SteriPEN Freedom, the Latest Edition

Did you know that city municipalities use UV light to treat our drinking water?  How cool is it that SteriPen has figured out a way to make a hand held version for travel and outdoor use?  They make several models of the SteriPen, and the Freedom is the latest, a rechargeable version, featuring a new option to charge via USB port or AC adapter.  Since most people travel with devices now, and those charge with USB connectors, this new recharging method is a great option. It's also smaller than the other SteriPens, making it more convenient and better for travel.

In just a few seconds, the SteriPen gets rid of bacteria and viruses that can make us sick and ruin a trip.  You may need to filter the water first, depending on where you are.  SteriPen makes a pre-filter that fits right on a standard Nalgene bottle, or you can use a different method of pre-filtering.   If you are just in a hotel room in Mexico for instance, you can get water right out of the tap and treat it.

All you do is take off the lid, immerse in water, stir, and when the green light comes on, you're done.
You get up to 40 treatments per charge.  There's an LED light option on the end of the SteriPen, which you can activate by rotating it three times--will I remember this on travels, I don't know.  It will stay on for three minutes, or you can turn it off the same way.

While I think this is ideal for traveling, it might also work for backpacking trips, it only weighs 2.6 oz, with the included case, cord, and adapter, it's 6.4 oz.  Some solar chargers have USB ports, I'm thinking of the ones that you can just clip to your backpack.  One of those and this SteriPen would make a nice pair for the back country.  I hesitate a little here because I have personally never been able to find an effective solar charger, but I have hope in that direction.  I also question the practicality of carrying a solar charger when two AAA batteries are lighter and more universal.   But in the end, I think the SteriPen Freedom takes the best of the previous models and condenses that technology into a very practical and necessary device.  It's appropriate for a wide audience from the business traveler, world trekker and the back country folks.  Find it HERE.

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Ex Officio BugsAway Clothing

They say this year mosquitoes and ticks are going to be extra bad.  So what if, like me, you are sensitive to chemicals and avoid bug spray like the plague?  You can invest in some of Ex Officio's BugsAway clothing, that's what.

Check out this Halo shirt which incorporates Insect Shield, a non toxic pesticide that is bonded to the fabric fibers.  It's made with Premethrin, which is derived from chrysanthemum flowers.  There is absolutely no smell and you can't see it, but the bugs hate it.  It works on mosquitoes, flies, ticks, ants and no-see-ums, how cool is this?!  The bug repellent lasts through 70 washes, and this shirt also has the added bonus of being UPF 30+ for extra sun protection.

The sleeves roll up  and button to keep them up, and there is ventilation in the back--perfect for hiking and backpacking.  There are two security pockets on the front (I wish these were located somewhere else for women), and it's quick drying and lightweight making it great for travel too.  How have I lived without this stuff?  I can think of so many times this would have made outdoor situations so much better.

Ex Officio's BugsAway line comes in all sorts of pieces for both men and women so you can outfit appropriately for the occasion.  The fit on the Halo shirt is relaxed (I wear an 8-10 top and the M fit generously).  They come in different colors and patterns perfect for your Summer adventures.  Find yours HERE.

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Deuter Futura SL: Great Summer Pack

Planning on doing some day hiking with the kids this Summer?  I have the perfect pack for you, and just in time for the Season.  Check out this Futura 30L Pack from Deuter.  This pack is available in the women specific SL model, made to fit a women's body with a shorter carry system for shorter torsos, thinner straps and a contoured hip belt for a comfortable fit.  And for fun, it comes with a (removable) flower attached.  

This pack is loaded with details that make it function like a dream.  It has a fantastic Aircomfort ventilation system in the back to keep you cool, a lid compartment for those quick grab items like a first aid kit or sunscreen, and there's a toggle clip for your keys so those won't get lost floating around a big pack.  There's another zip pocket on the underside of that top compartment, perfect for your wallet and essentials like a headlamp.  There are side pockets with compression straps to reduce bulk, and an easy access front pocket for maps and energy bars.  I love the little pocket on the hip belt, perfect for my my phone.  The Futura has integrated trekking pole loops and an included rain cover located in a bottom compartment, I love this, seriously they thought of every last thing.

This pack is hydration compatible.  This never really mattered to me before, I thought I was fine with water bottles.  I've had Camelbaks before, I've used hydration packs.  But I have never used one that's integrated into a bigger pack.  I'm totally hooked now and can't believe there was ever a time I didn't do it this way.  It's just so much easier and more convenient.  Most packs have this capability these days, but there is something a little different about the Deuter hydration reservoir.  The hose detaches at the bladder, which means you don't have to take the whole thing out for refills, having to feed the tube through.  Much easier and faster this way.  It also simplifies filling it up at the sink, you don't have that hose in the way.  There's a velcro attachment on the inside of the pack to hold the reservoir in place. A  sliding clip as opposed to a screw top opening makes it very fast and easy to fill and to clean.  There's a little cover for the mouth piece that keeps it clean, and I've had no leaks at all.

There's plenty of room for the ten essentials, extra clothes for the kids, a picnic, and more.  I've taken this on two day hikes and it was super comfortable and exceeded my needs.  I really appreciated all the extra features and could easily be spoiled by Deuter.  Meticulous organization, a high tech cooling system, and plenty of water available, make the Futura an ideal Summer day pack and a great value.  Find it HERE. 

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