Hats off to these two chapeaus!
• The Real Deal Tarp Hat: Hand-crafted in Brazil from recycled cargo-truck tarp and truck tires (for the wired bendable brim), this hat has hit the road for more miles than Willie Nelson and now you can take it even farther. Patches, marks, frays and even bits of Portuguese writing make each one unique. It is sized from S (6 3/4 inches) to XXL (8). An optional leather wind strap is available for $7.99. $39.99; www.realdealbrazil.com.
• Wallaroo Palmer Hat: This lightweight fedora for men from the Boulder, Colo., hat vendor is just the thing when you have travel in mind in that it pops back into shape after being folded into a suitcase or carryon. The Palmer, which has a 3.5-inch brim, a black ribbon trim and an internal draw string for an adjustable fit, is available in two sizes, M/L (7 3/8 inches) and L/XL (7 5/8), and two colors, natural as well as a mix of natural and black. $48; https://www.wallaroohats.com.
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Insta360 Nano Camera: If you are all about travel photography, selfies and social media sites this novel product will fit nicely in your camera bag. Small (2 by 1 by 2 inches) and lightweight (11.2 ounces), the Insta360 is capable of producing 360-degree images, videos and live-streams directly from your smart phone (and that can be previewed from it in real time). The camera, which is compatible with all iPhones from 6 to 7 Plus or can be used alone, offers 3040 by 1520 resolution, a fisheye lens and a generous 64G of storage capability. As a bonus of sorts, the Insta360's packaging can be converted into a Google Cardboard virtual reality viewer. $190; https://www.insta360.com.
Bixbee Kids Backpacks: Designed to meet the physical, aesthetic, safety and practical needs of children, these backpacks boast an ergonomically sound horizontal construct that allows weight to be carried comfortably above waist level to lighten loads; enables easy access to books and supplies; and provides protection for laptops. Adjustable shoulder straps and a sliding sternum strap distribute weight over the wearer's shoulders while a mesh back panel helps ease pressure points. Other features include a water-resistant polyester exterior, reinforced base and corners, an ID card holder, adjustable side water-bottle pockets and, importantly, reflective accents for added visibility in low-light conditions. Available in medium or large sizes, both backpacks weigh 2 pounds and the large measures 15 by 6 by 12 inches, the medium, 13 by 5 by 11. Prices start at $27.99; www.bixbee.com.
Outdoor attire from Scottevest:
• Tropiformer Jacket: This multifaceted jacket boasts 22 pockets, including those dedicated to carrying eyeglasses (two), a digital camera, a digital notebook (with built-in USB/Bluetooth capability), hand warmers (2) and change (2). Machine-washable, water-resistant and light weight, the Tropiformer jacket quickly becomes a vest with the detachment of its magnetically attached sleeves. This garment comes equipped with a unique wearable technology that enables you to wire headphones and power cables tangle-free through specially designed channels It is available in a variety of colors and sizes from S to XXL. $175.
• OTG Jacket: With 29 pockets, the OTG (for "off the grid," according to Scottevest) approximates a wearable carryon, which can be a roomy boon to travelers miffed at having to pay extra for bringing a small bag on a plane. Attributes include front panels capacious enough to store a full-size laptop or books and magazines without showing a bulge, an RFID-blocking pocket and a pocket for a tablet. The quilted OTG, which comes in black or blue, like the Tropiformer is machine washable, water/stain resistant, and covered by Scottevest's $1,000 anti-pickpocket guarantee. Women's sizes run from XS to XXL, men from S to XXXL. $175; www.scottevest.com.