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We did our best to visit every booth at OR Show this summer and keep our ears to the ground for what was impressive and innovative. There were some gems and we wanted to share a few. Here are the gadgets that are either on the market now, or up and coming that we thought deserved a mention.
There were a lot of solar solutions at the show, but these items from the Bushnell’s Powersync line stood out. Their retractable-extendable form and rugged protective cases make these cater to the outdoors person.
In addition to upgrading the look and including the 12V car adapter in the Nomad 7, Goal Zero rolled out their Yeti 150 and 400. The Yeti line is a battery pack designed to charge pretty much any device you have. It can be charged at home as well as via Goal Zero’s line of solar chargers.
Some of us were aware of the PowerPot from its successful Kickstarter campaign, but regardless, the PowerPot continues to impress by allowing us to charge via USB while we cook our food… over the fire or over a stove. They even showed off some other devices which demonstrate that they’re not a one hit wonder.
Another huge rage is waterproof cases for all our electronic gadgets. SnowLizard showed off their SLXTREME 4 that boasts a solar charger on the back to give you a bit more power.
While I was on a pre-show hike organized by outside media I got to try out the new Suunto Ambit. This GPS watch offers a lot for the gear head who wants to keep accurate track of distance, time, altitude, etc.
Energizer surprised me with some very high lumen and high quality flashlights. The really good thing? They manage to keep their price and weight down!
Out with the old CFL camp lights and D-cell batteries. The new Energizer flashlight line up makes use of LED technology and AAs. The Lumens are high and the battery life is long. The line uses laser etching to evenly distribute the light for better use when you just want to see where everything is. The Folding Lantern on the right boasts 300 lumens for lots of picnic table games into the late evening.
What’s Solar Power without a way to store it? Eton showed off their low profile Boost4200 battery packs with shake sensor to let you know how much energy is stored inside. They also showed their Boost Turbine (Below) which you can charge by the dynamo crank as well as via USB.
The Eton FRX3 weather alert radio impressed with its multiple ways to be charged. In addition to the obvious hand crank, there’s USB, Solar and even an extra slot for AAs.
2-way texting and the ability to remotely turn on tracking and ping for a location make the new InReachSE by Delmore make this Satellite Communicator the best we’ve seen on the market.
Oregon Scientific’s Chameleon POV camera offers dual lenses, waterproof case and a variety of accessories. Although it’s only 720p, it records both swiveling cameras at the same time to provide more bang for your buck. I could see this becoming a tool in my arsenal of video gear.
Text Anywhere has done things differently by taking a satellite feed and turning it into a wireless hotspot. Devices can pair with the unit and send emails and tweets, as well as receive them. A great way for people working in remote areas to keep in touch with their home base.
Stay tuned for our other updates as we look at what else impressed us at the OR Show. Did you stop by the OR Show? What impressed you in the gadget department?
