Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

No More Lost At Sea

When you drop something on the beach you can pick it up, but when you drop something when you’re in the water scuba diving it typically means you’ll need to call James Cameron and his deep sea exploration gear to get it back. Next time you’re heading out to the deep water be sure to clip on the Gear Keeper RT4 line of attachment systems.

These feature streamline smaller-sized retractors that are there to give divers some peace of mind that equipment will be where it is needed and with less bulkiness. Divers can grab and use and more importantly know that the gear will retract back into place and not end up at the bottom of the ocean.

The series includes a patented flushing system that clears sand and debris from the unit, is salt-water proof and will withstand high-temperature environments. Continue reading No More Lost At Sea

Speak Up

“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you! That’s because I’m wearing headphones that block the outside world.”

We’ve all been there in one way or another, but Lou Tortola of Windsor, Canada is looking to change this with the AudioPLUX speaker system for cyclist. Tortola is now looking to Kickstarter to develop these speakers, which are meant to be “away from the ear” while still providing solid audio quality.

The idea is that these won’t suppress ambient sounds, but will still let you enjoy the tunes. Video after the jump

Bravo, the Case to Cheer

Bravo is typically used to express approval when a performer or other person has done something well, but few are likely to express approval when their iPhone 5 meets with a disaster. However, Bike2Power has announced that it will distribute the fully waterproof and shockproof Bravo case for the handset. It can protect the device from water, dust, dirt, mud, snow and impact.

It is waterproof down to six feet, and can withstand the impact of a free fall from more than six feet on a hard concrete floor at multiple angles. Despite all this heavy protect the company notes that all the phone features are fully accessible.

Now that is something to cheer.

Bravo Case for iPhone 5 at Bike2Power

Don’t Leave Without the Sleeve

We think of sleeves as being something for the arms, but the 2XU Compression Performance Run Sleeves are worn on the legs, and these feature a zoned breathability panel for maximum airflow and comfort. This gradient panel provides increased blood flow and maximum muscle containment.

These can be used for endurance activities and workout sessions as well as for putting in the miles on the road. These promise improved race times and faster recovery, along with reduced muscle fatigue and can even help minimize shin splints.

2XU Compression Performance Run Sleeve Official Website

Spyderco Goes Szabo

We see a lot of unique product names but the Spyderco Szabo folding knife gets its name not from some far off land, but rather its creator Laci Szabo, a law enforcement officer, a veteran U.S. Marine, and a word-class martial artist. The visionary knife designer created a folding blade that reflects his philosophies regarding folding knife design as it applies to both utility and personal defense. Its large size creates a commanding presence and offers increased reach when used with fencing-style skills.

The scimitar-shaped blade has a long, gently curving belly to maximize cutting power, while leaving the tip well centered to support point-oriented tactics. The handle is constructed of full stainless steel liners capped by black Cubic Check carbon fiber/G-10 laminate scales while the blade features a non-reflective titanium carbonitride coating. This year has seen the introduction of the all-new all-black edition that is better suited to tactical applications.

But you don’t need to be Special Forces to get your hands on one, and anyone in the field or camping can benefit from this lightweight and incredibly durable blade that promises to provide a secure, non-slip grip.

Spyderco Szabo Folder Official Website

Rugged Case Needs Not Hide

When out in the wilds you don’t need to hide your tablet device, you need to protect it. The DropTech Hideway rugged case isn’t meant o hide, but it does feature a disappearing stand. The designers are looking to a Kickstarter campaign to bring out this stand, which could be used in a variety of settings all while ensuring that the tablet is truly protected. Video after the jump

Made in America: Back to Nature

Go old school with the Natural Log Skateboards, which are hand crafted in San Diego from either vertical grain bamboo or recycled oak with two internal layers of tri-axial fiberglass for added strength. An Entropy Resins Super Sap epoxy will provide protection for the deck and add some bounce.

While these look vintage these boards should endure the test of time.

