Gizmodo: Outdoors

Wired's Summer Gear Test Issue

Sean Fallon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT

The folks at Wired have put together their Summer Test roundup for 2008—a guide that brings you the best (and the worst) gear that money can buy for outdoor fun. Everything from campstoves to putters to ultralight notebooks are covered, so hit the link to find out what you should be picking up this year. [Wired]

MarineAV's 70-Inch, Waterproof LCD TV

Sean Fallon — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EDT

The 57-inch Aquavision is a definitely a big waterproof television, but it falls well short of the 70-inch beast that MarineAV is packin'. Outside of its size and rugged exterior, the LCD70 also features full 1080p resolution, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 600cd/m2 brightness, 8ms response time, 178 degree viewing angle, and AV, S-Video, Component, HDMI, PC (VGA) inputs. Not bad...until you see the £27,995.95 ($55,500) price tag that is. [MarineAV via HDTV UK via Born Rich]

10 Awesome Grills You Can Buy For The Ultimate Memorial Day BBQ

Sean Fallon — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:00:00 EDT

The Memorial Day weekend is finally here. For many of us, that means it is time to travel and or bust out the grill and cook up some meat. However, with gas prices being the way they are, you may be passing on the road trip this year. So, now that you are free to focus on throwing the ultimate BBQ this weekend, you are going to need some serious equiptment—like the examples found after the break. And, unlike many of the extreme grills out there, these are priced to own.

BBQ Tower Smoker: This six-foot-tall smoker has enough racks and surface area to simultaneously cook just about any type of meat that you can think of. And it won't take up a ton of your patio space. Available for $500. [Hammacher Schlemmer via Link]

The Ultimate Tailgating Trailer: If a sporting event is in the cards this weekend, kick your tailgating party up a few notches with this tailgating trailer from Gameday Customs. The standard model includes a 26-inch LCD, satellite dish, CD/DVD player, 1000 Watt generator, and a toilet—but you will need to upgrade to get your fresh water system with sink, refrigerator and, of course, the BBQ itself. Naturally, partying this hard will set you back a few—to the tune of $14,000 or more. [Gameday Customs via Link]

Solar Powered Grill: It will probably take a year to cook a burger with a grill that reflects the sun's rays, but if you have a thing about the environment this may be an attractive option. Was available for $249. (Or you could build one yourself, like this guy.) [Tammock via Link]

Koolatron Portable "Drive N' Grill": If you decide to take a road trip this weekend, that doesn't mean you have to pass on the BBQ. This portable grill plugs right into your cigarette lighter to keep you cooking while on the go. And it is actually called the "Drive N' Grill," so my guess is that safety isn't a top priority. Available for $36. [1ofakindbuys]

Longhorn Steel Grill: Nothing beats cooking meat in a grill shaped like meat. Available for $1699. [Traeger Grills]

Smoker and Grill Trailer: This smoker/grill combo hitches to the back of your vehicle and features a whopping 108"-long cooking chamber for serious BBQ projects. Available for $8545.04. [Grill Showroom]

Beer Barrel BBQ: This simple design makes for a charcoal grill that is big enough to entertain your guests, but small enough to transport just about anywhere. Available for around $140. [Drinkstuff]

Ariete SteakHouse Indoor Grill: The product page calls it a grill, but we know a steak toaster when we see one. The SteakHouse cooks your meat vertically and heats it from the side so the fats and grease drip down into a tray without smoking. Yup, sounds like a toaster to me. Available for $220. [Ariete via Link]

Cook N' Dine Tabletop Grill: This tabletop grill functions indoors or out thanks to a flameless cooking mechanism that runs on electricity. The center of the stainless steel surface forms a shallow cooking pit that heats up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit—no pots or pans necessary. Prices start at around $1600. [Cook n' Dine via Link]

The Ultimate Smoker and Grill: Technically you can't buy this gigantic smoker and grill, but you can rent it for a carnival-sized crowd. This beast can cook 200 steaks or 1,000 hot dogs simultaneously, it can slow smoke 2,000 pounds of meat and it features a 48" flat screen television with satellite and a Bose sound system to entertain guests. Rental packages start at $5,000 (before additional expenses). [Adventure Alliance]

