1. Wallaroo
Explorer Hat.
Summer is coming, and what better time
than now to get ready to ward off the skin-damaging rays of the sun
with this good-looking, easy-packing, UPF-50+ Australian-inspired
topper that come by way of Boulder, Colo. Crushable, hand washable,
lightweight and water repellent, the Explorer features a wide,
stitched brim and a hidden interior drawstring for adjustability.
$36; www.wallaroohats.com.
2.
PowerMonkey.
This universal chargers
interchangeable heads work in more than 150 countries, and its
connectors can provide the juice for a vast array of makes and
models of mobile phones (96 hours), digital cameras (1,600 photos),
two-way radios (24 hours), PDAs (48 hours), MP3 players and iPods
(40 hours, iPod USB charging cable required). The unit is just the
right size, weighing all of 2.5 ounces and measuring 3.4 inches by
1.5 inches by 1.5 inches. About $70, including shipping and
handling from the U.K.; www.powertraveller.com.
3. Heys 30-inch 4WD
Pullman. Remarkably lightweight at 12 pounds, this
polycarbonate bag is both flexible and durable. Under stress a
recent trip to a frigid Quebec stressed out this traveler but not
his luggage the Heys can take a hit and bounce back into shape. Its
four-corner wheels, manufactured in Japan, will put you on a glide
path when it comes to the push and pull of transport through
airports and hotel lobbies. Extras include the ability to expand by
25% for more packing room; a lightweight, aluminum handle; and a
padded interior with a divider. $139.97; www.heys.ca.
4.
LightWedge Book Lamp.
Heres a supplementary reading
light travelers can use on a darkened night flight without
disturbing sleeping seat mates. Instead of a traditional
above-the-page book light, the LightWedge rests on the page of the
thriller you are reading, illuminating one page at a time. At 6¾
inches by 9¼ inches and 8.5 ounces, this optical-grade acrylic lens
fits nearly any book. Four AAA batteries power the lamps two
brightness levels for 40 hours before needing replacement. $34.95;
www.lightwedge.com.
5. BFK
Stowaway Keyboard. 
This full-size,
wireless keyboard from Anycom folds into a 5.4-inch by 3.9-inch
package that is less than an inch thick, compact enough to fit into
a pocket, purse or briefcase. Just the thing to let your fingers do
the walking when it comes to using Bluetooth-enabled PDAs, smart
phones and the like, this well-engineered device includes a lap
lock for comfortable use on the go as well as a carrying case and
PDA/phone stand. Power source: up to 60 hours of operating time on
two AAA batteries. $149.99; www.anycom.com.