Review: BauBax Travel Bomber

When I travel, I always take a coat with me. I mean, unless I'm in Vegas in the summertime, there's almost always an occasion to use one, especially on the plane. BauBax has created the ultimate travel jacket for you and it comes in several different styles. Their most popular is a hoodie and it may very well become your favorite over your current favorite now. With that in mind, I asked to try the more structured bomber jacket, which has a heavier fabric and is waterproof.

The bomber, just like the hoodie, comes with 15 different functions that are unique and all very useful when traveling, whether you're on a plane, train, bus, or even just heading to a festival in your hometown. The jacket features 9 pockets, all of which have a function. 

The design of the bomber is a bit more form-fitting and runs a bit small. I seemed to be in between sizes, and I chose the large, which fit just a little loose, but will be perfect for layering, especially in the winter and fall and sweaters are necessary. I like my jackets to be a little roomy, especially if I'll be using it instead of a purse, which you can certainly do with this one.

Now, I'm short, 5' 1", and this hits me right at mid-hip. If you're taller, it may hit you at your waist. I think it's a comfortable fit and keeps all the important stuff warm.

The bomber has these lovely built-in gloves that I love. Usually, only outdoor clothing features these, but they really help in keeping your hands warm. It also has hand warmer pockets, lined in this same fabric, to help you stay warm even when outside for long periods. If you don't want to use them, they can easily be pushed back into your sleeves. 

Let's get to the other awesome pockets this jacket has. There are 5 on the inside: 

1. On the top left you'll find a sunglasses pocket. This also has a fun loop to hang your glasses on when you want them to use them more often than not.
2. Below that pocket is a much larger one that will hold your tablet. You're going to use it on the plane, so why leave it in your bag? This pocket zips, meaning it won't accidentally fall out when you're reaching down to put your bag under the seat. 
3. On the other side on the top, you have a zipper pocket for your phone. You'll see that there are loops along the jacket, so you can keep your earbuds from jumbling up in a pocket, plus they are out of the way, coming up behind your back and hanging over your shoulders by your ears. You won't get all tangled in the cord, nor will you need to search for them when you want to listen to a movie or music.
4. Below that you have two more slip pockets. The first is for your battery back-up.
5. The second is for a travel blanket, because you still gotta think about your legs on a cold flight.

Your pocket for your glasses also comes with an attached glass cloth. Now you don't have to use your shirt to get clearer vision. That's pretty awesome, right?

Aside from your two handwarming pockets, the outside of the bomber has two additional pockets. There is a zipper pocket that's the perfect size for your passport. In fact, you could keep more than one in there if you're the responsible one in charge of keeping all the important things safe. Or, when you're out and about, this is where I would keep my Metro Card, or my city pass, or my theme park ticket, or some spare cash for purchasing small items. Anything you need handy that you're going to use multiple times.

The last pocket is a snap pocket that can double as a drink holder. A small water bottle or a soda can will fit snugly inside. If you're sleeping on the plane, you won't have to worry about spillage, since the pocket keeps your drink upright. It's also nice for walking around, because it lets you keep your hands free.

The hood of this jacket zips off if you're not expecting rain and you don't want it attached. I think more coats should have this option, because sometime a hood just gets in the way. You'll also see that there's a button in the middle. That button keeps your neck pillow in place (though you might find this a bit bulky and annoying and want to stash it in one of the other pockets). 

The cool thing about this neck pillow, besides how lovely and soft the fabric is, is that it hides the inflation hole in a zipper compartment. It also inflates with just two or three puffs and then deflates with a push of your finger. Nobody likes being that person who sounds like they're dying trying to inflate their pillow, or the one who has to start deflating it under their arm 20 minutes before the flight is over. 

I also like that there are snaps on the front, so you don't have to worry about it falling off when you move. 

And now let's get to the totally unnecessary bonus that BauBax added, because they are cool people who know what people need during a flight: A stylus that is also a telescoping pen that clips onto your zipper with a tiny caribiner. That's crazy rad! 

Closed, the stylus is small and non-intrusive at all. Use it for your phone or tablet and then use the pen when you want to do the crossword or have to fill in those annoying customs forms. 

This jacket isn't just great for the plane and keeping all your electronics contained, but it's also fantastic when out sightseeing. You don't need to carry a purse if you don't want to and you always have a place to put smaller purchases, eliminating the need to carry a bag around all day with you. That makes it extra eco-friendly now, doesn't it? 

Not only is the bomber very useful, but it's great looking and won't target you as a tourist either. That's exactly the kind of clothing you want with you on a vacation. In fact, this may become your new favorite jacket, whether you're traveling or not.

Additional details

Where can I buy it? On the BauBax website, but there is a new Kickstarter campaign to get in on the 2.0 which will have even more and cooler features!

How much is it? $179.99 for the bomber, but the hoodie and windbreaker are $149 for either men's or women's sizes.

What colors does it come in? Bomber Blue (shown) | Black | Bomber Red (shown at top)

Other specs: 100% polyester, machine washable (don't forget to remove the stylus and the neck pillow), BauBax ships worldwide!

Loving the innovation of BauBax? Keep up with them on social media:

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Disclaimer: I was provided with the BauBax travel bomber for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

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.