TrustyPony » Security

iZap portable toothbrush sanitizer by Violight

Berit Thorkelson — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:00:05 +0000

An affordable case that sanitizes your toothbrush during storage. Because who knows what bacteria lurks on hostel sinks and hotel countertops? Ew.

Budget-friendly gifts for travelers: CarrySafe 200 anti-theft shoulder strap by Pacsafe

Berit Thorkelson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:56:51 +0000

Switch out the regular strap on a travel bag containing valuables—camera, laptop, passport—for this superhero version. Those are screw-down metal nuts that connect it to your bag, and the entire thing’s woven with metal cables, making it slashproof. Great for walking around, but you can also connect it to your train seat or cafe table-leg so you can safely relax with a catnap or a glass of wine without being on guard the entire time. PacSafe makes a specific camera strap version of this, too.

MicroFlex Mini Pocket money belt by Eagle Creek

Berit Thorkelson — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:37:19 +0000

You’re either a money-belt person or you’re not. My uncle Pat, a globe-trotter who’s lived in countries including Germany, Malaysia and Dubai, is a money-belt person. Quite a while back, he presented me with the challenge of finding one that was actually comfortable. At this year’s Travel Goods Association conference, I got a preview of this baby. Really thin, soft and small—perfect for hiding the basics. It just appeared on the market. I say, “Challenge met.” I’ll let you know if Uncle Pat says otherwise.

Tracking luggage tag by Victorinox Swiss Army

Berit Thorkelson — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:32:40 +0000

Comes with a free 24/7/365 lifetime service—if an upstanding citizen anywhere in the world finds your bag, he or she can call the number listed on this tag, collect, and Victorinox will arrange its return to you. Back-up insurance is always a good idea, no?

DataSafe RFID-Blocking embossed Italian leather Passport Wallet by Kena Kai

Berit Thorkelson — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:07:35 +0000

Listen up: Radio chips embedded in new passports, credit cards and drivers licenses constantly transmit your personal information. This means a thief can nab it, wirelessly. Enter Kena Kai’s new wallets and passport holders, lined with material designed to block radio frequency identification (RFID) transmission. Smart and good looking. Nice combo.

FR150 Microlink hand crank radio, flashlight & phone charger by Eton

Berit Thorkelson — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:16:09 +0000

I’m pretty psyched about the arrival of camping season, as well as my new camp-out essential. It’s a weather, AM or FM radio; LED flashlight and emergency phone charger, all in one easy-to-hold, eco-friendly little package. Uses energy generated via the hand crank, solar panel or USB port.

Snake bike lock

Berit Thorkelson — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:37:25 +0000

For your bike, yes, but also to tether your pack to the top of the bus in India, or maybe to your train compartment luggage rack in Italy. Secure and super scary.

Laptop computer screen privacy filter by 3M

Berit Thorkelson — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:28:35 +0000

Thwart Nosey Noserson in the airplane seat next to you.

Letter-based luggage lock by WordLock

Berit Thorkelson — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:08:05 +0000

I’m a word nerd. Numbers, not so much. I wrote my cashcard PIN number down in a secret place after I learned the hard way that if you suddenly blank on those four numbers? You get no cash. So this luggage lock is just my style: All letters. Beautiful, sensible letters.

The lock is TSA approved, too, which means airport security has a master key and can get in and out of your bag if need be.

Zip-It Passport Security Pocket Sock by Zip-It Gear

Berit Thorkelson — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:23:28 +0000

Socks with a secret. These are the fanciest ones, which wick away moisture, reduce swelling and come with an extra-large pocket. They have crew and sport versions, too.