Gadling

Gadling gear review: DODOcase for iPad 2

Mike Barish — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

iPads, tablets, Kindles and other tablet devises are making it easier to carry around hundreds of books and the entire internet in slim, lightweight devices. That technology needs to be protected, and, with the DODOcase, you can do it while nostalgically remembering what it was like to carry around an actual notebook. Remember those halcyon days? But a good iPad case is defined by more than its aesthetics. It needs to be durable, useful for all types of everyday use and slim. I've had both generations of the iPad and tried out several cases. Is the DODOcase a winner or just a pretty face? I put it to the test.

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Gadling gear review: DODOcase for iPad 2 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Nikon CoolPix AW100 camera

Kraig Becker — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Gear, Gadling Gear Review

Buying a digital camera is no easy task these days. As cameras have grown in popularity, the market has become flooded with dozens of models, all with a dizzying array of features and specs, and few ways to distinguish one from the next. Aside from minor variations in shape and color, most of them all look about the same, and it is difficult to know which one is the best fit for each of our individual needs. That simply isn't the case for the new Nikon CoolPix AW100, which not only has a unique look, but an identity all of its own. This is a camera that is built for travel, and will have a great appeal to adventure travelers in particular.

After removing the AW100 from its box, the first thing you'll notice is how solid it feels in your hands. The ruggedized body conveys the sense that this is a camera that can take a lot of punishment, which makes it a great option for those excursions that take us to the far flung corners of the planet. The AW100's tough shell keeps it waterproof to 33-feet, while allowing it to withstand temperatures down to 14ºF and survive drops up to five feet in height. Those qualities alone help to set it apart from nearly any other digital camera on the market and make it an attractive option for scuba divers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who demand a high level of performance out of their gear.

Don't let this camera's rugged body fool you however, because under the hood, it has plenty of brains to go along with its brawny exterior. This CoolPix features a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor that not only takes fantastic photos, but also manages to capture video in full 1080p HD as well. It has a vibrant 3-inch screen, an easy to use (and understand!) interface and Nikon's new Action Controls, which make the AW100 a snap to operate, even while wearing gloves.

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Gadling gear review: Nikon CoolPix AW100 camera originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Keen Howser Wool Shoes

Kraig Becker — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gear, Gadling Gear Review

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wear a sleeping bag on your feet? That's exactly how Keen bills their Howser Wool slippers, which are designed to be comfortable and warm, both at home or while out and about around town. The shoes more than live up to that billing and make an excellent option for travelers as well.

In designing the Howser Wool slippers, Keen incorporated recycled quilted felt on the outside and super-comfortable microfleece on the inside. The former gives the shoes a unique look that is all their own, while the latter plays a big part in making these slippers something you'll want to wear everywhere you go. Of course, no shoe dubbed a "slipper" would seem like something you'd want to wear out in the elements, but the Howser's rubber outsole gives them an unexpected ruggedness that makes them perfect footwear for all kinds of environments.

Travelers will appreciate that the Howser slippers are lightweight and very packable, making them a great choice whenever you're hitting the road. Better yet, they are very easy to slip on and off, which is much appreciated when passing through TSA checkpoints at the airport. The fact that they are warmer than their weight would imply only adds to their versatility, and the memory foam footbed molds itself to your feet, making them more comfortable over time.

In my mind, Keen has built the perfect pair of casual shoes. After all, who wouldn't want to wear a pair of comfy slippers all day long? I love how lightweight these shoes are, while still keeping my feet warm and dry in winter weather. Because of this fantastic combination of qualities, I find myself regularly slipping into my pair of Howsers without even thinking about it. Whether I'm running to the store to pick up groceries, or heading to the airport to catch a plane, these slippers have become a favorite option for footwear.

With a price tag of just $65, you'll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable shoe for the money, and I think you'll discover that it won't take long for them to become one of your favorite pair of shoes too.

Gadling gear review: Keen Howser Wool Shoes originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 art maps to inspire your next adventure

Jessica Marati — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Gear

Wanderlust is a condition afflicting many of us here at Gadling. But what's a world traveler to do when she or he is in homesteading mode between trips? Start planning the Next Big Adventure, naturally, with the help of some cartography-inspired home art.

