Review: Coolmesh II Tab Sock from Wrightsock

As a frequent traveler, and frequent buyer of new travel shoes, I am not a stranger to blisters. Let me tell you, getting a blister from walking all day makes walking all day like torture. It's the worst when all you can think about is how terrible your feet feel and wish you could just cut them off and get new ones. 

Since you only have one pair of feet, you're going to want to treat them better when you travel and Wrightsock has you covered, literally. Their performance socks were designed for runners and hikers, and makes them ideal for travelers who maybe do those things on vacation, or just walk several miles a day sightseeing like I do. 

Wrightsock realized that travelers loved their socks as much as athletic folks, when they found out a good portion of them were purchasing them from their local outdoor store. I'll be honest. I always thought it was my shoes that were the problem. While that might be partly the issue (they either fit incorrectly, don't have good arch support, or haven't been broken in properly), since I've been wearing these socks, I've found that my socks (or lack of) maybe have played a big role in my hurty feet. 

Wrightsock guarantees no blister in all of their stocks and styles. Well, who can say no to that? If you get a blister or are unsatisfied for any reason, they have a 100% money-back or replacement sock guaranteed. I had to try them for myself and went home from the Travel Goods Show with several pair to test out. I enjoy these ankle socks, because they work with all my walking shoes and it doesn't matter what color they are, because they barely show. Also, see that ribbing around the middle of my foot? That's a stabilizer zone that keeps the sock from sliding all over like other socks can do. Genius!

All the other ankle socks I've had have either rubbed on the back of my heel or have just given up and scrunched under my heel, which is the absolute worst! As you can see, these socks don't show with my shoes that I wear for work (where I am constantly walking back and forth in a warehouse and lifting boxes). 

Not only that, but they have that nifty notch for my ankle bone, so it eliminates friction there as well. As you can see, they go along the natural line of the shoe and the line of your foot. Runners won't end up with scrunch or slouch, and walkers won't either. Your foot stays nice and dry, no matter how much activity you are engaging in too, because the sock is comprised of mostly Dri-WRIGHT, which wicks the moisture from your foot. My feet don't sweat at all, and when it is cold, they keep the heat in. 

Wrightsock uses a double layer system, so it's like you're wearing two pair of socks. These two layers are knit together at the ankle and toe, but are free within the rest of the sock, which is what give it its blister-free feature. These two layers also release moisture and excess heat; two things that also will cause blisters.

You don't just have the option of buying the ankle sock in varying classic colors, though they do come in the fun pink as shown at the top and a blue that is just as vibrant, but they have taller socks as well. In fact, I came home with a pair of pink striped crew socks as well, and they are just as awesome, but keep my ankles warm (though not too warm) in the cold weather we're still having. So, whether you want to wear them for running, hiking, sightseeing or everyday use, these socks won't let you down. I've only been wearing them for the last two weeks and I have not been disappointed. I think Eric is going to love his on our trip to Vegas in July, so I should probably order him a few more pairs. 

Have you been looking for a good pair of travel socks? If so, I think we have a winner!

More details:

Where can I buy them? Purchase at Wrightsock website, your local REI or Amazon

How much are they? $13+, depending on the style. The Coolmesh II Tab I'm wearing is $13.

What colors do they come in? All the classics and a bunch of fun colors and stripes as well. 

What else do I need to know? Come in sizes to fit size 4 in women's up to men's 14 (US), made in the U.S., mix of Dri-WRIGHT, nylon and lycra. 

Love what they're doing? Check out Wrightsock online: Facebook | Twitter

Disclaimer: I was provided with several pairs of Coolmesh II Tab socks for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Review: Convertible Backpack/Messenger from Lewis N Clark

I'm always on the lookout for multipurpose travel items, and I was pleasantly surprised by the number of awesome items I saw at the Travel Goods Show earlier this month. Lewis N. Clark has been designing fantastic new bags each year now that they have branched out in their products and I've got one to show you that may just change the way you travel. 

Are you one of those people who wish all bags could expand and be more useful whether you're traveling or just living your regular life? The new Secura Destinations messenger converts into a backpack and I'm loving it! Use it as a messenger on the plane and around town and then convert it to backpack when you're out and have purchased a little more than you want to carry or on your way back home.

The look of the bag is very attractive. It has classic colors that work for everyone and the design is sleek, so it doesn't matter if you're using it for work, travel or a trip to the zoo. It looks great everywhere and it won't target you as a tourist.

Let's look at how the conversion works. While most bags that have this feature have different straps, the messenger uses just one strap, so there's nothing to lose. The strap has anti-theft slash-resistance, is adjustable, and wide enough to be comfortable, but not too wide as to be annoying (you know what I'm talking about). Use the top rings for wearing as a messenger, but move the strap to the bottom rings when wearing as a backpack.

The awesome ring on the front of the bag unclips to allow you to unfold your bag. The shoulder strap then slips through the ring and it fits comfortably against your back. As you can see, it's not too big and it's not too small.

The bag has anti-theft locking zippers, so no matter how you carry it, you don't have to worry about getting robbed. The bottom of the bag has a slash-resistant fabric, too. It's easy to wipe down as well, which is nice if you've set it down on the ground. The adjustable strap has locking clips, giving you the 

I've been using the convertible bag as a messenger for the last week or so and I have found it fits everything I normally carry with me, but also any extras that I may need, like a notebook, magazine

 or a snack for work.

