Rupert Parker tries out the travel gear review for 2024.. Packs, Boots, Tops and Binoculars
As usual, I’m always on the lookout for the lightest and smallest travel products. And now it’s even more important when budget airlines are reducing the size of your free carry-on. I don’t like stowing baggage in the hold as I’ve seen too many instances of lost luggage in my time. Also travel is stressful at the best of times so, removing the worry of wondering whether your bag will turn up on the carousel, is a major bonus. This is my travel gear review for 2024.
Osprey Aoede Daypack
The Osprey Aoede Daypack is stylish enough for every day, around-town carry, yet professional enough for a business trip. It’s slightly larger than the budget airlines carry-on spec but I’ve encountered no problems. The padded shoulder straps and AirSpeed™ and AirScape™ back panels make carrying comfortable, whatever the weight.
This is a minimalist pack with nothing sticking out apart from a padded carry handle at the top. One side has a stretch mesh water bottle pocket, the other a zipped pocket and, on the front, is a zipped organiser panel with key clip. Inside are three separate compartments, main for your large stuff, half size for toiletries and a thinner one with an integrated laptop sleeve. A useful feature is the integrated kickstand, so the pack can sit upright on the floor.
Weight 1.03kg Dimensions 47.5×29.5×22.5cm Capacity 21l
£120
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
Add the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack to your luggage and you won’t know it’s there. It’s super light and packs down so small as to be almost invisible. It even has its very own stuff sack which can’t be lost as it’s an integral part of the bag. There’s no fancy back system just padded mesh shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap.
Even though it’s pared down to the absolute minimum, Osprey have included some useful extra features. The top has a small separate zip pocket with key clip and there are two stretch mesh pockets on the sides. In use, it’s surprisingly capacious, ideal for a trip to the beach with towel and swimming costume.
Weight 143g Dimensions 42x22x19cm Capacity 18L
£45
Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Shoes
Oboz is an American manufacturer and their Sawtooth X Low Waterproof shoes work well both around town and in the countryside. The stylish oiled nubuck uppers, with cordura mesh, look good and the 100% RPET REPREVE® laces ensure quick drying. Their proprietary waterproofing system, B-DRY, lets perspiration escape, while keeping moisture out, so you can be confident on any muddy trail.
The mid sole is a proprietary rubberized EVA that adapts to varying terrain, providing lightweight cushioning for an even smoother ride. The soles are Trail Tread, Oboz’s most tested proprietary rubber compound, boasting superior slip-resistance and enhanced durability. They say that the O FIT Insole is moulded to match the specific shape and construction of every pair they make, and they’re certainly very comfortable.
Weight 960g
£150.00
Salathé GTX RR Zamberlan Approach
The new Salathé Approach boots, stable, precise, lightweight, were created for Via Ferrata adventures and scrambling, designed to tackle any terrain. But their extreme comfort and versatility make them perfect for leisure hiking. Their “up-cut” height combines the freedom of a low boot with the protection of a mid. This is Italian stylish footwear and the multi colours would look good on any dance floor
The uppers, in embossed suede leather, are protected by a 360° rubber coating for added protection against rocks and stones. They’re coated with Hydroblock® water repellent and the Goretex inner lining ensures your feet stay completely dry. The microporous midsole has two different densities to provide shock absorption and rigidity, while adding comfort and protection. And no need to worry about slipping -the Vibram® Pepe sole with Megagrip® compound ensures a firm grip whatever the terrain.
Weight 900g
£255
Rab Ascendor Light Hoody
The Ascendor Light Hoody is a thin and adaptable fleece hoodie, keeping you warm when you need it and wicking sweat quickly. Designed for mountaineers, it packs small and punches far above its weight in the warmth stakes. It’s built with Thermic™ S to form a lightweight layer that insulates yet breathes efficiently. The elasticated hood fits snugly around the face and there’s even room for a climbing helmet.
The fast drying lightweight fabric has alternating stripes of high and low lofting fleece to give extra air flow. Elasticated binding at the cuffs keeps the wind out and there’s an elasticated dropped hem to improve warmth on your lower back. At the front is a lightweight full-length YKK® centre front zip for venting and there’s also a YKK® zipped mesh lined chest pocket with lightweight zip pull.
Weight 242g
£90.00
Bushnell H2O 2 8×25 Dark Blue Roof Binoculars
The Bushnell H2O 2 8×25 Dark Blue Roof Binoculars are made especially for users who are looking for high image quality in a waterproof housing. Since you don’t have to worry about bad weather, they’re ideal for bird watching and outdoor sports. Anti-reflection multicoated optics maximize light transmission while improving colour rendition, contrast, and clarity. BAK4 prisms deliver a crisp and clear image with limited edge distortion.
They also feel good as the rubber casing is anti-slip and gives a firm grip. I like the twist up eyecups and the lightweight aluminium body makes means you can carry them all day. Even better you can slip them in your pocket as the two optical tubes fold and tuck under the bridge making them surprisingly compact.
Magnification factor 8x Lens diameter 25mm Exit pupil 3mm Field of view 120m/1000m Length 10.2cm Weight 292g
£80
Tell Me More About this Travel Gear Review for 2024
As, always, you can often find discounted gear by shopping around. So, if you don’t want to try before you buy, then you can usually get a good price. However with boots and shoes, it’s essential that they’re a good fit, so better to check them out in the store.
