Waterproof | Evolving Consumer

Rocket Powered

When heading out into the wilds less can be more as the new Rocket Torch from Pyle Audio proves. This sleek cylinder is both a multi-functional speaker and flashlight equipped. It is equipped with Bluetooth technology, FM radio, mini SD card slot and AUX-IN jack. It is water resistant yet weighs less than a pound, while the Bluetooth technology allows users to connect to any iOS, Android or PC device and listen to music and phone calls up to a distance of 32 feet.

It also offers a bright, energy efficient LED flashlight that can be clipped to a backpack or even a bike for traveling at night. This is one rocket that will light the way and rock out the tunes.

Pyle Audio Official Website

Olympus Gets Tough Again

Olympus has risen – with a new rugged camera we mean. The new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-3 is ready to go where the adventure takes you. It is freezeproof to -14 degrees F, waterproof to 50 feet, shockproof from seven feet, crushproof to 220 lbs., and dustproof. It features a high-speed f2.0 lens, 16MP backlit CMOS sensor, and TruePic VII image processor, which are joined by 1080p Full HD video recording, a 3-inch LCD monitor, GPS, and built-in Wi-Fi.

Olympus Official Website

Zpack it in!

The long winter could soon give way to a long wet spring, but the small bags and packs from ZPacks will keep the contents – including mobile phone, ID, money and card cards – dry inside. These are made of a hybrid Cuben fiber material that resembles paper but is tough and waterproof! Just what we need this spring.

ZPacks Official Website

Olympus Toughen’s Up

This month Olympus shows that it is still going tough. The Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850, which comes out this month (MSRP: $249.99) can record video with natural motion via 60p recording at 60fps in Full HD 1080p, as well as high-speed via 120 fps at 640 x 480 or 240 fps at 320 x 240.

But more importantly this one lives up to its name. It is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof camera employs True-Pic VII processor and wide-angle 21–105 mm 5x optical zoom lens. Other features include 180 degree flip LCD monitor and 16 MP backlit CMOS sensor.

Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850 Official Website

Ricoh Out With Rugged Cameras

Ricoh has the camera to reach for on your next adventure. The company has introduced three new rugged cameras that include the WG-4 GPS, WG-4 and WG-20 – all of which will work with a new action-oriented mounting system. These actually build on the Pentax WG line, which makes sense as Ricoh bought the Japanese camera maker in 2011. The Ricoh name will now be used for compact cameras such as these.

The camera lineup includes the WG-4 and WG-4 GPS, each of which feature a 16megapixel CMOS sensor and sensor shift shake reduction. Each can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, and both are waterproof to 45 feet, shock resistant to just over six feet, and are crushproof to 220 pounds. These are even ideal winter sports cameras as they can endure temperatures to 14 degrees F! The WG-4/WG-4 GPS features a three inch LCD display, and offer a ring of six LED marco lights as well as traditional flash. The WG-4 GPS includes a GPS unit (obviously enough) to record position data and a travel log data.

The WG-20 has many of the features of the above models, but is meant as the introductory version. It is waterproof to 33 feet, shock resistant to five feet, but still crushproof to 220 pounds and can endure up to 14 degrees F. It is smaller than the WG-4 and can shoot HD video at 720p at 30 fps. It features a 14megapixel CCD sensor and has a 2.7 inch LCD screen.

All three cameras are also compatible with Ricoh’s new mounting systems that includes a handlebar mount, suction cup mount and adhesive mount. Mount up and reach for one of these Ricoh cameras.

Ricoh Official Website

Touching a Nerve

Booq has touched a nerve so to speak with its new Boa nerve messenger bag. It features water-repellent 1680 denier ballistic nylon exterior that will protect the value contents inside. With intelligently designed pocket-packed interior everything will have its proper place during a daily commute to work by bicycle – or just a ride on the subway. The interior is further lined with herringbone nylon to optimize storage space and keep gear from getting scratched, while a magnetic strap system shifts from a loose to secure fit in a cinch, so you won’t feel a pinched nerve from having this pack on your back.

Booq Boa nerve Official Website

CES: The Aqua Man’s Speaker

Electronics and water don’t often mix, but at this week’s International CES in Las Vegas we’re seeing more devices that can stand up to nature. NYNE introduced the Aqua, the first IPX7 waterproof, floating, Bluetooth 4.0 portable speaker. While ideal for a pool, it could also be a great go anywhere speaker as it can be fully submersed in one meter of water for 30 minutes. It also features a built-in waterproof microphone to answer incoming calls, listen to voicemails and hear text notifications. It has a 2200mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for an optional wired connection or non-Bluetooth devices.

