Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

New Balance Hits the Trail

There is an old saying that when out on the trails you should take on pictures and leave only footprints, and while you can’t really reduce the size of your footprint the New Balance Minimus Trail might be about as small a footprint as a running trail can shoe can get. It follows the barefoot running trend with a minimal shoe that features just a 4mm drop from heel to toe, while elastic across the forefoot helps keep its securely snug on the foot. While it doesn’t come with a rock plate it does still offer some padding with the minimal sole, and the webbing/matrix mesh cover can still stand up to cool and wet conditions. It is about as “Minimus” as it gets on the trails.

[Via GearPatrol: New Balance Minimus Trail – MT10, A primitive step for trail running]

Continue reading New Balance Hits the Trail

Aquapac Means Waterproof

We’ve seen a lot of waterproof cases for the iPad this season. And while a few seem like nothing more than just slightly thicker sandwich bags, Aquapac could prove those others are all wet.

This one features large twist and clamp openings to ensure that you really do have a 100 percent waterproof seal. It also includes a 3.5mm nickel-plated earphone socket so you can still use the device to listen to music, play games or watch movies and not have to sacrifice sound. The case features a TPU material and “LENZFLEX” optically clear window to allow for viewing and use of the touch capability, while the seams are high-frequency welded to form a bond that won’t give out. This one even features a shoulder strap, along with a desiccant to absorb condensation in humid climates. Additional images after the jump

It’s Called a Brain Bucket For a Reason

The good old sports helmet has been around a while, and the first recorded use of a dedicated fitness helmet was probably designed for football – although British officers did use their pith or sun helmets to play polo in the 19th century. Today helmets are often called “brain buckets” as they do product the gray matter and much more.

And in the past couple of years a lot has been made of the importance of designing a better helmet, with MIPS AB being among those on the forefront of changing the way helmets should (rather than do) protect the head. As GearJunkie noted last week:

MIPS stands for “multi-directional impact protection system,” and the company touts its technology as mimicking one of the body’s natural defenses against trauma. The brain is surrounded by a “low-friction cushion of cerebrospinal fluid,” MIPS literature notes, adding that its technology imitates the brain’s way of protecting itself by giving the helmet its own “low-friction layer” between the outer shell and the liner. This layer, which is a plastic insert, absorbs energy created in a fall and better protects the brain, MIPS claims. Continue reading It’s Called a Brain Bucket For a Reason

Iceman Buildith Skating Rink

This winter has been a bit of a bust for snow sports, and the lack of snow followed by warm spells has meant that it hasn’t been easy to make the traditional outdoor skating rink. If temperatures exceed 32 degrees, which they have been doing, the backyard ice rink is likely to become the backyard pond.

Now Wayne “Iceman” Doughty is looking at creating a rink that could still stay frozen when the temperature outside is 45 to 50 degrees. But this is no mere “build it and they will come” field – make that ice rink – of dreams, nor is his notion just a frozen pipe dream. The Ferrum, Penn. Resident knows a thing or two about ice, and while maybe not in his veins, it is his business. He runs a cooling, refrigeration and heating business and has created a rink that can freeze water pumped into the rink via a heat pump. His current backyard rink looks a bit like a pool, but is about 12 inches deep. Continue reading Iceman Buildith Skating Rink

GIS Device Gets Rugged

While consumer GPS units have long been “rugged” some specialized field devices have lagged behind. But recently Trimble introduced its next generation of GNSS devices for GIS field applications, including the Trimble Juno 3B and 3D handhelds. These specially computers offer positioning, imaging and communications in a single package.

These units offer GPS, a 5MP autofocus camera and Windows Mobile Software. What is more impressive is this also offer Juno 3G wireless technology, which allows users to transfer data and stay connected via the device’s integrated mobile phone. These are designed for those in the gas, electric and water utilities, but we could see that such a device could have uses for consumers who need a rugged device that has the power and connectivity of a smartphone and can stand up to the elements.

Mobile phone makers – are you listening?

[Via FieldTechnologies: New Rugged Trimble Juno Series Puts GIS Field Work In Your Pocket]

Panasonic to Introduce Waterproof Phone

This week Panasonic announced that will re-enter the European mobile phone market with a waterproof, dustproof phone called the Eluga. While pricey – as much as $650 in American currency – the phones will utilized the Google Android OS.

The Eluga smartphone’s features include a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of internal RAM plus 8GB of internal flash memory (there is no mention of a microSD slot) and a 4.3″ 540 x 960 pixel qHD touchscreen display. It is reportedly waterproof and dustproof rated to IP57 standards, and it can be immersed in a maximum of 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes.

Panasonic is currently the leader in the UK market for “ruggedized products” and the company is looking to build on the success of the products in its Toughbook laptop line. No word on whether the Eluga would arrive in America, but we’re sure to hear more about it at next week’s Mobile World Congress from Barcelona.

