the gadget traveler

Timbuk2 Dolores Cooler Messenger Bag

Brian — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:13:45 +0000

Off to the beach, want cold beer, but you don’t want to lug a big plastic cooler box with you?

Then check out the Timbuk2 Dolores Cooler Messenger Bag. The folks over at Timbuk2 have converted one of their Classic Messenger nags into a fully insulated cooler.; makes sense to me. The new Dolores Cooler Messenger Bag has a waterproof TPU liner and its total insulation keeps the cold and the drips inside. Bonus, it comes with its own bottle opener.

Features include:
• Fully insulated interior
• Holds around 12 cans
• Super durable ballistic nylon exterior
• Waterproof TPU lining
• Quick-adjust side-cam shoulder strap for a snug cooler fit
• Looks just like a regular Timbuke2 messenger bag

Size: 18.8” x 10.5” x 7.8” (WxHxD)
Weight (empty): 2.1lbs

More Info at Timbuk2

5 Hand Cranked Gadgets for Earth Day

Brian — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:19:57 +0000

Earth Day 2009 takes place on April 22 and to mark the day, here are 5 Hand Cranked Gadgets that you can use at home, while camping, when a natural disaster hits or even if you just loose power.

Eton FR500 Solarlink

The Eton FR500 Solarlink is a compact Self-Powered and Solar-Powered AM/FM/Shortwave Radio with NOAA Weatherband, Flashlight, Siren and Cell Phone Charger. Powered by either battery, ac adapter, the sun or the turn of the crank, the Eton FR500 Solarlink will never be out of power.

The Eton FR500 Solarlink features:
• AM (520-1700 KHz), FM (88-108 MHz), Shortwave (6000-12100 KHz)
• NOAA weather – all 7 channels plus Alert
• Siren
• Flashlight
• Powered from four different sources: Built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery that can be charged using the dynamo crank or from an AC adapter (not included). 3 AA batteries. AC adapter . Solar power
• Analog frequency dial with digital display
• Built-in cell phone charger
• Digital clock function

The Eton FR500 Solarlink is available at:
Amazon for $80

Eton FR150 Microlink

The Eton FR150 Microlink is an ultra-portable Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger. Powered by either battery, solar power hand crank, like the Eton FR500 it will never be without power.

The Eton FR150 Microlink features:
• AM (520-1710 KHz) and FM (87-108MHz)
• NOAA weather – all 7 channels
• Built-in hand crank power generator recharges the internal rechargeable Ni-MH battery and cell phone batteries
• Built-in 3 white LED light source
• Powered from : Solar power, built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery. Dynamo hand crank, USB port
•Built-in cell-phone charger
• Earphone jack – 3.5 mm socket

The Eton FR150 Microlink is available at:
Amazon for $40

Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light by Garrity

The Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light provides up to 20 minutes of light with just one minutes hand cranking. Ideal for those times when the lights go out and you have no batteries for your flashlight. With the included carabineer clip, the Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light can be easily attached to backpacks, camping gear or tool belts. It’s small size makes it ideal for camping and travel.

The Garitty Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light is available at:
Amazon for $20

Wind ‘N Go Freedom Shaver

The Wind ‘N Go Freedom Shaver runs on a standard 110-volt electrical adapter, 12-volt car charging adapter or with just 1 minute of hand cranking you can get a full shave (according to the manufacturers, though I think it must depend on how much you need to shave).

The Freedom Shaver features:
• Three individually flexing and rotating heads
• Full shave with 1 minute of winding
• 110-volt electrical adapter
• 12-volt car charging adapter
• Low battery and charging indicators
• Travel case includes a mirror and storage for the shaver, cleaning brush, and adapters

The Wind ‘N Go Freedom Shaver is available at:
Amazon for $40

Wind ‘N Go Mini LED Lantern

The Wind ‘N Go Mini LED Lantern is not as compact as the Garrity but for camping and at home its ideal.

At just 6.5 inches tall it’s still pretty compact and will easily pack away in a backpack. The addition of the attached carabineer means you can hang the lantern inside a tent, from a tree or just place it on the ground. 1 minute of hand cranking will give you up to 1 hour of light.

The Wind ‘n Go Mini LED Lantern is available at:
Amazon for $20

Cy-Fi Wireless Sports Speaker

Brian — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:20:39 +0000

The Cy Fi Wireless Sporks Speaker can be easily mounted on to any bicycle mainframe, backpack, boat or used standalone as a travel speaker. The speaker is the first iPod compatible wireless sports speaker to feature Kleer™ wireless technology and provides CD quality sound, over six hours battery life, and a wireless range of 30 feet.

For those that would like a speaker for there Bluetooth equipped cell phones, mp3 players and PDA’s there is a Bluetooth (A2DP) version also available.

Features include:

Water resistant
Shock resistant
Rechargeable battery
iPod version compatible with all iPod versions except iPod shuffle and mini models
Control of tracks, volume and play list from the speaker unit
Can broadcast music to as many as four Cy- Fi™ speakers using Group Syncing
Wireless range of 30ft
Battery life >5.5hrs

The Cy-Fi Wireless Sports Speaker is available from:
Amazon for $149

Topeak Alien II Bicycle Tool

Brian — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:31:11 +0000

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

Brian — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:05:13 +0000

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

Brian — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:21:40 +0000

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

Live Luggage Power Assisted Suitcase Takes the Strain

Adventure Medical Kits Light and Fast Trail Kit

Brian — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:11:08 +0000

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

Brian — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:36:45 +0000

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.

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LaCie iamaKey USB Drive

Brian — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:49:24 +0000

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

LaCie Rugged All-Terrain Portable Hard Drive

Kangopack Antimicrobial Travel Gear

Brian — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:54:50 +0000

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