Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

Olympus Toughen’s Up

This month Olympus shows that it is still going tough. The Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850, which comes out this month (MSRP: $249.99) can record video with natural motion via 60p recording at 60fps in Full HD 1080p, as well as high-speed via 120 fps at 640 x 480 or 240 fps at 320 x 240.

But more importantly this one lives up to its name. It is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof camera employs True-Pic VII processor and wide-angle 21–105 mm 5x optical zoom lens. Other features include 180 degree flip LCD monitor and 16 MP backlit CMOS sensor.

Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850 Official Website

Paul Mounts Up

Paul Components has introduced a new bicycle Camera Mount that is designed to securely attach a GoPro camera to the top of a threadless stem. This mount is compatible with all HERO3, HERO2, and HD HERO Original GoPro cameras.

It is designed to replace the top cap of a 1 1/8-inch threadless stem and provides a way for the camera to view across the top of the handlebars and down the trail. The Paul Components’ Camera Mount can be attached directly to the camera’s case for a solid connection, or it can also be fitted with an articulated GoPro Pivot Arm for added adjustability.

Paul Component Official Website

Shot at Survival

Those preparing for the end of the world know to stock up on ammo – because once it is used up there won’t be more. As a backup there is always the Survival Slingshot, a multipurpose weapon that can shot slingshot balls and arrows. It features a whisker biscuit that allows a variety of arrows to be used.

It also has a rail system that can also hold a flashlight; while a compass will let you know what direction you’re headed. This certainly isn’t Bart Simpson’s or Dennis the Menace’s slingshot! More like something Rambo might use.

Survival Slingshot Official Website

Alarmed and Ready

You can’t always keep your eyes on your bike, but the RFID Bikealarm is the next best thing to having someone watch your bike. Designed by Dennis Siegal, this device attaches to a bike saddle and emits a 120dB alarm when moved. This isn’t meant to replace a physical lock but rather to provide a low-cost second line of defense.

The alarm is activated by holding an RFID tag close to the device until an audio acknowledgement is sounded, and deactivated the same way when the owner returns. Siegel opted to use RFID technology as opposed to Bluetooth as a way to keep the costs down. Siegal designed the RFID Bikealarm as part of his university studies at University of the Arts Bremen in Germany.

Dennis Siegal Official Website

Virtuous Rides

Patience is a virtue it is often said, and for those who can sit back and enjoy a ride to work Virtue Bikes might be the way to go. The company offers a number of bicycles that evoke the pleasures of riding and a return to simpler times.

The company offers a cargo bike, the Virtue Truck, which can be carry a total of 110 pounds, but what really turned our heads was the Virtue School Bus (above), a bike that can carry about 300 pounds (meaning a kid or two) in the front cargo container. Continue reading Virtuous Rides

The Ace of Spades

When heading to the outdoors a shovel can come in handy, but who wants to carry it? Gerber’s Folding Spade is inspired by military designs with a modern twist. It features a glass-filled nylon handle, a powder-coated steel spade head and a 7075 aluminum shaft. With its serrated edge it can do some light chopping, dig a hold and fold up and be ready to go.

Gerber Folding Spade Official Site

Snow Trek

Winter still has some time left and if you’re looking to get out there you might think about deploying with the Deploy TR-3 poles, which feature a one-handed length adjustment system called the Trigger Release. This provides on-the-fly adjustability that can come in handing when hiking in deep snow, sidehilling, switchbacking or just when you need to change your footing. These poles feature a breakaway strap that allows for glove-friendly adjustments but will also force-release if pole gets lodged during a fall.

The Deploy TR-3 are made of 7000-series aerospace-grade aluminum and can collapse to a pack-friendly size after the hike.

MSR Deploy TR-3 Official Website

Fighting Knife

Most of us probably aren’t going to get into a knife fight – and we’re certainly not suggesting anyone try it – but a knife designed for the rigors of combat can endure just about anything. That’s the concept behind the OKC Chimera, which incorporates key features inspired by some of the company’s most popular survival and military-issued knives to deliver unparalleled performance, versatility and durability.

“The OKC Chimera is an important piece in the broad array of new products Ontario Knife has planned to release during our 125th Anniversary year”, said Kenneth Trbovich, president and CEO of OKC. “We are taking Ontario’s long and storied history and harnessing its experience to drive us forward into a new era.”

The Chimera – named after the monstrous fire-breathing creature of Greek mythology – features a high quality design and production. It offers a 13 5/8-inch full-tang blade that is built for ruggedness, long life and superior penetrating power. A portion of this 7 7/8-inch long, 200-inch thick blade features a broad serration pattern, perfect for handling a wide range of survival assignments, while the phosphate coated steel butt cap can be used as a glass breaker to assist in escape efforts.

The knife also features a set of machined holes that allows the knife to be affixed to spear-poles and other objects using cords, wires or even vines. In other words if you are going to bring just one knife on your next adventure, this might be the one to chose.

Ontario Knife Company Official Website

Totally Disposable Paper Board

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZRTgrrLH_A&list=PL34695342B698FC80&feature=share

While we know we live in a somewhat disposable society that isn’t always a bad thing. The crew at Signal Snowboards did it again, and this month’s Every Third Thursday project involved a totally disposable paper snowboard.

Because it was paper it should be mostly biodegradable.

Every Third Thursday YouTube Page

The Scooter Evolved

The scooter has been rolling along ever since making a comeback in the late-1990s. We didn’t there would be much that could evolve with the simple scooter, but then the E’lution EVO came along.

This scooter features a hubless wheel system that is rugged, sturdy and looks rather high-tech – or at least as high-tech as a scooter can be. The hubless wheel has the promise of a smoother ride, which could mean that the annoying scooter isn’t going away anytime soon. The developers of the E’lution Evo are now looking to a Kickstarter campaign to get this one rolling. Video after the jump

Tri It On

Want to try kayaking without the work of tipping over? This is where the TriKayak XS-1 comes in. It features outriggers that provide stability, while the V-hull design allows it to cut through the water. It features a raised seat with a soft yet supportive padding. The outriggers can be deployed into three positions, and can be removed so that the TriKayak can fit on most car carriers.

If you need to bring some gear with you, there is pleny of open storage in the back plus the designers also included a 13 liter compartment in the front, along with two small dry storage compartments on the sides.

The designers behind the TriKayak XS-1 have launched a Kickstarter crowd funding campaign, and plans are to deliver the first batch by May. Video after the jump

Big Fish

There is something to be said for being a big fish in a small pond, but the Fishpond Westwater Large Zippered Duffle is for those who truly think and travel big. It is a duffle that can be used for backpack-carry mode for short periods, which on the go can beat any rolling bag. It offers 5,065 cubic inches of storage, and features TPU welded fabric along with YKK #10 water-resistant zippers to keep the contents inside dry.

Fishpond Official Website

Cavalry Charge

Call out the cavalry! Or at least head out with the Celestron Cavalry 7×50 Binoculars with GPS, which feature (as the name implies) integrated GPS, as well as a digital compass and reticle. This can help you determine the direction and distance of objects.

These would be ready for a cavalry charge thanks to the rubber armored exterior and waterproof construction. Nitrogen purging prevents lens got, while the olive drab color just has that cool military look. These provide a wide view of view, and there is even a built-in LCD screen that provides data on coordinates, altitude, and a compass readout.

Celestron Cavalry 7×50 Binocular with GPS, Digital Compass & Reticle