My new day pack & hiking shoes.

I was recently contacted by Blacks and Millets both outdoor adventure/travel stores in the UK to see if I’d like to receive any of their products in exchange for a review on my blog. I thought well why not since I was in need of some travel gear for my next trip around the world. I was shocked at the wide selection of just about everything you can imagine these stores have. They have you covered for all your travel needs. Knowing I needed a new day pack and new hiking shoes I started searching for those items. After a lot of research I found the two that would suit my needs.

DAY PACK:  PACSAFE – Venturesafe™ 15L GII Anti-Theft Daypack

If y’all have read any of my previous packing list post y’all know I love to travel light as possible. I was previously using the LA besace Messenger Bag for Mac Book 13 and it was perfect for me. I knew this time that wouldn’t be good for me because this time around I would be traveling with a DSLR as well along with my laptop. For my day pack I went with the PACSAFE – Venturesafe™ 15L GII Anti-Theft Daypack and love it. I have been using it now for a few months as my daily backpack to and from work and it’s great.

I was looking for a small backpack that would fit my 13 inch Mac Book PRO, my Canon T3i with a 10-22 lens all cables for those, a journal, small notebook, my passport and credit cards. This bag does just that and the best part of it all is that it’s made for the road and comes with many extra safety features like:

• eXomesh® slashguards – internal wiring blocks bag slashers.
• Slashproof backpack Carrysafe® strap – internal wiring blocks strap slashers.
• Smart zipper security™ – allows you to attach purses or wallets within the bag to stop opportunist pickpockets.
• Dual release security buckle – turn and lock hook prevents your bag being whipped away.
• RFIDsafe blocking pocket – blocks out frequencies from devices that scan contactless credit cards to steal sensitive info.
• Adjustable strap – allows for a comfortable fit to keep your valuables close.
• Internal padded 13″ MacBook compatible sleeve

It’s the perfect fit and perfect size and can only think of two things I wish I could change. I wish it had one more compartment to have an extra place to keep things separated from everything else. I also wish I could zip it up using just one hand. I know you may be thinking “what?”, but seriously when you are on the road you need to be able to get in and out of your day pack with one hand. This is the backpack that I will have on me just about at all times so I won’t have to worry about any of my valuable belongings.

HIKING SHOES:  SCARPA – Men’s Mojito GORE-TEX® Shoe

Like I mentioned above I love traveling light and because of that I only travel with one pair of shoes. When I am picking shoes for the road my main priority is making sure I find a pair of shoes that will match with everything I will be taking with me on the road.  I know that may not be the smartest thing to look for in shoes first, but because I have a limited wardrobe I want to make sure I can mix and match as much as I can. Then I look for the obvious shoes of good quality that will do the job of walking a million miles and hiking volcanoes and mountains fine and last well over a year with out needing to replace. After doing some research I went with  SCARPA – Men’s Mojito GORE-TEX® Shoe and you guessed it love them. The shoes have the following features:

• Lifestyle shoe built for the rigours of the trail
• GORE-TEX® extended comfort lining – provides full water protection and breathability to keep your feet dry inside and out.
• Vibram® Spyder sole – Scarpa’s custom design provides incredible grip and traction on rock and mud.
• Suede upper and rubber toe rand – comfort and style with added protection.
• EVA heel wedge – shock absorbing rubber increases comfort and grip.
• Braking zones and heel and centre – fantastic grip on loose rock and dirt.

I have only worn the shoes a handful of times, but the few times I have worn them I must tell you these shoes are so comfortable. The reason I don’t wear them more often is because I don’t want to wear and tear them while I am home. I want them to be like new when I am on the road and hopefully last me the year or longer that I am out there. One of the things that shocked me was that since I have warn them I have not once got a single blister. That was my main concern and told my self I would break them in while I am than on the road. Of course the other thing I love about them is that they are black and grey and well those two colors will go with just about anything I wear on the road. So I will be able to mix and match like crazy with out worrying if my shoes will match.

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Shared this on my Instagram account @BreakawayBackpacker when I received them.

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As you know I recently revealed my plans for my second trip around the world. I honestly can’t wait to take these along with me on my adventure through out Latin America. These are both exactly what I needed for this trip and am sure they will work out just fine on the road. I’m curious to know what kind of day pack you use on the road when you travel? I’d also like to know if you too make sure your shoes will be able to mix and match with everything?

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If you would like to purchase any of the two products I mentioned above you can do so by visiting any of these two websites: Blacks or Millets. They also have a wide variety of travel gear if you are planning a trip of your own. As always if you have any questions or need help with anything please feel free to contact me.

I was sent the backpack and hiking shoes in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.