Travel Gear

Even if you have a home alarm system, it can be comforting to actually see what's happening inside or outside your home, whether you fret about thieves or pets. Here's a Wi-Fi security camera that lets you do just that: Dropcam Echo. The Echo monitors audio and video, with a horizontal field of view of 47 degrees. You can watch a live video feed on Dropcam's website on your computer or use the company's free iPhone or Android app. The camera comes with a free basic subscription for a live feed, but to record and watch events later, you'll need a monthly subscription.  Prices for that service start at $8.95.

On most airplanes, coach and comfort usually part ways, so sleep-seekers are always on the lookout for the perfect travel pillow. The pillows come in all shapes and sizes, but here's one with a long, vertical design that's a bit different from the others -- and it's on sale, too. The deal: The EZ Sleep Travel Pillow measures 21-by-12-by-2 inches when inflated and can be used on train, bus or plane seats. It attaches to the armrest and forms a kind of inflatable curtain between you and your seat mate.

Wouldn’t it be nice if baby could look at Mommy or Daddy (and vice versa) when out in the stroller? Graco’s Alano FlipIt Travel System Stroller ($219.99) lets caregivers choose between face-to-face or forward-facing positions with a flip of the reversible, height-adjustable handle. The system includes a SnugRide Infant Car Seat, with five-point harness. Info: BabiesRus.com ,(888) 222-9787.

"My Take Along 1.2.3 Noah's Ark" ($29.99) by Playmobil makes a great beach toy for tots. It's a sturdy plastic tub shaped like an ark, filled with two each of colorful plastic elephants, zebras, lions, giraffes, doves and  humans. The removable deck doubles as a latched cover for storage. And yes, the ark floats on water. It measures 12 by 5.5 by 7 inches. Info: Playmobil

The FoxLv2 Bluetooth Stereo Speaker ($199.95) from Soundmatters is a portable wireless speaker for mobile electronic devices that slips into a pocket and delivers great sound. It includes a 3.5 millimeter jack and audio cable for connecting the old-fashioned way; AC power adapter; USB cable; and a power adapter kit for international travel. It runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Info: Soundmatters , (800) 698-7662, Ext. 2.

Balanzza pioneered digital luggage scales that strap to bag handles, then when hoisted, register and lock in the weight on a backlit LCD screen. The new Balanzza Mini version ($24.85) is just 5 inches long and weighs only about 3 ounces. But it can measure weights up to 100 pounds. It runs on two included watch batteries. Info: Magellan's (800) 962-4943

If your plans for an outing include a bottle of wine, the Picnic Plus Roll Up Wine Bag ($69.99) is here to assist. What at first appears to be a swank messenger bag unfolds to reveal a zippered wine-bottle pouch, another pouch with two glass goblets and pockets holding coasters, a bottle stopper and a waiter’s tool/corkscrew. A soft, sueded lining cushions all the contents. Info: Dick's Sporting Goods , (877) 846-9997

High Sierra didn't exaggerate the name of its A.T. Gear Ultimate Access 36-inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel ($134.95). As the biggest wheeled bag in the High Sierra stable, it provides 9,576 cubic inches of storage. The main compartment has an easy-access opening, and the drop-bottom can hold shoes, boots and other gear. Or zip out the mesh divider separating the top and bottom sections. Backpack straps are built into the bag, which weighs 12 pounds. Info: Luggage Online , (888)

Travelers never seem to have enough power outlets for charging all those electronics that simply must come along. So here's a four-outlet power strip with a big asset: It's water-resistant. Wet Circuits Power Strip ($70) sloughs off hot-tub splashes or a spilled cup of coffee, not to mention rain or snow (apres ski party on the deck, anyone?). A circuit break protects against overheating and electrical surges. www.wetcircuits.com .

The Sleeptracker wristwatch ($179) has a vibrating alarm that, within a preset time window, aims to wake you at an optimal stage of your sleep cycle to minimize grogginess. The waking time, its maker says, is determined by monitoring your body's signals with sensors that track the stages of your sleep cycles. By reviewing the data, you find the best time frame, and set the alarm accordingly. Info: Sleeptracker ; or call Innovative Sleep Solutions, (800) 617-4509.

