Got an extra $208.40 laying around the place?  If you do, then maybe you could use a portable solar iPod charger.  I think one of these would be nice to have, and it might even be an investment if you use your iPod daily for the next 20 years….maybe.  Away from the price, I’m a fan of solar power, because when you’re traveling, sometimes it’s your only option.  Brunton sells these along with other lightweight portable solar products and accessories.

A couple bits of news from Nalgene. The first is that they decided to slowly halt production on their original polycarbonate bottles that they’ve been making for years due to the BPA scare. The second is that they teamed up with Brita and FilterForGood.com. Another one of those silly “green” marketing things. Attempting to reduce water bottle waste…by…purchasing…a new “reusable” water bottle. If you can’t tell, I’m just sick of corporations using the green thing to brand their products. I’ve got nothing against environmentalism.

-

Swiss Engineered Water Bottles. SIGG is the producer of some of the best water bottles for travel…or just daily life. Their bottles are designed to be lightweight, very strong, and are lined with a special coating to make it very easy to clean and safe to reuse. All in all, the perfect water bottle. After that, the company seems to be on a mission to run environmentally unfriendly plastic water bottles out of production. The cost may seem high at first $19-$21, but considering the strong design and your choice of bottle cap, it’s very reasonable.

Woolite Travel Packs. A staple in my pack for many trips abroad. These little guys are good enough to wash a small load in the hostel sink. They are even designed to be low in suds, so that they ring clean easier. You can pick them up at amazon.com or for around $5.00.

Not my favorite store by any means, but they are chic. These lightbulb looking things are actually travel bottles. More specifically, silicone TSA carry on approved travel bottles. Designed to see what is inside, leak proof, rip proof, they get the job done. Just don’t look at the price. You can check out more “chic” goods at flight001.com (prononounced flightOne).

Folding cups, bowls, and complete dinner sets from a company that apparently loves to travel. Actually, the guys who developed the Orikaso product line are more utah outdoorsmen. But as a traveler, I appreciate this kind of product. If you can’t tell by the picture, they are designed to pack down flat, so you aren’t taking up precious backpack cc’s. They fold into cups, bowls or dinner plates so you can take them anywhere and have a meal just about anywhere. Plus, the company is just plain eco-sweet.

The way I see it…there are two choices for packing the liquid. Cheap bottle vs. Nalgene bottle. Where you will be traveling is also something to consider….does your destination have potable water (okay to drink) or non-potable (drink at your own risk). Most of the time you visit a third world country, there is no need to carry a Nalgene bottle since you will need to buy it bottled anyways. But a reusable Nalgene bottle can come in handy when you have access to good water and a hostel refrigerator.

Bottled water. Be aware that water manufacturers make water with and without carbonation….I hate carbonation, and about gagged when I accidentally purchased it. Look for Sin Carbonacion (Without Carbonation) if you want “regular” drinking water.

Why Nalgene? Simple. They are head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to providing a durable plastic easy access bottle that does not have any effect on the taste of the liquid. Plus….they make a flask….that should say enough. If you are interested in learning more about Nalgene…here is their site.

Water Bottle Tips:
Airlines will not allow any liquids to be carried through security, so start off with an empty bottle and find a water fountain while you’re waiting for the plane.

Look for flavor packets or “On the Go Packets” if you want to actually get some taste to your agua (that’s Spanish for water;). Crystal Light makes some as does Water Sensations. I have seen these available overseas, but not that often.

Most Nalgene bottles have a loop or eye that you can use to attach to your pack, but if you want to get a handle on a regular bottle, use some small 2 or 3 mm perlon cord to tie around the neck of the bottle using it as a strap. The cord also allows you to reuse it for the next bottle. All in all, this cord comes in handy for many things.