GADGETHEAD Issue 3.10
UK
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Inspired By Your Success
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GADGETHEAD Senior Writer Emma Hilling emmahilling@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Steve Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
Contents Osprey Duro 15• AKU Alterra GTX• Quad Lock Motorbike Mount and Car Suction Mount Page 10 Jetboil MightyMo • Endura MT500 Jacket• XOO X Casely-Hayford• The Monster Factory VW Tent Page 20 Dovo Prima Klang Razor• 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack• iStorage diskAshur²Osprey Tropos 32• Groegg 2 Page 30 Gul Shadow Halo Zip Drysuit• Marshall Stanmore Speaker• Seeland Scout Fleece• Osprey Ozone 75 Convertible Page 40 Metrel MI 3152 Eurotest XC Entry Set• Härkila Vindeln Fleece Jacket• Mee-go 4-Wheel Sit & Ride
Osprey Duro 15 If you are a runner, you may be familiar with the hassle of deciding whether to run with a water bottle during long distances, not only is it an unwanted distraction but if you get a little liquid on your running gloves in the colder months it will quickly turn your hands painfully numb. The Duro 15 is a large capacity running pack that has been designed to support long distance runners by providing space for water, clothes, snacks, mobile phones and any other small essentials you may need (portable oxygen tank/Roller blades?) This pack features a body wrap hip-belt and vest style fit, available in both S/M and M/L. We had M/L which was slightly too large on my 5’3” frame and the smallest settings but
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fit my partner well. The Duro 15 has a contact mesh lining to help keep you cool and dry on the move and the multiple stretch mesh and zip pockets on the front of the vest and hip-belt allow you to grab gels or if you are like me, jelly babies without restriction or having to stop. The upper vest pockets contain two 500ml lightweight soft flasks with extension hoses, which can be removed for shorter trips. The main compartment
contains a 2.5L Hydraulics LT reservoir, and added together with the two smaller flasks, you can carry a total of 3.5L of water. Think of it like a camelstyle super power. You are the camel, but instead you have 3 humps. The Duro 15 features compression straps to reduce any unnecessary bulk and stop the bag bouncing around and there is a large stretch-mesh pocket to stuff in a waterproof jacket or hat and gloves. The rear of each shoulder features a Stow-on-the-Go™ loop for trail running poles, keeping them out of the way and your hands free when you don’t need them.
The sternum straps are removable, elasticated, and adjustable with a unique design aimed at making them easier to navigate with one hand. I found them to be a fiddly pain because when you have already removed one, it is hard to remove the other, especially with gloves on. Another potential issue is that the excess strap on the sternum strap can get in the way of the magnet connection of the drinking pipe so it can ping off if not fastened properly. The Duro 15 is a good choice when it comes to a hydration system that is comfortable to wear, doesn’t slosh about, is lightweight, and has plenty of storage for essentials whilst on the trail. RRP £140
www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/duro-15-17 Pros Up to 3.5L of water Comfortable and breathable Multiple pockets including zip pockets on the hip belt Compression straps Removeable flasks Two sizes available Reflective details
Cons Awkward sternum strap attachments Strap gets in the way of the magnetic pipe fastening
Gadgethead Magazine
AKU Alterra GTX AKU was born in Italy to founder Galliano Bordin and grew over 40 years from a small workshop into an industry that designs and produces trekking and outdoor footwear. The Alterra GTX is a versatile trekking boot designed for medium and unpredictable trekking terrains, available in sizes 3-13 in UK shoe sizes. It offers good ankle support and durability at a light-weight 670g per shoe. The Alterra GTX’s upper is a combination of suede and a stretchy fabric that makes getting it on and off easy whilst maintaining a comfortable fit without any rubbing. The asymmetric construction of the outsole uses AKU ELICA technology to help distribute the load of the foot evenly over 6
the plantar surface and improves foot roll. The lining uses Gore-Tex Performance Comfort to keep your foot dry whilst at the same time allowing any moisture to escape and regulate its temperature. The outsole is a Vibram Octopus that has deep lugs to keep you stable on rough terrain, ideal for hills and trails. The
