Outdoor Living Archives

Hammaka Chair

Hammaka-Chair.jpg Finally a hammock for those of us without large sturdy trees in our yards. Finally a hammock for those of us without yards!

The Hammaka Chair has everything you need to spend the summer in luxury: a pillow, armrests, footrest, drink holder and even a carrying case. It can hang from its tripod or can be suspended from a ceiling joist.

Check price and availability at Brookstone.

“Double-layered UV protected 600-denier polyester fabric. Aluminum tripod with hardwood spreader bars. Supports up to 300 lbs. Easy to move at just 17 lbs. 7 ½’ tall.”

Torrent Rain Gauge

Torrent-Rain-Gauge.jpg The Torrent Rain Gauge is a self-emptying, electronic rain gauge. Unlike other electronic gauges, there are no cables, and no installation is required. All you have to to is place it on a level surface and wait for it to rain.

Rain falls into the top of the gauge which measures and records it as it exits through the bottom of the gauge.

Check price and availability at Outdoor Decor.

“If an elevated mounting position is desired, the Torrent has a groove molded in the bottom for placement atop a 1″ pipe (not included) allowing the rain gauge to be placed in a flower or vegetable garden. If you wish to mount the Torrent on a fence, a universal mounting bracket is available (sold separately). See item T RG 11021 for details. The Torrent Rain Gauge will record up to 99.999 inches of rain…”

Ultrasonic Dog Repeller

Ultrasonic-Dog-Repeller.jpg If there is a dog in your neighborhood that makes you nervous while walking, jogging, or cycling, make sure it stays away from you without harming you or the dog.

Check price and availability at Unbeatable Sale

The Ultrasonic Dog Repeller produces a high frequency sound that the human ear can’t detect, but can clearly be heard by dogs and acts as a deterrent to dogs. It has a belt clip and a low battery indicator.

Swedish FireSteel

Swedish-FireSteel.jpg Swedish FireSteel was originally developed for the Swedish Department of Defense. You slowly move a metal blade across the Firesteel, creating nearly 3,000°C (5,500°F) sparks that can easily be thrown onto a small pile of dry grass, leaves, or paper to start a fire.

If you like to go camping and want to start campfires quickly, or even if you just need help lighting the barbecue, this FireSteel will last for approximately 12,000 strikes and works just as well in the rain and snow as it does when it’s a sunny day.

Check price and availability at ThinkGeek.

“Used by a number of armies around the world, Swedish FireSteel’s dependability has already made it a favorite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen and campers. It has also found its way into cabins and backyards as a fool-proof way to light stoves and gas-barbecues. Amazingly enough it also works equally well when wet. We think geeks will appreciate the power of being able to start a fire with such a simple tool.”

Night Vision Monocular

night-vision-monocular.jpg Finally! The perfect gadget for those night time covert missions!

Or…if you don’t have the exciting life of a secret agent, you could use this Night Vision Monocular for night time walks, watching nocturnal wildlife, or camping.

You can buy the Night Vision Monocular at Stauer.

“Through amazing technology, the night vision monocular scope lets you see in extreme low light by amplifying the available light. In addition, by using the built-in IR illuminator, you are able see objects in total darkness. Lightweight with very low power consumption, the night vision scope works by just looking through the 2X magnification scope and pushing a button to see what you have been missing in the dark. Measures approximately 7″L x 1 3/4″W x 2 3/4″H and is powered by 2 “AAA” batteries.”

Remote Control Golf Ball

remote-control-golf-ball.jpg If you really wan to play a practical joke on your golf buddies, this is the way to do it.

The ball is made to resemble a real golf ball, except that it zigs and zags at a touch of the remote control, allowing you to fool your friends as they watch their putts drift wide of the cup, or watch yours go right in every time.

You can buy the Remote Control Golf Ball at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“The joystick on the discrete remote control lets you direct the ball within a 100′ range. The ball can operate on three different, selectable frequencies, allowing you to race two at a time. Runs on the included 1.2-volt NiMH rechargeable battery for up to four hours on a single charge; the transmitter requires one 9V battery, and the recharger requires two AA batteries.”

Golf-Ball Finding Glasses

golf-ball-finding-glasses.jpg Spend less time searching for lost balls and more time playing with these Golf-Ball Finding Glasses.

The lenses of these glasses block out 90% of long wavelength light (dark colors such as greens and browns), and let shorter wavelength light (such as whites and yellows) pass through unimpeded, so that golf balls are easy to find.

You can buy the Golf-Ball Finding Glasses at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“Developed in Canada by two nuclear engineers who grew tired of losing golf balls to dense rough, these glasses rely not only on their patented light-selective pigmented lenses, but on the principles of visual physiology as well: when scanning a large area (such as a fairway), many objects that are in plain view dont register to the viewer, simply because of the overwhelming amount of visual information. When the darker hues are filtered out of the field of vision, there are significantly fewer objects for the brain to process, and thus a golf ball stands out even more readily. The technology behind these lenses underwent six years of research and development, and incorporates a plastic resin frame with formfitting wrap-around styling to eliminate peripheral light. Frame is flexible and fits comfortably without pressure points; the lenses are scratch-resistant polycarbonate. Includes durable nylon carrying case for quick access to lenses during play; case clips to belt or golf bag.”

The Backpack Bicycle

backpack-bicycle.jpg This bicycle weighs only 12 lbs! And it folds to a volume of only 1 cubic foot!! And then it stores in a backpack!!!

You can transport it easily on public transportation, in a suitcase, or an airplane’s overhead compartment. I know so many people who could use this, taking your bike around on the subway isn’t any fun for anybody.

