TRAVEL GEAR
Get ready, Set, Go! I am researching and testing various types of travel garb. In the last thirty days of preparation I will strategically place any and all items that I consider taking in my front room. I will then go over each item every day and justify its worth. Weight, durability, functionality and cost will determine which items will make the final cut. Please feel free to ask questions or post suggestions on the message board. The following items have made it to the preliminary round.
*A word on Kershaw Knifes - Still loving the Knife... here is the difference between good customer service/experience and bad customer service/experience... Communication and a timely response. I lost the rear bolt in my knife... sent an email to CS, got a response back the next day. I asked if it would be possible to mail me a replacement bolt to my address in Hanoi. Here is the response I got:
Gary,
Please email me with your address and I will gladly send you a new lanyard bolt
for your 1560.
Sincerely,
Dawn Riggen
Kershaw Knives Warranty Department
18600 S.W. TETON AVE.
TUALATIN, OR. 97062
And that's what I'm talking about baby! GG
*a word on ExOfficio Clothing - not comfortable, not durable, and I didn't realize how ugly it is until I actually put it on while on the road. If you want to be targeted as a newbie tourist... buy a bunch of this stuff and see how long you can keep your watch and wallet =)
I decided to leave the shirts back in Hanoi rather than take them... they didn't seem worth the additional weight. The pants I purchased failed after only wearing them 2 times... when I sent in an email to customer service... I got no response. My experience. gg.
Keen Newport H2 Walking Sandals REI
Definitely going. These sandals rock!
1/17 Better than good... these shoes have performed both well on land and water. They are quite comfortable and very durable.
6/2 Wearing the Keens every single day. I use them for everything. They are so comfortable and offer enough support that I decided to use them as my gym shoes. Minor issue - both shoes have come un-sewn at the rear inside. This hasn't caused any problems... just shouldn't happened. Also, the souls do tend to wear down quickly on the tread mill. It's noticeable.
La Sportiva
Aurora Hiking Boots JB3
Definitely going!
1/17 These boots have performed great! They are rugged, comfortable, and aren't really all that heavy considering what they are and what they do.
MSR Whisperlite
International Stove REI
Definitely going!
1/17 Haven't broken the stove in yet. I decided to leave it in Hanoi to cut down on weight. I could have used it once or twice already.
Omni-Dry
Venture Vest REI
Not going!
I river H120 MP3 Player Best Buy
Definitely going!
1/17 IRIVER KICKS ASS! I'm digging this little MP3 player. It has made my day more than once. IPOD seems the popular choice over here... but lets see whose jukebox makes the finish line.
6/2 Still dishing out the beats... what a nice slice of home.
Multi National Underwriter's Travel Insurance
Definitely going!
1/17 Thank God I have not had to break this in yet... but its ready if I need it.
6/2 Had my first run in... prompt but pretty damned insensitive. I will post an email later that I got back from them. You can be the judge.
Magellan Meridian Global Positioning System
Donated by the Offners Definitely going!
1/17 Left it in Hanoi... I could have used it once or twice.
Gregory
Forrester Backpack REI
Not going! Too small
Osprey Crescent 90 Pack
REI
Definitely going!
1/17 I'm pretty pleased so far with my pack. There are a bit too many frills.. but all and all it seems to take a licking. I really like the adjustability... it's very comfortable. I call it "my summer home".
La
Sportiva Super fly Red JB3
Not going!
Super
feet Arch Supports (2 pairs) Fleet Feet
Definitely going!
Mobal
International Cellular Phone going
Save your money! you can buy a cheap phone over here in Asia and just use their sim cards... a whole lot cheaper.
Kershaw
Whirl Wind REI
Definitely going!
I love my knife... I use it everyday. The other night I got locked out of my hotel and I had to use it to dismantle the door jam to get in =) See "a word on Kershaw" above.
6/2 Still using this everyday... for ripping through coconuts lately!
Granite
Gear Compression Sack REI
Definitely going!
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