Beating the Heat at Beach--and Elsewhere
The world’s hot spots will feel cooler thanks to a number of new products that take the heat off or make warm-weather activities more comfortable or convenient. The following items may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping and handling.
Cooler kids: Keeping junior cool is a breeze with this child-safe battery-operated fan that clips onto a stroller, crib, playpen or highchair. The Clip N’ Cool fan’s blades are made of a flexible plastic that won’t hurt inquisitive fingers. And since it’s battery-operated (runs on two AA batteries, not included), there’s no dangling cord.
Kel-Gar Clip N’ Cool Fan is about $12. For a nearby store, call Kel-Gar; telephone (800) 388-1848.
Getting it in the neck: The ever-innovative Sharper Image company has developed a high-tech version of the water-soaked towel that folks drape around their necks to stay cool in hot weather. The Personal Cooling System is a plastic-and-aluminum neck ring that acts like a lightweight, wearable air-conditioner. You fill each of the two chambers with about 2 ounces of water, place the ring around your neck and flip on the switch (operates on one AA battery, not included). A quiet motor drives a tiny fan that moves air across the water, creating evaporative cooling--up to 20 degrees cooler than the air around you. The flexible sides hold the aluminum cooling plates against your neck, chilling down your body for up to four hours. You may look like you broke your neck, but I found the system did indeed cool me down for a few hours.
Personal Cooling System (item No. SI526) is $49 from the Sharper Image; tel. (800) 344-4444.
Keeping wet out: Jogging along the beach, strolling through a rain forest, I always worry about my wallet, camera and other sensitive items getting wet or sand-filled. The large-size Seal Pack from Cascade Designs is a lightweight, spacious (about 13 inches high by 12 inches wide) nylon dry bag that easily fits my 35mm camera with long lens, wallet, passport and other small gear. The urethane-coated bag has a roll-down closure that makes it virtually waterproof--and certainly splash- and drizzle-proof. The bag’s waist belt attaches via heavy-duty clip buckles. An outer mesh pocket holds sunscreen, sunglasses and other items that needn’t stay dry. In very hot weather the nylon bag can get quite toasty, so cameras and film should not be stored in it for long periods.
Cascade Designs Large Seal Pak is $31 at outdoor stores. A smaller model is $22. For a nearby store, call (800) 531-9531.
Chair in a bag: It’s a tote; it’s a chair. It’s both. The Convertible Beach Chair, made of lightweight Cordura nylon, folds up to become a compact tote for carrying towels, a blanket, lunch and magazines. Once at the destination, the tote opens up to a cushioned beach chair. A large elasticized mesh pocket on the chair back accommodates magazines, books or towels; two zippered mesh side pockets keep smaller items in place. Nylon carry handles and a detachable adjustable shoulder strap make for easy portability.
Convertible Beach Chair (item No. 9854) is $49 from TravelSmith; tel. (800) 950-1600.
Light in a flash: There’s nothing like a nice stroll on a warm night--perhaps down a long beach or a captivating country lane. To shed a little light on the path, bring along the tiny FlashCard, a flat flashlight not much bigger than a credit card (about 3 1/2 inches by 3 inches), that fits easily into a wallet or shirt pocket and produces a bright yellow beam. The FlashCard is waterproof, weighs less than an ounce and comes with a five-year battery.
FlashCard Flashlight is $6.95 at gift shops and travel stores. For a store near you, call the manufacturer, Lumatec; tel. (800) 586-2832.
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