When you’re traveling — especially with cameras, laptop, smart phones and other high-tech equipment — the right equipment is crucial. I recently tried out some new gear that has already had a positive effect on my travel life (and quite possibly saved me from breaking my neck while horseback riding). Here’s the rundown on some new travel gear that makes for great holiday gifts.
Acme Made Montgomery Street Courier: Compact and stylish, this camera case/general travel bag is ideal for carrying a camera, lens, iPad and other items, with a very practical, quick-access side zipper opening that complements the top opening. The handsome style, shape and color (I chose cool gray with a green interior) make this attractive enough to carry even if you’re not using it to carry cameras. I recently moved all my camera stuff from my dumpy old black thing to the Street Courier, and now it fits much better below the seat when I fly. $79.99
LowePro Passport Sling II: Another example of smart use of space, the LowePro Passport Sling II is designed can serve as either a camera bag or as a complete day bag, with exterior and interior pockets for things like a water bottle, smart phone, memory and other gadgets. The comfortable strap makes it easy to carry, and the expandable front compartment provides more storage space when you need it. $79.99
Joby 3-way Camera Strap: Sounds crazy, but this camera strap probably prevented me from falling off a horse in Panama. This clever device quickly converts from wrist to shoulder to neck strap, with a retractor system that means no matter how you’re using it, your camera will be within control, within reach and without bulky, long straps (pushing a button quickly adjusts the length). If I’d been bouncing along on a horse while worrying about keeping control of my camera, I probably would have fallen off. $39.99
Joby GripTight Micro Stand: I don’t know why it took me so long to actually try out a smart phone stand. It weighs next to nothing and folds up for easy travel, yet provides a stable base for iPhones, Androids and Windows phones — which means no more propping up your device while sitting at your desk or at that nearby Starbucks or Juan Valdez (the stand also comes in handy for taking photos with your phone). Once you’ve used one of these, propping up a phone just seems so inelegant. $29.95
Joby GripTight GorillaPod Stand: With its highly flexible, grippy legs, this handy device is something like having a funky little spider friend who’s always willing to hold onto your phone. It’s great for taking along when you’re heading outdoors or anyplace where the availability of a flat surface isn’t guaranteed. The GorillaPod fits iPhone, Android and Windows phones, and attaches quickly. Perfect for making photos, videos or just watching your screen (you could Skype from the middle of a forest), the GorillaPod Stand is valuable for any road warriors who are also addicted to their smart phone. $29.95
For more travel photography tips and ideas, check out the LatinFlyer interview with Ty Wivell, national sales manager for DayMen and an avid traveler and photographer.
MORE TRAVEL GIFT IDEAS
From the LatinFlyer/Mundera Shop on Zazzle
View more gifts at Zazzle.