“Aqua answers the need for a portable, high-quality audio speaker that can play music outdoors and withstand the elements,” said Arman Arami, president of NYNE. “With up to 10 hours of playtime, the party can last all day at the beach, pool, lake, campsite, or backyard, even when an unexpected rainstorm hits. Aqua plays music from any Bluetooth-enabled device within a 33-foot range, without a wired or dock connection, so your phone or tablet can stay easily accessible and dry.”

It offers 10 watts of power and is equipped with an EQ button that delivers four preset equalizer settings.

NYNE Official Website

Holiday Gift Guide: These Waterproof Socks Fit

Showers Pass has a new line of waterproof yet breathable socks for runners, cyclists, skiers and anyone else who might risk some cold, wet feet. The new Crosspoint WP socks offer moisture control while still feeling a regular old pair of socks.

These feature three-layer bonded construction that includes an Artex waterproof-breathable membrane that is sandwiched between the knit outer layer and moisture-wicking Coolmax FX nylon lining, while some Spandex ensures a snug fit even after multiple washings.

Showers Pass Official Website

Holiday Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Light

Light can be precious this time of year, and the TerraLux allows those heading out for a hike or to hunt to not so much get extra daylight, but this headlamp will shine the way back home. The TLH-50 utilizes LED lights that deliver up to 540 lumens for up to three hours, and it offers single operation functionality that makes it easy when wearing gloves. This model offers four light levels, and even a search-and-rescue friendly strobe.

The TerraLux TLH-50 is made of durable corrosion-proof aluminum, plus it is water-and impact-resistant.

TerraLux Official Website

Monster of a Light

Halloween was more than a week ago, but for next year plan on having the Tacprogear TM15 Tiny Monster Rechargeable Flashlight on hand as this monster will surely light the way. It blasts out 2450 lumens, making it the world’s smallest yet brightest rechargeable searchlight on the market.

It utilizes three CREE XM-L LEDs, and is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum that has been HA III military grade hard-anodized. It is also IPX-8 waterproofed to two meters, and features a coated mineral glass to resist scratches.

Tacprogear TM15 Tiny Monster Rechargeable Flashlight 2450 Lumens by Nitecore Official Website

Next Generation Console

Bike2Power has introduced its new BikeConsole iPhone 5C Smart Mount, Special Edition. That’s a mouthful, and this handlebar mount for the iPhone, which is now available in five colors, offers waterproof and shockproof protection for the handset. It features SoundBoost microvent sealing technology for enhanced speakers and mic sound.

The BikeConsole Smart Mount also offers a formfitting, silicon-lined shockproof case with an in-bracket safety lock and double-hinged closure design. It is designed to provide the user with full phone functionality from within the case, while the BikeConsole even offers an antiglare screen membrane that perfect for a bike ride on a sunny day. Continue reading Next Generation Console

GoBe Brings the Light

The GoBe light from Light & Motion could be the “go to” light for all your outdoor needs. This factory sealed rechargeable flashlight can be used up to 120 meters underwater, but will also shine the way on the hiking or biking trail.

It features interchangeable light heads that allow users to choose the best light for their activity, whether it’s white, red, blue, flood or spot. The GoBe also combines the design features of Light & Motion’s popular Sola scuba dive lights with the size and convenience of the company’s commuter bike lights.

There are six activity-specific base models, with the GoBe featuring a 500-lumen Spot Beam, a 500-lumen Search Beam, a 500-lumen NightSea Beam or in a special Pink Body with 500-lumen Spot Beam light-head edition. The GoBe+ also offers a 700-lumen Wide Beam or Spot Beam light head.

The light weighs just 160 grams and comes with underwater photography mounts as well as a versatile handlebar mount. It also includes a battery life indicator, and it can be charged with USB cable. The GoBe offers three power levels, SOS mode, and can run up to 24 hours on a single charge.

Users can customize the light according to their use with interchangeable light heads, sold separately. The GoBe will begin shipping this month.

Light & Motion GoBe Official Website

Fowl Weather Bag

If the weather outside is foul, then the Tenzing TZWF13 Waterfowl Bag may be just the one to bring. It features 2,830 cubic inches and has lots of pockets, 27 in all, for keeping and organizing all items, and it is built to deal with the conditions that waterfowl hunters face.

This bag is constructed from 600 Denier polyester with PVC waterproofing and DWR coating, and offers a rigid and waterproof EVA base so it can be set down in a muddy and wet environment without fear that it will soak up water. It further offers both a zippered top to keep the elements out, while a storm shielf cover fully envelops the bags openings.

Foul weather won’t ruin this fowl bag.

Tenzing Official Website