The following ten art maps have elevated the art of cartography with screen printing, line drawing, quirky takes on familiar forms, and creative use of typography. Most are handmade by designers and travel aficionados around the world, which allows room for customization. And since the majority of the map prints cost less than $50, you won't have to dip too deep into the travel fund to pick one up.

Gallery: 10 art maps for the home

[image via artPause]

10 art maps to inspire your next adventure originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lost on the trail? Satellite tracking system can help

Chris Owen — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Gear, North America, United States, Camping, Cruises, Travel Security

Getting lost on the trail, injured during a climb or into some other unplanned situation can make a great day a lousy one really fast. Adventure travel often takes us to remote places and when accidents happen there might not be a 911 to call or close-by hospital to visit. On their own, travelers often have to make do with the resources at hand. Prepared for anything, some travelers pack registered locator beacons that can make the difference between life and death.

As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate travelers in distress almost anywhere in the world at anytime and in almost any condition.

NOAA's polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites are part of the international Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System, called COSPAS-SARSAT. This system uses a network of satellites to quickly detect and locate distress signals from emergency beacons onboard aircraft and boats, and from smaller, handheld personal locator beacons called PLBs.

Easy to get, these PLB's start at about $100, worth every penny if lost or stranded with no cell phone signal or help in sight. There are three types of beacons used to transmit distress signals, EPIRBs (for maritime use), ELTs (for aviation use), and PLBs (used for land-based applications).

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Lost on the trail? Satellite tracking system can help originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HipGeo iPhone app makes sharing travel easy

Chris Owen — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Gear, North America, United States, Internet Tools

HipGeo is a Los Angeles based development team with a passion for creating the most convenient way for people to keep track of what they saw, where they saw it, share it, and use what other people share to enhance their own travel experiences. Now, HipGeo has a new, free iPhone and iPad app that passively records your location as you travel. It can then mash your pics and comments into an animated map and travel diary for sharing.

"If Tumblr and Foursquare had a baby, it would look like the new HipGeo," HipGeo's chief product guy, Rich Rygg told cnet.

HipGeo automatically groups photos, comments, places, tags, likes, and dates together, allowing users to search and follow real travelers who go interesting places.

As users go about their normal posting, HipGeo creates place blogs with user generated content. In addition to seeing what friends and family are doing while traveling, we can also access this user generated information to help plan a trip or discover something interesting.

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HipGeo iPhone app makes sharing travel easy originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Bushnell HD Torch flashlight

Kraig Becker — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Gear, Camping, Gadling Gear Review

Lets face it, a flashlight is one of the most useful pieces of gear that we can own. Who amongst us hasn't found themselves caught in the dark and wishing we had a bright light to help find our way. Flashlights come in handy around the house, in the car, and even when we travel, and the HD Torch from Bushnell is one of the most versatile and useful of all, even if it does come with a hefty price tag.

Built from lightweight, yet very rugged, aircraft grade aluminum, the first thing you'll notice about the HD Torch is that it feels very solid and tough in your hand. The high quality construction inspires a sense of confidence that this light can take a beating and still be ready for action when you need it, whether that's around the house during a power outage or at your campsite at the end of a long day on the trail.

Cranking out 165 lumens, the HD Torch offers plenty of light when and where you need it, but that level of illumination isn't the only thing that sets it apart from the competition. While the output from most flashlights is round in shape, Bushnell's offering is actually square. The result is a very focused beam of light, that provides more intensity across the length of the beam than most other offerings, which tend to see their light diffuse more on the edges. When I first read about this feature, I thought that it was simply a marketing ploy, but seeing it in action, the square design does indeed make for a more efficient light. It was actually quite astounding to see it in action.

Continue reading Gadling gear review: Bushnell HD Torch flashlight

Gadling gear review: Bushnell HD Torch flashlight originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling Gear Review: The North Face Jammu Jacket

Mike Barish — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Gear, Gadling Gear Review

Waterproof winter jackets don't always leave you dry. Sure, they keep the rain, snow and ice out, but they often end up leaving you drenched in your own sweat. The breathability of a jacket is almost as important as how impenetrable it is to the elements. Sadly, most coats that try to combine warmth and waterproofing end up sacrificing personal climate control. If you're going to be active throughout the winter, finding a jacket that's comfortable, allows for a full range of motion and keeps you dry and warm is a necessity. That's why I was so eager to try the new Jammu jacket from The North Face.