Bonus Accessories: Now that you have the grill, you are going to need some cool accessories to go with it. Here are a few favorites:

Roast My Weenie: This little dude has balls of steel—literally. Available for $15. [Roast my Weenie]

BBQ Sword: Ha Ha...pork sword. Available soon for $29.99. [Firebox via Link]

Condiment Pistol: Fill up this oversized cartoon gun with your favorite condiments and blast your burgers. Plus, you will always have the upper hand if a food fight breaks out. Available soon for around $30. [Firebox via Link]

Lightning Review: VholdR Wearable Sport Camcorder

Brian Lam — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:30:10 EDT

In honor of the upcoming Tahoe reader meetup on April 5th at Alpine Meadows, I'm going to be doing end of season reviews of some outdoor gadgetry that's been floating around the cabin.
The Gadget: A camera meant for outdoor junkies. Has laser pointers for aiming the cam, helmet, handlebar, and goggle mounts, and a waterproofed case. Records to 640 x 480 quality MPEG-4 video in decent quality. 50 minutes per GB. Aluminum and fiberglass case.

The Performance: Two hours of battery life. Doesn't feel like its top quality in build. Slightly grainy, but videos are perfectly acceptable. (That's a link to the company's vids, which are representative, but also a lot more interesting than my bunny hops. Charges by USB. For $350, I wish it came with a MicroSD card. Thumbs up. [Guest editor's note: Thumbs up? What do you mean thumbs up, sucker? Who is going to wear that thing on his head, you fool? Only fools like you and Murdoch, that's who! I ain't getting that thing on my head!]

AquaClimb Poolside Climbing Walls: The Next Best Thing To Everest

Sean Fallon — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EDT

It may not be as challenging as climbing some of the great peaks of the Himalayas, but the AquaClimb is a hell of a lot warmer and safer than a mountain—plus it offers up a great upper body / core workout. The fiberglass panels include hand-sculpted rock features and the ability to be rotated 90 degrees or even reconfigured to customize the level of difficulty. There is even a a non-slip, textured surface, interchangeable handholds and a 10 degree angled design to ensure saftey. I just wouldn't be following right behind that kid in the red trunks if you want to survive. Available for a whopping $8,000. [Hammacher Schlemmer and AquaClimb via BornRich]

Sardine Can Survival Kit Has Everything in It But Smelly, Oily Fish

AddyDugdale — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:54:19 EDT

Perfect for those early Lost-style situations, (if you can convince Homeland Security that you're not going to bum rush the cockpit once you get on the plane, that is) this survival kit-in-a-can has just about everything you need should you be stranded in the middle of nowhere. Airtight, waterproof and crushproof, and with 25 indispensable items from chewing gum to razor blade, fire starter, tea bag and fish hook and line, the kit floats in water. Measuring 4.25" x 3" x 9", the survival kit costs $12.99, and you can see everything it's got in the gallery below. [ThinkGeek]

Woosim Waterproof Printer Will Give you Tickets

Kit Eaton — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:00:16 EST

Woomsim's upcoming 3-inch roll paper printer won't do anything for you, except probably give you your next speed limit ticket. But we like it because of its bright orange jacket and because it reminds us of Domokun, the Cyclops Version. Look at those teeth. That thing is hungry. For your money. [Red Ferrett and Aving]

Magellan Triton GPS with Ground Guidance Tech Routes Around Rivers, Cliffs and Deep Forest

Brian Lam — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:45:33 EST

Most outdoor navs, like the Magellan Triton, just go from point A to point B when navigating off road. Current and future Magellan Triton owners are is getting Primordial's Ground Guidance logic, which calculates routes around rivers, steep inclines and dense tree cover by analyzing aerial photography and elevation data (since no one could actually chart all the random routes over the wild.) The Primordial tech Looks pretty cool in action, too.

