Gear Closet: Travel Tech From iClever

As someone who travels frequently for his job, I'm always on the look out for new items that can help make my life on the road more convenient and enjoyable. That often takes the form of some new tech gadget that is designed specifically with travelers in mind. Recently, I received a number of products from a company called iClever that definitely meet that description, delivering some great features at prices that are very affordable. Here's some thoughts on what I tested.

USB Wall Chargers (Prices Vary)
When traveling these days we usually carry a variety of tech gear with us. Everything from smartphones to tablets to digital cameras, not to mention portable game systems, e-readers, GPS devices, and host of other items. While each of them are wonderful for helping us to stay informed and entertained while on long flights or spending time in a tent, those gadgets are only useful as long as they can hold a charge. Fortunately, practically everything these days is charged using USB cables, and iClever offers some excellent wall chargers to help keep your technology up and running.

I received the 4-port BoostCube and 2-Port BoostCube, both of which function pretty much identically, other than the number of gadgets they can charge at the same time. Both of the chargers have SmartID technology that automatically detects the fastest speed your device can be charged, and adjusts the wattage provided accordingly. They both also have the ability to provide 2.4 amps per port, which means your gadgets will be powered up as quickly as possible. Similar devices from competitors often split the power between ports, increasing charge times as a result.


Both models of the BoostCube offer great build quality and feel great in your hand. They're also durable and include foldout power plugs for inserting them into wall outlets. They are also priced perfectly, with the 4-port model selling for $17.99 while the 2-port version is just $10.99.

Additionally, iClever also has a single port version called the BoostCube Quick Charge, which has the ability to power up a device up to four times faster than regard chargers. It uses a special process that is safe for your gadgets, and can power them up to 80% of their full charge in as little as 35 minutes. When you need to get your phone up and running as quickly as possible, this is the charger you'll want. And at $16.99, it is affordable too.

All of the chargers come with a full year warranty and work great. In fact, I've gotten to the point where I leave my devices' OEM chargers at home and just carry iClever's versions with me instead. Because they are small, compact, and easy to use, they make great travel accessories for sure.

Tri-Folding Bluetooth Keyboard ($54.99)
As a travel writer who routinely finds himself in a remote destination, I'm always looking for ways to cut weight from my bags. For instance, I often like to leave my laptop at home and just take my iPad along with me instead. The problem is, the onscreen keyboard isn't always the best for getting serious work done. That's where the iClever Folding Bluetooth Keyboard comes in handy.

This product is lightweight, yet very durable. So much so, that I wouldn't hesitate to take it with me anywhere I'm going. The keyboard is cleverly designed to fold up into a surprisingly small footprint, but when it is opened it transforms into a full-sized keyboard. The device actually allows me to easily get work done, using productivity apps on my tablet to write stories and articles, take notes, even compose emails.

The keyboard comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that takes about 4 hours to fully power up, but can provide up to 80 hours of actual wireless use. It can also be connected to your laptop or desktop computer via USB to serve as a standard keyboard for those devices too. It even has a fantastic backlight mode (with three different colors) that makes it easier to use in the dark. But the backlighting eats into the battery life, so I tend to work with it off.

iClever sells the keyboard for $54.99 and ships it with a soft carrying case, making it even easier to take with you on the road.

Outdoor Wireless Speaker ($29.99)
These days, Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, with plenty of good options for consumers to choose from. But iClever's Outdoor Wireless Speaker offers a few nice features that help set it apart from the competition and make it a good option for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, it is lightweight, compact in size, and offers IP65 water resistance. That's enough protection from moisture that you can even use it in the shower if you'd like.

The speaker comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can power it for up to 10 hours. It offers solid performance with clear playback of music across the full audio spectrum, even at higher lives of volume. And since it is built to survive in the outdoors, you can take it with you to the beach, a remote campsite, or for use around a hotel room without fear of damaging it.

What I like most about this speaker is that it isn't overly large or heavy, which means you can toss it into your pack without really realizing that its there. And while it offers solid battery life, I wouldn't mind getting more hours out of it so I don't have to worry about it running out of juice while in the backcountry. But the price is great and the performance is very good too, making it a great travel buddy for sure.

