101 GADGETS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
# ON YOUR TRAVELS
#1 VanMoof S3/X3
If you’re considering an electric bike, nobody does it better right now than VanMoof. From the spectacular styling to the newly upgraded motor, from smart features like remote lockdown theft defence to ride-changers like automatic electronic gear shifting, the S3 and X3 mark a pin-sharp display of bike design expertise. This is the best urban ride going, and great fun with it.
US$1,998, vanmoof.com
#2 S’well Stainless Steel Commuter Mug
Available with a generous 470ml capacity, S’well’s screw-top mug is perfect for a takeaway coffee and vacuum insulated to keep it warm for six hours. Vacuums work both ways, meaning it’s equally adept at keeping a nice draught of water cool for a whole day. Okay, yes, most vacuum mugs do that, but very few manage it with this level of triple-layer panache.
$44, swell.com
#3 Samsonite Neoknit Laptop bag
Sloppy and informal it may be, but Samsonite’s laptop bag is equally comfortable and practical: there’s room for every commuting essential, and it’s padded to keep your laptop safe. That spiffy knitted look isn’t just a style decision either, because Samsonite has woven the entire thing from recycled PET plastic for that crucial environmental touch.
$199, samsonite.com.au
#4 The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Make yourself seen and, depending on how bright a colour you pick, possibly heard as well; the North Face’s throwback down-filled puffer is an incredibly warm jacket and practical with it. It’s quick to dry if you get caught in the rain, and it stuffs down small so you can cram it into a bag if the sun does happen to come out.
$450, thenorthface.com.au
#5 Blunt Metro
It was about time the antisocial umbrella had a much-needed redesign. While a traditional brolly might keep people well out of your safety zone, this one does so without the potential to jab their eyes out on the ends of its spokes. It’s also been engineered to be aerodynamic (yes, really) so it doesn’t buffet around in the wind, and it should even resist turning inside out. You’ll be hoping it rains so you can use it.
$109, bluntumbrellas.com.au
#6 Bollé Shifter
Made for cycling these nifty glasses may be, but Bollé’s radical sunspecs are equally adept at protecting your eyes in the car, with prescription options available if you need them. Opt for the brown blue lenses of the matte pink and shiny white varieties and you’ll get improved contrast when looking at the road ahead, or pick some of Bollé’s neat NXT photochromic glass for adaptable protection.
From $109, bolle.com
#7 Aukey 20000mAh USB-C Power Bank
It might look simple, but Aukey has managed to cram 20,000mAh of juice into a shell slimmer than many phones, perfect for keeping stashed in a bag: when full to the brim, there’s enough capacity in there to charge an iPad almost twice over. Oh, and it can also charge four devices at once.
$105.95, shop.aukey. com
#8 Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony may have just released the next generation, but a price drop on the WH-1000XM3 makes these the best noise-cancellers in their price bracket. Don’t hesitate to snap them up: they’re hugely comfortable and great looking with it. You can wring up to 30 hours of battery out of them, even when taking advantage of the advanced ANC.
$325, sony.com.au
#9 Falke Face Mask
You need to cover your face in some places these days, but you don’t have to look like a massive dork in the process. Falke’s stylish and well-fitting masks don’t force a design on you, instead opting for a range of bold block colours with sporty edging. They’re made of a comfy round-knit material, and they can take a 95°C wash to oust surface germs.
$35 (2-pack), falke. com
#10 Nextbase 622GW
Technology has caught up to the dash cam, and the 622GW is the best you can get. Its 4K sensor is digitally stabilised, it’s engineered to see through inclement weather and not be dazzled at night,