Hok – A Hybrid of Ski and Snowshoe

This season it seems that hybrid skis/snowboards are all the rage. We’ve seen some folding skis designed for snowboarders, as well as skis that work over snowless patches. But now Altai Skis is truly going back to the roots of skiing with the Hok.

Whilst skis may easily evoke the Nordic regions, skiing actually first developed in the Altai Mountains of Central Asia as well for herdsmen to cross the rugged land. When skis headed west they developed into specialized designs for cross country, downhill and even ski jumping. But the Hok model from Altai Skis goes back to the original design, which is wider shorter ski that offers the advantages of snowshoes. The wood ski features steel edges and a climbing skin in the base, allowing wearers to go places that most skis couldn’t take them.

The Hok is available with either three-pin binding for ski boots, or a universal binding for basic winter boots. Either way it is recommended that Hok’ers use the single pole to control direction just as it was in the Central Asiatic highlands. Videos and size comparison after the jump

Make the iPad “Battle Ready”

Soldiers wear helmets to protect their heads, body armor and even special boots these days. Vehicles are getting retro-fitted with extra armor as well. And now Flying Circle Bags, a supplier of field, tactical and travel bags for the U.S. Military has introduced the Tactical iPad Cover.

This cover has been optimized to securely hold an iPad in a variety of methods including one handed and on hands-free with an adjustable leg strap. It features a removable viewing hood that can reduce glared in bright sunlight, and more importantly reduce the visual signature during no-light and low-light conditions. Video after the jump

Camelbak Makes Water All Clear

UV light is a common method for purifying water, but there aren’t too many portable options. One is the SteriPen, a device you dip into a glass of water. But Camelbak has a new option, the All Clear bottle. All Clear is a 0.75 liter water bottle with a UV light built into the cap. Once filled, the light operates for 60-seconds to sterilize the water.

Continue reading Camelbak Makes Water All Clear

Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Alaskan Husky Exercise Wheel

httpv://youtu.be/WsOsxbAySGo

As a way of generating power we think the exercise wheel in the video is actually an interesting idea. But as a way to escape taking Rover for a walk we see it as a Mis(Shift) and given that so many people will go to great lengths to avoid work – this one simply makes us nervous. So maybe not a full-blown Kinetic(Mis)Shift we think there might be better ways to generate some power.

[Via Ubergizmo: Dog Walk Out for lazy dog owners]

Kinetic(Mis)Shift are products that we think deserve to be called out for their utter lack of fitness benefits

Weekend Reading List (2.18.12): Rails-to-Trails, Lance Armstrong, Shimano, NHTSA

Think Bike

From: Beyond Urban Centers: Active Transportation in Rural America

A report by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy highlights cycling as an active transportation for exercise, commuting to work and running errands. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (2.18.12): Rails-to-Trails, Lance Armstrong, Shimano, NHTSA

Snow Lizard Unveils Rugged, Solar-Powered iPhone 4 Case, Wants You to Back It Via Kickstarter

Accessories-maker Snow Lizard Products has introduced what could be the perfect rugged case for the iPhone 4 and 4S: the AQUA TEK S. The tank-like case not only gives your iPhone waterproof protection, but a built-in batter and solar charger gives your iPhone an extra boost of power (with these devices getting more and more power hungry, that’s welcome, especially if you’re outdoors without access to a power outlet).

The case is waterproof up to 20 feet and can withstand drops. A top lid opens up to easily let you remove or insert an iPhone, and all the iPhone external buttons are accessible via corresponding external buttons on the case.

However, there’s a catch: it’s not for sale, yet. It looks like Snow Lizard is looking for some financial backing for this product and is utilizing Kickstarter. Snow Lizard plans to sell it at retail for $130, but if you pledge $25, $175, $1,000, or $5,000, Snow Lizard is including some extras for those who get in early, like ski passes to Utah resorts.

Check out the video and more info on the AQUA TEK S Kickstarter page.

Snow Lizard Official Website
AQUA TEK S Kickstarter Website

Snowless Winter Won’t Stop This Sled With Wheels

This winter has been for many parts of the United States the year without much snow. Even when it has snowed the white stuff hasn’t been on the ground for long. This has been good for local communities as it means less money has been spent clearing the roads, and ski resorts are surviving (if not exactly thriving) as they can make manmade snow.

So it seems like a win-win, unless you’re a kid hoping to get some time on the slopes with your sled. Most communities don’t have the snow making capabilities of the resorts so this means no snow on the local sled hill. Now fortunately Polish designer Szymon Hanczar has something for those brave souls who want the thrill of sledding but don’t have snow. He’s introduced the We Never Give Up!, a modern sled that features a minimalist design that works on flat, sloping surfaces. And for those not brave enough to actually ride this thing, it could double as a coffee table!

Hanczar Design
[Via Design Milk: We Never Give Up! Modern Sled]
Additional photos of this potential death trap