Gizmodo: hiking

Walking Stick With Suspension, Flashlight and Flashing Signal is Perfect for Supergran

Kit Eaton — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:44:00 EDT

Were I an old geezer right now, my gadget-cravings would no doubt include this multifunction walking stick. It's adjustable, has in-built suspension, an LED flashlight, flashing signals and an alarm and is one bad-ass walking assistance device. Ok, so it's probably designed mainly for hikers and other outdoorsy-types, but if your grandma or grandpa is into gadgets and has walking troubles, then I can imagine they'd love this. Available now for $31. [Gadget4All via 7Gadgets]

Ymup Oxygen Generating Backpack For Thin-Air Adventures

Sean Fallon — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT

A Japanese company named Ymup is set to unveil what is being touted as the world's first oxygen generating backpack. The generator itself is battery powered and should give climbers about 2 hours of O2 at a 30% concentration. It can even be operated via remote control should you need to remove your gear to negotiate a tight space. I don't think that the Ymup backpack is ready for an Everest expedition just yet, but it could be extremely useful for less extreme climbs (especially if a solar panel was added down the line). The Ymup is set to be released on July 31st with price-points ranging from $880 to $1,150. [Ymup via Crave via Ubergizmo via Crunchgear]

Garmin Colorado 300, 400i, 400t, 400c GPSes Saves Lost Hikers, Fishers and Voyeurs

Jason Chen — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:00:57 EST

The Skinny: This walkie-talkie shaped Garmin Colorado GPS unit is meant to be used when you're out in the wilderness (hiking or fishing) and need to know details like how high the terrain is and whether you're in water or not. It's got a 3-inch screen, and has different versions for different needs.

The 400t has 3D elevation, 400i has shoreline details and boat ramps, 400c has maps of the coastal US and the Bahamas, and the 300 has a worldwide basemap for Richard Branson and his ilk. They get 15 hours of life on two AA batteries, and will be available for $499 (300), and $599 (all the other ones).
The Catch: These only work if you make sure to take enough spare AA batteries with you when you go out. Plan on getting lost for a couple days and pack accordingly.

Picnic For One

Jason Chen — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:30:03 EDT

We're not fans of hiking—obviously—but this Picnic For One design would be the thing we'd take with us if we were hiking. The container is waterproof and skinnable (in case you don't like military grey), and contains a plate, a cup, cutlery and room for spices. Plus, you know, food.

So after you finish up your picnic for one, you can neatly pack everything back into the container before your throw yourself off the cliff because you've got nobody to go hiking with you. – Jason Chen

It's Just A Picnic For One [Yanko Design]

LuxuryLite Low-Rise Cot, for Sweet Dreams Under the Stars

Charlie White — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:30:00 EDT

Now that spring has sprung, c'mon, let's start thinking about outdoorsy stuff. How about taking a nice long hike on an ~~short pier~~ unspoiled wilderness path, with a blessed night's sleep at the end of your journey? This LuxuryLite Low-Rise Cot might make it easier, lifting your arse off the cold and unforgiving ground, yet not weighing your pack down too much when you're carrying it to its destination.

It only adds 2.5 lb. to your pack, and folds into a 16-inch bundle that might just fit nicely into a backpack. This might sound like quite a bit of weight, but it could be worth its $199 price if it could mean the difference between spending a night in the invigorating wilderness or staying cooped up at home. – Charlie White

Product Page [LuxuryLite Gear, via Cool Tools]

Magellan eXplorist 500 LE: GPS Versatility, Portability, Value

Charlie White — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 14:56:40 EDT

We showed you the fine Magellan eXplorist 210 last February, and the eXplorist 500 is also near and dear to our hearts, and now the company has made a good thing better with the Magellan eXplorist 500 LE, adding the ability to also use AAA batteries in case its lithium-ion batteries run out of juice while you're out there in the middle of nowhere.

This is one highly capable navigator, too, with unlimited expansion with SD cards, USB connectivity and a 14-parallel-channel GPS receiver that gives you accuracy down to 9 feet. Its under-4-ounce weight and 4.6-inch height fits easily into the pocket or pack, making it the ideal trail companion. We're also liking that 2.3-inch high-rez color screen. Available now, it's about $225. – Charlie White

Press Release [Thales Navigation, Inc., via uber gizmo]