Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 23, 2009, 5:00 am
When is an iPod Touch a phone?  When Skype is installed! . Install the Skype app on your 2nd or 3rd gen iPod Touch, and you can make domestic and international calls whenever you’re in a WiFi h...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 22, 2009, 5:30 am
This is an update to a popular post from November of 2008; have a wonderful holiday! A few days ago I overheard a couple of coworkers talking about Thanksgiving and was surprised that they were bot...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 20, 2009, 2:04 pm
I hate publishing a post before it’s completely ready, and against my better judgment, did just that this week with my review of the Red Oxx CPA Briefcase.  I struggled with the pictures for this r...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 20, 2009, 5:00 am
I’ve been a fan of Rail Riders for a while now.  The firm started out making clothing aimed at the sailing market and has expanded to a line of adventure and casual clothing that’s prized...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 19, 2009, 5:00 am
As the Red Oxx CPA is essentially a larger version of the Metro, this will be a brief look at the bag; I encourage you to check out my original Metro review:  Red Oxx Metro Briefcase / Daily Bag. Her...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 18, 2009, 5:00 am
This is another one of those weeks when I’m consumed with getting ready for a couple of big meetings…   I have several posts and a couple of reviews in the works, but not enough time to finish t...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 17, 2009, 5:00 am
A recent comment from Paul on my October, 2008 post about Tourist Remover made me want to revisit this online app: I agree with James – I think the demo ought to have about 50 or 60 big fat tourist...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 16, 2009, 5:00 am
The Highs: Surprising capacity, clever features, attractive price The Lows: Typical daypack styling The Verdict: A lot of bag at a killer price point For a year or two I used a daypack as my daily ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 14, 2009, 5:00 am
Here’s a special offer for you that I won’t make again for at least another 6 to 12 months. I’d like to invite you to become a Practical Hacks VIP.  Doing so will make you eligible for special...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 13, 2009, 5:00 am
Given several recent reader comments, I think an opportunity we’re missing out on is to explore different packing methods to a greater extent than we have in the past.  I’m using “we” not in ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 12, 2009, 5:00 am
It’s no secret that I’m partial to bundle packing, or if the situation or bag I’m using dictates, using packing cubes.  But as reader Michael W. put it so well in a recent comment, “there are...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 11, 2009, 5:00 am
Each Wednesday I receive TravelZoo’s “Top 20″ List via email.  This is a list of the very best deals TravelZoo has uncovered from the thousands of available vacation packages, hotel and airline...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 10, 2009, 5:00 am
The Safari-Beanos PR4 didn't get off to a particularly auspicious start when it arrived at Practical Hacks Global Headquarters. I glanced at it for a few moments, noted the now-familiar Red Oxx q...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 9, 2009, 5:00 am
What I've discovered about the Outdoor Products Essential Carry-on is that the sagging or floppiness comes almost as much from the way you choose to carry the bag as it does from the way you pack ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 6, 2009, 12:00 pm
A friend passed this along a few days ago; I hope you haven’t seen it already – enjoy… How to fail a test with dignity.
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 6, 2009, 9:00 am
As reported in the NY Times, Gary Leff’s View from the Wing blog, and in this FlyerTalk thread, British Airways and Chase are rolling out an incredibly lucrative sign-on bonus for a BA Visa Signatur...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 6, 2009, 5:00 am
One of the things which popped up at BFads.net this week is a preview of a sale W-M is conducting tomorrow.  Six items are featured at fairly substantial discounts: If you’d like to see more det...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 5, 2009, 5:00 am
Canister stoves have become popular with backpackers for a number of reasons: they're compact, lightweight, easy to use, durable, and reliable. One of the most compact stoves is the Optimus Crux...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 4, 2009, 5:00 am
I recently had a chance to check out Patagonia's Crosstown daypack. Patagonia positions this as a "full featured" daypack for daily use, hiking, school, or vagabonding. Available in a couple of...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 3, 2009, 5:00 am
If you're looking for an economical carry-on that's perfect for occasional use, quick weekend jaunts, or for use by a student or young adult, you really ought to check out the Outdoor Products...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Nov 2, 2009, 5:00 am
Although my home office desk is pictured here, this is really a post about my desk at work.  Tired of the clutter, crumpled Post-It notes and pile of pens & markers near my phone, a vertical file ful...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 30, 2009, 6:44 am
Just FYI – Jos. A. Bank is running a 50% Off sale Friday and Saturday only.  They do this a few times a year, and it’s a great opportunity to grab a deal.  I’m a big fan of their Traveler butt...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 30, 2009, 5:00 am
This is turning out to be shoulder strap week…   in lieu of a comparo, I thought I’d post a few quick shots of several well known shoulder straps.  Let’s take a look: Above, the Victorinox...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 29, 2009, 5:00 am
Several weeks ago I wrote about the Field Notes note book I carry with me all the time, and my search for a suitable writing instrument for same.   I’ve tried a couple of alternatives, one a &...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 27, 2009, 5:00 am
Around this time each year I mention Black Friday Ads, the website geared toward snagging major retailers’ Black Friday ads days and in some cases, weeks before they appear. Those BFAds folks are ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 26, 2009, 5:00 am
