I have really gotten into portable power sources since our ranch does not have power, and I find myself working out there at least once a week. My needs have grown quite a bit from a simple extra battery to charge my phone, and the Bluetti EB55 is the perfect companion for a camping trip or quick trip without power.
Having alternate power sources during uncertain weather is very important, and it’s much easier to manage with today’s high-capacity power stations that don’t require a gas-powered generator and the inherent carbon monoxide risks of running them. Whether dealing with power outages from weather events or rolling blackouts, we will all have to deal with needing a reliable source of backup power at some point. The new Anker 757 Portable Power Station promises to provide portable, long-lasting battery power during outages, emergencies, or outdoor activities.
The arrival of spring means it’s time to once again enjoy the great outdoors; it also means enjoying more meals prepared on the grill. ThermoWorks has a range of great devices to help you become a grillmaster. Thanks to the ThermoWorks Cloud, you can even keep an eye on your streaks, fish, or hotdogs from your Apple Watch.
Living in a region affected by hurricanes and the recent power outages during the snow last season in Texas, backup power is a genuine concern. We also have a travel trailer that we often use without any electric hookups. The EcoFlow DELTA Max is a portable power station offered in up to a 2016Wh capacity capable of powering most of our home appliances and electronics, at least for a time.
Winter is almost over, and we are all looking forward to spending time outside again. Of course, some pests make our time outdoors less enjoyable, mosquitoes being the worst! That’s okay; the new Thermacell LIV system promises to repel them, and it will work with Alexa and Google Assistant!
If you own a dog, you know the worst part of an otherwise wonderful experience is having to walk the pup in lousy weather. As a matter of fact, I just got back from a long walk with my older dog Nava in the freezing rain. However, I was toasty warm thanks to BN3TH Merino wool base layers.
Headlamps are one of the most convenient ways to carry a flashlight hands-free when you are in the dark. Most headlamps have a single focussed beam that aims light directly in front of you, but that’s not the case with the Liteband PRO 1000 Headlamp; it provides a 210º beam, shining a light on everything directly in your path and on both sides. Wondering if this might be an even better lighting solution, especially when walking or working outdoors at night, I asked a long-time headlamp wearer, my husband Kev, to give the Lightband PRO 1000 a try.
For the last year, I have been rather obsessed with clothing made for merino wool. It is light, warm when you need it, cool when you need that. It repels odor and dries incredibly fast. I was interested when I learned that the Kora M’s Neema SS Crew T-Shirt adds yak wool into the mix. Here’s a look.
I don’t have a huge living space, so I’ve never bothered with surround sound or big speakers. Still, sometimes you just want to enjoy music in a 360-degree experience, so I was very excited to check out the iLive Indoor/Outdoor Dual Bluetooth Speakers. How did they handle my space? Read on to find out!
Usually, when I write a review, I end up liking, disliking, or feeling ambivalent about the product. Even when a product isn’t something I need or might use, I can understand the target audience and give it a fair review. Even so, I’ve struggled while reviewing the Wristcam for Apple Watch, but not for the usual reasons.
I do love some BBQ gear and spend a lot of time on the smoker. The vast majority of items I smoke are done by temperature and not time. With that said, especially when in BBQ competition cookoffs, getting temp readings that are accurate and getting them fast are imperative. The ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE promises to give these readings in one second.
There are many times I find myself needing to see in dark conditions. Working on my Jeep and golf cart, hunting, fishing, or smoking meats in the dark. It seems to happen a lot, and having two free hands is always a must. The cure for that is a headlamp, and I recently got to check out the Fenix HM65R headlamp.
The Yadea KS5 Electric Scooter is the third scooter I’ve had the opportunity to review, and it’s the first that is more than merely fun to ride. Thanks to its powerful motor, excellent range, and assorted comfort and safety features, this scooter has enough “oomph” for me to use as a daily ride to and from my office a mile away.
There are certain tools we all need to carry to get us through a day. If I am at the ranch or out hunting or hiking, one of those tools is always a good flashlight. The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Four Elements Limited-Edition Tactical Light has proven itself to be a fantastic everyday carry option.
Weber is known for high-quality gas grills, and its newest entry into the market is no exception. Following smart home trends, Weber has released their first line of smart grills, and we’re happy to report that the Weber Spirit SX-315 Smart Grill is what you’d expect from Weber, given their reputation. Weber’s line of smart gas grills starts at $849.
The summer heat is here and so are pool days. Pools have become very popular in homes and safety is always of utmost importance. If you own the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, which I reviewed here, there is a new Vivint Pool Alerts beta feature that adds a second detection zone to alert you of activity near your pool area.
During the pandemic, Raina and I knew we needed to spend more time outside. We began hiking on the reservation near our home with our mini golden doodle Nava. The first few times, we didn’t have the right gear; now we do. Here’s a look at the hiking gear that we’ve come to depend on.
I had previously reviewed the e Prime Air, one of Razor’s motorized scooters. It’s a fun way to get around, but between our hilly roads and my being 185 pounds, the motor couldn’t always keep up. The new Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter I received for review is even more fun and has a more powerful motor.
Xiaomi may not be the first brand that people in the US think of for smartphones, but they are ranked at #4 worldwide behind Samsung, Huawei, and Apple. Their smartphones have garnered praise from stateside reviewers for having excellent cameras, best-in-class features, and, most importantly, affordability. But Xiaomi makes more than just smartphones; they also sell home, health, and lifestyle products that include routers, fitness bands, LED desk lamps, air purifiers, and electric scooters, to name just a few.
While I tend to grill and smoke year-round, the true grilling season is upon us. Technology has brought many new ways to tend to our pits and Weber has released the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub which will connect your backyard grill to your smartphone. Using both Bluetooth as well as WiFi, the Weber app keeps you connected to your cook remotely.
The SmokeFire is Weber’s first foray into the pellet grill space, and while it checks a lot of boxes, it has its quirks. The Weber SmokeFire is a good option if you’re looking for a grill that will allow you to both smoke at low temperatures and grill with high heat. Coming in two sizes, the SmokeFire starts at $999.