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Latest by Kraig Becker

ortovox avalanche transceiver recall 1

Ortovox recalls avalanche transceivers to fix potentially risky software bug

Backcountry ski and snowboard safety equipment manufacturer Ortovox is issuing what it calls a precautionary recall of its 3+ avalanche transceivers after discovering a software problem that could cause the devices to temporarily stop transmitting a signal, potentially hindering search and rescue operations.
Happier Camper

Happier Campers are so lightweight even a Mini Cooper can tow them

The new Happier Camper camp trailers are designed to be lightweight, making them accessible to more people and allowing them to be towed by just about any kind of vehicle, while still offering a cozy interior with a modular design that taps into the tiny home movement to make camping fun and comfortable.
yamaha adventure pro 2

Yamaha’s Adventure Pro is a rugged tablet built for off-road navigation

Alongside its brand new Wolverine X2 off-road utility vehicle, Yamaha has also introduced the Adventure Pro navigation system. The ruggedized 7-inch tablet is built on the Android platform and gives off-roaders the ability to navigate backcountry trails, share routes, and challenge each other to speed runs.
vanmoof electrified bikes electrfied 8

Urban commuters can get a pedal boost with two new ebikes from VanMoof

VanMoof took the wraps off two new electric bikes with the introduction of the Electrified X2 and Electrified S2, two new models that offer a range of up to 92 miles with a top speed of 19 mph, while also offering anti-theft features, automatic rider detection, and a matrix display for speed and distance.
Stainless steel with mesh

Fitbit has already shipped a million Versa smartwatches

Fitbit has announced that its latest foray into the smartwatch market is finding a nice measure of success, as the Fitbit Versa has sold 1 million units since debuting on April 16, easily outpacing its predecessor, the Ionic, and providing a serious competitor for the Apple Watch for the very first time.
Guardian Banditio

Wearable device uses two methods to drive insects buggy, keep them away

The Bandito wearable device from Guarden is built to keep annoying, biting insects at bay using two different methods. The device uses both ultrasonic noise and a nontoxic scent that is designed to repel mosquitoes and other insects that keep us from going outside during the summer months.
the dyrt mobile app 2

The Dyrt launches mobile app to help you find the best places to go camping

The Dyrt is bringing its popular web-based campsite search tool to a mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to use their smartphones to help them locate, rate, and review campgrounds across the U.S. The tool offers the ability to search all 50 states and read reviews to determine where to stay.
Leaos Pressed Bike

Leaos Pressed ebike keeps the weight off without skimping on tech

The Leaos Pressed ebike features a 250-watt, rear-wheel-mounted electric motor; a removable battery pack in the top tube; and tech upgrades such as GPS tracking, smartphone app integrations, an LED lighting system, and cloud supervision -- yet it weighs in at just 31 pounds.
schwinn classic cruiser fitness bike 1

The Schwinn Classic Cruiser brings the retro-styled bike indoors

Schwinn's new Classic Cruiser indoor fitness bike is a stationary exercise machine that looks like a retro-styled bike but features plenty of modern technology, including Bluetooth connectivity, an interactive smartphone app, and compatibility with RideSocial, making it a fun way to get fit and healthy.
Omnicharge Omni 20 battery pack

Omnicharge makes compact battery packs to power all of your outdoor adventures

Omnicharge is a company that makes portable power options, including the Omni 20 and Omni 20 USB-C. Designed for use by mobile outdoor professionals and frequent travelers, they feature AC outlets and quick-charging USB ports to keep devices functioning while you're on the go.
Juiced Bikes Scrambler ebike

Juiced Bikes puts its own spin on the scrambler-style ebike

Juiced Bikes has put its own spin on the "scramblers" style of bicycles by launching three new ebikes on Indiegogo, each with its own distinct characteristics, components, and price points, with 52-volt batteries and a choice of two different electric motors to keep riders moving along on and off road.
National Football League Ravens vs Panthers

Nike’s latest patent seeks to protect athletes with impact-sensing pads

The latest patent from sport apparel manufacturer Nike includes a plan to create a dynamic padding system for football, hockey, and lacrosse players. The system would automatically detect a potential impact and alter the make-up of the pads to help absorb impact, providing a higher level of protection.
Pacsafe Econyl Travel Gear

Travel safely and protect the ocean with Pacsafe’s Econyl fabric

For its 20th anniversary, travel gear manufacturer Pacsafe has introduced two new products -- a portable safe and a backpack -- that use Econyl fabrics made from recycled materials taken from the ocean to keep our valuables safe and secure on the road, while also protecting marine life.
DigiLens MonoHUD

Head-up displays for smart helmets may have just gotten more affordable

DigiLens, a company that makes transparent displays for use on smart helmets to create a head-up display, says that it has found a way to create screens using just two layers, making their products lighter and more affordable for integration in more AR products from a variety of manufacturers.
Nike Patent

Nike’s latest patent turns your workout clothes into towels

A new patent from Nike tackles an ongoing problem for athletes on how to wipe excess moisture away from their hands and skin without carrying a towel around with them everywhere they go. New workout clothes would add "wipe zones" that would be made of materials to do just that, wiping away excess sweat and water.
arevo 3d printed bike frame cf 5

Carbon fiber bikes may become a whole lot cheaper with 3D-printed frames

Silicon Valley startup Arevo is gearing up to become a force in 3D manufacturing, and to demonstrate its capabilities it has created a new bike frame made from carbon fiber that it says it more affordable and efficient than making traditional carbon frames, potentially changing the bike industry.
Wilier Cento1 Hybrid ebike