The methods aren't new, as Primordial's site is filled with news clippings from 2006, and I think an old Polaris outdoor GPS had this tech. But Magellan's press release says the tech is now exclusively theirs. It's smart, but its probably unwise to depend on such a system to navigate outdoors. Whereas road data goes out of date every few years, the seasonal swelling of rivers, altering of terrain and paths, falling trees, and other quickly changing outdoor conditions are best handled with common sense and local knowledge. Couldn't be too harmful to know where a deep forest starts and a sheer rock face drops, though. [Business Wire]

Rugged Camera from Minox is Waterproof to 33 Feet and Just Rubbery

AddyDugdale — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:59:10 EST

Manly and rugged outdoorsmen with small rucksacks might find Minox's DC6033 WP so far up their mountain path it's parked in their crevasse. Encased in rubber armor, the six-megapixel point-and-shoot camera is dust, dirt, sand and salt-proof, and you can take it underwater to a depth of 33 feet.

As well as a 4x zoom, the MINOCTAR lens is multi-coated with a 42mm fixed focal length, allowing for macro shots as close as 24 inches. There's a two-inch TFT color screen, built-in flash and, as well as an internal memory of 16MB, there's a slot for an SD memory card up to 2GB. Running on two AA batteries, the DC6033 WP will be available for $299. [Aving USA]

Plastic Hammock Concept Kinda Negates the Whole Point of Garden Swingers

AddyDugdale — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:38:57 EST

This concept design for a hammock is very admirable, but it fails on many levels. One, it takes away the enjoyment of watching people wrestle unsexily with a bunch of string puporting to be a bed. Two, I am not sure how keen I am on plastic parts (unless, of course, you're talking about Action Man, in which case, Bring. Him. On.) Three, it's not as portable as a an all-rope hammock. And Four, what is so hard about getting into a hammock? Like getting it on in a hammock, practice is everything. Gallery of Pinar Yar & Tugrul Govsa's creation after the jump.

is it just me, or has that guy got his hand down his pants? You'll go blind, you know. [Yanko]

$50,000 Treetent Blows Swiss Family Robinson Out of the Water

hook — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:26:16 EST

To most people, camping involves a fair share of roughing it—sleeping in a tiny tent in an uncomfortable sleeping bag on a rocky floor, but for a mere $50,000 the Treetent can spare you the grief. The 13-foot-tall tent resembles an under-inflated balloon, but it features a round hardwood floor that's nine feet in diameter and a round bed that comfortably fits two adults. The Treetent also includes "adjustable planetary landing steps" to get in and out easily. Pampered outdoorsy types can pick up a Treetent from Neiman Marcus. [Neiman Marcus via Crave]

Polarpak Moflow Canteen doubles as a Pressurized Shower

Brian Lam — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:58:08 EST

This water carrier for outdoorsy types includes a pressurizing hand pump that works to improve the design of ye old camelback-canteen in several ways: First, you won't have to suck on the straw to get hydrated, an inflated reservoir doubles as a pillow, and mounted high, it works as a pinch shower. Joel notes that the hand pump could be easily lost, to which I agree. [Polarpak via Boingboing]

Cayago Magnum Turns Navy Seals Into True Aquamen

Sean Fallon — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:48:26 EDT

The Cayago Magnum is the latest in Seabob's line of underwater propulsion devices, and one look at the statistics will tell you that riding this bad boy will either kill you or give you the ride of your life. Perhaps that is why they are pitching it to rugged military professionals and not pasty nerds.

The limited edition Cayago is powered by 30 CAYAGO-Power High-Energy Li-Ion accumulators with a 10 speed electric motor that will provide continuous operation for up to 4 hours-even at extreme depths. A comprehensive navigation and location technology system is also thrown in for good measure-which will make it perfect for long range missions. Exact pricing details have not been announced, but if you think you are up to the challenge expect to pay well over $14,000 if it ever makes it to the consumer market. [Seabob via Gizmag]

Running Vest with Chest-Mounted Light Keeps Everything Illuminated

Adam Frucci — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:30:40 EDT

Running at night is fun, but it's dangerous if you don't have a light. If you're in the woods, you might fall in a hole or twist your ankle on a root, and if you're on the road you might get hit by a car. Play it safe! This GoMotion Trail Running Vest has a chest-mounted light, giving you literal headlights to light the way in front of you. It can also hold a hydration system like a Camelbak, which is a nice touch. Bonus: it'll make you look like Iron Man. [Product Page via Backcountry.com]

Survival Cocoon Lets you Hang out in Emergencies

AddyDugdale — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:36:11 EDT

Industrial designer John Moriarty has come up with the Cocoon, a portable hanging emergency shelter that you sling from a tree and sit in, should you get into difficulties in the great outdoors. It'll keep you warm and dry, not to mention turn you into a laughing-stock when the park ranger eventually finds you, swinging like a psychedelic bird box, beneath a leafy bough. [Coroflot via OhGizmo!]