Find out more about all of these products and more at iClever.com.

Help Expedition Alaska Crowdfunding Efforts, Get Some Cool Gear

Last summer I was part of the team that put on the Expedition Alaska adventure race, during which we hosted some of the best AR teams in the world on a grueling 400+ mile (643 km) course through the Alaskan wilderness. It was an epic event, held in an epic location, that was both thrilling to watch unfold and rewarding to be a part of.

The race was filmed by a talented crew of faculty and students from the University of Cincinnati, which has a unique and innovative Production Master Class that is taught by CCM Professor Kevin Burke, DAAP Professor Yoshiko Burke and UC/CCM Alumnus and Emmy award-winning producer Brian J. Leitten. That group spent days in the field filming the race, capturing some amazing footage in the process. Now, they're looking to crowdfund a documentary, offering adventure racing fans a look at this amazing event. 

A few days ago, the team behind the documentary launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $25,000 that will allow them to finish the project and produce 4 half-hour long episodes that show the drama and challenge of Expedition Alaska. There are multiple levels of pledges to be had - starting as low as $5 – which deliver some great perks to those who contribute to the cause. Those perks include everything from copies of the finished product, digital downloads of a "making of" documentary, and even some excellent outdoor gear. 

In an effort to help out the cause, I am donating some gear to help raise funds. In fact, there is a special "The Adventure Blogger" perk for someone who is willing to donate $500 to the campaign. If you select this perk, I will send you a mystery gear package that will definitely exceed the amount that you are contributing. You'll also receive all of the other perks that fall below that funding level too. 

The video below is the trailer for Expedition Alaska, and gives you a good idea of what to expect from this project. If you'd like to learn more, check out the Indiegogo page here.  

EXPEDITION ALASKA TRAILER from Hyperion XIII Productions on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: Rumpl Down Puffy Performance Blanket

When it comes to warmth and comfort in cold weather conditions, it it hard to beat a good puffy jacket. In fact, they are often so cozy that we're sometimes reluctant to take them off, even when we get inside. But what if you had a warm puffy of another kind to help keep you warm after you've pulled your jacket off? That's the premise behind the Down Puffy performance blanket from Rumpl, which is so comfy that you'll want to buy two just to avoid arguments over who gets to wrap up in it.

Much like that down jacket that you love so much, this blanket is made with 20D ripstop nylon complete with a DWR coating to help repel moisture. That same coating also helps it to resist stains and odor too, something that comes in handy not only at home, but around the campsite as well.

Stuffed with 600 fill duck down insulation, the Down Puffy is incredibly soft, warm, and comfortable, without being overly bulky. In fact, it is highly packable, which makes it easy to carry with you anywhere. It even comes with a nice stuff sack to help compress it down to a small footprint when you need to stuff it into a backpack, duffel, or piece of luggage. And since Rumpl uses Dry Down water resistant fill, you literally can take this with you to the backyard, the cabin, or a tent in the backcountry without fear.


Obviously this blanket is very warm and cozy for use in cool and even cold weather conditions, but it can also serve as a sleeping bag replacement for warm weather camp outings as well. Using a blanket allows for more versatility in those conditions, when a regular sleeping bag can feel confining and overly warm, even if it is rated for higher temperatures. You'll also find the Down Puffy to be a great addition to your camp gear when sitting around the fire before retiring for the evening too.

I can tell you from experience that this blanket is so comfortable and warm that you won't want to share, even though it is large enough for two. At my house there have been arguments (mostly in jest of course!) over who stakes claim to the Down Puffy, and I can tell you that I can see us packing it on future travel outings simply because it is so easy to take with you and offers so much versatility.

The Down Puffy is described as a "performance blanket" and it carries a price tag to match. Rumpl sells it for $199, which makes it quite an investment for anyone who wants one. I can tell you that it is definitely worth the money, even if it is a bit of a luxury item for use around the home and campsite. But if dropping that much cash on a down blanket seems like too much, Rumpl also offers other puffy blankets in a variety of colors that start at just $65.