Continue reading Gadling Gear Review: The North Face Jammu Jacket

Gadling Gear Review: The North Face Jammu Jacket originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Bogs Jamison Boots

Kraig Becker — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Gear, Gadling Gear Review

When packing for a trip, one of the most important decisions we make is what shoes to bring along. Usually we know that we're going to be busy, and on our feet a lot, so comfort is always a consideration, but versatility doesn't hurt either - especially if you prefer to travel light. That's why the Jamison boots from Bogs are such a great choice for active travelers, as they manage to be stylish and comfortable, while providing plenty of protection from the elements, at the same time.

Bogs has built its reputation by designing boots that are rugged and tough, which has made them a favorite in workplaces ranging from farms to construction sites. But the Jamison is one of their first attempts at creating a hiking shoe, and in that arena I feel they get mixed marks. While these boots are more than capable on the trail, I believe there are better options out there from companies that specialize in hiking boot, as these felt a bit heavy and cumbersome while on extended hikes.

That said, the Jamison boot brings a lot to the table that does make them easy to recommend for travelers. As noted several times already, they are quite comfortable to wear, even over an extended period of time. They're also completely waterproof, which comes in handy whether you're caught in a sudden rainstorm or visiting a destination well known for its inclement weather. These shoes also happen to be plenty warm as well, which make them an ideal choice for cold weather adventures. But be warned, I did find them to be almost too warm at times, although I fully admit that my feet tend to run hot anyway.

While putting the Jamison boots through their paces, I was impressed with how well they handled the wear and tear of regular, day-to-day use. While it took very little time to get through the initial break in phase, my pair continues to look like I just took them out of the box. This speaks volumes about the build quality of these shoes, which seem like they'll be accompanying me on my travels for years to come.

Continue reading Gadling gear review: Bogs Jamison Boots

Gadling gear review: Bogs Jamison Boots originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Hummingbird Carry-on Zip

Kraig Becker — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Paddling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Gear, Gadling Gear Review, Caribbean

Picking the right bag to carry with us on our travels can be almost as important as selecting the items we put inside of it. Our baggage must be versatile, rugged, distinctive, and now days, easily fit inside an overhead compartment. The Carry-on Zip from Hummingbird meets all of those criteria, and then some, providing travelers with a simple, but very useful, bag for active excursions. Especially ones involving water.

Before getting into what the Carry-on Zip brings to the table, it is important to understand what it doesn't. In terms of design, this is most definitely a no-frills, minimalist bag. There aren't a lot of pockets - in fact there is just one large 40-liter compartment - and the bag doesn't have wheels or feature a retractable handle. It is, for all and intents and purposes, a simple duffel bag.

But to call the Carry-on Zip "just a duffel bag" is to greatly underestimate its value for travelers. This bag is designed for those that prefer to travel light and are looking for something they can take with them anywhere they go. Made from a tough, but flexible, vinyl material, the Carry-on Zip takes a beating without showing the wear and tear that comes from frequent travel, and its large, comfortable shoulder straps make it a cinch to carry, even when packed to the brim with gear. Those same straps can be easily adjusted to wear the bag like a backpack, and its single, cavernous, compartment has plenty of room to store everything you need for weekend escapes, or even week long adventures.

The vinyl material that makes the Carry-on Zip such a tough, durable travel option also makes the bag waterproof as well. Hummingbird has matched those materials with heavy duty zippers that when locked into place, they seal the bag up tight, keeping everything inside safe from the elements. The waterproofing is so good in fact, that I recently carried this bag on a trip to the Virgin Islands, where I spent my days snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing the beautiful ocean waters there. Thanks to the Carry-on Zip, I was able to take my camera, cell phone, and laptop with me where ever I went, without fear of damaging those expensive items within. On more than one occasion, I found myself wading into chest and neck deep waters to meet a waiting boat, and each time this bag kept my gear completely dry. It was very reassuring to know that I could trust this pack with my most fragile gear, even while swimming in the Caribbean.

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Gadling gear review: Hummingbird Carry-on Zip originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How we did Kayak, Expedia and Hipmunk in 1991 - the Sony DATA Discman

Scott Carmichael — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Gear, Internet Tools

In 2012, finding the price of a flight is something I could probably ask my five year old to help with - she'll probably go for my phone and find the Kayak or Hipmunk app icon and tap away. It wouldn't even surprise me if she managed to get close to the results I was looking for.