Fingers-On with the MP3 Lederhosen and Hunting Jacket

AddyDugdale — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 04:58:58 EDT

Consider the Bavarian hunting jacket with built-in MP3 controls. Consider it, and then wonder why you'd want to listen to oompah music while you blast away at anything in feathers, fur &mdash or if you're Dick Cheney, anyone who's standing too close to you. To drown out the screams, I suppose. There is also a pair of matching lederhosen as well, which we already covered earlier this year.

I know, I know. Back then I was stupid enough to think that the buttons controlled your cell phone and not your MP3 player. Why would you want a cell phone attached to your hunting pants, I thought? "Er, Hank? I just shot Buddy. He's on the floor and I don't think he's breathing. Can we get some damage limitation in asap, please?"). I blame an error on the picture caption, myself, but feel free to blame me if you want.

Magellan's Triton GPS Features Touch Screen, National Geographic Maps

kthompson — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:36:04 EDT

Unleash your inner explorer with the adventurous Triton handheld GPS from Magellan. There are six models in total, all sporting QVGA touch screens (2.2"or 2.7") that are waterproof up to one meter. Some feature expandable memory via an SD slot alongside a 2-megapixel digital camera and digital audio player. The top-of-the-line Triton 2000 has a 3-way electronic compass and a built in barometer. All the Triton models can be enhanced with National Geographic's own topographical maps, which have never been commercially available on a GPS unit.

Accessed via software and transferred to the GPS unit via optional data cable, the National Geographic maps are an outdoorsman's dream. You can fly through virtual areas, plot routes through recreational sites and mark waypoints for your journey. When you get back from your trip, plug back in and upload your data to get a visual representation of your hike. The Triton 2000 is priced at $499, but you can strip away various features until you bottom out at the Triton 200, a $129 barebones device. Look for the Tritons next month. [Magellan Triton GPS via Electronista]

Solar Frog Light Proves You're a Man of the People

Adam Frucci — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EDT

If there's one thing wrong with your lawn, it's that it's just too classy. Since when did you get too good for tacky lawn ornaments? You think you're better than me? Screw you, buddy. You need to prove that you aren't totally pretentious by getting something like this completely horrible yet somehow amazing solar frog light. It's a frog, and it glows! Anyone who installs this thing can't take themselves too seriously. Or they take themselves seriously and have the worst taste in outdoor decorations ever, but I'll give you more credit than that. " [Product Page]

Solar Powered LED Tent Houses Six, Provides Eight Hours of Light

Jason Chen — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:30:27 EDT

The only time we've been camping is, well, never, so this solar powered LED tent isn't quite for us. But those of you who like to get some outdoors time with your family yet still want to keep enough light to play some Go Fish at night should look into this LED tent.

It's $230, and has an eight-hour battery to power the LEDs inside. All you need to do is keep the solar panels set up during the day when you're out doing whatever it is people do when they're camping. Poop in the woods and look for leaves to wipe with, presumably. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Eurekatent via Travelizmo via Uber Gizmo]

Warm Sewage Keeps your Bottom Toasty on the Concrete Bench

Travis Hudson — Fri, 04 May 2007 18:00:54 EDT

Unlike the Turd Twister and Bathroom Louie, this fecal idea is pretty useful. A Quebec design student has created a concrete bench that heats by pumping water heated by warm sewage through the bench. In Montreal the sewer temperature stays at a toasty 60 degrees Fahrenheit most of the year. This bench uses pumps connected to the sewer pipe to pump water warmed by the sewage through the bench, therefore keeping your bum warm. Ironic? Yes, a little. Hit the jump to see a video explanation (don't worry, no sewage is shown).