stretch-fit tongue and smooth lacing system allows for a precise fit that hugs the foot and provides support where you need it. The boot’s toe box runs a little wide, and combined with a softer heel support, these boots are not tough enough for more technical hikes, but are more than suitable for smoother trails and paths rather than scree and scrambles. You will, however, appreciate the comfort and lightweight spring in your step that will last the entire day. RRP £259.95
www.aku.it/en Pros Comfortable fit Even weight distribution
Cons Not suitable for tougher climbs
Gore-Tex lining Asymmetric fit Vibram Outsole
Gadgethead Magazine
Quad Lock Motorbike Mount and Car Suction Mount Earlier this year we looked at the Quad Lock Cycle Mount and were impressed by how sturdy it was, but how bumpy does it really get on a bicycle? Could it really be as secure on a Motorcycle? It came with the iPhone 7 Plus case and the iPhone 7 Plus poncho to get us started, you can buy them separately or as a kit. The Quad Lock Motorcycle Mount is a flexible mount for your phone that allows for a convenient and visible location on your bike. It features a rotating head and comes with an extension arm if extra clearance is required. Easy peasy to attach, with everything you need in the box, multiple mounting configurations and fits bars of sizes ⅞” (22mm), 1” (25mm), 1-⅛” (28mm) and 1-¼” (32mm). Like all the Quad Lock gear, it is compatible with all their other products so you can get one for
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your bike, motorbike, car, or even an arm band for jogging. The mount itself has a clean finish and is discrete in its small size, you can attach and detach it with one hand, our rigorous testing proved that is wasn’t going anywhere, even on the bumpiest of terrain it held firm and was still easy to see directions on the sat nav. It is well worth getting the poncho to protect it from not just rain but any dust and general dirt kicking up from the road, it is still easy to use the touch screen
through the poncho. If you aren’t cool enough to own a motorcycle/ have a healthy respect for your natural expiry date, you can get a compatible Quad Lock car mount claiming to be one of the strongest and most stable smart phone mounts on the market. This mount easily connects and disconnects to your phone in a matter of seconds and features a patented cam locking industrial-strength suction cup, it is fully adjustable with a swivel ball for 360 degree rotation. The car mount features one-handed operation, anti-vibration, and will mount on either the windscreen or dashboard. It is easy to install, even my technophobe friend
who will happily throw anything out the window that isn’t intrusively simple to use could manage it. My only gripe is that you are committed to using the case when you need to mount it. Although it will be protected in the Quad Lock case, it isn’t as good as a personalised leather flip case that also has your bank cards and shopping list in. Switching it over isn’t a big hassle but it just means that at some point I am highly likely to lose one of the cases, the answer to this issue…? No idea. RRP iPhone 7 Plus Motorcycle Kit £52.90 with Poncho £71.85 and the iPhone 7 Car Mount £39.95
https://www.quadlockcase.co.uk/ Pros Stable Easy to install Clean and discrete design One hand function Reasonably priced
Cons You must use the case
Gadgethead Magazine
Jetboil MightyMo The MightyMo is Jetboil’s first stand-alone universal stove system, meaning you don’t have to have Jetboil’s compatible cookware to use the stove you can bring your grimy old tins that you haven’t washed since your Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and they will work just fine (apart from the potential food poisoning). This storable single burner is reasonably lightweight at 95g (3.3oz), although there are lighter models on the market. It features a large 10,000 BTU burner with three metal supports that easily fold out to place your pan on. The MightMo comes with a good quality soft carry bag and a plastic fold-out stand. The stand only raises the 10
burner off the ground by about 1cm, so it can still be difficult to balance it on uneven ground, but it is better than trying to balance the gas canister on the ground whilst at the same time trying to not spill cold economy beans on your feet. You can control the burner’s temperature with four full turns of the regulator valve spindle, all the way
down to 20°F. To reduce the major frustration of trying to get a match to the gas without wasting lots of gas, the wind blowing the match out, burning your fingers or all the above, there is a strong and effortless push-button igniter that sends out a spark every two out of three presses. Ideal for one or two people, the MightyMo has a boil time of 3 minutes 15 seconds per litre (in a 5L Flux Pot), which is enough for four small cups of coffee, and you will get roughly 12Litres per 100g Jetpower can. This isn’t lightest or most compact stove,
