Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

Too Cool

While out on a hike in the hot sun there are times when you need to cool off and the O2 Cool Mist ‘N Sip packs will do more than just provide a refreshing drink. Introduced at the Outdoor Retailer Show earlier this month, the packs provide the company’s patented Mist ‘N Sip system that provides a cooling spray, plus it still will function just like any other hydration pack. With this you can stay hydrated and get a blast of cool!

O2 Cool Official Website
[Via GizMag: O2 Cool hydration backpacks offer both sipping and cooling mist]

Sleeping on Air

With a Klymit backpacking mattress under your sleeping bag you won’t have to endure the cold hard ground. In addition to the actual air that is in the inflatable mattress this new pattern, which was demo’d at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show, will feature numerous “holes” that serve to reduce weight while still ensuring that you are properly elevated off the ground.

Klymit Official Website

See Spot, See Spot Gen3

Globastar Inc. is on the spot with its new SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger device. This latest update offers a new form factor, extended battery life, new power options, and new upgraded tracking options with unlimited and extreme tracking- which allows users to choose the rate at which the tracking messages are sent.

It can send out a GPS waypoint every 2.5 minutes in the Extreme Tracking, while users can check with friends and family with a pre-programmed message. There is even the SOS option that can send out a GPS location to GEOS for search and rescue teams.

The Gen3 is very much on the SPOT.

SPOT Gen3 Official Website

Outdoor Retailer Show: Lamp It Up

At this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City Petzl offered another bright idea with its auto-adjusting headlamp. An optical sensor can automatically measure the distance to an object and adjust the light accordingly. This headlamp can shine up to 140 lumens so you won’t be left in the dark.

Petzl Official Website

Speaker Up

There are a lot of rugged speakers on the market and some look ready for a warzone. That’s not a bad thing, but for those who like a more subtle look that doesn’t evoke the front lines the Panasonic SC-NT10 might just be the thing. It looks ready for the backyard, but is still splash proof, dust proof, shock proof and even freeze and heat proof.

The compact design is just right for camping and day trips to the woods. But inside it is wired for sound and much more. It is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) that makes Bluetooth pairing a snap, and music can be streamed from a phone or tablet. It features two full range speakers and a passive radiator to present clear audio, while the BoostMode maximizes the midrange so the music can be heard despite background noise.

Panasonic SC-NT10D Official Website

Kite Has You Covered

Summer is a great time except for the mosquitoes that can bite and worse cause illnesses. For those who are looking to head out to the great outdoors there are plenty of sprays to apply, but another option is the KitePatch, which is designed to render people invisible to the tiny menace. These small stickers adhere to clothing, and reportedly disrupt the bug’s ability to detect carbon dioxide that is exhaled.

And while the insect is mostly a nuisance to those of us in America in the developing world it is a far greater problem. To that end the company will sent 10 Kite Patches to Uganda for each 10 bought by a user in America. Video after the jump

Ace of Spades

Last fall we heard about the Crovel Tactical shovel, which we said would be good for the end of the world, a zombie apocalypse or a mob style hit. Well, we think the AceCamp Survival Multi-Tool Shovel could give the Crovel a run for the money.

It is a shovel, a hatchet, a saw, a hammer, a wrench, a nail puller, bottle opener and compass. Inside it includes a fishing line and hook, matches, and even an emergency knife. This is a survival shovel on steroids and if civilization does come to an end we want this one in our hands. We wouldn’t mind taking it on the next outdoor adventure as well.

AceCamp Survivor Multi-Tool Shovel Official Website

Apps Take Aim

While Apple doesn’t do those “there’s an app for that” commercials these days, here is one we wouldn’t expect them to air. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has released its new Where To Shoot mobile app — available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices — that locates shooting ranges near you.

Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play, Where To Shoot puts North America’s most comprehensive directory of shooting ranges in the palm of your hand. It also includes video tips for shooters, news and firearm safety information.

Users can reportedly search by current location or zip code and find specifics about each range, including shooting activities offered, accessibility and contact information. The app also makes it easy to get directions to the range.

The app is modeled after NSSF’s popular WhereToShoot.org website and is updated frequently with range information in every U.S. state and Canadian province. New tips for hunters and shooters are also added regularly.

Where To Shoot Official Website

Gadgets Get a Showers Pass

It can rain on your parade but with the Showers Pass new line of waterproof cases for the tablets and smartphones it won’t matter. These cases are designed for year-round all-weather use for cyclists and other outdoor activities, as each case offers a slim profile with welded edges to keep out rain, snow, dirt and water but retain touchscreen, phone call and camera functionality in all conditions. These cases offer a dual zip-lock feature keeps every device safe from an accidental splash in the water.

The Cloudcover include a pull-tab for easy opening on-the-go, a side tab to attach to a keychain or mini-carabiner as well as a dual zip-lock for ultra waterproof protection, plus reflective elements for easy location in the dark and welded edges that also help to cushion any falls or blows on the trail. The Cloudcover line includes cases for iPads for $49.99; iPad Minis for $37.50; Kindles for $37.50; smartphones (Samsung Glaxy, etc.) for $24.99; iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 for $24.99; as well as a dry wallet for $19.99.

Showers Pass Official Website

Home of the Braven

When adventure takes you to off the beaten path you can take the BRAVEN 855 rugged speaker to ensure that you’ll have a soundtrack for your journey. This IPX3 rated water-resistant speaker can pump out 20 hours of continuous music.

It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, has a brute looking grill and is able to charge mobile devices including cameras, smartphones and even tablets. It utilizes a combination of class-leading extended-range aluminum cone drivers, dual passive radiators and a digitally enhanced audio based on DTS Audio’s SRS WOW technology. It even utilizes Bluetooth 3.0 for effortless pairing with wireless devices.

Braven Official Website

California Riding

Scosche has added some new colors to its line of boomBOTTLE wireless speakers. Why leave the music at home when riding a bike, camping or just on the go when music can be streamed via via Bluetooth from a mobile or other device to this durable non-slip, shock absorbing speaker. Dual 40mm drivers deliver music while the omnidirectional diffuser channels music in all directions creating a 360 degree soundscape. Continue reading California Riding

Weekend Reading List (07.27.2013): Pure Cycling, Speed Thrills, Fat Breath, EVO-lution, ING Out

Pure Cycling

From Bicycle Retailer: LeMond Revolution sponsors Bike Pure team
LeMond Revolution is becoming a supplier and co-title sponsor of the Australia-based anti-doping organization Bike Pure and its road racing team. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.27.2013): Pure Cycling, Speed Thrills, Fat Breath, EVO-lution, ING Out

(Tre)Lock and Ride

Riding off road at night requires a good headlamp and fortunately the days of massive battery packs are a thing of the past. The new Trelock LS950 from Cantitoe Road offers six hours of full brightness of 70 lumens, but also features five power levels for those times when a little less light will still do the trick. This means up to 45 hours of run time in between charges.

It has a somewhat sinister look that kind of resembles the Alien from those Alien movies, but perhaps that will just creep out the competition. More importantly, the rechargeable light attaches tool free to a handlebar offering an easy set up and plenty of time. You do need time to sleep after all.

Cantitoe Road Official Website