The shredder - a new way to explore new places?

Another one from gizmag.com.

This is presented more to be a toy than anything, but I can't help but wonder if this wouldn't be a great tool in accessing remote areas that would be difficult to get to my motorcycle.

"Twenty-one year-old Canadian Ben Gulak heads up BPG Werks, a company that is developing a vehicle called the DTV Shredder. Like the Scarpar, the Shredder is an all-terrain tracked vehicle that the rider stands on, like a skateboard – or in this case, a mini-tank. What sets it apart is its larger size, handlebars, and an in-development 48hp rotary combustion engine that should allow for a top speed of over 97km/h (60mph)."

"We wanted to create a new powered sport vehicle that was small enough that you could put it in the trunk of your car,” he told us regarding the Shredder. “We wanted a very small platform that had all the same capabilities as an ATV or dirt bike, and that also was a crossover between power and extreme sports."

"BPG Werks is currently in negotiations with unnamed major manufacturers who are interested in producing both civilian and military versions of the Shredder. Gulak expects it to be commercially available within 12 to 18 months, for around US$3,500 to $4,000."

Originally posted here.

The Gorillatorch

Whether you are on a hike, camping or in the middle of a jungle the Gorillatorch seems like it would be a helpful gadget to bring along. Multi-purpose, lightweight and energy efficient check all the right boxes.

From gizmag.com:

"Joby is continuing its run of clever designs with the fourth installment in its hands-free torch line-up – the Gorillatorch Switchback. As anyone who's ever been on an overnight hike can attest, any practical two-in-one solution that cuts down on baggage is a bonus, and this one seems to tick the boxes. The Switchback uses one LED light array as both an LED lantern and a headlamp, plus the lamp stand doubles as a camera tripod... better make that three-in-one.

The 5-LED array includes a 130-lumen spotlight, two white floodlights and two red LEDs to help you keep your night vision intact. It has six brightness settings, an adjustable dimmer switch, a beam distance of 60 feet and a battery life of up to 72 hours on 2xAA batteries.

Joby says that in lantern mode, the Switchback has enough kick to illuminate an 8-person tent and its 92% ultra-efficient holographic lens "produces brilliant and even light that is easy on the eyes when viewed directly."

The lamp stand / camera tripod is of the Joby grab-anywhere variety, so figuring out how to hold your light steady shouldn't be a problem.

I'm not convinced that I'd leave my dedicated headtorch at home if I had the Switchback in the kit (there could be too much changing back-and-forth involved while tinkering around the campsite), but even if you look at it as a bright, compact lantern with the bonus of a spare headtorch (and a camera tripod), it's still has the makings of a very useful piece of camping gear.

The price: US$59.95."