Questions tagged [gear]

Equipment, devices, and more—if you pack it, it's travel gear.

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EPDM foam for hard-shell case?

I need to fly with some delicate and slightly heavy equipment that is going to have to be checked in. I have hard-sided cases I can put it in that came with convoluted open cell foam. Given the weight,...
Huckle's user avatar
  • 123
1 vote
1 answer
480 views

Buying Isobutane/propane canisters in Reykjavik near Laugavegur?

I’m flying in for a backpacking trip and would like to pick up a gas canaster near my hotel before leaving the city. Where can you get isobutane/propane mix canisters (i.e. for Jetboil or MSR Pocket ...
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35 votes
7 answers
9k views

How annoying are mouse clicks on an air plane

I'm about to go on a 12 hours flight, so I thought it could be nice to have some games ready on my laptop. But it's not really fun playing some of those with the built in track pad. How much of a ...
ZimGil's user avatar
  • 473
21 votes
6 answers
9k views

What happens if you bring a pocket knife to Europa Park?

Everywhere I go (except on planes), I carry a Swiss Army Knife as a fob daily tool and a multitool in my backpack. Today I learned that apparently you're not allowed to bring pocket knives to Europa ...
UTF-8's user avatar
  • 489
22 votes
2 answers
10k views

How do I reset the TSA-unlocked indicator on my lock?

I have a Lewis N Clark combo lock that has the Travel Sentry feature that allows TSA to unlock it. The lock also has a feature that lets you know if TSA opened it - the TSA keyhole at the bottom will ...
pacoverflow's user avatar
  • 2,216
6 votes
1 answer
174 views

Rock Climbing in Peru: Should I bring my stuff?

My girlfriend and I are travelling to Peru for a month and we'd like to do some rock climbing there, as it looks marvellously great. Although I have all the required stuff at home, I'm wondering if it'...
gingras.ol's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
110 views

Long-term photographic travel insurance [closed]

The problem is simply put: how can I insure my photograpic equipment (3 dslrs, 7 high-end lenses) for months on end away from "home"? I am a UK resident but live on-and-off in Oslo, for more than half ...
Alex Maines's user avatar
22 votes
4 answers
9k views

What are these holes for on this European travel adaptor?

I have a standard European travel adaptor. What are the two circled holes on the top and bottom for?
Xnero's user avatar
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-1 votes
3 answers
220 views

Noise cancelling headphones you can turn the noise cancellation on/off in [closed]

I'm not sure if this question is really applicable for this stack so apologies in advance, I'm not sure where else to put it. I am looking for a pair of overhead earphones that are noise cancelling ...
Chilly's user avatar
  • 101
3 votes
2 answers
6k views

RFID blocking Passport wallets and trouble during security checks

I just invested in an RFID blocking Passport wallet. I read the SE Travel Query regarding passport security and it addresses concerns regarding security for passport data. I still hold a Machine-...
Shan-Desai's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
236 views

What should I look for in footwear for walking long distances in mostly urban areas while carrying a heavy backpack?

I want to start looking for the footwear for my next world hitchhiking trip. On my last two trips I got name brand hiking shoes (Kathmandu and Merrell) but the soles wore out before each trip was up. ...
hippietrail's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
254 views

Is there an inflatable pillow that can be inflated by hand : a piston, hand pump or a rotating handle? [closed]

Is there an inflatable pillow, preferably ultra-light material, and inflatable by hand, not by blowing with the mouth. May be with a small hand piston or hand pump. There are these torch lights that ...
Whirl Mind's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
259 views

what kind of hat would be most effective for reducing heat?

I need to choose a hat for long-term use anywhere, including one of the hottest places on the equator, UAE. I'm currently assuming these things are effective: wide-brim white hat Some people use a ...
ambw's user avatar
  • 163
29 votes
4 answers
6k views

Traveling with medical equipment in checked baggage

My wife uses a compression machine to treat lymphedema, which is a result of her breast cancer treatment several years ago. She needs to use the machine almost daily, otherwise her arm swells, which ...
David's user avatar
  • 393
6 votes
2 answers
5k views

Soft-shell spinner suitcase with brakes (and external side pockets)? Does it exist?

I have found several hard-shell spinner (i.e., 4 wheeled) suitcases with brakes (e.g. from European manufacturers Delsey and Stratic), but have yet to come across any with soft-shells (that also have ...
newenglander's user avatar
31 votes
6 answers
6k views

Are there advantages to a dedicated GPS?

The GPS on in my phone is becoming indispensable lately! I find it much easier to follow the verbal on-time direction than following a map or even print-outs of directions obtained from Google Maps. ...
Itai's user avatar
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7 votes
4 answers
2k views

Is there a power adapter that works for all plug type pairs (A to O)?

