Misc Gear

Vivint Made My Home Smarter and More Secure: Part 1

I recently had the good people from Vivint come and install a home automation system/security system in my home. Vivint provides a ton of options and provides professional installation with every purchase. Read on to see how the process and products have transformed my home. 


Be the Boss of Your Grill with the Flame Boss 300

Memorial Day has become regarded as the unofficial kick-off of summer, and with that distinction, the beginning of outdoor grilling season. If you’re a fan of barbecue or low-and-slow cooking in general, temperature control is vitally important to your efforts’ success. I’ve recently discovered an extremely useful tool that has upped my barbecue game, the Flame Boss 300.


The Camp Chef SmokePro SG Pellet Grill Makes You Feel Like a BBQ Pitmaster

The Camp Chef SmokePro SG Pellet Grill is that rare breed of equipment that’s so easy to use; you can feel like a master after your first cook. Although this was the first pellet grill/smoker I’ve ever used, the SmokePro SG made me feel like a championship BBQ pitmaster. Starting at $749.99, the SmokePro SG belongs in every carnivore’s backyard.


Ergo Impact LeanRite Elite Is the Standing Desk Chair Everyone Needs

I bought an L-shaped bamboo-topped standing desk last year. With grand illusions of doing all of my work while standing, I also bought the large Topo Mat to help with fatigue … but after 10 minutes of standing still, my back starts hurting, and I’m back in my chair — gah! And then I got the Ergo Impact LeanRite Elite.


Blue Designs Compass Boom Arm Takes Podcasts to New Heights

Judie and I first met when we were doing a podcast. She had already started Gear Diary, and I was a staff writer from Just Another Mobile Monday. A few weeks ago, Judie was on a friend’s podcast. She sounded great but commented that she needed a better podcasting setup. I told her one piece of it should be the Blue Designs Compass.


Anyone Can Be a Brew Master with the PicoU — Even You!

If you read my review series on the PicoBrew S, then you probably thought that being able to brew beer on your kitchen counter was pretty cool — but that price tag, though! $799 is a lot to invest if you’re just a hobby brewer, but now Pico has come out with a sub-$200 solution for everyone, the Pico U.




LynQ Is a Smart Compass and Tracker That Can Save Lives

  If you enjoy skiing, hiking, biking, or any other outdoor activity that can get you separated from your group, you’ll want to check out the new LynQ Indiegogo campaign. LynQ is a smart compass that “locates anyone without the need for phones, networks or infrastructure of any kind,” and it’s available for pre-order today.


Flo Leak Detection System Protects Your Home Using Machine Learning

The I’ve seen many smart home devices, but none of them actively protect your home from danger more so than the Flo leak detection system. Flo is a security system for your home’s water system that constantly monitors to catch leaks, prevent water damage, and save you money. Flo is available for purchase at an introductory price of $499.




Protect and Free Your Feet with Xero Shoes!

Several years ago, “minimalism” was in for running shoes. Companies were falling all over each other to make thin-soled shoes. That fad has mostly passed, for better or worse, but the companies left standing are the ones making high quality, truly excellent footwear. Xero Shoes is one of them, and we’ve been testing their Z-Trek Sandals on many adventures!


Great Tech Gifts for Mother’s Day Courtesy of Moshi

If you’re looking for some last-minute gifts for Mother’s Day, instead of that last bad card sitting on the shelf, you should consider Moshi. With everything from battery packs, Bluetooth headphones to my Mom’s favorite Aria Tote, Moshi’s products are a great alternative for that Hallmark card and flowers you typically get the special lady in your life.


Swagtron Debuts Three New E-Bikes Perfect for Commuters and Kids

Swagtron, the leader in electronic rideables, has expanded their cycling line to include two folding electronic bikes and a youth-sized electronic fat tire bike. Blending performance, value, and technology, new e-bikes offer solutions for adults, commuters, and kids alike. Ranging from $599.99 to $839.98, these new bikes are cost-effective and eco-friendly ways to get where you need to go.


Honey, They Shrunk the Rocketbook Everlast (Mini!)

I adore my Rocketbook Everlast, and routinely fill it with workout notes, then scan it, wipe it clean, and start over. Sometimes, though, I need something smaller and more portable, and Rocketbook has the ultimate solution with their new Rocketbook Everlast Mini, a smaller, reporters notebook style with the same wipe-clean features as the bigger Everlast!



Vari ProDesk 60 Electric: Quick to Set Up, Fantastic to Use

I have standing desks in both my home and work offices. I love them. In both cases, however, assembling the desk took quite some time. The Vari ProDesk 60 Electric solves this issue without tradeoffs. The desk, whose MSRP starts at $995, can be assembled in about five minutes yet is an impressive no-compromise standing desk.


Misen 10″ Skillet: The Perfect Pan for Your Kitchen Arsenal

A good stainless skillet, one with either a copper or aluminum core, can last a lifetime. Stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning that you can cook anything in it, and it keeps its shine forever. I was sent the Misen 10″ skillet to try; Misen skillets are made of 5-ply stainless with an aluminum core for better heat conductivity and retention.


Qalo Renewed My Wedding Band Vows

I have not worn a wedding band for many years. Not because I am avoiding the appearance of being married, but because of my outdoor lifestyle. My poor ring has been through a lot in the last 20 years, and I finally just quit wearing it. For around $40, I purchased a Qalo ring; I’m not disappointed in the least. 


Gear Diary’s 2018 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is coming up sooner than you think, and if you’ve been racking your brain for some great gifts that think outside of the jewelry, flowers, and candy box, we’ve got you covered. Whether you need to stick to a budget or the sky’s the limit, there is something for everyone.