PowerMonkey eXplorer Solar Charger

July 25, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under outdoor gear, travel gear

The PowerMonkey eXplorer lets you charge your gadgets wherever and whenever. The eXplorer is compatible with most moble phones, iPOds, MP3 players and portable games consoles.

You can charge up the eXplorer using the included solar slave that can be attached to a rucksack while hiking or hung from a window. The solar slave can even be used to charge your gadgets directly.

The LCD screen displays battery capacity and the level of charge, the PowerMonkey eXplorer also has short-circuit protection, over-charging protection and over-discharging protection
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Zap Mosquito Bites with the ZapperClick

July 25, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under outdoor gear

Not sure if this is available stateside, but is available in the UK. The ZapperClick produces 5 - 10 electrical impulses that are created by a piezo crystal that inhibits histamine build up on the mosquito bite; so in theory no scratching and reduced swelling.

The ZapperClick requires no battery and is good for around 1,000 bites

I’m not sure that this device will work, but if you are one of the many that have minor or even severe reactions to mosquito bites, the ZapperClick could be an option

Pocket Shower from Sea to Summit

July 24, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under outdoor gear

Here is another space saver for those backpacker / camping travelers out there. The Pocket Shower from Sea to Summit is made from heat-resistant waterproof fabric with a roll top closure. Built into the base is a compact showerhead that works with a simple on/off twist mechanism. The shower head can be adjusted to allow just a trickle of water or a full flowing down pour.

The Pocket Shower holds up to 10 liters (2,6 gallons) and can be hung from the tough Delrin™ D rings with the 20 feet of lightweight cord provided. The black fabric allows the sun to warm the water during the day.

Note: The shower gives you about 8 minutes of water when fully opened, so be quick.
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Coleman Pack-Away Lantern

July 23, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under outdoor gear

Whether camping or just in case of emergencies, it’s good to have a light source available. The Pack-Away Lantern from Coleman measures in at 3.2″ x 2.7″ x 1.9″ closed and 4.875″ x 2.7″ x 1.9″ open.

It has four settings Off/High/Low/Emergency Strobe and is powered by 4 AA batteries. It will illuminate on high for 5 hours or 12 hours if switched to low. Small and light, the lantern weighs just 8 ounces so its easy to pack away for your next camping trip or store ready for your next power outage.

The Coleman Pack-Away Lantern retails for around $35

Search Amazon for more Search Pack-Away Lanterns

Mobile Edge ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags

July 22, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under computer accessories, travel gear


With the recent TSA announcement that will allow travelers to pass through security checkpoints without having to remove laptops from cases, there is bound to be a host of offerings from the various laptop bag manufacturers.

One of the first to announce a new lineup od ’checkpoint friendly laptop bags’ is Mobile Edge. The ScanFast lineup includes a backpack, briefcase and messenger style bags suitable for most sizes of laptops. These bags have been designed to conveniently open for airport screeners so that you can pass through much faster.

The Mobile Edge ScanFast line should be available later this summer

Source: Mobile Edge

Trak T-1600 Collapsible Kayak

July 18, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under Adventure Gear


Could this be the ultimate in collapsible kayaks?

The Trak T-1600 comes with hydraulics in the cockpit that allow you to instantly change the shape of the hull allowing you to adjust for speed, improve maneuverability or even neutralize for cross winds without the use of a rudder.

The Tri-active Performance System consists of 3 self-contained hydraulic jacks in the cockpit that adjusts the shape of the hull by a simple pull of the handle. This allows you to adjust for chaging wind and water conditions.

The VariTRAK Adjustable Rocker allows you to adjust the actual shape of the hull in seconds making it easy to maneuver no matter what the conditions

With just 8 pieces the Trak T-1600 goes from pack to water in around 10 minutes. When packed in the bag the T-1600 measures 52 x 17 x 15 in

All this technology comes at a price with the Trak T-1600 retailing for $4,900.

You can find out more about the Trak T-1600 at Rethinkkayak.com

Diaper DudePack for New Dads

July 18, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under travel gear

Here’s one for all those new fathers out there. The DudePack by Diaper Dude is for those of you who prefer a back pack style bag rather than the traditional messenger style diaper bag.

The DudePack opens completely and transforms into its very own changing mat. The DudePack includes a main compartment with slip sleeve, interior pockets with mesh dividers for storing wipes and diapers. There is a dual access wipes container pocket that allows access when the pack is open and closed. There’s even pockets for your cell and mp3 player.

The DudePack measures in at 13 inches wide and 20 inches tall and retails for around $100

If you prefer the traditional messenger type diaper bags, there is also a range available by Diaper Dude.

Pedalite 360 Degree Visibility Pedal Lights

July 17, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under outdoor gear

These look to be an awesome product for any one who does any cycling at night. They may look like your typical bicycle pedals but, the Pedalite 360 Degree Visibility Pedal Lights, although a mouthful to say, are battery-free pedal lights, that will make you safer from any angle.

The pedal lights start to work as soon as you start to work as soon as you start to pedal. According to the manufacturers the pedals ’harvest and store a small amount of energy from the bicycle so the lights continue to flash when the cyclist is freewheeling or has stopped’.

Main features include:
Always on
No batteries
Fit & Forget
No maintenance
Carries on when you stop- Stores power
360° visibility including sides

More information available at pedalite

Cerevellum Rear View Cycle Display

July 17, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under outdoor gear

Have you felt like there has been something missing from your bicycle; may be a rear view mounted camera and display?

The makers of the Cerevellum seem to think so. They have designed a rear view camera system that can be used on most bikes with the camera either mounted in one of the handle bar ends or attached to the seat post.

The unit comes with a 3.5 inch LCD display that will show you just who is approaching from the rear. There are also module options for GPS, Heart Rate Monitoring and cycle computer.

The Cerevellum looks to still be in the prototype stage and you can find out more at www.cerevellum.com/

Personally, I think I’m OK with turning my head once in a while.

All New Garmin Orgeon Hand Held GPS Navigators

July 13, 2008 by Brian  
Filed under Adventure Gear, outdoor gear

Garmin have just released information on their new Oregon range of hand held GPS navigators. Available in 3 models (well actually 5 as the 400 model comes in 3 versions), the new Oregon series feature large 3 inch touch screens for user navigation.

All models supports Geocaching.com GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit. They also have WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix™ satellite prediction which finds your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons.

The 5 Garmin Oregon models are:
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