Electronics

Recent Electronic Reviews

Garmin fenix 5X Sapphire

A complex, high functionality watch that blew me away with all of its features! For three weeks now I've enjoyed getting more out of my trail runs, hikes, treadmill runs and gym sessions and all the other daily tracking capabilities! I find the GPS excellent and HR monitor superior to some I have tried before. For me, definitely worth the price so far! As a first time Garmin user I am impressed, but I suppose that is to be expected with the Garmin Fenix 5X! The GPS accuracy has been on point for… Full review

Petzl Reactik +

A total pain in the ass to get all lights at max. Total pain to use buttons. And why did I buy a light with an app? Full review

Sony HDR-AS200VR

Sony makes some great little action cameras that are perfect for taking along on all your outdoor adventures. They are small in size, yet big on performance, and they easily fit in the pocket of a PFD or your hiking vest. When it comes to high-performance action cameras, GoPro is not the only game in town. Over the last year and a half I've been using a Sony AS200V action camera on all my canoe/kayak and backpacking adventures. This tiny camera records amazingly detailed HD video at a very high… Full review

Petzl Bindi

A small, rechargeable headlamp that takes up minimal space. Modes and Run Times: Three white beams: 5 lumens (50 hours run time), 100 lumens (3 hours run time), and 200 lumens (2 hours run time) Two red beam options: solid and blink For a small, compact headlamp, these modes are pretty good, with my only complaint being the noticeable difference between 100 lumens and 200 lumens of the white beam is very minor. I’d personally prefer to see the 100 lumen option nixed for something more akin… Full review

Ledlenser P7.2

Not cheap, but you will have a first class flashlight for life. I've used it regularly for at least two years now. Tough cylinder of aluminum, it resists anything that you (your kids, dog, or car) can do to it. The lens is kind of plastic and recessed, so it won't break if the torch tumbles down the mountain. It even resists operating its switch under water for some minutes... though the maker only calls it "weather/splash resistant". The "little flashlights just in case" are almost free. But if… Full review

Ledlenser P5.2

Great pocket-sized flashlight—easy to use, high quality, and compact. But there's better performance out there in similar sized packages. LED Lenser P5.2 Pocket Torch  The P5.2 is a great torch. It's lightweight and fits in a slim-fitting jacket or pair of trousers without being noticeable, which in my opinion is a real plus because it's far more practical for everyday carry (EDC) than, for example, my older LED Lenser P14 which is about 190mm long and has a 40mm head. That said, it's nothing… Full review

Suunto Ambit2

I have both the Ambit and Ambit2. The first got a cracked cover eventually—user abuse, so no bad on Suunto on that. The second's battery quit after three years (just outside warranty) of similarly intensive use, and the recharge cable also wore out (contacts snap off, fyi). I'd be disappointed if not for the fact that Suunto replaced the entire watch with a new Ambit 3, despite the fact that the warranty had expired. They probably took one look, saw the gouged bezel, scratched cover, and decided… Full review

Renogy E.TUNES Solar Bluetooth Speaker

A powerful speaker that produces great sound with the ability to charge while out on adventures. Also has a large capacity battery that can be used to not only play music but also charge your phone. As a member of another website, I get new and interesting products to try out at campgrounds I visit in exchange for a review. On a recent bike camping trip, I tried out the Renogy E.TUNES Solar Bluetooth Speaker. My takeaways from using the combo speaker/solar charger are: The solar panel actually… Full review

Petzl Actik

It's your definitive all-purpose headlamp, plus two red modes (solid and strobe). The manufacturer specs are as follows:   Range: I think the manufacturer overstated the high-power distances. I'm going from the following baseline: back-country camping far away from urban light pollution, on a dark night without much moonlight, in a dense area with forest canopy above, and no campfire or other lights... so pretty dark. At the lowest setting (5 lm), I'd say it's similar to the 10m (30 ft) advertised. Full review