Why is there no universal travel adapter available for type A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J+K+L+M+N+O ? (http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm#) e.g. a smart device that checks the country it is in and adapts the ...
edelwater's user avatar
  • 273
6 votes
2 answers
387 views

What handicrafts are practical on a ten-hour flight to New Zealand?

I need something not too messy and that doesn't take up too much space in a carry on.
CraftyTraveler's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
671 views

Are there types of fasteners that are more pick-pocket resistant?

If we're trying to avoid pick-pockets when travelling, are there types of fasteners for clothing or bags that are more difficult to pick-pocket? I'm thinking in particular of velcro since it takes a ...
RoboKaren's user avatar
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2 votes
0 answers
530 views

pros and cons of air mattress, sleeping pads, folding foam futon, sleeping bag in long layover? [closed]

I have been trying to figure out what is cheaper, lighter and has a long shelf life between an air mattress or/and sleeping bag. The obvious use case is sleeping on the floor when on a long layover ...
shirish's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
152 views

Except pitcher filters, are there portable water filters needing electricity that filter chemicals, metals, and pathogens? [closed]

This question equals this; the only difference is that the filter can now be powered. Please specify: the voltage of the filter. My relatives will be travelling only in North America, Western Europe, ...
user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
494 views

Are there portable non-electrical water filters that filter chemicals, metals, and pathogens?

My relatives will be travelling in North America, UK, and Hong Kong. For environmentalism, they do not use bottled water, and need a water filter that: removes chemicals, metals, and pathogens. They ...
user avatar
23 votes
3 answers
13k views

Is LifeStraw a silver bullet water purification solution for travelling in India?

LifeStraw has a 0.2 micron filter. Since "most bacteria are 0.2 µm in diameter and 2-8 µm in length" (source), is it safe to drink water from any source using LifeStraw without boiling? (India in ...
Sparkler's user avatar
  • 1,393
13 votes
1 answer
332 views

RFID-blocking passport pouches

I often see passport pouches for sale, which supposedly prevent your passport RFID from being read. In what scenario that might happen? Should travelers be concerned about protecting their passports, ...
Macondo2Seattle's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
2k views

Luggage that can be combined to be one piece

I'm looking for some luggage that could start out as of carry-on size plus "personal item" (like a duffel) for our flight (checking the carry-on is not a problem) and then somehow combine into a ...
littleann's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
3k views

Can we get hiking boots and jackets for rent at Jungfraujoch?

We are going to visit Jungfraujoch in the first week of June. It has been recommended that we have hiking boots and warm jackets to keep out the wind. I would like to know if the boots and the jacket ...
Lalitha's user avatar
  • 41
5 votes
4 answers
519 views

How to keep track of all things you are carrying in the luggage and where they are?

Often when packing for a trip, I start in a very good manner and following the best techiniques available. Once I am kind of done with the basics, I start noticing little things that are missing: my ...
fedorqui's user avatar
  • 3,405
6 votes
1 answer
92 views

What gear is needed/recommended to bring from outside the country for a climbing trip to Cuba?

I am going rock climbing in Viñales and other spots around Cuba and want to know if helmets, quickdraws, rope, etc. are easy to borrow from fellow climbers or rent from locals? Or does everyone bring ...
crypdick's user avatar
  • 1,392
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does night-driving-friendly, polarized eye-wear exist?

My objective is finding a pair of glasses that would: Cut the glare off Be clear, so that I can see things in the night Cover eyes from front and sides I usually drive my vehicle in the night on ...
Chathura Kulasinghe's user avatar
11 votes
4 answers
7k views

Is there a bag I can use to safely carry my passport and ID whilst travelling?

First of all sorry for these stupid questions, but normally my boyfriend took care of all these stuff, now I am traveling alone for the first time. When I go to the airport, they will put my bag ...
sarah's user avatar
  • 633
2 votes
2 answers
295 views

How to use my electronic equipment in the United States?

How to use my electronic equipment in the United States? In Brazil uses an electric standard 220 Volts/110 Volts, 50/60 Hz and several different plugs. Picture with type of plugs in Brazil (...
Ricardo's user avatar
  • 447
6 votes
1 answer
397 views

Are there bags for shower stuff?

My university is in a different city than the city that I live in. I have one class this semester. Thus, I have to travel every week one day. My problem is that every week I have to pack my shower ...
Marco Dinatsoli's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
7k views

Can I travel with Ryanair with a DSLR special bag as second hand luggage?

As of 1st December 2014, Ryanair allows to carry a second hand-luggage which not exceeds the exact measures given in their TOS. I'm travelling with them next month and I plan to carry a second bag (...
hacosglez's user avatar
14 votes
7 answers
3k views

What are the lightest travel adapters/converters available for France?

