Misc Gear

Gear Diary’s 2022 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is May 8th, and we all know how holidays like this have a habit of sneaking up on you! With the items in our 2022 Mother’s Day Gift Guide, you can help mom work smarter, relax more comfortably, and ease some of her daily grind. Whether you’re on a budget or the sky is the limit, we’ve got you covered if you’re having trouble (or haven’t even started) figuring out what to give to the most influential women in your life!


Anker 757 Portable Power Station Is Ready for Spring Storms, Emergencies, and Camping Adventures

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.


Vapman Classic Vaporizer Review: Capture Brief Moments of Zen

We’ve covered quite a few vaporizers on Gear Diary, and many of them feature exciting new battery technology or fancy heating elements. But sometimes, it’s fun to get back to the most basic concept of vaporizing — heating material until it gives off a vapor. You don’t need batteries or a fancy heating system with the Vapman Classic, just a torch lighter and some patience!



EcoFlow DELTA Max Portable Power Station Review: Great for Off-Grid Use and Peace of Mind During Emergencies

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.


Ekster Aluminum Cardholder Review: A Minimalist’s Dream

Some months ago, my friend David turned me on to Ekster wallets. He had just gotten one and loved it. Soon after, I got an Ekster Parliament Wallet, and I’ve also become a fan. Now they’ve released the Ekster Aluminum Cardholder. It’s excellent and has a few unique features I love; it’s also currently on sale.


All Joy U Neck G1 Shoulder and Neck Massager Review: Enjoy Shiatsu Massage at Home

I grew up in suburban NJ, and while I try to dispel most stereotypes, I did spend a lot of time hanging out at the mall as a teenager. Nothing beats wandering the mall and then spending a few minutes getting pummeled by the massage chairs at Brookstone. I’ve been reliving the electronic shiatsu experience while testing the All Joy U Neck G1 Shoulder and Neck Massager, but how does this budget massage pad stand up to fancier offerings?


Artilect Review: Offers a New Take on Merino Wool Base Layers

When I first started getting into merino wool clothing, I was a purist and only purchased clothing made from 100% merino wool. Recently I’ve discovered companies that do some magic with fabrics that, while not 100% merino wool, offer all the same benefits with fewer downsides. Artilect is one of those companies, and it is doing some interesting things.


16-Guitar Fender Custom Shop Hot Wheels Guitar Collection Combines Two Long-Time Favorites in a One-of-a-Kind Collaboration

As a long-time guitar player, Fender guitars bring back so many memories from different times of my life. I spent much of my youth trying to obtain a Fender guitar, and I’m still obsessing about them as an older man! Another great memory from my childhood is playing with Hot Wheels cars, so the idea of a Fender Custom Shop Hot Wheels Guitar Collection sounds pretty epic!


Escort MAXcam 360c Review: Excellent All-in-One Radar Detector and Dashcam Hindered by the Tragically Buggy ‘Drive Smarter’ App

My first Escort radar detector was a boxy black contraption that had a volume dial, analog radar signal strength meter, highway/city toggle switch, and an alert light on its front … and that’s it. Thirty-six years later, I’ve got the Escort MAXcam 360c in for review. This current generation Escort may still be a bit of a boxy black contraption, but it offers useful features above and beyond simply detecting police radar that can help improve a driver’s situational awareness and safety, both on the road and in some cases, even when their vehicle is parked.


Get a Free ThermoPop Thermometer When You Purchase the Thermapen ONE

Spring will be here before you know it. That means it is almost time to start firing up the grill, once again. Having the right tools makes all the difference, and the right tool for grilling is the Thermapen ONE. Buy a Thermapen ONE now, and you’ll get a special bonus of a free ThermoPop. Free as in… $0, zilch, nada!


MGear Gadget Wallet 3.0 Review: Create an Everyday Carry That Is Tough, Attractive, and Uniquely Yours!

I tend to go through cycles with my wallet. Sometimes it’s bursting with receipts, business cards, and every card I’ve ever thought I might need, but every once in a while, I get the urge to slim down my everyday carry to a more reasonable level. I was recently given a chance to check out the MGear Gadget Wallet 3.0, a customizable minimalist wallet, and I figured it might be worth a try.


Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Glass Will Simplify and Elevate Your Cocktail Experience

As a home bar owner, I’m always looking for an innovative way to mix the best cocktails, and the Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Glass seems pretty special. This cocktail glass introduces drink-mixing possibilities without the mess. It features an integrated measuring system that allows cocktails to be built right inside your glass, while the stainless steel base effectively acts as a coozie to keep your mixed drink at the perfect temperature.


Satechi Pro Hub Max Review: Your 14″ MacBook Pro Needs This

Apple may have reintroduced some extra ports with the new MacBook Pro line, but these laptops are still not as port-rich as they used to be. The Satechi Pro Hub Max is a convenient way to get back some if not all of the ports you might need so you can focus on your work. The Pro Hub Max is small, powerful, affordable, and it’s a purchase that you won’t regret making.


28″ LEVEL8 Luminous Trunk Review: This May Just Be the Perfect Checked Luggage

Heading to the airport after the Snapdragon Summit in December, a friend noticed that my 6-years-old (and very well-traveled) Rimowa trunk had a massive new crack just below the handle on its front side. Thankfully, the luggage and its contents made it home without self-destructing, but it will need to be sent in for repairs (assuming they are even possible). With many upcoming trips planned, I was thankful for the opportunity to review the  28″ LEVEL8 Luminous Trunk. How does it stack up against the more than twice as expensive Rimowa trunk? Read on to find out.


FEND Airway Cleansing Mist Review: Should It Be Part of Your Arsenal Against Covid?

The messaging about Covid has been a mess; people don’t understand the role vaccines play (i.e., they don’t cure Covid or even prevent catching it), and many have stopped appreciating the importance of masks and social distancing. But why wouldn’t we use every possible tool to fight this? FEND Airway Cleansing Mist wants to be part of that arsenal. But should it be?




Nomad Pen Review: Bring a Taste of Analog Luxury into Your Life

Nomad has made a name for itself by releasing some of the best mobile accessories on the market. Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, Nomad has something for you. Now, with their new Nomad Pen, they’ve gone in a new analog direction; sure, it’s “just” a pen, but it is all Nomad.


Muse S Review: A Brain-Sensing Band That Promises EEG-Powered Meditation and Sleep Support

I tried out the original Muse EEG-Powered Meditation headband; it looked like something out of Star Trek, but it worked as promised. I was amazed that a simple band could read my brain activity and, using biofeedback, help me meditate. The new Muse S brain-sensing band has a more refined design, and it now comes with Sleep Support technology. It promises to offer EEG-powered meditation and sleep support, but does it work?


The Insulated Grizzly Drifter Carryall Bag Will Let You Leave Your Cooler at Home

When spending time outdoors, going to a friend’s backyard BBQ, or bringing home cold items from the store, it’s always handy to have an insulated bag to carry your supplies. There are times when a full-on ice chest or cooler is just a bit too much, but you still need something durable that can keep items cold or warm, and that’s easy to carry. Sound familiar? You need a Grizzly Drifter Carryall Bag!