tech e blog

The Solar Tent

Available in 4-person ($150) or 6-person ($200) models, this nifty tent is equipped with a 7-inch solar panel -- which captures sunlight to power the interior LED lights or for charging batteries.

The 7" (18 cm) solar panel is placed on the top of the tent's hub and clicked into place. The fly is then placed on top of solar panel & tent, and sun will charge the panel through the clear PVC window at the top of the fly

[Source 1 - 2]

Ultimate Swiss Army Knife

Wenger's new Swiss Army Knife measures 9-inch long, weighs 2-pounds, and has over 85 tools. Here's just a small sampling: "golf shoe spike wrench, a bike chain rivet setter, and a laser pointer with a 300ft range." More pictures here.

Presumably this is so seasoned golfers can tune their bicycle's rivets before heading off on a deer hunt / cycling trip armed with blinding lasers and an entire collection of 3-inch knives

[Source]

Solar Powered LED Light

The LightCap is basically a solar powered water bottle which has a built-in LED light in its lid. It features a waterproof solar panel, battery pack, and "will stay bright for hours while the rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries will last for at least 300 cycles" on a four hour charge -- in sunlight. This device measures 8 ¼" tall and 3 ¾" wide with a 32 oz capacity. No word yet on pricing and availability.

Set it in the sun or hang it from a railing during the day and you'll have light all night long!

[Source]

Tote-A-Keg

What's a camping trip without beer? One quick way to lug around a 2.5-gallon keg is with MoreBeer's Tote-A-Keg. One potential drawback, it costs $150.

It uses CO2 to dispense the flowing beery goodness through an outer spout. The handle and wheels make this device easily the best accessory of any drinker. Being an alcoholic is damn expensive, I should know, my Tote-A-Keg is on the way

[Source]

Wearable Sleeping Bag

A wearable sleeping bag makes sense; anyone who's ever gone camping knows how much space those things take up. Essentially, the Selk’Bag by Musuchouse can be used anywhere - at home, at work, during class, and just about everywhere in between.

"Get inside, zip up and go out in the cold wilderness. Getting a little sleepy? Plop down on the snow and, eh, sleep."

[Source]

Honorable Mention - Solar Powered Cooling Pith

Four compact solar panels up top power a miniature fan that keeps you cool on hot days. When the sun isn't out - this hat takes 2 AA batteries to keep things going. It's crafted from weather-resistant coated linen straw for all-weather use. [Source]