Any of these options are a great investment, and make wonderful gifts too. Find out more at GoRumpl.com.

Gear Closet: Skins DNAmic Compression Shirt

With as much running and cycling as I do, I've become a convert to the benefits of compression. Not only do I feel like it helps me to perform better out on the road, but recover faster after my workouts as well. These benefits come from the fact that compression gear helps to stimulate the flow of blood to our muscles, while reducing lactic acids as well, bringing some excellent benefits along with it.

One of my favorite companies that provides compression gear for my workout is SKINS. In colder weather I frequently wear a pair of their tights, and during the warmer month I break out the SKINS shorts. Later, I'll even don a pair of recovery tights to help get my legs ready for the next workout the following day. Recently, I had a chance to check out the new DNAmic Compression Shirt as well, and true to form it delivers positive benefits too.

Like SKINS compression tights and shorts, this short sleeve shirt is designed to help stimulate the flow of oxygen to our muscles, helping to improve performance in the process. In particular, this shirt is meant to aid the muscles in our shoulders, chest, and core, providing more power and faster recovery post workout.


It is tough to quantify the "more power" part of that equation, but I can definitely attest to its ability to help speed recovery. After a workout with this shirt, I still felt the effects of a workout, with tired muscles and lots of lactic acid build-up. But the impact of those workouts diminishes much more quickly, and I feel less sore when I start my next exercise session as well.

One of the other benefits of wearing compression gear is that it prevents the muscles in your body from vibrating and moving around too much while moving. That helps to keep the wear and tear on those muscles to a minimum, which is a large part of where the post-workout soreness comes from. But since this shirt fits like, well, a second skin, there isn't much room for your muscles to move about much, which is part of the reason why it is so effective. But it can take a bit to get use to the fit of the shirt, which is tight, but not uncomfortably so.

The DNAmic shirt brings some other nice benefits to the table as well. For instance, it is made of fabrics that wick moisture away quickly and easily, keeping you dry and cool in the process. That can play a big role in staying comfortable while exercising too. On top of that, the shirt offers 50+ UPF protection from the sun too, which definitely comes in handy on those outdoor workouts.

If you're not already a convert to the compression movement, what are you waiting for? You'll find a lot of nice benefits from wearing this type of gear, both on your legs and upper body. This shirt is a also a great place to start, as it can be worn on its own or under other equipment and still get maximum performance. And at a pice of $89.99, it is also a reasonably priced product for how high quality it is. Yes, you'll find some options that cost less, but in my experience that apparel isn't nearly as durable or effective as the products that come from SKINS.

Find out more at SKINS.net.

Gear Closet: Thule Stir 35 Technical Backpack

In need of a new backpack for your spring adventures? Than you're in luck, because Thule has delivered a couple of great new packs that deliver a high level of performance and a number of great features, at a price point that we can all appreciate.

Recently I got my hands on the new Thule Stir 35 pack and found it to be a great option for day hikers that need to carry plenty of gear with them out on the trail. But the pack also works great for climbers and peak baggers looking for a bag that can carry all of their equipment without slowing them down. The Stir is comfortable, versatile, and well designed, making it a breeze to stay organized while hauling a surprising amount of equipment with us on our adventures.

With 35 liters of storage, the Stir is definitely on the larger size when it comes to daypacks. That may make it overly large for some hikers, but as a frequent traveler and outdoor enthusiast who takes part in a lot of different activities, I found the extra space to be really useful. Some of my smaller packs are a bit cramped at times, while this bag allowed me to carry pretty much everything I need without compromise.


Some of the features that I really like include the easy-access lid that allows you to get inside the main storage compartment while still keeping the elements at bay. But if the weather really takes a turn for the worse, the Stir comes equipped with a built-in rain cover, which should pretty much be a standard piece of equipment on every daypack these days. I also love that this pack offers access to the interior through a side zipper, making it super easy to retrieve important items no matter where they are stored. This is something I'm use to finding on larger backpacks, but it isn't all that common on a daypack.

