Favorite Travel Products: Travel, navigate and sleep soundly

Home away from home is never quite the same.  Nor should it be.  Active Junky’s taking these three along for more than the ride.  As there’s no reason to suffer unless that’s your mission.

PacSafe Venturesafe 30: Sweet and serious

Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 Adventure Backpack $149.56 - $159.76

Take one stroll across the main plaza in Lima, Peru’s historic center and you’ll buy this pack from a brand Active Junky’s proven in domestic and international travel scenarios.  Even without TSA-approved locks in place, this PacSafe backpack makes it harder for friendly fingers to ply their trade.  A list of top security features somehow gets worked into a pack that, by all appearances, is one to carry for casual as well as on-trail day pushes.  From blocking more sophisticated intrusions using RFIDsafe technology to defying slash-and-run attempts with eXomesh, Venturesafe is 30L of pure perseverance.  Testers accepted the notched up weight at 1.1kg given the total package that includes legitimate back padding, straps and right-sized waist belt (which testers recommend should be made removable). Many of the extra features such as mini carabiner zipper locks add only grams. And the integral raincover is a wise move with hook-and-loop flap access that takes some pulling power.  In addition, everyday and commuting use are viable as a 15” laptop finds a home through a secure top-zip main compartment. Active Junky recommends this premium pack as a carry-on and constant companion upon arrival, knowing its part of PacSafe’s “lock and leave” travel luggage system.  

Best For: Urban and rural exploration, multi-modal travel including trains and buses

Woolrich Lightweight Mountain Parka: Noteworthy non-technical 

Woolrich Lightweight Mountain Parka

Don’t keep flipping the hangtag over looking for licensed membrane technology logos, endorsements from Nepalese mountaineers or astounding test results.  This is simply a parka, circa the late 70s, that fits well, stores loads of small items and protects against blustery winds and moderate precip.  Taller testers stood up and applauded, knowing their backsides have full protection with a 33” center back length (many jackets struggle to get past 30”).  Managed with a vintage leather pull, the front two-way zipper is the best we’ve ever operated.  As in, no others come close to the smooth, easy-starting travel of the Woolrich Mountain Parka’s non-YKK hardware.  One last time, dear readers.  For zipper-disappointed active wearers, this $100ish jacket features primo closures including reliable cuff snaps and double-strip, hook and loop pocket flaps.  Secondary use of the lower two (of four) front pockets is for hand-warming duty in a jacket with a surplus store vibe along with with a generous quick-flip hood.  

Best For: Everyday wear in moderate weather conditions, international travel to minimize theft consequences and maximize utility

MyPakage Premium Sleepwear Pajamas:  Lay them down to sleep

Active Junky pulled on the Cowichan/Navy PJs to great applause from bed mates tired of fighting for the covers.  With enough warmth to handle late spring and early fall chills, the breathable pair suits summer wear as well.  The brand’s Keyhole Comfort Technology is, according to testers, a new standard in active support in the original briefs sold in an expanding variety of patterns.  Turning this male-friendly fitting concept into night stalking, longer models make absolute sense to transition from liar’s poker to counting sheep.  Soft with a reliable draw cord waistband, Active Junky’s taken it to South America, the Rocky Mountain West and east to the Midwest.  All with easy laundering that’s never taken the stretch out of the no-roll waistband.  Heavier versions stroll into winter without sacrificing comfort and shockingly-presentable good looks.  

Best For: Nights at home and on the road, doubling up as long underwear in a pinch (actually, without any)

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