technabob » hiking

bergmonch folding bike gets flat on your back

technabob — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:16:20 +0000

The Bergmönch folding bicycle is small enough to actually fold up into a backpack, and weighs in at just 9.5kg (appx. 21 pounds).

[via The Awesomer]

garmin forerunner 405 gps watch really looks like a watch

technabob — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:45:38 +0000

While there have been several past attempts to create wrist-worn GPS sport devices, up until now they’ve been quite bulky and certainly wouldn’t pass as an ordinary wristwatch. Enter Garmin’s forthcoming Forerunner 405, a GPS-enabled watch that actually looks like a watch, and that’s lightweight enough to be worn all day.

Now, you won’t be using the GPS capabilities to map out automotive routes, but it will come in handy for plotting waypoints for exercise and other outdoor activities. The Forerunner 405 contains all the electronics necessary to track speed, distance, pace, calories burned, location and even heart rate (assuming you add the optional heart rate monitor).

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The watch can automatically sync with your computer wirelessly, downloading workout data as well as receiving route data for future outings. You can even beam locations, workouts and course information with your running companions if they happen to also wear the same type of watch.

The Forerunner 405 is slated for a Q1 2008 release and will retail for about $319 USD.

[via NaviGadget]

timberland ht2 watch: everything but the kitchen sink

technabob — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:06:22 +0000

Timberland’s latest men’s sports watch packs in a plethora of handy features for outdoorsy types. The HT2 outdoor performance watch offers both analog and digital clock displays, capable of tracking time simultaneously in four different time zones.

Also along for the ride are an altimeter, thermometer and barometer for tracking weather conditions. There’s even analog and digital magnetic compass displays so you can get your bearings when you’re lost in the woods. A chronometer lets you track time in 1/100th of a second intervals, while a tachymeter lets you calculate the rate of speed traveled over a specific distance in a particular amount of time.

All of the models are water resistant to 100 feet, and feature durable mineral glass crystals. Glow-in-the-dark hands let make it easy to read in dark conditions. The HT2 comes in three variants, ranging in price from $295 to $345 USD and can be found on the Timberland online store.

[via acquire]

avalanche airbag looks stupid, saves lives

technabob — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:02:58 +0000

You’re sure to make a fashion statement walking down the street wearing one of these. The Snowpulse Life Bag is a special backpack that’s designed to protect hikers in the event of an avalanche.

While it may look ridiculous, I suppose that it’s actually a really good idea if you happen to spend a lot of time walking in the mountains. As soon as you hear the rumble of the avalanche, you pull the ripcord and an airbag inflates to cover and protect your head and neck within 3 seconds. It even creates a small air pocket for you in case you’re buried under the rubble.

Sometimes I think I should wear one of these wherever I go. Let’s say you’re walking down a dark alley and a gang of thugs come out of nowhere with a baseball bat. How handy would it be to activate your Life Bag right before they whack you over the head? Take that, thugs!

[Coolest Gadgets via GeekAlerts]