Another feature that is more common on larger packs that is also found here is an adjustable torso for improved fitting. This not only adds another level of versatility to the pack, but allows you to find a more comfortable fitting for the Stir as well. By simply adjusting the back panel using some Velcro, you can adjust where the pack sits on your back, making it easier to carry heavier loads.

For those hikers who count every ounce, the Stir offers the ability to remove the hipbelt and sternum strap, saving some weight in the process. That ability also makes the pack a bit less technical looking if you want to use it as a commuter pack around town as well. I personally like having those items in place, as the small pockets on the belt come in handy, but it is nice touches like this one that indicate that Thule took great care in designing a backpack that meets a variety of customers' needs.

Other nice features that have a more technical slant include a light loop attachment points made from reflective materials and two attachment loops for carrying trekking poles or ice aces. There is even a stretch pocket on the one of the shoulder straps that is specifically designed to carry a smartphone, keeping it close at hand for when you need it most.

Personally, I really like the slim design and minimalist approach that Thule took with this pack. It looks great, but also offers great features and functionality too. Comfortable to wear and with plenty of storage capacity, this is a backpack designed for longer day hikes or even short overnight trips if you can manage to go ultralight in warmer weather. But climbers will appreciate everything it brings to the table as well. And since the pack is priced at just $139.95, it is very affordable as well, particularly when considering all of the great features it delivers.

The pack is available now. Find out more at Thule.com.

Gear Closet: Nonda iHere Wireless Item Locator

Are you one of those types of people who is routinely forgets where they place their keys, wallet, smartphone, or other valuables? Is this issue exasperated even further when you travel? Than you're going to want to add the iHere smart key finder from Nonda to your life. This tiny, rechargeable device attaches to your important gear and helps you to locate it when it goes missing.

The iHere is small enough to serve as a keychain, but packs a surprising amount of functionality into its tiny casing. The device connects to your smartphone (iPhone or Android) via Bluetooth technology, setting up a two-way link that makes it a breeze to track important items.

Once your smartphone and the iHere are paired with one another, you can use a specially developed app for iOS and Android to not only track the location of the whatever the iHere is connected too. The device has a range of about 75 feet, with the current location being displayed on a map to indicate just where it is located at any given time. This can prove incredibly useful when you've lost your keys, luggage, or just about any other item you can connect the gadget to.


But that isn't all that the iHere can do. The device can also ping your phone to help you locate it in a pinch, and it can also be used as a remote control for your smartphone's camera when you want to take selfies. The iHere app can also bookmark the location of your car when you park it, and help you navigate back later on. As if that wasn't enough, you can also use the iHere as a remote for the voice recorder on your mobile device as well, allowing you to dictate messages on the go.

Much of this functionality isn't new, and there are similar gadgets available to help you locate your important items. What sets the iHere one apart however is that it is the only one currently available that comes with a rechargeable battery. Most of the others are either disposable or require you to replace the batteries yourself, but this device lets you recharge it as needed. And with a battery life that is measured in weeks, you won't have to do that all that often.

Personally, I'm not someone who loses track of his keys or smartphone all that often, but I do like to know where my backpack is when I'm traveling. On a recent trip, I put my iHere in one of the pockets of the pack, which allowed me to stay aware of its location, track where it was at in the airport, and know that I hadn't wandered too far away from the bag. This provided a nice sense of security, especially since the pack contained some important items that I didn't want to leave out of my sight.

The iHere carries a price tag of just $19.99, which is incredibly affordable for all of the functionality that it offers. Your smartphone can connect to multiple iHere devices, and you can even rename them within the app to keep track of which one is which. Then, you simply tap on that particular model to track the asset that it is connected to. It is as simple as that.

If you're someone who frequently loses things or leaves important items behind, than this is an affordable gadget that can help your daily life to be better. If you're a frequent traveler, you'll find it is a nice inclusion to your travel gear. And since it comes with a rechargeable battery, the iHere won't fail on you at the least opportune time.

Find out more at Nonda.co.