In 1991, things were different; Airfare came from your travel agent, and you did not have to concern yourself with anything technical. In fact, chances are, your travel agent wouldn't let you anywhere near their cherished green-screen terminal.

The business traveler had different needs, and for them there was the OAG guide (Official Airline Guide), a large book with the times and prices of almost every flight in the world. In 1991, OAG released their book on a CD-ROM (and delivered the required equipment with it since nobody back then owned a CD-ROM drive).

For the real hardcore users, a version was also released on the Sony DATA Discman, pictured here on the left. Think of this contraption as a very early Amazon Kindle. The unit read data off small CD's in a cartridge, and was the worlds first portable electronic flight guide.

With this in hand, you could call yourself the ultimate frequent flier - and probably find airfare quicker than the local travel agent. OAG CD's for Sony came in the mail every three months, keeping your data up to date with the latest flight times and prices. Sony discontinued the DATA Discman in the late 90's as the technology moved on to PDA's.

How we did Kayak, Expedia and Hipmunk in 1991 - the Sony DATA Discman originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Stem Innovation Time Command Mini clock

Kraig Becker — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gear, Gadling Gear Review

I've always enjoyed having a collection of my music with me when I travel. It helps me to relax on a long flight, keeps me entertained while on the go, and is much appreciated when I'm passing the time in a hotel room. Thanks to MP3 players and smartphones, it is now easier than ever to carry our entire library of music with us wherever we go, and enjoying that music is made even easier with a compact alarm clock/speaker system such as the Time Command Mini from Stem Innovation.

Designed specifically for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch), the Time Command Mini is a very small and lightweight clock that has the potential to be a favorite amongst travelers. The device weighs just 9 ounces and measures less than five inches in diameter, which makes it easy to pack and take along with you when you hit the road. Better yet, it offers surprisingly great sound out of such a small package, filling a room with your favorite music with ease.

On it's own, the Time Command Mini is a very basic alarm clock with limited functionality. As you would expect, it tells time and can wake you as needed, but other than that, it doesn't do much else. It doesn't even include a built in radio, which is a standard feature on the vast majority of alarm clocks these days. But when you plug an iOS device into the dock, located on top of the Mini, it can easily play music, podcasts, or streaming Internet audio, quickly making up for these shortcomings.

Continue reading Gadling gear review: Stem Innovation Time Command Mini clock

Gadling gear review: Stem Innovation Time Command Mini clock originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 best photography apps for travelers

Jessica Festa — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gear, Budget Travel, Internet Tools, Women's Travel

Sometimes, your basic camera just doesn't cut it. With all of the advancing technology we now have, the possibilities for travel photography are endless. Before your next trip, make sure to download these ten photography apps that will help you capture, edit, and share the perfect picture.

Pro HDR

Pro HDR is perfect for people who want to take high dynamic range shots without investing in an expensive DSLR camera. It's also extremely helpful when the scene you're trying to snap contains a lot of contrast. What's really useful about the app is that it has a manual mode for you to choose where you want to adjust brightness and darkness in your shot, as well as an automatic mode. Final images are shown almost instantly, and you can save, edit further by adjusting the brightness, contrast, saturation, warmth, or tint, or discard your finished product. There is also an option to e-mail your photo to others.

Pro HDR is available for Android, iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. $1.99. A free version is also available that takes smaller shots.

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10 best photography apps for travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Sofshell case for iPad

Kraig Becker — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gear, Gadling Gear Review

If Santa left an iPad under you tree this holiday season, you've probably spent the last few days getting to know your new toy and discovering all of the fun things it can do. You've probably also admired how sleek and thin the device is, which is great when slipping it into a bag for travel, but can make it a bit precarious to hold on to at times. That's where the Sofshell case from Sofproducts comes in handy. The very thin and tough plastic case, fits on the back of your iPad, delivering extra protection and a tighter grip at the same time.

The Sofshell case is made out of anti-slip, lightweight plastic materials that are just as useful when you are holding the iPad as they are when it is is resting on a slick surface. The manufacturer claims that with the Sofshell in place, the device will stay put, even when resting on a surface with a 70° angle, and from my own testing I'd say that is fairly accurate. Once I had the Sofshell installed on my iPad, no matter where I set it, it stayed in place. This provided a nice sense of security that my expensive tablet wasn't going to slide off to its doom on the hard floor below.