Even if you have a home alarm system, it can be comforting to actually see what's happening inside or outside your home, whether you fret about thieves or pets. Here's a Wi-Fi security camera that lets you do just that: Dropcam Echo. The Echo monitors audio and video, with a horizontal field of view of 47 degrees. You can watch a live video feed on Dropcam's website on your computer or use the company's free iPhone or Android app. The camera comes with a free basic subscription for a live feed, but to record and watch events later, you'll need a monthly subscription.  Prices for that service start at $8.95.

USB digital drives are great for storing photos, music and other memory hogs on the go. But they're also tiny and easily lost. Enter Verbatim's new Clip-it USB drive, which clips onto a pocket or almost anything. The 4-gigabyte drive comes in a colorful range of plastic housings - just the right accessory for your favorite geek. Costs $18.62 or $52.30 for a three-pack. Info: Verbatim , (800) 538-8589.

Bron Imaging Group’s new camera straps focus on comfort and security. Padded and adjustable, the nylon straps are reinforced with steel wire so they won’t break and or get snipped by would-be thieves. The camera attaches using a ball bearing that screws into the tripod port, making it easier to lift for shots. Sun Sniper Pro camera strap costs $88; a narrower Compact strap, for smaller cameras, costs $62. Info: Bron Imaging Group , (800) 456-0203.

Don’t let rain spoil your vacay. This hip-length Microburst jacket by Atlantis is made of a soft, featherweight nylon blend and has long zippered pockets running the length of both sides of the chest. There is internal netting for ventilation and long "pit zips" under each arm. Elasticized cuffs have Velcro closures, and a built-in rain hood rolls and stashes behind the insulated collar. Microburst jacket, in men's and women's sizes, costs $150. Info: Atlantis WeatherGear , (877)

It’s a lap desk, an easel and a carry-all. It’s Crayola’s new Color Wonder Table Top Easel ($19.99) for tots. Unlatch and open the top of the lap desk, and it forms a pyramid with a finger-paint tray on the inside. The finger-paints show up in color only on the included paper, so spills won’t make a mess on other surfaces. The whole package measures 13 by 10 inches. Info: CrayolaStore.com , (866) 896-5445,

The Ballistic JetCart ($170) from Swany America can hold not only your clothes and gear but also you. The wheeled, carry-on bag has a fold-down seat built into its back (weight limit 300 pounds). The wide, sturdy telescoping handle provides support for your back. Measuring 22 by 12 by 8 inches, the zippered bag is loaded with internal pockets for stashing documents, electronics and a change of clothes. It weighs 61/2  pounds and comes in red or black ballistic nylon. Info: Swany America ,  (800)

Don’t let rain spoil your vacay. This hip-length Microburst jacket by Atlantis is made of a soft, featherweight nylon blend and has long zippered pockets running the length of both sides of the chest. There is internal netting for ventilation and long "pit zips" under each arm. Elasticized cuffs have Velcro closures, and a built-in rain hood rolls and stashes behind the insulated collar. Microburst jacket, in men's and women's sizes, costs $150. Info: Atlantis WeatherGear , (877)

Davek's travel umbrellas aren't cheap, but they're tougher than most mini-umbrellas and loaded with useful features. The 9-inch-long Traveler ($79), weighing less than  1 pound, includes an auto open-close button system, a sturdy solid-steel shaft, reinforced seven-rib frame, a leather wrist strap, a built-in clip for attaching to a bag or belt loop, and a generous coverage diameter of 40 inches. The 15-inch-long Duet ($149), weighing about 1.5 pounds, is an umbrella built for two, with a 55-inch-diameter coverage.

Here's something to meditate on: a travel alarm clock that wakes you with a chime instead of a beep. The Digital Zen Alarm Clock (from $109.95), which runs on two AA batteries or with an AC adapter, can be used as a standard alarm clock or set to chime at selected intervals, on the hour, or as a countdown timer or meditation timer. Available in a choice of hardwoods. Info: Now & Zen , (800) 779-6383.

The FoxLv2 Bluetooth Stereo Speaker ($199.95) from Soundmatters is a portable wireless speaker for mobile electronic devices that slips into a pocket and delivers great sound. It includes a 3.5 millimeter jack and audio cable for connecting the old-fashioned way; AC power adapter; USB cable; and a power adapter kit for international travel. It runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Info: Soundmatters , (800) 698-7662, Ext. 2.