Topeak Alien II Bicycle Tool

Any serious cyclist will not go any where with out a set of tools and the Topeak Alien II multifunction bicycle tool is one of the best. The Alien II packs 26 tools into it’s ingenious break apart design, that makes finding the right tool a breeze.

The Topeak Alien II measures 3.4” x 1.7” x 1.6”, weighs 0.6lbs and comes with it‘s own bag and includes the following tools:
• Spoke Wrenches - 15g/14g
• Tire Levers - Two Integrated In Body
• Torx Wrench - T25
• Screw Drivers - Phillips & Flat Head
• Pedal Wrench - Mini (For Field Repairs)
• Allen Wrenches - 2-L/2.5/3/4/5/6/8/10mm
• Bottle Opener - Stainless Steel
• Box Wrenches - 8/9/10mm 2 each
• Chain Hook - Steel Wire
• Chain Tool - Cast Cromoly Steel
• Compartments - For Two Chain Pins
• Knife - Stainless Steel

The Topeak Alien II is available at
Amazon for around $30

Pedco UltraPod Camera Tripods

The Pedco Ultrapod range of camera tripods are extremely lightweight and compact with sturdy fold-out legs. They have a unique ball and socket mount that makes adjustments easy and the in cluded velcro strap means you can attach the tripod to virtually anything; posts, trees, railings etc…

The Pedco Ultrapod range includes:
UltraPod I - small, light weight portable camera tripod at just 2oz that folds to a compact 4 inch length when not in use and suitable for cameras, video lights, etc.

UltraPod II - slightly bigger at 4oz and designed to support larger cameras, compact camcorders, spotting scopes and binoculars. When folded the UltraPod II measures 7 inches in length

The Pedco UltraPod Camera Tripod is avilable at:
Amazon for $10 - $15 depending on model

Trunki Ride-on Suitcase

Came across these the other day. The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase might make traveling with your youngsters a little less taxing (then again, may be not).

The Trunki is designed especially for kids so that they can pack, sit on and ride their luggage, while you the parent pulls them along.

There are several designs to choose from including: Terrance, Trixie, Towgo, Frieda and Tipu.

Each Trunki Ride-On Suitcase features:
• Teddy bear Seat-belts (internal straps)
• Locking catches
• Carry handle
• Bits and bobs pouch
• Horn grips
• Stabilizers to prevent toppling
• Key is fixed to strap, so it can’t be lost
• Made from same material as standard suitcases
• Lightweight at just 3.8 Pounds
• Measures 18″ x 7.9″ x 12″ and holds up to 18 litres
• Suitable for children aged around 3-6.

The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is available at:
Amazon for around $50

Adventure Medical Kits Light and Fast Trail Kit

Adventure Medical Kits are a leading developer of safety and survival gear for outdoor enthusiasts. They produce kits for all types of outdoor activities. The Light and Fast Trail kit is designed for groups of up to 3 people for a trip of between 1 - 3 days. As the name suggests it’s one of their lightest products and it’s ideal for, backpacking, camping, climbing, hiking as well as for the home.

Features include:
• Weighs 12oz
• Measures 7.5″ x 4.5″ x 2.25″
• Featherweight ripstop nylon bag
• Wound care supplies
• Trauma pads and gloves
• Medications for inflammation, pain, allergic reactions, bites and stings, and heart attack symptoms
• Reflective trim makes it easier to find kit in low-light conditions

The Light and Fast range also comes in:
• Adventurer: suitable for up to 5 people
• Personal: suitable for 1-2 people

The Adventure Medical Kits Light and Fast Trail Kit is available at:
Amazon for $20

If the Light and fast Trail Kit is not for you, check out these other Adventure Medical Kits at Amazon

Prevent Spills with the Loopa Gyro Bowl

One of the things that can really put a dampener on traveling with children is those untimely spills during feeding. The team behind the Loops Gyro Bowl believe they have come up with an answer that should help to prevent or at least minimize those spills.

The Loop Gyra Bowl is a spill-resistant (inventors claim), bowl that ‘swivels, dips and oscillates in all directions to keep snacks’ in the bowl and not on the floor. Designed with a weighted inner bowl that rotates 360 degrees no matter how the bowl is grabbed or turned, keeping the contents of the bowl; in the bowl.

The concept looks and sounds great, but to what degree of punishment the bowl will stand up to is another matter, I can imagine this being a great thing to have if you are traveling with small children in confined spaces, such as on planes, trains and cars.

You can find out more about the Loopa Gyro Bowl at
Loopabowl

If you have tried the Loopa Gyro Bowl it would be great to hear your feedback in the comments below.

LaCie iamaKey USB Drive

Looking for a USB drive that’s a little bit different, then check out the LaCie iamaKey. As the name suggests this latest USB from LaCie has been designed in the shape of a key. Just add it to your key ring and you’ll never loose that USB drive again (unless of course, you loose your other keys to).

