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WhiteWall Picture Wall: Whitewall Photo Lab is offering vacationers -- or anyone else who wants to transform a memorable photo or digital image into a lasting work of art -- several ways to enhance their favorite shot. WhiteWall, for example, can mount (with desired cropping, editing, framing or enlargement) your prized picture under clear acrylic glass in several different styles: behind acrylic glass with aluminum backing; on two thin aluminum layers and a black polyethylene core; directly on aluminum backing or brushed aluminum; or as a canvas print, textile print or an ultra-lite Forex panel. All products are equipped with mounting hardware. Prices vary depending upon the variable selected; www.us.whitewall.com.
Reticu-Lite 30-Inch Wheeled Upright: Granite Gear, a northern Minnesota company that focuses on products for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers, is offering a new Retic-ulite luggage collection that emphasizes light weight (8.3 pounds), portability and ruggedness. Foam front panels lighten your load while a dual-fabric (nylon and polyester), water-resistant exterior provides protection from the elements and wear. Other attributes of this generously sized bag, which measures 30 by 17.75 by 11.75 inches, include rugged wheels, impact-absorbing wheel housings, fortified bumpers, corner protectors, a kick plate, padded grab handles, a lined valuables pocket, a zippered divider curtain and an aluminum pull handle with rubberized grip. $189.99; www.granitegear.com.
Squeeze Pod Toiletries: These single-use natural toiletries have a lot going for them when it comes to travel. They are TSA-compliant, vegan and PETA-certified and extremely portable in that they are about the size and weight of a 25-cent piece. Proudly made in the U.S., Squeeze Pods are exactly what the name suggests: individual dollops of moisturizers and the like in squeezable, leak-proof, disposable pod-like containers. Among the products available are sulfate-free shampoo, sulfate-free conditioner, body wash, facial cleanser, shave cream, hair gel, hand purifier, moisturizing lotion and toilet odor eliminator. $2.49 (individual pack containing two or three pods) to $9.99 for a Weekend Getaway Kit; www.squeezepod.com.
SteriPEN Ultra: According to its manufacturer, this hand-held, user-friendly water purifier employs UV light to destroy more than 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa that cause water-borne illness suffered by travelers. The Ultra, which offers an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display that shows, among other info, the status of its rechargeable battery, is good for 50 liters of water and its UV lamp will last for 8,000 treatments. Asked if the Ultra would purify water in a country where tourists are warned to boil it before drinking, a SteriPEN representative said it would. One caveat: SteriPEN water purifiers are only effective in clear water. The product should not be used in water that has ice or fruit concentrate added to it, and water should be purified before adding any flavoring. The Ultra comes with a carrying case and USB cable for charging the battery. $99.95; www.steripen.com.
Lipault Plume Carry-On: This attractive nylon twill bag, done in arresting colors and prints, is new to the market. It weighs only six pounds and measures 21.6 by 14.2 by 7.9 inches. Four multi-directional wheels, an expandable handle and two grab handles make it easy to negotiate any the airport. A large zipped pocket on the front can serve any number of purposes, from storing documents to keeping electronics within easy grasp. The monogrammed interior comprises a main compartment, two tie-down straps, a small, zipped pocket and a large zipped pocket on the interior cover. $225; www.lipault-usa.com.