but it will quickly get you that morning coffee and it is easy to operate. The MightyMo is perfect for a messy weekend camping with your mates – especially as you have the added excuse to only make your own drinks. RRP £49.95
jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com/stoves-systems/mightymo-cooking-system Pros Fast boil time Four levels of heat control Push button ignition
Cons Not as lightweight or compact as other models in this price range Plastic stand could be more stable
Gadgethead Magazine
Endura MT500 Jacket If you are going to trust any company to know what they are doing when it comes to protection against the elements whilst out ripping up a bike trail, a Scottish one is a safe bet! The Endura MT500 shell is crammed full of tech to provide you with the ultimate trail riding protection; the breathable ExoShell60 is three-layer, fluorinefree waterproof fabric that has a breathability rating of more than >60,000gms/m²/24hr and a waterproof rating of >18,000mm. The material is super lightweight, coming in at only 105gsm, which helps keep you light on your feet and your pack size to a minimum when you don’t need to
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wear it. The MT500 Jacket is available in black, navy or a bright ‘Burn Orange’ and in M, L, XL and XXL. The durable shoulders have ergonomically positioned stretch panels for a comfortable fit, as well as a silicone grip that helps keep the shoulder straps of your backpack in place over bumpy ground even in the wet. The jacket is fully seamsealed with a waterrepellent Vislon zip and storm flap that sits
comfortably on your skin. On the chest there is a water-resistant Napoleon pocket with a media port and integrated glasses or visor wipe, and the two, large side front pockets double up as vents for some muchneeded ventilation on harder rides. For extra ventilation, there are two large underarm two-way zipped vents that extend onto back whilst remaining compatible with your backpack. The zips on the jacket are quite stiff, which makes them secure but not easy to access with one hand or whilst wearing gloves, but these may loosen up over time.
The cuff and hem are fully adjustable to ensure a watertight fit and the hem is designed to be longer at the back to keep you dry whilst in the riding position. The sleeves also feature a soft internal stretchy cuff as an added barrier for any rain or water splashed up from the trail. The helmetcompatible hood has 3D adjustment and can be rolled up and tucked away when not needed, and also has a small reflective strip on the back that is also present on the cuff and back. The Endura MT500 is an excellent shell for tougher days on the trail, allowing you to enjoy the day no matter what the weather. RRP ÂŁ199.99
https://www.endurasport.com/product/mt500waterproof-jacket-ii/ Pros Lightweight Waterproof Fully taped seams Breathable (with extra ventilation if needed) Adjustable Silicone grips on shoulder
Cons Stiff zips
Gadgethead Magazine
XOO X Casely-Hayford I am all for gimmicky tech, and anything that might look like it dropped out of a 1970’s Bond movie is always a winner with me, but what I don’t like is gimmicky tech wrapped up in real leather and then being sold at a ridiculous price under the name of ‘fashion’. So, what is the XOO X Casely-Hayford? It is a wearable phone charger, designed with the help of CaselyHayford, that has been built into a belt with the aim to fuse useful technology with high fashion. It fails at both. I will begin my list of dislikes with the moment I opened the box, although nicely packaged, you have no clue what it is supposed to be when you first open it, and 14
you are also hit with an unpleasant chemically smell upon opening the box. On first impressions, it looks rather sleek, the power pack appears well made but it is heavy, cold, and bulky, which is uncomfortable if you intend on bending at the waist at all. The power pack is a 1600mAh battery which won’t get you a full charge on any modern devices, this means you will have to recharge
your belt every time you use it. This brings me to the next issue, you will need one of those fiddley little pins to release power pack from the belt every time when a button would be much more convenient. The belt is made from a Full grain Mongolian leather which is the best part of the product, the battery pack looks like a portable speaker, then clips onto the belt and ruins it. The cable to charge your phone is cheaply made with a poor finish, it isn’t easy to see which way the USB needs to go into the belt, and it is awkward getting it in.
