It’s been nearly five years since I took a proper road trip and about three since I’ve gone camping (which may not really count, since it was in a trailer). Most of how I’ve traveled has been on planes and cruise ships, which hasn’t necessitated a need for travel gear. Still, when I was asked to review several products, I jumped at the chance. Like the ones I've done lately for Amasar, Woodridge Snacks and J.R. Liggett, I appreciate doing these while I wait for my next travel adventure.

RAS is going to retire in April, so we’ve talked about going on more road trips, especially to the western National Parks. So, checking out some items that could make any aspect of our journeys easier greatly interested me. We probably won’t go camping as much, as I realized after nearly twenty years, I don’t enjoy it that much, even in a super-comfortable trailer or RV. But I don’t mind staying in hotels, which is what we’ll probably do in the future.

The products I reviewed included: Handzies Soap and Water Wipes, Keep>Going First Aid Kit and Mozy Thermal Wrap. With spring break coming up and summer vacations a little beyond that, I think these products could provide some convenience and comfort to your travels – not just for road trips, but for any kind of journey.

Handzies Soap and Water Wipes

I can appreciate a good cleansing wipe. I remember feeling better when, as a kid in the 1970s, my parents handed me a Wet Ones after I’d eat something particularly messy. These wipes are even better, because they omit alcohol or chemicals and contain castile soap, water and essential oils. Each package comes with twelve wipes and are quite generous in size, but they’re compact, so they can easily fit into a purse or backpack.

In trying the Handzies, I noticed right away there wasn’t an overpowering scent to them, like there is with Wet Ones. I detected just a hint of coconut and rosemary, which is one of the ingredients listed (the others are tea tree, olive, sunflower and shea butter). But I also appreciate the familiar clean feeling after using one of these wipes. It would help after having a sloppy or greasy meal.

Keep>Going First Aid Kit 

I always appreciate a first aid kit in my car. But most of the ones I’ve had are woefully equipped, with just a few bandages, some antiseptic ointment and gauze pads. This kit, designed by a mother of four, is packed with just about everything you might need in an emergency on the road. My sample came in a red canvas pouch, but they’re also in four different sizes and colorful patterns, like tie-dye. There’s also a kit just for pets.

For starters, the kit contains the usual supplies – bandages of all sizes, alcohol pads and cleansing wipes, antibiotic, hydrocortisone, burn gel, scissors and tweezers. But there were also some surprising extras like a tick remover, a small sewing kit (hopefully not to do DIY stitches) a compressed towel that expands when watered and nosebleed plugs. The pouch, which has pocketed sleeves to hold the items, is sturdy yet compact and can easily fit into a glove compartment or a backpack.

Mozy Thermal Wrap

At home, I’m often bundled in a fleece blanket because I easily get cold. So, imagine my surprise and delight at receiving this wrap that’s specifically meant for wear like a jacket.  It doesn’t need batteries or have the bulk of a regular blanket, and it retains up to 500% more heat from the body than a regular blanket. Plus, the design allows for free movement, so it’s ideal for whatever outdoor activity you do. Having pockets in the front, a concealed carabiner, a customized fit, adjustable corners and the Velcro attachment are also thoughtful details.

When I tried on the Mozy, it looked a little silly and with the exterior waterproof material didn’t initially feel comfortable. But then I noticed how it warmed up and retained body heat within seconds of putting it on. I could easily use this for anytime I’m outside and I don’t want to take a blanket that could easily slip off and fall to the ground. It may taking getting used to at first, but I loved this item and would recommend to anyone who needed to stay warm outdoors.