Concrete Bench Heated by Warm Sewage [Treehugger]

Motorized Grill Brush is For the Lazy Grillers

Travis Hudson — Tue, 01 May 2007 14:45:20 EDT

I personally enjoy getting my paws dirty scrubbing the grill down, but for those uber lazy types this motorized grill brush is fantastic. Push the button and the roller spins, cleaning up all of that leftover meat, grease and hooker spit from the grill. It is available for $25 and includes years of ridicule you will endure for actually using a motorized grill brush. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Product Page]

iGrill, The iPod-Ready George Foreman Grill

Travis Hudson — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:30:24 EDT

I knew it would happen someday, and today is, unfortunately, that day. The Lean, Mean, Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine is finally coming iPod-ready in the iGrill. This is an indoor or outdoor grill that has 200-square- inch cooking surface and a minuscule 10-watt speaker system. Dock your iPod in there and finally prove to the world that you are the biggest, trendiest consumer whore out there. $150. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Uncrate]

Memphis MP3 Player BBQ Grill

Travis Hudson — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:20:57 EDT

This may not make your steak taste any better, but it provides a more enjoyable time while grilling. This vintage-looking grill has an audio input in the backside and a couple of speakers in the front. Plug in your MP3 player and begin rocking out while grilling. This grill is a bit expensive ($450), but it could be the perfect accessory for all of those upcoming outdoor events that are usually accompanied by a grill. –Travis Hudson

MP3 BBQ Grill makes your ears crave beef [Gearfuse]

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]

84" Giga Ball: Will be at Google HQ by the End of the Year

www.gizmodo.com — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:05:48 EDT

If this is for kids aged 4 and upwards, then I'm a banana with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. This 7-foot version of the Giga Ball is aimed at adults, no shit. I have seen the future and it is ball-shaped. YouTube will be full of mass Giga Ball rallies, people will take to the roads with them (are they car crash-proof? I don't know, but I bet the Jackass boys will be able to tell you that) and there will be Giga Ball races on Campus. It will set you back a shade under $200, but if you are the proud owner (driver?) of one of these, everyone will want to be your friend. – Ad Dugdale

Product Page [Target via Techie Diva]

MirageVision Outdoor Wireless Weatherproof TV

Travis Hudson — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:45:21 EDT

It may be nearing the end of summer, but that is no excuse to come inside from the beloved outdoors. For those who want a little indoor luxuries in an outdoor environment, this TV might be perfect.

This is a 32-inch TV from MirageVision with a wireless transmitter that will operate up to 150 feet away. The transmitter can plug into any type of video device including cable/satellite boxes, DVD player, etc. The feature list also says "High Definition picture." Given the very descriptive nature, we are going to assume that this TV doesn't support true HD.

The customizable backlighting makes this TV very visible in daytime and nighttime situations. It is completely weatherproof too, so when hurricane Oprah comes knocking on your door, just hide under the TV and you will be safe. It is available for $4,595. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via BornRich]

Hand-Crank Radio Also Charges Cellphone

Travis Hudson — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 18:22:47 EDT

This could be the ultimate gadget for the outdoor type who still likes to stay connected. Hand-crank radios are already pretty popular, but this one adds a little more. It can also charge a cellphone battery. The radio includes five adapaters for a variety of cellphones and it even includes a small LED flashlight. The day hell freezes over and I go camping, I'll be sure and take this $50 gadget with me. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Ubergizmo]

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]

Werner Equalizing Ladder

Travis Hudson — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 18:36:51 EDT

Hooray safety! Werner has released a ladder to eliminate the need for off-beat stabilizers—like blocks of wood or dead bodies. The safety device on the base of the ladder can extend the length of a leg to equalize the ladder on uneven surfaces. This ladder goes for a hefty $250. But that is a small price to pay for safety. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via PopSci]

Cursor Kite

Travis Hudson — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:43:58 EDT

Very rarely is a simple idea, like this, able to wow my pants off. But I can safely say that my pants are now around my ankles. It is a kite, that looks like the traditional black mouse cursor. Sure, it won't be able to fly around the sky nimble and elegant, but it will make you look like the biggest—and coolest—geek outdoors. The real question remains: what the hell are you doing outside in the first place? This kite is part of the WindFire Designs OS series of kites and isn't on sale yet, unfortunately. – Travis Hudson

WindFire Cursor [Via MAKE]

Planter Speaker: Flowers Like to Rock, Right?