There is a stretchy sleeve to keep the cable hanging out of your belt and gathers weird looks while travelling on the underground, the sleeve on the product we received was already becoming unstitched which for something that will constantly be in contact with the trousers, doesn’t fill me with faith that it will last long. To sum up: poor finish, small power supply, weird smell, heavy, awkward, and to top it all off greedily expensive. The ideal passive-aggressive present for someone you hate, and whom expects you to spend a stupid amount on them. RRP $249
https://getxoo.com/products/582a6fccd4c1a512 002c29d4 Pros Keeps your trousers from falling down Full grain leather
Cons Sickeningly expensive Stitching coming undone Small power supply Hard to get USB in Cheap cable Smells weird Awkward to detach battery from belt
Gadgethead Magazine
Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease. Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.
DriveSt
Direct Attac USB 3.0 4 wheels for urban use
silvercrossbaby.com
Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
DriveStation™ Quad Direct Attached Storage USB 3.0
HD-QHU3/R5
Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage
Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay Direct Attached Storage device perfect for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 comes fully populated with high-reliability Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ WD Red™ drives in total capacities of up to 24TB.
Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay
™ The DriveStation Quad is RAID-enabled customised Direct Attached Storage deviceforperfect redundancy and capacity depending on your specific needs for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 and also comes with 10 licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP comes Essentials fully populated Business software. with high-
reliability WD Red™ drives in total
The DriveStation™ Quad features the capacity, redundancy, capacities of required up to 24TB. and performance for any demanding user – the perfect solution for backing up large servers, multimedia files, or databases. The HD-QHU3 series is sold fully populated with WD Red drives and total capacities of 8, 12, 16, or 24TB. HD-QHU3/R5
Features and Benefits • 4 bay Direct Attached Storage fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives - Available with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities
• RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD
• Perfect for Server, PC, and/or Database Backup
Features and Benefits
- Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBackup Business Essentials
• Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer
4-bay Direct Attached Storage •• SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0
fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities • RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD • Perfect for ™Server, PC, and/or Database Backup - Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP® Business Essentials • Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer ched Storage • SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0 • 3 year warranty - Available • 3 year warranty
tation Quad
The Monster Factory VW Tent The iconic VW campervan is the pinnacle of the hippie camping lifestyle, but for most people these days it’s well out of their price range. Fear not! You can get the look for a faction of the price and without the risk of breaking down on the way (unless you have the tent in a car as old as mine then it is a constant risk). The VW Tent is a four-man tent with a divider down the middle creating two rooms and it is an exact licensed replica of the 1965 classic. It is available in Blue (our test model), Orange, Red and a limitededition Green. It has a 3000mm waterproof roof and 1000mm waterproof sides, inner storage pockets on the inside walls. The tent comes with an outer tent, inner 18
tent, guy ropes, pegs, poles, carry bag and clear instructions… that is, if your husband (with just one job to do) remembers to pack them…which of course, he didn’t. So, there we were in a remote area of the North Norfolk coast and with no instructions, but I think it is testament to the product that after 15 minutes of arguing we manged to put the tent up without them, it was that easy to do. From 90x25x25cm packed up it becomes 3.98m(w)x1.87m(h) x1.55m(d) when fully erect. The instructions say it can be set up by one person but it’s certainly easier to do
with two. One person would definitely have great difficulty when it comes to standing it up and putting on the outer layer over the top (though it really depends on how tall you are and how windy it is). It was just as easy to pop up and pack down, however I would like to see a more fail-safe way of identifying the poles, as after using it on two occasions some the identity stickers were peeling off. The tent looked awesome and we had plenty of people stop and take photos of it. It was tall enough to stand up in, but we have a massive airbed and so that filled one compartment leaving the other area for changing in, and storing our beer
supplies, so there was no way we could squeeze another two people in there comfortably with their stuff too. The waterproofing should be better on the sides as we took a hammering from the rain at night and where the airbed was pressed against the side it got damp. The white roof of the tent also means you wake up at about 4am being blinded by the sun so we would highly recommend an eye mask especially if you have had a few beers the night before. As a novelty tent it works well and looks the part. Overall, I would not advise spending more than a couple of dry nights in there as the waterproofing isn’t good enough, and it does get very hot inside due to the lack of ventilation. RRP £199
http://www.themonsterfactory.com/product/vwadult-tent-blue/ Pros Easy to set up and pack down Looks great Tall enough to stand up in Two compartments
Cons Lack of ventilation White roof gets very bright Sides need better waterproofing Identification stickers on poles peel off
Gadgethead Magazine
Dovo Prima Klang Razor
Do you remember in the not-so-distant past when every man seemed to go a primal and grew beards in varying degrees of patchiness and ginger? As quickly as this fad came along, it began to wane, and the bottles of hipster-branded beard oil were soon replaced
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by equally hipsterbranded cut throat razors and shaving brushes. If you have a hipster in your life,
the Dovo Prima Klang Razor could be an excellent gift for them, as well as anyone who is still waiting for the wispy patches to fill, as they could use the notso-subtle hint that it is time to give up.
