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OtterBox introduces the Venture camping cooler. Of course it’s bear-proof.


OtterBox, makers of super-durable phone and tablet cases, is entering a new product category with the Venture camping cooler and Elevation drink tumblers. It looks like they’re bringing some next-level design thinking to the game in addition to the rugged durability OtterBox is known for. 

The standard features on the Venture cooler series look pretty solid. Three sizes are available (25, 45, and 65 quarts) that are true to size in terms of capacity. All models have been drop-tested for durability on all edges and sides and will hold ice for up to 14 days. Standard features include non-slip rubber feet, integrated handles that double as tie-down points for securing the cooler, and a slanted bottom for easy draining. Customization looks to be the secret sauce here; Otterbox has built in a series of organizational slots and attachment points for a line of accessories including cutting boards, internal organizers, custom compartments, cup holders, and more. And yes, there’s a locking kit available that makes the whole setup certified bear resistant. Pricing is set at $249.99, $349.99 or $399.99 depending on size, with no additional accessory pricing information available at this time.

In addition to the Venture cooler, OtterBox is introducing a line of Elevation insulated drink tumblers. Available in 10 oz ($24.99), 20 oz ($29.99) and 64 oz ($89.99) sizes. Otterbox is also promising a bunch of accessory options here including french press attachments, tea/fruit infusers, and a shaker lid for whipping up campsite cocktails.

The Venture coolers and Elevation are not available yet, but you can sign up at otterbox.com for updates on when they are available. They will also be available at Best Buy in early June.

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OtterBox introduces the Venture camping cooler. Of course it’s bear-proof. originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 3:11 pm.

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Astronomy buffs will love this solar system marble collection


I’m not really into astronomy, but I love marbles and this collection from WestEndCollectables has me searching for my credit card. The collection includes 11 marbles that represent the planets in our solar system.

Each marble represents a planet including the Moon, Mars, and Earth which shows the continents, oceans, and rivers.

The entire set of marbles is not sized accurately, but it’s a cool collection for anyone who loves both marbles and space.

The Solar System Orrery Globe Marble Collection is priced at $46.57 on the WestEndCollectables Etsy shop. Visit their store to order and be sure to check out their other marbles.

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Astronomy buffs will love this solar system marble collection originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 10:58 am.

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Trayvax Cinch belt review


Belts, we all have them, we use them and even abuse them at times. Like most men my age, I have owned my fair share of belts, leather, nylon, webbed, solid, and they all perform the same function, to keep my pants up. Now I won’t lie to you at this stage of my life (a little older and a little wider) I don’t wear belts that often, but I do find that when I do it is more often for casual outdoor experiences than for formal occasions. That’s why when Trayvax offered me a chance to try out their new Cinch belt I did.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

You may recognize the Trayvax name from the many news articles and reviews we have done on their various products like the Trayvax Axis wallet that I reviewed in 2016. The Cinch belt is the newest product from Trayvax. It is a nylon web belt with a custom made aluminum belt buckle.

The Trayvax Cinch has the following features listed on their website:

  • Infinitely adjustable friction belt
  • Heavy-duty MIL-SPEC nylon webbing
  • Aerospace-grade tempered aluminum buckle
  • Anodized finish
  • Light brush grain pattern
  • High-tensile strength (2000 lbs)
  • Instant tensioning and hassle-free locking
  • Low-profile, minimalist design
  • Buckle bent to contour with shape of body
  • Interchangeable buckles
  • Compatible with concealed carry
  • Sourced and made in the USA
  • Lifetime warranty

As stated above, the Cinch buckle is made of anodized, tempered aerospace aluminum. It is designed to use friction to keep the belt secure around your waist. The buckle has a slight bend at the front and rear and has “TRAYVAX” on the front tip and “MADE IN THE USA” towards the rear. The writing looks like it is printed on. The buckles are available in three colors right now, blue, black and gray.

From the back of the Cinch buckle, you can see the cut outs and how the belt is held in place.

The nylon webbing for the Cinch is fairly stiff and is approximately 1 1/2 inches wide. The end is cut nicely to allow you to thread the end through the buckle. The belt sizes run in two size increments starting at 30-32 all the way up to 46-48. The only color available right now is black.

So, what’s my bottom line on the Trayvax Cinch? Simple, rugged, durable, like all things I want in my tools and I like it. While most people don’t think of their belt as a tool, it is for some. I have had experience with similar web type belts and the weak point for long-term use has always been buckle slippage. Buckle slippage is bad enough if you are trying to keep up your pants, but what if you have a pouch or are carrying a weapon on that belt? I did not experience any slippage from the buckle while wearing the Cinch. At 1 1/2 inches, the Cinch is fine for most applications, but you may have trouble fitting it into some dress pants (although a don’t think I have any anymore). For an overall utilitarian belt, I think the Cinch is a good choice. The buckle is contoured well against my body and was not too big as to become uncomfortable while sitting. The three colors available are nice and I understand they are working on more colors (let’s hope zombie green is one). The Trayvax Cinch is available from the Trayvax website starting at $26.99 and ranging to $34.99 depending on the size of the belt.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Trayvax. Visit their site for more info.

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Trayvax Cinch belt review originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 9:04 am.

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GOFAR puts a backseat driver on your dash


Do you remember the Automatic car adapters that I’ve reviewed that track your vehicle’s performance and travels? GOFAR is a similar device that’s less expensive and claims to help you save up to 30% on your car’s running costs.

GOFAR has an OBD adapter that plugs into the diagnostic port in your car to interface with the onboard computer. A second piece is called the Ray and sits on your dash looking like some sort of alien surveillance device. GOFAR should work with US car models 1996 and newer.

As you drive, the Ray device on the dash glows blue if you’re driving as efficiently as possible, which means no fast accelerating and no hard braking. But if you start driving fast and furious, the Ray will shut that down with a disapproving red stare. The idea is to stay in that sweet (blue) spot because every engine speed has a sweet spot where the engine is maximizing power and minimizes fuel consumption. It’s where your car runs best and uses the least fuel, which translates into you spending less money.

GOFAR also interfaces with your smartphone to log and score your driving.

You can visit www.gofar.co for more info and you can buy one at The Fowndry for $91 which is a one time cost with no reoccuring fees.

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GOFAR puts a backseat driver on your dash originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 7:21 am.

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My USB cable can beat up your USB cable


When Syncwire calls their cables UNBREAKcable, they aren’t just fooling around with wordplay. Thier USB Type-C, Lightning, and micro USB cables are designed to withstand at least 30,000 90-degree bends and up to 275 lbs of force. If you don’t think that’s a lot, then try it with your current USB cable. Go on, I’ll wait…

Made of a proprietary hybrid of ultra-molecular weight polyethylene, which is geek speak for dang that’s strong plastic, the plastic used for these cables is 40% stronger than Kevlar.

The cables are 40-inches long and are priced at $11.99 for micro USB, $14.99 for USB Type-C, and $16.99 for Lightning. Pricey? Yes, but according to Syncwire, you’ll never need to buy another cable because they will replace the cable if it fails for any reason.

Visit www.sync-wire.com for more info.

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My USB cable can beat up your USB cable originally appeared on on May 11, 2017 at 4:35 pm.

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