I admit it; I wear a fanny pack on most of my travels around the world, as well as many outings around New York City. I look like a tourist -which I often am- but the photos with the fanny pack make me look even chubbier. Help has arrived with several travel accessories I was asked to sample.
I'll start with the smallest, the SPI or Small Personal Item Belt, next to the medium sized Hipzbag and finally the largest: Go Caddy. Editors Note- All the products mentioned were received at no charge after an e-mail from the company or PR agency asking me if I wanted a sample.
I carried my cell phone and small wallet inside the SPIbelt. It is slim and almost unnoticeable around my waist. It would be perfect for the beach or while riding a bike. The sample I was sent is called the Shielded SPIbelt that “protects health and identity.” It claims to keep electromagnetic fields (EMP) from stealing one's identity and from EMF emissions, which refers to voltage generated by a battery or by the magnetic force. It says travelers can carry credit cards and passports without the worry of someone stealing their personal information. I am not sure how I can check out their claim, but will use their product on many occasions. Retails for $19.95.
Hipzbag sent me their slightly larger passport bag (5.5X5.5- rather than the 4.5X4.5). I wore the bag on my belt loops one day and with the matching waist strap the second day. I always ask for black as it blends in with everything I wear. The open pocket in the back carried my cell phone and I could feel it vibrate. The zippered compartment held my small wallet, keys and a passport. They claim there is room for a camera (not my large Canon). Retails for $24.95.
The weather was perfect (sunny and 78 degrees) and there was a street fair only a block from my apartment. The Go Caddy worked for me as I slung it over my shoulder and used the included sleeve to carry a 1.5 liter bottle of water. Between the deep front pocket with flipped Velcro closure and the elastic back pouch there was room for my glasses, wallet, cell phone. I wanted to see if my camera would fit and it did, although a bit tightly. I clipped my house keys onto the metal clip and I was off walking the fair. Retails for $19.95.
The same folks that sent me the SPIbelt also sent along Travalo. It allows one to take their favorite scent with them to the gym or on a plane. They told me it was approved for carry-on luggage by the TSA (4.0ml). Holds 50-65 sprays of perfume or cologne with a clear window to gauge how much is left. It works with most bottles with a removable nozzle. I must admit I had to call the PR firm to figure out how it worked, but then I am not a technical wiz. It comes in an assortment of colors and sizes. I chose green and the Travalo Excel which is aluminum and holds 65 sprays. It includes a protective carry case and retails for $19.99. There is also a plastic version for $9.99. I have been using it for several weeks and am perfectly happy with its performance.
For Further Information-
www.spibelt.com
www.hipzbag.com
www.thegocaddy.com
www.us.travalo.com
