by Berit Thorkelson, 20 May 2009 | Link to this

It looks like your basic hoodie, yet, it’s built specifically for travel comfort with features including a removable inflatable neck pillow, stash pocket with ear plugs, zippered internal passport/ticket pocket and a light shield built into the hood. Genius.
by Berit Thorkelson, 5 May 2009 | Link to this

Palm-sized mini-cameras that snap into a cartridge of 110 film, which you probably remember if you were around in the ’70s. (Comes with one roll. Refill two-packs cost $8.) Decorated with cute little creatures including a tadpole, a squirrel or a hedgehog. Of course it’s from Japan.
by Berit Thorkelson, 30 April 2009 | Link to this

Do it for the environment. Bonus: Not giving uppity non-smokers more reason to feel superior.
by Berit Thorkelson, 13 April 2009 | Link to this

A working video camera, with built-in microphone, disguised as a working ballpoint pen. Fulfill the International Spy Fantasy: Just add trenchcoat.
Also: Congrats to the lucky Laurel, winner of the Point It. More giveaways coming your way soon!
by Berit Thorkelson, 5 February 2009 | Link to this

For instant—if fleeting—ambiance. Keep them together in the book, or break one off to turn dessert into a birthday celebration, any time, any place.
by Berit Thorkelson, 9 January 2009 | Link to this

Wakes you up with an explosion sound, which you stop by unplugging the correct colored-wire connection, thus diffusing this “bomb.” (The diffusion code resets randomly after each use.) Clearly not your best choice for carryon.
(via Gear Diary)
by Berit Thorkelson, 17 December 2008 | Link to this

Powered by water, not batteries, making it greener, cheaper and easier to run than your typical travel alarm.
by Berit Thorkelson, 17 December 2008 | Link to this

Warm white wine? Puh-leeze. Deflates to pack flat.
by Berit Thorkelson, 15 December 2008 | Link to this

An affordable case that sanitizes your toothbrush during storage. Because who knows what bacteria lurks on hostel sinks and hotel countertops? Ew.
by Berit Thorkelson, 3 December 2008 | Link to this

That’s a dishwasher-safe ceramic cup with silicon lid disguised as a disposable fancy-coffee-shop cup. If only the warm glow that comes from being environmentally friendly somehow made hotel coffee taste better.
Also: Congratulations to Anna and Jen P. who won the Yak Pak Chinooks. And please, don’t despair if you didn’t win anything this round of giveaways. I’ll be doing them more often in 2009, so check back.