Electronics

Recent Electronic Reviews

Midland X-TALKER T20X4

Got these just in time for some family hiking trips. With five kids of varying ages and skill levels, we need some comms to keep us all in check and safe. Not to mention, cell phones were no use where we were. Handled great. The range was good, although obviously limited sometimes by distance or rough terrain, trees, etc. I trusted them to kids from 3 on up, and all the radios survived intact. These will be regular part of our packing list for all trips and outings. Not to mention the kids use them… Full review

Midland LXT500VP3 Walkie Talkie

Great for road trips.   I got a set of these, as well as the  X-TALKER T20X4 Walkie Talkie Four Pack. I wasnt sure what would be best for different kinds of camping, or for use by my kids versus by me or by my older parents. I tested these under a variety of conditions, including in varied topography, heavy forest, on roads, and on water. Overall, this radio set is defintiely more powerful, and clearer for a longer range generally. I didn't test them over a distance further than 6 miles, but it… Full review

Black Diamond Storm

A really good headlamp, but don't forget your patience... The Black Diamond Storm 350 I purchased one of these headlamps brand new about a year and a half ago and received a second one as part of a prize package about two months later.  I liked the one I already had enough that I kept the second one as a backup and for loaning to that one person at the campsite with the most annoyingly bright headlamp. They both have similar time on them so this review covers them both as I have found no differences… Full review

Casio PRW3500-1

Solar-powered altimeter, barometer and compass (ABC) watch with radio time calibration, temperature sensor, world time, stopwatch, and timer.   The Casio PRW3500 digital hiking watch in compass mode, with three dots representing north and single dots representing the other points on the compass The Casio PRW3500 is one of the older models in Casio’s Pro Trek series of hiking watches (previously known as the Pathfinder series). I believe it has been discontinued, but it is still available for… Full review

Renogy 15000mAh Solar Power Bank

Power bank did not demonstrate the capacity advertised, did not charge at all in sun, and failed at critical point in wilderness. When I received it, charge level was indicated as 3 out of 4 LEDs. It did not indicate 4/4 LEDs charge level even after plugged into a wall outlet for an additional 8 hours and a car outlet for 3 hours. During an 8-day summer backpacking trip, it only charged a 3000mAH phone to full once, and then from 12% to 35% three times (removed to save power) before unexpectedly… Full review

Coast FL1R

This is one of my most essential pieces of camping gear! Hands-free light is essential! I love how compact this headlamp is. It’s comfortable, bright, rechargeable and overall well designed. Great value at this price point as well. Additional features: reflective head band, emergency light, high and low light setting. This headlamp doesn’t turn on unless you turn it on too—my old lamp constantly turns on with the slightest touch in luggage etc. This was a big improvement for me. I love that… Full review

MPowerd Luci Explore

If you're looking for a reasonably priced Bluetooth speaker and light that can be charged by solar power, this light is a good deal. Audiophiles might have an issue with the sound quality, but it does the job. I used this light in several situations to test it out. Since I tend to travel in the Southwestern states in a Class A RV, there’s plenty of solar power to make this light shine. On a scale of 1 to 5, I rate the Luci Explore as a 4. The app is where the Luci Explore falls short for me, and… Full review

SPOT Gen3

Very slow sending—awful customer support. I bought a Spot Gen 3 on Amazon (sold out on REI) for my first overnight four-day backpacking trip on the Timberline Trail. A couple things about the device itself: the construction is flimsy. The "waterproof" USB cap barely stays in place, which would likely result in the device being destroyed in rain, a fall into a river-crossing, or any other liquid-involved accident. Imagine falling into a river, breaking a bone, and your only way to let someone… Full review

Coast FL1R

This entry level light has few frills, but counts where it matters. The FL1R is a rechargeable headlamp with hat attachment and reflective head strap. We all know productivity slows down when lighting isn't ideal. With this headlamp, you'll be sure to stay in business. I've had this headlight for about a month now and wanted to test it out before writing the review. The FL1R came in incredible looking packaging showing all the specs and features, something you don't get when you buy a knockoff from… Full review