Even with a case like this one, accidents can still happen of course, and gravity will take its natural course, sending your iPad tumbling to the ground. Fortunately, the Sofshell also provides some protection from those accidental drops as well, reducing the shock from a fall by as much as 43%. That can be the difference between a functioning device and an electronic tragedy, and once again it is nice to have that sense of security, particularly when traveling.

Continue reading Gadling gear review: Sofshell case for iPad

Gadling gear review: Sofshell case for iPad originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SkyMall Monday: Cell Phone Handset Battle

Mike Barish — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gear, Skymall Monday

If you've used an iPhone, you know that holding it up to your ear for a long period of time can be uncomfortable. If you need to be on a lengthy call, cradling the iPhone in your hand can get tiresome. Speakerphone is not always a viable option and headphones can be unsafe for your ears. Thankfully, SkyMall offers two options for adding a handset to your iPhone. This week, SkyMall Monday pits the iPhone Desktop Handset against the Retro Cell Phone Handset. Two handsets enter; one handset leaves.

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SkyMall Monday: Cell Phone Handset Battle originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Pick-Pocket Proof Pants from Clothing Arts

Kraig Becker — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Gear, Gadling Gear Review, Travel Security

Few things can ruin a trip more quickly than losing your wallet to local thieves who make it a habit of preying on unsuspecting travelers. In the blink of an eye, your cash, ID, passport, credit cars and other valuable items, can be gone, leaving you scrambling to recover. To prevent these types of situations from ever occurring, the designers at a company called Clothing Arts, who happen to be travelers themselves, have created a line of pick pocket proof pants that make it nearly impossible for you to lose your important items.

Dubbed the P^cubed travel pants, Clothing Arts makes these garments for both adventure travelers and businessmen and women who frequently visit areas that pose a high risk for pick pockets. These pants (and shorts!) resemble typical cargo pants, with pockets in the usual places, namely the front and back, as well as additional pockets on the legs. But these aren't your typical pockets, as you soon find out when put the pants on. Security is central to the design of the P^cubed line, and as a result each of those pockets can be sealed with both zippers and cloth covers. When sealed up tight, it would take a very talented pick-pocket indeed to gain access to your valuables.

These security measures mean that you can put your wallet in a pocket and without the fear of it being lifted. The pockets are spacious enough to accommodate most small items that you would want to carry with you, and the cargo pockets even expand for extra storage. Even cell phones and small cameras can comfortably be carried without worrying about them finding their way into unwelcome hands.

While we can all appreciate having an added sense of security while we're traveling, the bottom line with any piece of clothing that we take with us is that it has to be comfortable. The P^cubed pants excel in that area as well, using a blend of nylon and cotton to offer up a relaxed fit that doesn't hamper movement, even when taking part in active pursuits such as hiking or climbing. I found the pants were just as comfortable to wear around town as they were on the trail, which makes them a versatile piece of gear that can be used just about anywhere. That versatility is a big plus for travelers who like going as light as possible and don't always want to carry a lot of items with them.

Continue reading Gadling gear review: Pick-Pocket Proof Pants from Clothing Arts

Gadling gear review: Pick-Pocket Proof Pants from Clothing Arts originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Mountain Hardwear Jovian Jacket

Kraig Becker — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Gear, Gadling Gear Review

The line between a once in a lifetime adventure, and a miserable trip that can't be over fast enough, is a fine one. There is nothing worse than finally visiting your dream destination, only to have inclement weather ruin the experience. The right gear can make all the difference in those situations however, turning a potential disaster into an amazing outing. Mountain Hardwear is one company that has earned a reputation for creating equipment that performs well under the worst of conditions and their Jovian Jacket definitely lives up to that legacy.

Incorporating Mountain Hardwear's proprietary DryQ technology, the Jovian is a super lightweight shell with a minimalist design that still manages to include all the features you should expect out of your active gear. It has been cut to be form fitting without restricting motion, and when worn while on the go, you barely notice that you have it on. The jacket includes large, zippered pockets that keep their contents well protected from the elements and are conveniently placed to allow access, even while wearing a backpack or climbing harness. Internally, the Jovian features a small zippered pocket, as well as a water bottle holder, which is much appreciated on cold days in the mountains. The large, adjustable hood fits over a helmet, but can still be drawn up snugly, even if you're not wearing anything on your head at all, and the high quality zippers feature pull tabs that are easy to use, even while wearing bulky gloves.