Natural Log Skateboards

Goal Zero Scores With New Charger/Flashlight

Having the right tool for the job is key to doing something right, and Goal Zero scores again with its Switch 8 Recharger and Bolt Flashlight Tip. This wining team converts the recharger into a small flashlight, but the recharger can also be used to juice up a mobile phone in the backcountry.

It offers enough power to bring a dead phone back to life, while also being there as a 160 lumens flashlight that can run for three hours on a single charge. During the day it can also be charged up with a solar panel, so each night it can be there to in turn do the charging.

Goal Zero Official Website

Tough Glove

With the calendar telling us that it is October we can’t deny much longer that colder weather is on the way for parts of the country, but the Hestra gloves will keep the digits warm and even provide some extra dexterity.

The Hestra Ergo Grip OutDry Long Gloves, which are arriving in stores this month, are designed for those who need to use a tool or other equipment in cold weather. These aren’t ideal for extreme cold, but for those times when some cover on the fingers is enough these will do the job and more. These feature a waterproof yet breathable OutDry construction along with a thin fleece lining. The palm and fingers of the gloves are designed with a slight inward curve to provide a natural fit out of the box.

The exterior is made of “army goat leather” that has been reinforced with abrasion and heat resistant kangaroo leather. This material means a very tough glove that are up to most tasks.

Hestra Gloves Official Websites

Make for the Treeline

With more women heading to the woods this hunting season Fieldline has headed to the Treeline. The company has introduced the Fieldline Women’s Treeline Day Pack, which offers plenty of organized space for all the gear needed for a full day in the woods. These are available now in popular camo patterns with just a subtle pink finish.

The Women’s Treeline Day Pack can accommodate virtually all of hunter’s needs, as it features an extra large main compartment with a three-quarter zipper opening that can be used to stash a lightweight hunting jacket or other larger items.

A roomy second compartment is provided with a built-in organizer that is ideal for storing everything from snacks to spotting scopes to a bone saw, while a front pocket with a zipper closure offers quick access to keys, tags or handheld radios. The packs feature a Gear-Lock modular locking system on the front of the pack lets users customize the pack with Fieldline Gear-Lock accessories.

Fieldline Official Website

No Saber Rattling

Wiley X isn’t looking to create a ruckus, but instead is offering an affordable option in tactical/changeable eye protection. The Saber Advanced Changeable Series model remains a versatile choice for shooters and hunters designed for Medium, Large or Extra Large head sizes.

It is offered with subtle Matte Black frames and features a variety of premium lens options – including Pale Yellow, Light Rust, Smoke Grey, Clear and Vermillion – to match almost any conditions or shooting activities. These Changeable Series models are built to the highest standards and even meet the stringent ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety standards as well as the updated MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) MCEP Standard for combat protective eyewear. You probably won’t ever need this level of protection but you won’t mind that you have it!

Wiley X Saber Advance Official Website

Get in the Frame

The Tenzing TZ CF13 Carbon Fiber Frame System weigh just 3 pounds, 8 ounces, yet have been designed to be among the most comfortable wearing pack frame system on the market. It can be used as a frame only, or as a more traditional pack when fitted with the Tenzing custom components that are included with the system.

It is built with a quasi-isotropic, balanced layup of 2×2 twill weave carbon fiber, which ensures the ideal strength-to-weight ratio, while the frame’s form-fitting rigid shape and fully adjustable suspension system are all about wearer comfort when hauling big loads.

Tenzing Official Website

Ready to Climax with ClimbAX

There are plenty of fitness monitors that can track heart rate and performance, but the ClimbAX is designed with climbers in mind. This system consists of two rubber-coated wristbands that contain an accelerometer, orientation sensor, altitude sensor, a NAND memory chip, and a 16-bit microprocessor.

This can help detect the orientation of the climber’s arms and track movement and even composure. The wearer can get information that is presented via four metrics that look at power, stability, control and speed. This can determine the strength that was used, the ability to transition between holds and even the total time it took during a climb.

Unlike many fitness trackers that provide real-time monitoring the idea with this one is for climbers to analyze their efforts after an ascent. Trying to look at one’s wrists while climbing wouldn’t be a good idea now would it?

ClimbAX Official Website