Trek Tech

Now this is the way to cruise down a lazy river! But I have to admit, as fun as this looks I can’t imagine how tiring it’d be to try and run around in the water. I bet it gets hot too. But still Waterwalkerz has made my list of fun outdoor gear I’m just going to have to try. But at about $700 per ball, plus $200 for the electric blower (because it would take all Summer to blow this up without one) I may just have to try to find a place to rent one for the afternoon.

Here’s the latest in the world of walking sticks. They call it the Multi-function Crutch (not very catchy) and it’s battery powered (3 AAA - not included). What does a $31 battery-powered stick do? It has a built in flash light, red signal lights and an alarm. It also has a built in suspension system! One they say will let you cruise in comfort. You can even toggle the anti-shock suspension system, if you wanted to go all ‘old school’.

But then you’d just have a stick… with a light on it. And where’s the fun in that?

(via gizmodo)

The TankChair seems like one of those “are you kidding me” ideas, at first. But then you dig deeper and read up on it and come to the realization that a lot of people out there really could use one of these. Imagine all the trails and hills one could conquer with a pair of treads?  TankChair has announced a new 2008 model and even has one called The Speedster.

This is one atv that seems to serve a lot of disabled people very well and seems to be a ton of fun to folks like me. The TankChair in the snow video just makes it seem so cool!

Ok, treehugger has scared the bejesus out of me. Basically, the danger is Bisephenol A or BPA. It is a chemical that can mimic human estrogen and can be linked to early puberty and breast cancer in women. The concerns for men are having their hormones feminized which leads to effects such as breast enlargements and low swimmer count.The most dangerous foods tested were Chicken soup, infant formula, and ravioli. Links to more detailed descriptions below:

• BPA Danger may be greater from Tin Cans than Water Bottles
• Don’t Buy A Nalgene Water Bottle Until You Read This

I drink lots of water from plastic bottles (my eyes are up here) and enjoy the occasional soup, but luckily am cold turkey on the baby bottle.So I guess stay away from plastic bottles, food in tin can (especially acidic stuff like tomatos and those yummy fruits), and don’t read stuff about health. It never says keep doing what you’re doing.Here’s what the don’t worry crowd had to say:

• Chemistry World
• NalgeneBisphenolA

So let us know if you use plastic bottles, tin cans, or only drink from mudholes.

There is always someone missing on the news. Sometimes it is a jittery bride or disposed dictator, but more often than not it is the outdoor enthusiast who excels at getting away from it all and not finding their way back without help.

The above item is the 406 MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon for someone who wants to make sure they get found. This handy gem will upload your Latitude & Longitude to a satellite when activated. Then contact the proper authorities to your location and who you are since it requires you to register so it will be uniquely coded for you. Boasting pocket-size portability, waterproof and a floater for you slippery handed river rats it sounds great for any outdoor adventurer that can afford the luxury.

The PSD Tools Personal Safety Device by Life + Gear is probably a little more affordable and helps you work with what you got to get out. One minute of cranking equals one hour of flashlight power and it can also be used to power your cell phone (adapters included). If that weren’t enough it packs a screwdriver and bits, flashing emergency light, am/fm radio, and a 130 decibel siren for $36.95.

Of course you can always just tell someone to check on you ever so often, warn a park ranger you’ll be in their park, pack a flare gun, or perhaps you’re perfectly confident in your screaming skills. But where’s the tech in that.

I am going to go out on a limb here, and say that this would be one of the most fun ways to camp outside.

It gets you off the wet ground (though that puts cold air under you) and you can tether it anyway you like to maximize (or minimize) your swing-ability. This tent is made in England and will take about $600 out of the trail-mix fund.

It is rated to hold 150kg of camper (that’s about 330 pounds for those of us on this side of the pond) and is almost 5′ square around the bottom. So some might have to curl around a little to fit. Though for the camping kiddies… it’d be great.