Available in 4GB and 8GB models, the LaCie iamaKey come with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and features a hot-pluggable connection and high-speed transfer rates. The drive is also Windows ReadyBoost compatible.

The USB connector (Gold SIP) is both water- and scratch-resistant, making it one of the most durable and thinnest USB keys on the market (manufacturers claim).

LaCie iamaKey is a great looking USB drive that would make an excellent gift for any traveler.

The LaCie iamaKey is available at:
LaCie for around $18

Kangopack Antimicrobial Travel Gear

Fear of germs at airport security checks?

The Kangopack line of travel gear offers protection from the bacteria that exists in airport security bins and also allows you to move through the security check quicker, with your gear protected (manufacturers claim). Made from 100% anti-microbial fabric, the Kangopack is resistant to the spread of germs, bacteria, and fungus.

The original anti-microbial Kangopack measures 20″x15″x5″ and has an shoe divider, that you place in the airport security bin for inspection, Once through the inspection, clip the sides of the bag together and grab the handles (your belongings will be safe inside). No more messing about trying to pick up everything from the security bin, with people waiting behind you. Also included is a compact 8”x9” travel pack sized perfectly to store TSA compliant 1qt. bag for liquids

In addition the Kangopack line includes:
Kangomini - Antimicrobial Mini Travel Pack
Kangokit - TSA compliant liquids kit
Kangosock - Antibacterial Socks for when you have to remove your shoes when going through the security checkpoint
Kangosleeve - Antimicrobial Laptop sleeve
Kangomist - Antibacterial Hand Spray

Prices range from $2.50 (Kangomist) - $35 (Kangopack)

More information available at Kangopack.com

Casio Exilim EX-FC100

The Casio Exilim EX-FC100 may only measure 3.9 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches (WxHxD) and look like a regular point and shoot digital camera, but when it comes to speed; it packs a hefty punch.

The EX-FC100 can take 30 shots per second (at 6 megapixels) and high speed video at a maximum 1000 frames per second. If that’s not enough, it can take up to 25 frames prior to the instant the shutter button is pressed (so in other words you should never miss that all important shot).

Features include:

• 9.1 mega pixels, with a 5 x optical zoom and 2.7 inch screen
• 30 shot-per-second high-speed burst shooting. Settings include 30, 15, 10, 5, 3 fps or auto
• Slow Motion View allows you to view the motion of a subject in the LCD helping you select the best point at which to take the picture
• High-Speed Anti-Shake and High-Speed Night Scene functions
• High-Speed Best Selection allows you to take a series of photos with no lag or blur, allowing you to capture the best photo possible
• High-speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps with settings of 1000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps you can capture images that are usually too fast for the human eye and play them back in slow motion
  Record movies in HD at 1280×720 pixels

The Casio Exilim EX-FC100 is available at:
Amazon for $349 (pre-order at time of writing)

Garmin nuvi 1200 with Pedestrian Navigation

Garmin have just released their new line of GPS’s with Pedistrian Navigation. The Garmin nüvi 1200
is the entry level model that is ultra thin (suitable for car, purse or pocket) and offers Pedestrian Navigation through the optional CityXplorer maps.

The nuvi 1200’s 3.5” touch screen is simple to use for find addresses and services as well as voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions. The 1200 model comes preloaded with Navigator NT street maps for the continental U.S., Hawaii and Puerto Rico, with millions of points of interest (POIs) and 2-D or 3-D maps.

The new line of GPS from Garmin also bring you ecoRoute; a green feature that calculates the most fuel-efficient route, tracks fuel usage and more.

Specs:
Measures: 3.7″W x 2.9″H x .6″D
Display: 3.5”
Weight: 4oz
Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion, good for up to 4hrs
Memory: internal solid state and accepts microSD

The nuvi 1200 is ideal to take with you in your car as well as on foot. If you are heading to a new city and have trouble orientating yourself, take along the Garmin Nuvi 1200.

The Garmin nüvi 1200 is available at:
Amazon for $199 (pre-order at time of writing)

RuckJack Plays Double Duty

The RuckJack has a split personality. It can be a basic rucksack or a lightweight jacket; you just have to decide.

With just one zip and two clips, the lightweight jacket converts into a useful rucksack. Made from 2000mm breathable and waterproof material, the RuckJack should be durable and good for general weather occasions.

May be it’s me, but I’m just not sure about the practicality of having a rucksack that can switch into a jacket or visa versa. It’s fine if you are using it to transport your stuff to a location and then you switch it to a jacket, but what if you need a jacket while getting to that location. What do you do with the stuff you were carrying in the rucksack, when you switch it to the jacket?

Concept is nice, just not convinced about the practicality.

Check the website for more information on the RuckJack

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