You can buy The Backpack Bicycle at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“The bicycle has quick release clamps, allowing you to fold or unfold the device in 10 seconds, and the frame is made from an aluminum alloy that has a level of impact resistance comparable to aircraft-grade aluminum. The efficient, dual chain drive transmission propels the bicycle up to 15 mph, and the chains are entirely enclosed, ensuring trouser cuffs will not snag or become dirty when riding. The pneumatic brakes allow confident stops, the wheels have die-cast aluminum hubs and 6″ rubber tires, and the bicycle supports me n or women over 5′ tall. Supports up to 200 lbs. Includes backpack. Unfolded: 37″ H x 16 1/2″ W x 35″ L. Folded: 26″ H x 6″ W x 12″ L.”

Smart Golfer Laser Putting Alignment System

putting-alignment-system.jpg The Smart Golfer Laser Putting Alignment System is a completely state-of-the-art laser training aid for putting that is compatible with most putters. It attaches and detaches easily and provides instant feedback on targeting and clubface orientation.

You can buy the Smart Golfer Laser Putting Alignment System at shopping Warehouse.

The Smart Golfer Laser Putting Alignment System offers the following features:

“* The laser putting alignment system is a laser training aid for putting
* Gives instant feedback on targeting, clubface orientation, and ball impact zone.
* Address the ball, aim at your intended target, and fire the LPAS laser.
* Feedback is immediate and most golfers can improve their putting immediately”

Personal UV Detector

uv-detector.jpg All outdoor activities can expose your skin to the harmful effects of UV rays. Since none of us can simply stop going outside any time soon, this device will let you know the SPF you should apply to yourself and your children, and the safe amount of time for you to be out in the sun.

It also works as a clock, alarm clock, and thermometer.

You can buy the Personal UV Detector at Shopping Warehouse.

“* Immediately detects the current UVI, UVA, and UVB when in the sun
* Quickly suggests the recommended SPF and safe sun exposure time
* Also functions as a clock, travel alarm, and personal thermometer
* Customize your personal UV detector to your skin type
* Compact and lightweight”

Rechargeable 24-LED Umbrella Light

LED-Umbrella.jpg Always want to keep the party going after dark? This Rechargeable 24-LED Umbrella Light can be clipped around any standard umbrella pole, and casts light either up to create a warm glow on the underside of your umbrella, or down to illuminate your table.

The battery gives up to 5 hours of light on a 6 hour charge, and the bulbs can last up to 20 years!

You can buy the Rechargeable 24-LED Umbrella Light at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“Available in a silver color offered only by Hammacher Schlemmer, this light has a total of 24 efficient LEDs that create a bright glow, direct and clear when pointing down or diffuse and warm when pointing up.”

Instant Infrared Patio Heater

instant-infared-patio-heater.jpg In some places (like here in Canada) summer is too short. so if you could find a way to extend the time you could enjoy your outdoor space, wouldn’t you want to?

This electric heater uses infrared radiant heat to warm you, furniture, and floors in the target area, in turn releasing heat into the immediate surroundings by convection, raising the ambient temperature on your patio, gazebo, or balcony. No warm-up period, just instant heat, letting you stay out later into the night (or earlier in the morning), and letting you extend your summer from May to September.

You can buy the Instant Infrared Patio Heater at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“The weatherproof heater is housed in a durable, powder-coated cast aluminum body and has a tempered glass front for optimal safety. The unit mounts to a wal l with the included bracket, ensuring a smaller footprint than cumbersome space heaters. It has an external connection box for hard wiring or it can be plugged into an AC outlet. Includes one replaceable quartz bulb for 1,000 hours of use, 15′ cord, and instructions for wall mounting. Heats up to 30′ sq. 7″ H x 9″ D x 14 1/2″ L. (10 lbs.)”

Stepping Stones & Walkway Molds

stepping-stones-walkway-molds.jpg Hiring a landscaper or simply buying stones can be extremely expensive. And not everyone is lucky enough to have a surplus of flat stones on their property.

Now you can create your own custom-designed walkway or patio with these Stepping Stones and Walkway Molds.

You can buy the Stepping Stones & Walkway Molds at Outdoor Decor.

“If you don’t find the stones you’re looking for, get creative and make your own! The design and embellishment possibilities are endless. We offer easy-to-use moulds that let you fashion a walkway to your exact specifications. Making an unforgettable, unique pathway is a weekend project the whole family can enjoy!”

Motorized Bumper Boat

Motorized-Bumper-Boat.jpg This totally awesome inflatable Motorized Bumper Boat allows you to jet around in calm water at up to 3 M.P.H. It’s made of durable .3 mm PVC that can stand up to the liveliest play.

C’mon, you know you want one.

You can buy the Motorized Bumper Boat at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“The boat inflates in minutes using the included air pump. Adults and children can fit into its seat, and it can support up to 200 lbs. 44″ L x 41″ W x 31 1/2″ H. (4 1/2 lbs.)”

Boy Scout 7-Implement Multi-Tool

Boy-Scout-Tool.jpg You will “Always Be Prepared” with this 7-function cutlery multi-tool.

Made from stainless steel, the center of the unit unlocks and separates into two tools, revealing a fork, bottle and can opener, cork screw, knife, spoon, and a punch.

You can buy the Boy Scout 7-Implement Multi-Tool at NewYorkFirst.

“The hike, the wilderness journey, the camping experience — this is never haphazard business for the Boy Scout. Preparations are carefully made, the planning and discussion, the decisions on food, clothing and proper equipment to be taken. The Scout is never without his trusted multi-tool, designed to meet a variety of needs in God’s Great Outdoors.”