Gear Closet: G-Form Pro-X Compression Shirt and Pro-B Bike Compression Shorts

A few years back, when I got my first iPad, I looked for a case that could protect it when carrying the shiny new tablet with me in remote locations. I checked out a number of different products, but ultimately settled on the Extreme Sleeve 2 from a company called G-Form. While it was a bit thicker than other cases that were out there, it also was engineered from a high-tech material called G-Form RPT that has the unique ability to sense an impact and automatically stiffen to provide support. The Extreme Sleeve ended up saving my iPad on more than one occasion, more than proving its worth in the field.

Fast forward a few years, and G-Form has taken that same material and applied it to a line of gear designed to keep us safe while participating in a wide range of sports. The company has produced compression shirts and shorts that can be used in a wide variety of activities, as well as shin guards, elbow pads, and other gear for skaters, soccer players, or anyone else who needs a little extra protection. These products incorporate the same G-Form RPT materials, protecting athletes from impact in the exact same way the Extreme Sleeve protected my iPad.

Recently, I had the chance to try out both the Pro-X Compression Shirt and Pro-B Compression Short while on a few mountain bike rides. Both pieces of apparel feature strategically placed RPT cushions that are designed to offer protection in case of a crash. Fortunately, I didn't suffer any significant wipeouts while wearing the products, but I was able to put them to the test through other means, and came away very impressed.

If there is one thing that I need from my active apparel it is the ability to move without compromise. If I wear an article of clothing – no matter how well it performs technically – if it impedes my motion I'm probably not going to like it much. That was my fear with both of these items, as when you look at them before putting them on, it seems like they might be restrictive in some way. But that couldn't be further from the truth, as both the short and shirt fit like a glove, but moved nicely while I walked, jogged, and rode my bike.

The designers at G-Form went to great lengths to find just the right places to install their RPT shields. I found them to sit exactly where I needed them to if they were going to provide any kind of protection, but not in such a way that I was put off by their placement. In fact, within a few minutes of putting these two pieces of apparel on, I actually forgot that I was wearing anything out of the ordinary. That's exactly the point of these products however, as they provide good protection without making you feel conspicuous in any way.

The shorts feature a built in chamois that is a bit on the thin side, but does provide a measure of protection. Considering mountain bikers who wear this type of padding are probably not going to be spending a great deal of time in the saddle however, it never became too much of an issue. I'm sure there will be some riders who would prefer a thicker level of padding, but it was seldom a consideration on my part.

Both the Pro-X Compression Shirt and Pro-B Compression Short are incredibly comfortable to wear. I wore a pair of baggy shorts over G-Form's shorts without any problems at all, and simply wore the compression shirt completely on its own. Both fit well, moved nicely, and have the ability to wick moisture while breathing, all things that come in handy when you're on an intense ride.

Both the compression shirt and shorts are a bit pricey. The shirt will set you back $129.99, while the shorts cost $119.99. That will undoubtedly cause sticker shock for some, who simply want to wear a comfortable shirt and riding shorts when they hit the trail. But for those of you who ride more difficult terrain, and are not unfamiliar with unexpected dismounts – aka the occasional crash – G-Form's RPT technology will come as a welcome addition to your wardrobe. They'll not only protect the more important parts of your body in a fall, they'll also have you back on the bike riding much more quickly too.

As I mentioned, I didn't personally suffer any crashes during my testing, so instead I put on both article of clothing and had a friend hit me directly the sports where the RPT pads were located, both with a fist and with a wooden stick. While in both cases the force of the impact was registered, the energy from that impact was deflected and diluted nicely by the pads. That means that while I could feel the impact, it didn't really have an real effect on me. There was not pain, bruising, or injuries at all, which is exactly how you'd hope these pieces of gear would perform.

If you need a bit of extra protection for your mountain bike rides, or other activities for that matter,  check out G-Form's products at G-Form.com.

Gear Closet: REI Flash 65 Backpack

Everyone knows that REI is one of the best sources for finding outdoor gear for our various adventures. But, not everyone realizes that the company produces its own line of gear, much of which compares very favorably to equipment made by some of the more well known brands in the industry, and usually sells for  less money too.

