just wanted to give people a heads up that there’s going to be plenty of new gear reviews in the next few weeks as packages of “travel” stuff are winging their way to me. As soon as I get them, I’ll give them a run for their money and let you know what I think.

To any manufacturers or retailers who would like us to review bags, travel accessories, travel gadgets, etc…..feel free to contact us. (I am a certified travel goods specialist so your item will get a “somewhat” knowledgable review.)

(Frank II)

Lightest weight wheeled carry-on

As many of you who read this blog on a regular basis knows, I’m not a regular user of wheeled luggage and, sadly, haven’t kept up with all the newer lightweight bags.

But that has to change. A good friend of mine has asked for help. He’s headed off for a long vacation to Europe and wants suggestions on lightweight wheeled luggage that will fit the carry-on standards of some of the discount European airlines. 

As hard as I tried to get him to go wheeless, I had no luck for most of the time he sat there with a fixed smile, glassy-eyed gaze meaning he was somewhere else while I rambled on. Wheels it must be. 

So to you, our faithful readers, I need suggestions for decent quality, light weight wheelies probably in the 20 x 14 x 8 size range. Under $200 would also be nice. 

(Frank II)

BA chief blasts airport security

British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton is calling for new “security light” lanes for trusted frequent flyers.

Speaking in London, Broughton said it’s time for “a risk based approach to security rather than a one-size-fits all approach.” He asked: “Is it sensible to run exactly the same security check on pilots—each and every time they fly—as, for an example, a Yemeni student?”

While some might call that profiling, Brouhton said “making everybody suffer inconvenience in the name of uniformity doesn’t make any sense at all and reduces the quality of security by dissipating resources”

He also criticized U.S. officials who promised, but failed, to improve matters for passengers. He singled out former DHS chairman Michael Chertoff for saying he would do something about the problem but never did. 

“Perhaps he was too busy building his 700-mile long fence along the Mexican border,” said Broughton. 

It seems these comments came about after a BA board member was singled out for additonal security by TSA—something Broughton believes should never have happened. He said the executive was in good companys since “well known celebrities such as Henry Kissenger get singled out as well as a number of infants.”

Which begs me to ask….except for flight crews, does he really want easier security for anyone not considered a threat, or only those  who are rich and powerful?

(Frank II)

Airline passenger bill of rights.....the sequel

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced additions to it’s passenger bill of rights.. They include:

1) a requirement that airlines fully disclose all fees and taxes on their websites. This includes fees for baggage, meals, upgraded seats, and canceling or changing reservations.

2) Tarmac delays for international flights are limited to four hours. After two hours, food, water and proper toilet facilities must be available. Tarmac delay limits for domestic flights stay at three hours. 

3) Refund baggage fees if the bag is lost. While airlines must compensate passengers for lost bags, they must now refund any baggage fees paid as well.

4) Fees for bumping passengers have been increased. Short delays will go from $400 to $650 and long delays from $800 to $1350. Additionally, these rates will be adjusted every two years for inflation. 

All of the above rules take effect in 120 days. 

(Frank II)

ATC: please pass the popcorn

Anyone reading the news the last couple of weeks knows that a handful of air traffic controllers have been either fired or suspended for fallling asleep on the job. It’s hard to be surprised considering most of of these people are overworked, highly stressed and close to retirement age.

But one controller and his manager have been suspended for watching a DVD movie while directing air traffic.

It happened last Sunday night after midnight at the Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center. This center controls high altitude air traffic between the northeast  and the western part of the U.S. 

The FAA said “The incident came to light because pilots could hear the movie over the radio. For a little more than three minutes, the controller’s microphone was inadvertently activated, transmitting the soundtrack of the movie over the radio frequency for that airspace.”

No word on what they were watching but my guess was “Airplane II.” At least they could say it was work related.

(Frank II)

Kung Fu airlines

The next time you complain to the flight attendant, you may not want to do it on Hong Kong Airlines.

All of that airlines’ flight attendants are being encouraged to learn Wing Chun, a form of Kung Fu.

According to airline officials, their flight attendants have to deal with about three disruptive passengers per week. 

Wing chun is designed to be  used in confined spaces like airplane cabins. 

(Frank II)

Don't Complain....it's not allowed.

It’s tax time here in the good old U.S. of A. 

Hands up…how many of you complained about having to pay your taxes? After all, who doesn’t complain about taxes and the IRS? 

Complaining is not only a privilege, it’s a right. And as Americans we can complain as much as we want about anything having to do with the government—and there’s nothing they can do.

Or can they?

It seems one government agency sees any complaint about it as a threat. Can you guess which one? C’mon, guess—it’s easier than you think.

All right, I’ll give you a hint. It’s letters are T.S.A

That’s right folks, the TSA now believes that anyone making negative comments about its procedure could be a terrorist threat.

Complaining, or for that matter praising TSA, could be seen as a diversionary tactic and therefore a threat against the country.

So, apparrently, our First Amendment right to free speech is yet another part of the Constitution the TSA ignores. 

Have you also noticed when TSA’s actions are questioned, it’s not a third party who investigates to see if they broke the law? It’s TSA themselves. They get to decide.

James Madison is rolling over in his grave. 

(Frank II)

Jacket with sump pump

What in the wide world of sports is directional clothing? It’s clothing by Paramo with a fabric that actually “pumps” moisture out (from inside out). CoolTools likes it:

Instead of using a membrane they use a “pump liner” that sucks water away from the inside of their shells. So sweat is still expelled in the rain, needle holes don’t matter because water trying to enter via them is pumped back, and if you get soaked under your shell when you fall out of your kayak your baselayers will dry out faster with your Paramo on, sucking water away, than if you took it off.

We all know that most “travel” clothing owes a great deal to outdoor clothing. This fabric tech might be the next big thing. It’s worth a look.

The Halcon jacket (right & below) almost qualifies as a ScottEVest replacement with its large number of pockets. No surprise it’s not cheap.

(Brad)