Travis Hudson — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 15:45:07 EDT

Hell yes flowers like to rock. They are rockin' out with their cocks out all night long. This planter speaker will help those flowers rock out just a little bit more than normal thanks to the integrated 6.5-inch 125 watt speaker. All of which is housed inside a pretty terra cotta planter that will make the neighbors envious. The entire unit is weatherproof, so neither rain nor shine will disrupt the rocking being rocked by the daffodils. The small problem? Yeah, this planter costs a blistering $250. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Red Ferret]

Fishing Gadgets: Unleashing Your Hidden Quint

Gizloco — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:53:51 EDT

Fishing is the sport of champions and champions increasingly rely on on hi-tech gear to help them win, or, in this case, land the big one. Several such gadgets are already available for all your fishing needs, making the age-old battle between man and fish all the more devastating.

A remote control from Minn Kota Motors allows daring fishermen to control the boat's motor speed right from the fishing pole. It's designed to run silently, lest you disturb the big flounder with your racket.

To get a better feel for what's going on under the waves, Hummingbird's SmartCast, a watch with an internal antenna to communicate with a sonar buoy, lets you comb the water up to 120 in depth. The software is so advanced that it can recognize a fish, prompting an adorable icon to pop up on the watch's display.

What's the point in fishing if nothing's biting that day? Solve that problem with the Fish Activator, which uses digitally mastered sounds to attract fish. (Fish have ears?) It simulates the sound of several fish-tempting events, such as "distressed bait." Silly fish.

The material used in fishing line is kind of a hassle to see in the heat of battle, so Berkley Fishing developed a fluorocarbon fishing line that turns bright yellow in the sunlight. This only happens above water, so only you and yours will see the line and not those wily fish.

No fishing trip is complete without a fancy lure, and this might just be the fanciest. Once submerged, the SolarisFatshad's 14 LEDs start flashing light crazy, not unlike certain episodes of Pokémon back in the day. An electromagnetic buzzer also sends out pulses that mimic the kind made by an injured fish. That's right, Flounder, just a little bit closer... – Nicholas Deleon

Here, Fishy, Fishy, Fishy [Wired]

Preva xSport: Espresso al Fresco

Charlie White — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:14:15 EDT

Once you've acquired a taste for espresso, it's hard to go back to everyday java. That's why aficionados of the burnt coffee want to take it with them, brewing up espresso al fresco, even on a ice-capped mountaintop.

Here's a guy who took his Preva xSport portable espresso maker on a long hike, heating up some water and pressing it through the grounds, after just three minutes giving him a pick-me-up even on top of the world. Well, 4400 feet above sea level, but who's counting? – Charlie White

Preva Portable Espresso Maker in the Wild [singleservecoffee.com]

Grill-Top Pizza Stone

Travis Hudson — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:52:39 EDT

Awww, summer time. It is the time for fireworks, bugs and grilling. Until now my summer was meaningless and dull because I was forced to stay inside in my nice, air-conditioned apartment to cook my award-winning pizza. But thanks to William-Sonoma I can make my pizza concoction outdoors, in the blistering heat, on my grill, with this Grill-Top Pizza Stone. Slap this baby on the grill, through some dough, sauce, and other ingredients on it and be eating a delicious pizza in no time. The grill measures 16.25 inches by 13.75 inches and is available for $100. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Uncrate]

iSplash Rugged MP3 Player: No Wimps Allowed

Gizloco — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 16:07:02 EDT

You're a man; you go to the beach and do masculine things, like kick sand in nerds' eyes just because you can. While on the beach, you rock out to Winger and other gnarly bands. Well, here's an MP3 player that matches your alpha male personality, the iSplash Rugged. It's a digital stereo boombox that works with your iPod or other MP3 player. The splashproof housing makes sure a little water won't ruin the good times and the subwoofer makes sure the whole neighborhood knows you're in town looking to do a little damage. That dainty looking handle? Why, you use that to swing the iSplash around as part of your ritualistic "look at my muscles" dance.