At the start of the year, REI announced that it was actually revamping its gear line up in an effort to streamline the number of products it produces and to make it easer for consumers to understand what they are buying and what items worked well with one another. With that in mind, the gear retailer launched its Flash and Traverse line of products this spring, both populated with equipment that is designed to work well with one another.

The flagship product for the Flash line up is the new Flash 65 backpack, which is designed for lightweight travel and backpacking excursions. The pack brings some interesting features to the market that will make it an attractive option for many outdoor enthusiasts.

As the name of this pack implies, it has about 65 liters of storage depending on which size you go with. The small version clocks in at 63 liters, while the large goes as high as 67. That's quite a bit of capacity for just about any trip, although it does provide some room to bring a few extra amenities if you like.

Like most backpacks, the Flash 65 provides access through the top, which is the traditional approach of course, but can make it annoying to access things that are buried deep inside. But the designers of this pack also added access through the side too thanks to a large zipper than runs down the length of the pack. This makes it very convenient to get to the things you really need without disrupting the entire system.


In addition to the main storage compartment, the Flash 65 also includes a large stuff pouch on the outside that I found useful for storing a spare pair of shoes or wet gear that you don't want inside the bag. There is also another large zippered pocket on the front of the pack, as well as traditional storage in the pack's lid too. Two more pockets can be found on the thickly padded, and very comfortable, hipbelt as well.

One of the key innovations that the Flash 65 brings to the table is REI's proprietary UpLift compression system. By pulling on the compression straps you're not only cinching the load inside the pack into a smaller space, but you're also lifting it upwards, making it easier to carry over longer distances and rough terrain. And when this compression system is combined with the Packnit back panel, it makes this a pack that is comfortable to wear with plenty of ventilation to help keep you from overheating on the trail.

Other nice features of this pack include gear loops for carrying tools such as ice axes or trekking poles, hydration compatibility, an adjustable torso for dialing in just the right fit, and thickly padded shoulder straps that are surprisingly comfortable to wear.

And as an example of how the Flash 65 pack works with other items in the Flash line, it is designed to integrate with the Flash 18 daypack, adding extra capacity and the ability to easily carry an additional pack as needed. The new Rhyolite Rain Jacket has also been designed to accommodate the Flash 65 by moving the hand pockets up to a height that places them above the pack's hipbelt and the shoulders were made without seams to prevent the shoulder straps from causing discomfort.

If there is one issue I have with the Flash 65 its that it is a bit on the heavy side. REI says it is meant for lightweight backpacking and travel, but the pack itself tips the scales at more than 3.5 pounds. That's not completely awful, but it's enough to take this pack off the list of those who count their ounces when setting out on the trail. There are definitely lighter options available if you're someone who is weight conscious with your gear.

The Flash 65 carries a price tag of $199, which makes it competitively priced for its capacity and feature set. Other than the fact that it is a bit on the heavy side, it is a wonderful, comfortable, and versatile pack that will serve you well on many outdoor adventures. And when paired with other items in the Flash line-up, it becomes part of a gear ecosystem that is designed to make things easier for consumers. In that area, it more than succeeds.

Nat Geo Gives Us the Best New Gear for Spring 2016

Need some new gear for your upcoming spring adventures? National Geographic has you covered, as  Nat Geo Adventure presents its selections for the best new gear arriving on store shelves in the days ahead.

And just which items earn a nod from the NG crew? They recommend REI's new Flash 65 backpack, a new stove from Snow Peak, and the Concerto sleeping bag from Nemo. Other items on the list include Mountain Hardwear's new Ghost UL2 tent, an incredibly lightweight shell from The North Face, and a comfortable new backpacking boot from Vasque.

This is just a taste of the items that make Nat Geo's list. There are all kinds of other items including a mountain bike and bike accessories, jackets, knives, watches an other products that will no doubt be objects of lust for gear junkies and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.

Spring is a great time to get outside and get back to chasing your favorite activities and adventures. Some new gear always helps with the process, and is good encouragement too.

