Point Loma Outfitting - sailing clothing, outdoor performance wear, foul weather gear in San Diego

No need to wring your hands - or wring out your gear - thanks to the following new waterproof travel products. All items have been tested by the author.

Screen saver: The screens on most cell phones and PDAs are incredibly fragile - especially touch screens. A few specks of sand can make for deep scratches; a splash of water can wreak havoc on keypads. How then to take them safely to the beach or other hazardous environments? Aquapacs are a good solution. The flexible transparent plastic sacks seal out dirt and water via plastic clips and gaskets at the top of the sack. The cases are waterproof down to 15 feet and in most cases allow for touch interface, speaking and listening (and even snapping photos) right through the thin malleable material. Aquapacs come in sizes and styles for a wide range of electronic gear, from flip phones to cameras and MP3 players. Some models have integrated armbands, or watertight jacks for waterproof headsets, which are also available. All cases come with an adjustable neck cord or shoulder strap and desiccant to absorb condensation. Aquapac cell phone and PDA cases start at $25; armband cases, from $35; waterproof headphones are $35 at www.yourmobiledesk.com; (877) 397-5253.

Dried and true: If you have ever sweated inside your rainwear, getting nearly as soggy as if you had had no protection, the folks at Atlantis Weathergear have a dry idea for you. The company’s Microburst line of jackets and pants are made of lightweight, waterproof, breathable and wind-resistant ripstop nylon. I found the Microburst jacket and pants lighter than similar clothing made of Gore-Tex, the pioneering waterproof/breathable material. And the waterproof qualities of Gore-Tex, a membrane laminated to other fabric, can deteriorate after many washings. In addition, truly waterproof Gore-Tex often isn’t all that breathable. Adjustable elastic cuffs with Velcro tabs on the Microburst garments seal out aggressive raindrops, zippers at the armpits help release built-up heat, and big, easy access pockets with quick-dry mesh linings let you stash and grab the contents with little ado. Jackets with hoods come in men’s and women’s sizes, jackets without hoods and pants come in unisex sizes. Colors range from bright red, yellow or green to more muted blue. Microburst hooded jacket in men’s and women’s sizes is $150; unisex hoodless jacket, $135; pants, $95. To find a store, contact Atlantis at www.atlantisweathergear.com or at (877) 333-7245.

Rx for medical kits: I never go anywhere without a small but well-stocked medical kit, which is exposed to the same elements that I am. Good thing Adventure Medical Kits has introduced the Ultralight & Watertight line of emergency kits. Available in four sizes - none weighing more than 10 ounces - the kits consist of a bright yellow zippered nylon pouch containing one or two leak-proof and watertight self-sealing plastic pouches with first-aid essentials. The range of resources rises with the size, from a small kit with basic bandages, ointments and tablets to the top-of-the-line Ultra-Light & Watertight .9, which comes with 24 kinds of medical aids, including a wound irrigation syringe and a wide, self-adhering elastic bandage. Ultralight & Watertight medical kits are $11 to $35, at www.adventuremedicalkits.com; (800) 324-3517.

Umbrella policy: At 11 inches long, the Windpro Flatwear umbrella is not the smallest in its class. But bring on some wind, and you’ll be glad you went the extra inches. The canopy of the umbrella is vented to allow breezes to pass through and avoid flattening or - worse - inversion. The ribs and telescoping shaft are sturdier than most compact umbrellas’, the 43-inch arc wider than most minis, and the rubber-coated handle makes for a steady grip. The umbrella opens and closes with the push of a button, and comes with a matching sheath. Available in red, black, navy or khaki. Windpro Flatwear Umbrella (RU535) is $24.85 at www.magellans.com; (800) 962-4943.

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