Relax in the Shades: Don’t wait until you step off the tarmac into the blazing tropical sun to realize you need better sunglasses. The new Modello Aviators by Prada ($290) evoke 1970s style, but with updated optics and glare reduction. Prada, prada.com
Seeing is Believing: Guarantee your view of that beautiful reef by bringing your own gear, such as the Grande Vista Purge LX and Total Dry LXi mask and snorkel system ($60). The one-size-fits-all setup features a soft face skirt, three-window mask and easy-clear purge valve. And best of all, it’s yours, so you control who shares it. U.S. Divers, 800-775-3483; usdivers.com
Toes in the Sand: You’re on a charter or cruise, so ditch the uncomfortable work kicks and feel the sand between your toes with Sperry Top-Sider’s new Largo Thong flip-flops ($60). The flip-flop has a suede footbed that contours to your feet to provide comfort when strolling the dock. The nonmarking rubber sole is essential when traversing the deck for a refill. Sperry Top-Sider, 800-247- 6575; sperrytopsider.com
Safe and Sane: The DataSafe Italian leather passport wallet ($100) has room for all your chartering essentials. From credit cards and traveler’s checks to passports and charter information, this leather-bound case keeps both your documents and sanity in check. Giving a charter as a gift? Slip the key documents into this handsome case and make an even bigger splash. Kena Kai, 714-782-7984; kenakai.com
Roll Out in Style: After you climb aboard, unpack this Tumi LXT 20-inch wheeled duffel ($650) and stow it. It’s big enough to carry everything you’ll need and folds flat so you won’t have to see it until it’s time to repack for home. An extendable handle and easy-rolling wheels simplify the trip from A to B and back. Tumi, 800-299-8864; tumi.com
Flip, Slide, Shoot: The Flip SlideHD ($280) fits in your pocket and lets you capture life as it happens with four hours of high-definition video. The flip-out USB arm makes a carrying case with cords and cables a thing of the past. This simple design makes it even easier to upload your media to the Web and social networking sites from anywhere, and users can go back into the video and extract their favorite still images. The SlideHD proved seaworthy on Yachting senior editor Mary South’s recent voyage around Cape Horn. Look for a more in-depth review by Mary in the future. Flip Video, 888-222-6689; theflip.com
