We’re gearing up for the fall travel season with a new batch of great new gadgets and gear

 Worthy of its Military Heritage: The HANS Backpack

This army-issue backpack from T3 is as rough and tumble as the soldiers who use these backpacks. Designed to accommodate the needs of EOD Operators, the HANS backpack is the most versatile backpack on the market today. The large main compartment has an internal sleeve that holds a 100oz hydration bladder. It has three ports to feed a drinking tube or radio cables. Two side pouches hold Nalgene bottles or standard a C4 Charge and two small front pockets offer added organization.

The unique open top mesh pocket is designed to carry a helmet or anything the operator would need to access quickly. Compression straps keep your gear secured and chest and sternum straps help distribute weight. There are three ways to carry: padded shoulder straps, rugged drag handle or MOLLE/PALS. $282

A Headlamp That’s Rechargeable

These always come in handy, and always need new batteries. Not any more. With this solidly-made headlamp from Fenix, you can charge it up for a powerful 950 lumens bright beam. Whether you’re going exploring in Central America, or need some light out on a trail, this headlamp will come in very handy.

RECHARGEABLE – Built-in Micro USB charging port with rechargeable 18650 battery included.

SUPER BRIGHT – 950 lumens utilizing Cree XM-L2 T6 Neutral White LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours

VERSATILE – Four brightness levels and red light accessed through single side switch for easy operation

HIGHLY DURABLE – Made of high-grade aluminum with a premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish

Complete package – headlamp, USB Charging cable, Fenix 2600mAh 18650 battery, headband and mount, strap, Backup 2xCR123A and Organizer
Fenix HL60R 950 Lumens Rechargeable LED Headlamp with Rechargeable Battery  $75.95

A Neck Pillow You Can Fit in Any Suitcase

As a traveler who owns more neck pillows than anyone, I always face the same issue–what do I do with the big neck pillow when I am on my trip? This product is ingenious, it solves the problem of lugging around a bulky neck pillow.

This is a sample elastic fabric sleeve, with a zipper and open on each side. You take a sweater or a jacket and stuff it in there and then pull the sleeves through each side. Voila! A comfy neck pillow for the flight. 
Burgundy Red Flight Fillow – Small Travel Pillow $15.97

Tiny Camping Pillow for a Good Night’s Rest

Here is another way to get a good snooze and not carry too much weight. This ultra-tiny pillow opens up to a good size but deflates to something smaller than a pack of cigarettes. It has a soft velour surface and is surprisingly comfortable. Travel Camping Pillow. Ultralight and Ultra Compact Inflatable $8.49

Old School Fire Starter uses Flint and Steel

Here is a throwback that might help you out of a jam. No lighter, no matches, on a camping trip? Do it old school style with a flint and steel fire starting set. Just find some brush and you’re flaming! There is also a built-in compass to keep you going on the right direction.

Fits into this metal tube shown. Gypsy’s Cart Fire Starter Kit. Ferro Rod and Striker with Built in Compass.  $7.99

Motorola Walkie Talkies to Keep in Touch

Let’s say you’re going skiing, and it’s a big mountain. You can keep in touch with the rest of your buds and meet up for lunch with a quick message. Or maybe you’re taking your granddaughter to the mall and you lose track of her in H&M. Voila! Use the walkie talkie to reel her back in. Though many people disagree on the precise range, it varies.

Radio control settings, Bluetooth connectivity, off-grid group messaging or broadcasting,  offline location sharing and tracking, easy group communication,  and emergency location.

With 22 channels and 121 privacy Codes, totaling 2, 662 Combinations, it’s easy to find an available channel. Up to 35-mile voice range and 20-mile data range,  depending on terrain and conditions. This is definitely varying dependent on mountains and trees etc.

Keep updated with real-time weather conditions via 11 weather channels with alert features (including 7 NOAA channels)  Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios, 2 Pack, $97.37

Your Own Espresso Wherever You Travel

You love your espresso, but who knows what the coffee will be like at your next stop? For the most devoted espresso head, here’s a portable espresso maker that can steam you up a quick coffee even when you’re still in your bathrobe in your hotel room.

With this maker, there is no battery, you pump it! Hold the Nanopresso with two hands,  start pumping above a cup. The first 8 strokes the pressure is built. Pump slowly until all the coffee comes out.

WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker,  $64

Stop Your Phone from Sliding Away with Cat Tongue Grips

It’s a bit of a First World Problem, but here’s an inexpensive solution. Not only does Cat Tongue offer these single sheets of a grippy plastic that’s not at all slick, they even make a big roll of tape that can be cut up and placed where ever you need to NOT slip. CatTongue Grips: Phone Grip – Kitty Cat $14.99

Shut Out the World Around You with a Tiny Fan

The Micro 2 by ‘LectroFan is a tiny fan that tilts up and creates white noise to help get to sleep. I once slept in a New York City hostel dorm room with the loudest collection of Irish boozers I ever heard. Maybe this device would have made my night a little better! This makes ocean noises and other soothing sounds while it keeps other noises at bay. Adaptive Sound Technologies Lectrofan Micro2 Sleep Sound Machine and Bluetooth Speaker with Fan Sounds $34.95

Keep the Bugs at Bay with Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent

Sawyer Permethrin Clothing and Fabric Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray:  For use on clothing, tents, and other gear Not only does it repel insects, it actually kills ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, mites and more than 55 other kinds of insects on contact.

When applied to clothing, Permethrin binds to the fabric eliminating the risk of over-exposure to the skin Odorless when dry, and will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or any of your outdoor gear A single application lasts 6 washings

Sawyer Permethrin Clothing and Fabric Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray 9oz $14.95