Being rugged with the iSplash costs $149.95. Testosterone not included. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [The Sharper Image via Popgadget]

Ecologically Sound Camping Kit From Biome

Gizloco — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 12:48:30 EDT

It's nearly summertime, so get out of that basement and go see the world. Or, failing that, go spend some time in the woods ecologically "roughing it" with this Biome camping kit by your side. There's two versions of the kit available, with a few differences between them. The $282 standard version includes a whole host of ~~junk~~ really useful stuff, like an organic roll-up bed, a Freeplay windup radio (I thought you were "roughing it"?), solar-heated shower with enough water for 2-3 short showers, a water-powered clock and a wind-up torch. Plus, there's that fashionable bag to put it all in.

If you're willing to spend $460 on the luxury version, which is pictured here, you get all that plus a solar-powered iPod charger, a shetland wool throw (kind of like a shawl) and organic soap and towel. Wow, being ecologically conscious sure is expensive, not to mention painfully dull. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Biome via Hippyshopper]

Gardening Kits for Children

Gizloco — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 15:34:28 EDT

Since kids nowadays practically live online, it's time Gizmodo give 'em something they can use in their everyday lives. Well, Junior, step on up and start growing a victory garden with these kits from Asda, a UK partner of Wal-Mart.

There's several items here for your It's A Small World After All life. There's a polka dot gardening kit, complete with bucket and assorted tools, available for $6.60 Why not throw in a watering can and dotty gloves? Wheee!

The showstopper, however, is the grow your own sunflower kit, for $3.76. With a pot, soil, and seeds, you're well on your way to starting a record-breaking garden. – Nicholas Deleon

ASDA Homepage [ASDA via Shiny Shiny]

Quad Headlamp: Think Miners

Jason Chen — Thu, 25 May 2006 17:40:36 EDT

Whether you're camping in the jungles of Brazil or just tooling around in your backyard, these Quad headlamps will come in handy to light your path. Available for $32, these have a burnout time from 50 to 120 hours and are bright enough to light your path even for jogging. You'll look like a dork, but at least you won't trip and break your face.

Our wives are going enjoy these—In the bedroom, if you know what we mean. And I think you do. – Jason Chen

PrincetonTec [via Popgadget]

Shoes Straight from the World of Tron

Gizloco — Mon, 22 May 2006 18:23:49 EDT

Why hide your nerdiness from the world when you can walk around town in shoes inspired by that movie of movies, Tron? From Addidas and available in the UK for £65 (about $122), these shoes—officially called The Stan Smith Comfort—won't give you special superpowers or anything, but then again, neither will that "Pwned!" shirt that you constantly wear. Apparently, the tongue shows a picture of Tron and the evil Master Control Programmer on the footbed, but you wouldn't know it from the pictures that Adidas supplied.

Are they worth importing all the way from the UK? We guess that depends on how much money you have to waste, as well as your level of self-confidence.

Product Page [Adidas UK via Kotaku]

Strobe Light Bicycle Vest

Gizloco — Fri, 19 May 2006 17:22:32 EDT

With summer right around the corner, it's time to get back on that bicycle you swore that you'd ride every day and get into some semblance of shape. Unless you live in the Arctic Circle, however, the sun will set and you'll quickly find yourself bicycling at night with nary a stranger able to see you. That is, unless you choose to don something like the Stridelite.

The folks at Bright Night USA have designed both the Stridelite and the Cyclite, cycling jackets not only with the typical reflective stripes and bright colors, but feature an integrated strobe light of sorts, letting passersby know that, "Hey, I'm ridin' here!" The jackets come in both hard and soft shell designs, and will set you back somewhere in the neighborhood of $150-$190. Perhaps a little on the pricey side, but it's still probably better than waking up on your neighbors lawn because some careless motorist knocked you over.

Stridelite + Cyclite [Bright Night USA via OhGizmo!]