Gear Closet: The RinseKit Pressurized Portable Shower

Every once in awhile a piece of gear comes along that sounds good on paper, but it doesn't necessarily click just how useful it can be until you've actually tried it. That was exactly the case for me with the RinseKit, a personal, portable shower that is one of the most interesting pieces of kit that I've seen in a long time that I'm convinced is a great addition to anyone's gear closet.

I first heard about the RinseKit last summer, when the product was first being introduced. Reading about it, it sounded like something that would be really useful for many outdoor enthusiasts in a wide variety of circumstances. I became convinced of that when I first saw the product in person at Summer Outdoor Retailer in August, so of course I was eager to get my hands on one myself, which I did a couple of weeks back.

The concept behind the RinseKit is a simple – but brilliant – one. The idea is to use natural water pressure to create a steady output of water that can be used for any number of purposes without the need for batteries or pumping. The product itself is pretty much a portable tank that can hold up to two gallons of water inside a rugged plastic case. The entire thing weights 9 pounds when it is empty and 24 pounds when it is filled with water, which makes it easy to carry around just about anywhere, although you won't be lugging it into the backcountry.


Popping the top on that case reveals a hose, nozzle, and a special adapter for connecting the RinseKit to the same water spigot that you use with your garden hose. (An optional adapter for your kitchen sink is also available) With that adapter installed, you simply remove then nozzle, hook the hose up to the spout, and turn it on. It takes about 20 seconds to fill the tank, which builds up pressure from the water spigot as you go. That same pressure is used to pump the water back out using the nozzle once you're ready to use it.

The nozzle resembles something you'd also use on your garden hose, although it has multiple settings to allow you to dial in exactly the type of spray that you'd like to use. For instance, it has a shower setting that is perfect for hosing yourself off after a long day on the trail, while other settings provide a higher pressure setting for other activities. When completely full, the RinseKit can provide up to four minutes of spray before it needs to be refilled again.

This is one of those items that you'll probably find more uses for the longer you own it. For instance, I've had mine a couple of weeks, and I've already used it to clean my grill, wash off my mountain bike, and give my puppy a bath. It will also come in handy later in the summer when paddling season starts and I get the chance to test a new stand-up paddleboard that was sent my way.

Surfers, fishermen, and car campers will love the RinseKit. It provides high pressure water for a multitude of uses, and it provides the opportunity to truly clean off at the end of the day. It is actually impressive how well this product works, and I think it is an extremely useful tool to have at your disposal.

The RinseKit is priced at $90, which probably sounds like a lot for a water tank that holds two gallons of liquid. But it is the other functionality that makes this a product that really stands out. Being able pump out a steady stream of high pressure water without the need for batteries or pumping   comes in very handy, and I think you'll find it just as useful as do.

Check out the RinseKit in action in the video below, and find out more at RinseKit.com.

Win a Huckberry Explorers Grant, Go on an Adventure of a Lifetime

Huckberry is a website that sells outdoor and adventure travel gear. It was founded back in 2011 by two friends who wanted to shift their careers away from the investment banking world into something that aligned more with their passions. Now, five years later, the company has grown nicely, with 50 employees helping customers find the right items for the next escape.

For the third year in a row, Huckberry is offering us the chance to win one of their Explorers Grants, which not only will provide the winners with plenty of gear, but a chance to go on an adventure of a lifetime.

To be considered for this great opportunities, all you have to do is choose from one of four amazing trips and enter the contest using your email address. You can increase your chances of being selected by sharing your choice on social media. Entries are being accepted through March 31, with ten finalists being selected completely at random. Those lucky folks will than be asked to write a 250-word essay on why they should be the one who receives the grant. The ultimate winners will be announced on April 21.

So exactly what adventures are they offering? Each is interesting in its own right. The options include traveling across British Columbia by motorcycle, fly fishing the Snake River in the Tetons, camping and surfing in California, and hiking through Olympic National Park in Washington.

The winners will be accompanied on their trip by a Huckberry ambassador who will serve as their guide, and a $2000 shopping spree no the website to get geared up for the trip. To find out more and place your entry, click here.

Good luck!