The upper handle prevents the backstay from twisting and locks the turnbuckle when closed. Sherman Johnson Handy Lock backstay turnbuckles feature dual handles for quick adjustment. Shade from the heat, shelter from the rain and always style in a pinch.Make adjustments to the backstay without tools.įor sailboats that do not have an active backstay that is “played” while sailing, a turnbuckle that can be adjusted without tools is the next best thing. My latest is a crushable wool felt Stetson, procured from Granville Island's excellent Edie Hats. My last faithful travel hat turned green after I spent a night in Chernobyl. As a gift for your Dad, brothers or boyfriend, you can't go wrong.įor the traveller, a good hat is more important than Arthur Dent's towel. Lose weight, gain weight - without holes, this leather trimmed webbed stretch belt always keeps the trousers up, a triumph of practicality in men's wear. Tilley Endurables created a woven stretch men's belt that always fits, no matter what pair of trousers you wear. I only use one belt, on and off the road. The Travellers Rule of Clothing: Wear different clothes and stay in the same place, or wear the same clothes, but change your location daily. They've held up remarkably well, considering I've put them through active volcanoes, frozen lakes, muddy rain forests and scorching deserts. I've been using Keen Targhee II's since my first around-the-world expedition in 2005. I always take one good pair, which is comfortable, waterproof, sturdy and able to pass as easily in a nightclub as it does on hiking trails. I leave my phone behind, but I always have data backed up online and on a USB stick. As for my iPod, it has scored many a road trip or foreign urban walkabout - got to love the Genius function! Meanwhile, the maps, recommendation engines, translators and converter apps on my iTouch are revolutionary. It's my road entertainment system, my communication tower, my photo lab, my research hub. My MacBook is more than just my writing tool. I've been to about 70 countries these past six years, and it has never been lost, stolen or crashed (please, find the nearest piece of wood around you, and touch it on my behalf). It's not the cheapest compact camera on the market, but the photos are priceless. The model has since been updated to the DMC-ZS7.
Bonus points for crisp HD video too, although the ACVHD format is a bit of a pain. Now, I'm that guy with the small, light camera whose pictures pop off the display screen to everyone's envy. Admittedly, Crumpler didn't have to call mine "The Maurice."ĭo 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.
Sure, you can mock me, but a man bag is essential for any road warrior. My daypack is a Crumpler Beer Back, which keeps my electronics (and booze) safe and cushioned. For my suitcase, I use a Crumpler Freestanding Edwardian, all funky form and modern flash. Backpacking, I alternate between my Tatonka Great Escape and my trusted Karrimor warhorse (more than 50 countries and counting). You treat them right and they always come out the conveyer belt. My current pal: A Timex Travel Alarm Clock with a built-in flashlight, digital display and handy lock option. When I lose a favourite alarm clock, it's like losing a friend. It has to be small and easy to use, needs a good volume on the alarm, must include a sleep function and have easy battery replacement.
A reliable travel alarm clock ensures you never miss a flight, a meeting or an opportunity to nap for 23 minutes before the taxi arrives. Wake-up calls are as reliable as your memories of college.