I was excited when I learned a few months ago that Tom Bihn was updating their Absolute Strap. The winner of our "Shoulder Strap Comparo," the Absolute Strap has to date offered the best combination ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 23, 2009, 6:41 am
The new Tom Bihn Absolute Strap – winner of our Shoulder Strap Comparo – has been redesigned and is reportedly going to debut on the Bihn website today.  I should have a sample on hand to...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 23, 2009, 5:00 am
A mild rant: on September 26th I ordered a “Claw” shoulder strap from Quake Industries.  It hasn’t arrived yet – as of October 22nd. Last weekend, I emailed them (via a conta...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 22, 2009, 6:49 pm
Some of you have probably noticed that I’ve added a limit to how long comments can be on this blog (recently updated to 2750 characters, or approximately 435 words). Getting the counter that ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 22, 2009, 2:00 pm
“Frequent Flyer” is Gabriel Leigh’s master thesis at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of those flyers who are obsessed w...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 22, 2009, 5:00 am
This is the bag I traveled with for years: a Club Glove wheeled duffel.  It’s basically one big compartment with a zippered pocket on each side.  The thing is cavernous, measuring appx. 22R...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 21, 2009, 5:00 am
All:  I’ll be out of pocket for several days.  We’re getting ready for a major presentation to our corporate parent to take place early next week, and that’s where my head will be ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 20, 2009, 12:33 pm
Magellan’s site not only offers a wide variety of useful travel gear and clothing, it also includes several useful informational guides. In some countries tipping is viewed as an insult, and in som...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 20, 2009, 5:00 am
How low can you go?? A recent email exchange with reader David E. in which we compared the pros and cons of the Bihn Aeronaut vs. the Red Oxx Air Boss included brief references (on both our parts) to...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 19, 2009, 5:00 am
Let's take a quick look at the Maxpedition Baron Load-Out, a tough duffel that's actually the smallest of three such bags offered by Maxpedition. Available in Black or the Khaki-Foliage combi...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 18, 2009, 7:54 pm
Effective immediately, when you want to comment on a post or other comment on Practical Hacks, you’ll note a change.  Comments are now limited to 2500 characters, which equates to approximately...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 18, 2009, 10:22 am
Just a quick post regarding a recent find:  I tried a bottle of this (found it on K&L Wines for $6.99) and it’s a great daily drinker. This is no 94 point wine, but it’s entirely enjoyabl...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 17, 2009, 8:56 am
The gear reviews on Practical Hacks have proven to be one of the site’s most popular features.  Here are some of the products that will be featured in the next several weeks: SteriPEN Journey R...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 16, 2009, 5:00 am
This simple product could change the way I pack, particularly for multi-leg trips. Regular readers know I'm a big proponent of bundle packing - primarily because in my experience it's the bes...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 15, 2009, 5:00 am
This’ll be quick – I’m on a ten minute break during a meeting in Chicago. No question the new MLC represents a bipolar sort of “upgrade.”  The backpack straps are great and the bag is hand...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 14, 2009, 5:00 am
First we learn that bills often test positive for cocaine; now this: Confirming what your mom told you or what you’ve intuitively known for years, researchers from the Medical Center of Wright-Pat...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 13, 2009, 6:25 am
If you're a traveler and an iPhone or iPod Touch isn't in your pocket, you're missing out on one of the most powerful tools for road warriors. Much as Add-ons extend the power of Firefox,...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 12, 2009, 5:00 am
As I write this on Sunday morning, it’s difficult to believe that I was playing in a golf tournament a week ago.  It snowed Friday night in The Middle of Nowhere, and this morning the temperature i...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 9, 2009, 12:38 pm
I bought one of these jackets this morning as a replacement for an old Dockers golf jacket that’s served me well for around 8 or 9 years.  The TravelRite jacket, normally $89, is priced at $49.99 a...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 9, 2009, 6:15 am
Next time you're planning a trip, particularly to a new destination, check out VirtualTourist.com The site is full of user reviews of hotels, attractions, restaurants, local customs, nightlife -...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 8, 2009, 5:26 pm
When I started offering files for download, I didn’t have any particular expectations.  I just did it, thinking it might be of help to a few readers.  All this started sometime last summer.  I no...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 8, 2009, 11:00 am
Labour and Wait is a British business located in East London’s  market district, dedicated to offering “timeless and functional” products.   The firm’s founder is a cabinet maker by trade, ...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 8, 2009, 5:00 am
DayMakers of Santa Barbara, a small firm that offers a varied line of "BeSafeBags" (backpacks, purses, shoulder bags & hip bags) with a special emphasis on security features, also offers a unique sho...
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 7, 2009, 2:00 pm
Here’s one of the simplest explanations I’ve found yet: Of course I’m still waiting for an invitation as well…  you?
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Kevin C. posted an article on PracticalHacks - Oct 7, 2009, 5:00 am
On Monday of this week the Federal Trade Commission indicated that it will soon (12/1/09) require bloggers to disclose if the products they’re reviewing have been supplied to them for free: The F.T...
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