Wilier’s new Cento1 Hybrid road ebike weighs just 26 pounds

Bike manufacturer Wilier has taken the wraps off its first ebike the Cento1 Hybrid, which is based on the company's popular Cento1 road bike. The ebike variant uses a rear-hub motor and battery system that reportedly weighs just 8.1 pounds, bringing the overall weight of the bike to just over 26 pounds.
Whoop Strap 2.0

Whoop Strap 2.0 offers 24/7 fitness tracking via a new subscription model

Whoop has brought its new fitness band 2.0 model to the masses by dropping the excessive price of the original in favor of a more affordable subscription model that starts at $30 per month. It delivers 24/7 fitness metric tracking and analysis for those who are serious about their workouts and training.
LynQ tracker

Tackling the backcountry? LynQ smart tracker doesn’t need cell networks or subscription

The new LynQ smart tracker is a device that allows users – in groups of up to 12 – to track each other's location and find each other in crowds or in the backcountry without the need for GPS satellites, cell phone networks, apps, or other high-tech gadgets. The device has geofencing and messaging, too.
Garmin inReach Mini

Garmin inReach Mini satellite messenger means no site is too remote to text from

Garmin's new inReach Mini brings all of the features and functionality of the full-sized version, shrunk down to a much smaller size. Those features include GPS tracking, satellite messaging, SOS alerts. It weighs just 3.5 ounces and is small enough to be carried anywhere.
spot x satellite messenger 1

Spot X brings two-way satellite messaging to the masses

The new Spot X satellite messenger is the first new device from Spot in several years and a significant upgrade over previous models. It provides the ability for users to send two-way text messages for the first time on a Spot device, along with SOS features, GPS tracking, and more.
campnab camping website 2

Campnab will help you score a last-minute campsite this summer

A new online service called Campnab will make it easier to find popular campsites for travelers by monitoring a user's favorite camping destinations and sending them a text message alert when a vacancy comes open for the dates and times they are looking for. The website doesn't book the campsite, just sends alerts.
ebikes Mammoth bike park

Some ebikes now allowed at Mammoth Mountain Bike Park in California

California's Mammoth Bike Park will allow ebikes for the very first time when the trails open in May of 2018. All ebikes on the trail will be limited to Class 1 status, which means they must be pedal-assist bikes with a speed limited to 20 miles per hour. A pass is also required to ride at the park.
Solos smart glasses

Solos smart glasses’ head-up display lets runners, cyclists keep eyes on road

The Solos smart glasses are a wearable device that brings a head-up display to runners and cyclists, projecting workout metrics such as distance, speed, and heart rate onto the lens of the sunglasses. These glasses also offer audio prompts for goals and turn-by-turn directions, as well as music on the go.
Swagtron eBikes

It’s tough to find a more affordable ebike than Swagtron’s latest models

Swagtron, the company behind hoverboards and electric skateboards, expanded its lineup by adding three new electric bikes to its catalog, including two folding models and an electric fat tire bike aimed at the youth market. All three come in at affordable prices, making them more accessible to the masses.
LifeProof Backpacks

Lifeproof wants to protect all your gadgets with its new backpack line

Smartphone case manufacturer Lifeproof has jumped into the backpack market with four new packs designed to keep our gadgets well protected while traveling, commuting, or hiking. Features include water resistant fabrics, tech-friendly pockets, and pass-through ports for headphones and charging cables.
Zerotie Shoes

With Zerotie footwear, you may never have to touch your shoelaces again

Zerotie Footwear has created a new line of shoes that look a lot like traditional sneakers but include a unique new feature that allows the wearer to tighten or loosen the laces without ever actually bending down to touch the shoe at all. Instead a wheel mechanism in the heel that does the job for them.
running exercise workout

Studio’s new running class takes its workout show on the road

Studio is a fitness app that allows runners to join virtual running groups at anytime and anywhere, including the gym, a treadmill at home, or outdoors. The app offers music playlists, real-time leaderboards, and the chance to earn "fitcoins" to purchase gear, classes, and other items.
Lumos Smart Helmet

Lumos smart bike helmet adds Apple Watch turn-signal support and more

Smart bike helmet manufacturer Lumos has added support for the Apple Watch to its devices, allowing turn signals made by riders with their hands to automatically cause the lights on the helmet to blink the appropriate direction, too. This update comes as the helmets arrive in Apple Stores, too.
Fitbit Charge HR

Fitbit to use Google Cloud to share medical data with doctors

Fitness wearable manufacturer Fitbit will partner with Google to use the search giant's Google Cloud services to collect and share medical data with doctors and hospitals, giving the company a more significant presence in the health care field as it competes directly with Apple.
Bkool Smart Bike

Bkool’s smart training bike brings outdoor workouts inside

Bkool's new smart training bike combines the company's deep software library with a new indoor trainer, giving it the ability to simulate more than 3 million routes from around the world or provide workout routines that adapt over time to meet the user's changing fitness goals and needs.
Nike Patent

A Nike patent could have your athletic wear looking like Iron Man’s suit

Nike patented a new high-tech active cooling and heating system for its athletic apparel that uses a thermoelectric module to transfer heat or cooler temperatures to a garment to help maintain an athletes core temperature in order to maintain a high-performance level over a longer period of time.
BMC Switzerland Amp ebikes

BMC Switzerland’s line of ebikes make their North American debut

Swiss-based BMC bikes introduced its line of ebikes to the North American market, bringing its Speedfox Amp and Trailfox Amp models to the U.S. for the first time. The bikes offer traditional mountain bike designs paired with state-of-the-art electric drive systems and battery packs.
Tennibot

The Roomba of the tennis court? Ball-retreiving Tennibot launches on Kickstarter

Tennibot is a robot designed for use on the tennis court. The A.I.-driven device saves coaches and players time by automatically retrieving tennis balls completely on its own. The device has launched on Kickstarter and promises to take the tedium out of cleaning up the court after a practice session.