I have no travel adapters for Paris and I need to know which brand has all the parts needed to charge my Android phone in a Paris apartment and which one has the least amount of weight. Edit: ...
verve's user avatar
  • 3,639
10 votes
4 answers
5k views

When driving in Belgium, what equipment is mandatory to have in a car registered in another country?

Belgian residents are required to have the following equipment in their car : Fire extinguisher First aid kit Warning triangle Safety vest I come from a country (France) where only the last 2 are ...
l0r3nz4cc10's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
152 views

How to protect an expensive backpack in airplane hold? [duplicate]

Last year I bought a nice osprey backpack and I stupidly (after removing loose straps) put the bag through check in without wrapping it up in cling film or whatever. and it got a bit damaged by way of ...
Andrew Welch's user avatar
  • 1,505
8 votes
1 answer
721 views

Is there a thinner tool card than the Victorinox Swiss Card?

I often use a Swiss Card as my catch-all pocket knife replacement while travelling, as it's light and easy to keep in your pocket (save for plane flights, obviously). However I've found the width of ...
dlanod's user avatar
  • 14.5k
22 votes
6 answers
14k views

Is there a Waze-like app to keep track of each other among travel companions?

I am an avid user of Waze. One of its feature is the ability to share your location with followers or through text messaging. This is quite handy when you are on route to appointment while being stuck ...
user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
624 views

What characteristics should I look for when buying a backpack? [closed]

I'm looking to buy myself a new backpack for my 1 month vacation. I want a backpack that would serve my incoming and all future traveling needs, so I want to make the most educated decision. What ...
Zaenille's user avatar
  • 2,542
4 votes
2 answers
625 views

Where to buy a hydration pack / reservoir / bladder / camel bag in Phnom Penh, Cambodia?

A friend of mine I met at my hostel in Phnom Penh who does a lot of walking and hitchhiking wants to buy one of those devices that contain water in a special bladder in your pack or attached to it ...
hippietrail's user avatar
  • 78.3k
6 votes
3 answers
1k views

How does one not get hassled for duties/taxes for items that aren't new but look new?

I'm one of those who buys new things before a trip and I even get my dry-cleaning folded which the cleaners put in a plastic bag. Now thinking about it I wonder if it's only a matter of time before I'...
verve's user avatar
  • 3,639
16 votes
3 answers
3k views

Is it possible to buy a travel curtain for hostels/trains?

While traveling in couchettes and sleeping in hostels, I realized that a lot of them lack a very basic amenity — a curtain for privacy. Is it possible to buy a portable curtain that you can easily ...
JonathanReez's user avatar
  • 82.1k
4 votes
1 answer
856 views

Traveling with paintball-related equipment internationally

Ok, so I know that as far the as USA is concerned (from TSA.gov) paintball markers are not considered "weapons/firearms" and you can put them in checked luggage. CO2 or compressed air tanks can even ...
unknownprotocol's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
662 views

Quality travel clothesline that is easy to hook on shower stalls?

I have the Rick Steves clothesline which just has Velcro/loops at the ends: However, I will most certainly be travelling with shower stall access for the next few months and I want to be able to just ...
verve's user avatar
  • 3,639
9 votes
2 answers
638 views

Zippered travel sheets that open flat with a pillow insert that are machine-washable?

I can't seem to find a sheet with all the qualities listed above...either they are handwash only or they only open on one side halfway etc. I'm looking "hotel" style sheets & not the "mummy" type....
verve's user avatar
  • 3,639
5 votes
4 answers
669 views

Item for removing stuff from headphone jack on a plane?

A friend just boarded an Emirates flight, with his phone full of podcasts ready to play. He's found his headphone jack is full of paper / dust(!). Given you're not generally allowed sharp items on a ...
Mark Mayo's user avatar
  • 159k
24 votes
8 answers
10k views

Utili-key "knife" and airport inspection?

I own and carry a Swiss Tech Utili-Key 6-n-1 Multitool: I love it and carry it with me everywhere. My concern is: Would it be officially allowed in cabin (inside Schengen)? If not, what are the ...
yo''s user avatar
  • 3,130
1 vote
1 answer
269 views

Travelling with research equipment

I will be travelling to Japan from the US soon to conduct a three week research program with some colleagues. I would like to bring some of the fragile research equipment with me in my carry-on. The ...
Chris Mueller's user avatar
17 votes
3 answers
447 views

Is there a Macgyver-esque way to charge rechargeable batteries?

I am on a hiking trip an I forgot to pack the recharging device for my penlite batteries. I have enough power with me thanks to my solar panel. I can charge every device that is charging with usb. My ...
user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
499 views

Packable pillow for side-sleepers that actually work?

After fondling & buying various pillows from the local travel stores & hours of research online over the years I have yet to find a foldable pillow that actually is "firm" enough to support a ...
verve's user avatar
  • 3,639