I'm eagerly looking toward spring and the glorious possibility that more travel is coming as we emerge from the pandemic. Vaccines are being distributed, and the effectiveness against the virus should serve as hope that travel will begin to somewhat normalize.
That doesn't mean things will immediately go back to the way they were. Precautions and health protocols will still be in place for many parts of society.
With that in mind, we are bringing you a few travel products that could well become be essential parts of your gear for the immediate future and for years to come These items just make sense to us.
Here are three convenient and easy-to-pack. Must-have travel accessories for 2021 and beyond.
Mask wearing has become a necessary part of our lives during the coronavirus pandemic. So, hundreds of companies have emerged trying to refine and perfect masks that deliver the proper mix of hygiene and comfort while offering protection against transmission of COVID-19.
As someone who is extra active, with daily workouts and weekend hikes and runs, I have been frustrated in trying to find a mask that gives me the protection and comfort I desire when I am around others in the gym or on the trails.
HALOmask is the best option I have discovered so far. The company touts its masks as the most comfortable, stylish and technologically advanced masks that you'll find. (Of course, it does.)
I gave the mask a try, and here is what I found.
The cloth mask features soft ear straps, which make the mask tolerable for hours, with no tugging and discomfort that I get from the standard masks with elastic straps. This means, I can wear the HALOmask for hours (as is required when flying) without a great hassle.
The softness, comfort and breathability of this mask -- which also comes with a nanofilter that you replace every two weeks or so (depending on the amount of use and your daily contact with the public) to maximize the capture of particles -- makes it ideal for use while working out or enjoying other active pursuits like biking, hiking or sports competitions.
HALOmask says its mask with the nanofilter captures more than 99 percent of airborne matter down to a size of 0.1 microns. The mask would be considered safer than simple cloth masks or standard "neck gaiters" because the HALOmask, with its paper-thin nanofilters feature a proprietary "nano-matrix" that blocks virtually all smoke, dust, pollution, pollen, particulates and pathogens.
I'm extremely pleased to have discovered this mask. For as long as we're going to be wearing masks in society, it's a relief to find something so effective that also offers comfort and convenience.
This could become your go-to footwear if you prefer to be barefoot. Nakefit stick-on soles are easy to apply single-use foot protection that give you comfort and protection for all kinds of travel environments.
The soles are great for wearing on vacations at resorts -- when you'll be around a pool or in public spas and community showers. They are waterproof, so you keep them on while swimming or wandering the beach. The slim cushion effect is nice and offers protection from hard surfaces and those that get very hot in the summer sun, like sand and pavement.
Nakefit soles are made with a blend of cotton, Spandex and silicone. They are applied with an easy-on and easy-off adhesive, and the soles create a great hygienic, non-slip barrier ideal for those of us who prefer a minimalist feel on our feet.
We think they fit into your travel lifestyle well in the following scenarios: at the airport for when you have to remove your shoes, at a waterpark, resort vacations, beach time and swimming, especially when you have to wade in to the sea from a rocky beach.
Nakefit protective soles come in convenient three-packs for as low as $17.99 on sale (reduced from $19.99 as of this post).
Let's talk about the urge.
We have a lot of urges as humans -- to travel, explore and connect with nature.
Sometimes, our urge is just an urge, though.
When you gotta go, you gotta go!
You know what I mean. It usually happens when you're out in nature satisfying your urge for adventure.
It sure can be a miserable experience when you have to poop while wandering in the woods and realize you aren't really properly prepared.
Who hasn't been caught in one of these desperate situations? You definitely understand the need for our discussion here.
TP Kits will become a staple in your backpack and leave you feeling confident every time you head out into the wilderness.
If you often get the urge to go -- after you leave the comfort of your home and just as you start your outdoor adventures, these are just what you need. These kits take up no space in your backpack. You'll barely know they are there, but will be the most valuable item when you come to need it.
Each individual package comes with five double-ply tissues, two cotton-blend sanitizing wet wipes and a fully biodegradable resealable pouch.
With TP Kits, I have placed several in my backpack, so I am always set. An extra box sits in the car, so we never run out.
We used them for the first time on our hiking week in Arizona, and they gave us peace of mind. I always pack out what I bring in to any park, but with TP Kits we have the comfort to know that if we happened to inadvertently drop a pouch or any part of the kit along the trail, the biodegradable product wouldn't damage the environment.
TP Kits can be bought as "singles" and as a 10-pack box.
Have you found any new products that are essentials for your adventurous lifestyle? What do you think about these items?
Let us know in the comments below, and thanks for reading,
JR