There's a large RFID-blocking pocket for passports (and both of ours fit in there with room to spare). I have been using it for my credit cards, because this is a big problem in public spaces. . There are two larger pockets. One meant for your tablet, though you can use it for anything you want, and one that works for a larger tablet or laptop when used as a backpack. I fit an entire magazine in there, but for travel it will probably get used for paperwork, because it fits really flush against the back of the bag when being carried as a messenger, so everything will stay neatly together and you won't find receipts and confirmation pages spilling out into the main bag.

I also love the lip on the zipper, making it more water-resistant and also making it difficult for anyone but you to know where the opening of your bag is. The locking zipper makes it even more secure.

As a backpack, this bag has a ton of potential space, but only a few different sections, so you can keep things separated, but not have too many pockets to take up unnecessary room, like some bags. I packed it like I would if I were taking it on the plane and it fit quite a bit of stuff in it.

Though my laptop didn't fit in it (it's very large at 17"), it will fit most other laptops up to 15". Instead I used it for our big tablet and my pouch for paperwork and receipts and a spare magazine. The middle size pouch is the perfect size for my smaller tablet. Everything else I like to keep with me on flights also fits: my toiletry bag, my 3-1-1 bag, things I normally have in my purse, a wrap and snacks. 

The front of the bag has a great pocket for things you want to keep close at hand. I tossed my battery back-up in there and my camera. It also has a locking zipper. This is an excellent pocket for all the things you have in your pants pockets when going through security. Shove it all in there and zip it up and then you don't have to put it all in a bowl.

Need a bottle of water to take along with you? We always have one with us when we travel or are out for the day, so the mesh pocket on the side of this bag is a lifesaver. Although I don't mind putting it inside my bag if I have to, I'd rather it not take up space if it's not necessary, plus Eric can get it when he's thirsty without asking me for it.

I can't wait for my next trip to show you how fantastic this bag works as a personal item size. It's going to be a home for all my electronics and snacks and it's going to be very comfortable to carry in addition to my other bag and keep my hands free for shopping at the airport and using my phone.

Who doesn't need a multipurpose bag like the Secura Destinations Convertible Backpack/Messenger?  

Additional Details

Where to buy: On Lewis N Clark's website

Cost: $69.99

Colors: For now, it only comes in the gray and black shown

other specs: Water-resistant dual woven twill exterior, heavy-duty nylon bottom construction, lightweight, flexible, and slash-resistant Magnaloft™ fabric panels in crucial compartments, 16.5in x 11.5in x 4in

Love what Lewis N Clark is doing? Keep up with their new products and innovation on social media:

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Disclaimer: I was provided with the convertible backpack/messenger for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own. 

Perfect Snacks for Traveling

Having snacks on hand when you travel is very important. You never know what can happen or when a meal might get waylaid. I, especially, always have snacks for my plane trips, because a Biscoff or pretzels will only hold me for so long. It also helps if you have snacks that are higher in protein to keep your energy up and help avoid the dreaded jet lag.

Here are some snacks to keep in your bag, whether you're on the plane or on-the-go:

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Jerky

Dried meat is all protein, packed with flavor, and transports really easily. Toss some in a bag and it doesn't take up too much room either. Look for one that's low in added sugar, or make your own in the oven or a dehydrator. That way you can add the seasonings you like.

Dried fruit

Find your favorite fruits in dried form and eat them for a burst of energy and sweetness. I like prunes, raisins, banana chips, and blueberries. You can find these in our local grocery store, but also Trader Joe's has the widest assortment of dried fruits I've seen.

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Nuts

Very high in protein and tasty to boot, choose your favorite nuts, or opt for almonds and pistachios, which have higher levels than other nuts. A little goes a long way, so a handful is healthy amount. You can mix with dried fruit to make your own trail mix.

Hard-boiled eggs

Peel your eggs before leaving the house and pack them in your carry-on. They are an easy-to-eat snack, because they're really portable and contain almost all the nutrients your body needs. Sprinkle with a bit of salt to give it a little more flavor.

Roasted chickpeas

Chickpeas a high in fiber and are nutritious. They don't travel well on their own, but if you roast them, they become crunchy like chips. Sprinkle with spices to give them a bit of a kick and flavor. Your choice. You can make them salty, spicy, or any other flavor profile you enjoy.

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Cheese

If you have an ice pack or a lunch bag, bring along some of your favorite cheese cubes or slices. Not only is cheese high in calcium, but it also has a lot of protein. Don't go overboard, because too much cheese can make you sad, but it's also an appetite suppressant, which means you don't even need to eat much of it to feel full. Also, cheese and fruit go awesomely together, so a small container is the perfect travel companion on an airplane trip.

Pumpkin seeds

Not only do pumpkin seeds have high levels of protein, but they have antioxidants, vitamin E and fiber, so a handful will do you, and even help your immune system fight back against that germy airplane air.

Cheesy popcorn

Popcorn has been proven to help you feel full, so you eat less than you would if you chose another snack, like pretzels or potato chips. It's healthier, too! It doesn't really contain much protein, but if you sprinkle it with a delicious cheese, like parmesan, that covers that base and makes your popcorn even yummier. Don't be surprised if you find that you're getting jealous looks on the plane when  you crack open your bag.

Now you can pack your bag with a few really good snacks that will keep you full, give you energy and not make you sleepy, even after a long flight. Not only that, but you'll save money at the airport by not spending $18 on a sandwich to take onto your flight.

What's your favorite travel snack?