The author swears by his latest hat, an aptly named Stetson Explorer.
Gift guide
Travel gear you can't live without
Robin Esrock
From Thursday's Globe and Mail
Published
Last updated
From the best camera, to the best footwear, to the one essential item you need for Eastern Europe
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For the traveller, a good hat is more important than Arthur Dent’s towel. My last faithful travel hat turned green after I spent a night in Chernobyl. My latest is a crushable wool felt Stetson, procured from Granville Island’s excellent Edie Hats. Shade from the heat, shelter from the rain and always style in a pinch.
The author swears by his latest hat, an aptly named Stetson Explorer.
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Do you know what it’s like when your friend’s photos always look better than yours? That happened to me all the time until I got my Panasonic DMC-ZS3. Now, I’m that guy with the small, light camera whose pictures pop off the display screen to everyone’s envy. Bonus points for crisp HD video too, although the ACVHD format is a bit of a pain. The model has since been updated to the DMC-ZS7. It’s not the cheapest compact camera on the market, but the photos are priceless. My digital SLR is a Panasonic GL-1.
The Panasonic ZS7 takes photos and HD video.
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If it’s too hot for a sleeping bag, or you don’t quite trust the sheets you’ll be sleeping on, a sleep sheet comes to the rescue. My mom stitched together two bed sheets, or you can buy one off the shelf like Mountain Equipment Co-op’s excellent silk and fleece bag liners. Bring along an empty pillowcase too, which can always be stuffed with clothing if your wafer thin hotel pillow needs some help.
Mountain Equipment Co-op Sleeping Bag liner in organic cotton.
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I believe bags have karma. You treat them right and they always come out the conveyer belt. Backpacking, I alternate between my Tatonka Great Escape and my trusted Karrimor warhorse (more than 50 countries and counting). For my suitcase, I use a Crumpler Freestanding Edwardian, all funky form and modern flash. My daypack is a Crumpler Beer Back, which keeps my electronics (and booze) safe and cushioned. Sure, you can mock me, but a man bag is essential for any road warrior. Admittedly, Crumpler didn’t have to call mine “The Maurice.”
The Crumpler Beer Back.
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Unnecessary in Central America or South Asia, but absolutely vital in Eastern Europe and especially Russia. On the Trans-Siberian Railway, my bottle of Tabasco was worth its weight in gold. A few drops of hot sauce turns bland, boiled food into something worth salivating over.
Hot Sauce - an essential ingredient for any long journey.