The Jovian was designed for alpine adventures, but I found that it performed very well in a wide variety of settings - particularly when used with an effective layering system. In warmer weather, the jacket works great on its own, keeping moisture out, while still regulating temperatures, thanks to its outstanding ability to breathe. Adding base and fleece layers underneath extend its use into much colder temperatures, while the jacket's included pit-zippers provide plenty of ventilation, without compromising protection from the rain or snow. This is a nice feature not found on a lot of similar jackets from other manufacturers, but it is much appreciated when you find yourself overheating despite the weather.

Continue reading Gadling gear review: Mountain Hardwear Jovian Jacket

Gadling gear review: Mountain Hardwear Jovian Jacket originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: An ultra high resolution look at the American Southwest

Jessica Festa — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, Festivals and Events, Gear, Photos, North America, United States, Video, Camping, Budget Travel, What's in Your Pack?, Women's Travel

Time lapse photographer and filmmaker Tom Lowe has been working on his new and innovative creation for over two years now. The video is actually a clip of his soon-to-debut film, TimeScapes, which showcases the beauty of the American Southwest using Canon RAW and Epic Red still cameras. Because the movie was filmed and edited at 4K resolution, which is four times greater than regular high definition, the moments and places really come to life on the screen.

Watch sunsets at Salton Sea, coastlines, Redwoods, and waterfalls in Big Sur, and meteor showers at Bristlecone take on a life of their own as firefalls, eclipses, cultural dances, lakes, mountains, starry skys, concerts, and unique landscapes are shown like never before.

To see a stunning preview of what's to come, as well as hear music by John Stanford, check out this video:

TimeScapes 4K from Tom Lowe on Vimeo.

Video: An ultra high resolution look at the American Southwest originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Versalette convertible travel garment will revolutionize your packing list

Jessica Marati — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, Gear, United States, Consumer Activism, Women's Travel

When you're living out of a suitcase, the less items of clothing you have to pack, the better. That's the thinking behind The Versalette, a convertible garment from {r}evolution apparel that easily goes from a shirt to a skirt to a dress to... well, basically anything you can imagine. For a female traveler with a packing list of basic white tees and khaki cargo pants, it's a dream travel piece. Plus, it's ethically and sustainably developed.

The Versalette launched as a project on Kickstarter in mid-November, and within 14 days it was fully funded. As of Monday morning, $38,120 had been pledged from 470 backers, and the project still has another two weeks to go.

{r}evolution founders Kristin Glenn and Shannon Whitehead are travelers themselves, and they met while living and working in Australia. After several months of friendship, they separated and embarked on their own adventures, traversing five continents independently. But they kept in touch, and in mid-2010 they reunited in the United States to pursue an idea: a minimalist clothing line for female travelers.

Continue reading Versalette convertible travel garment will revolutionize your packing list

Versalette convertible travel garment will revolutionize your packing list originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video of the Day - Thailand's Yi Peng Festival via iPhone 4S

Stephen Greenwood — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Gear, Stories, North America, United States, Video

The Yi Peng festival is a special event in Northern Thailand that occurs on the 12th full moon of every year. Coinciding with Loi Krathong (a festival celebrated throughout Thailand) it is observed by lighting sky lanterns and letting them float into the sky, resulting in what appears to be large flocks of giant jellyfish floating through the air.

There have been many fantastic videos and pictures that capture this event, but today's Video of the Day is especially stunning for one reason: it was completely shot on an iPhone 4S. Produced by Vimeo user Tada Archawong, it shows just how far a little color grading (with Magic Bullet Looks) and a great mobile camera can go.

So, adventurers; it may just be time to kiss your DSLR goodbye. If you've already said goodbye to traditional cameras in favor of mobile devices, we want to see what youv'e captured! Paste a link in the comments section below, or post pictures to our Flickr Pool - it could just be our next Photo/Video of the Day.

Video of the Day - Thailand's Yi Peng Festival via iPhone 4S originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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