Dovo was founded in 1906 in Wald, near Solingen, Germany, where they began making straight razors that later progressed into hairdressing scissors, pedicure and shaving accessories. In 2013, in its third generation of business, Dovo returned to their razor-producing origins. The Dovo Prima Klang Razor is a beautiful straight razor constructed from a strong but light carbon steel. It has a round point and features a glossy, highly polished South American violet wood handle. This timeless razor comes etched in 24-karat gold and has an extra-full hollow grind blade that measures 5/8”. Comfortable in your hand, this knife allows you to get a close, clean shave. The extra hollow design means this blade is very
thin and offers a more flexible action, but if you have very thick hair, this might not be tough enough for you. The Prima Klang holds its edge well, but we didn’t find it particularly easy to sharpen up again, although this could be down to our useless coticule technique. All in all, the Dovo Prima Klang Razor is a good starter blade that looks handsome and would make an excellent gift. RRP £169
https://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/58-1116razors/473-dovo-58-violetwood-prima-klangextra-full-hollow-.html Pros Stunning Polished violet wood handle Blade Depth 5/8” Extra full hollow grind Carbon steel blade 24 karat gold etching
Gadgethead Magazine
5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack 5.11 are not just your regular clothing line - they are the Bear Grylls of clothing lines. Their original 5.11 Pant was chosen by the FBI Training Academy as its training pant in 1992, which began the long relationship of 5.11’s commitment to public safety and the first responder community. In 2003, 5.11 Tactical began developing a larger range in their law enforcement line by creating gear that met the needs of people in the field, and in 2012 they redesigned their women’s range for a better fit and higher performance. The Rush 72 is a 55litre backpack available in seven colours: black, ‘Flat Dark Earth’ (mid brown), ‘MultiCam’ (camo), ‘TAC OD’ (khaki), ‘Sandstone’, ‘Double Tap’ (blue/grey) and ‘Storm’ (grey). The name ‘72’ comes
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from the fact that this product qualifies as a 72-hour bag, giving you enough storage to keep you alive for three days… yay! This backpack is deceptively full of features to keep you as organised as possible, whilst remaining versatile enough to tackle numerous types of adventures from a family weekend away to operational bug outs. The Rush 72 is made from a durable, water-repellent 1050D nylon, apart from the MultiCam version, which is made from
1000D nylon (perhaps you need to be slightly less water resistant to blend in with your surroundings, who knows?) The compartments include multiple integrated organisation pockets on the outside, inside and underneath the main lid, and have mesh lining for quick visuals on where you have put your gear. There is an admin organiser for maps, pens and other documents and a fleece-lined pocket that will protect your sunglasses or small devices from getting scratched. The dualzip front and main compartments have moulded grip pulls for easier access when wearing gloves or with cold hands, and there
is an integrated internal hydration compartment with hangers and toggles to keep you hydrated whilst on the move. There are also butt-loads of loops on the front of the bag to attach essentials like sleeping matts, poles, tripods or your entire freakin’ kitchen to if you want. The 72 has a cinching waist strap (which could do with a bit more padding), an adjustable sternum strap and comfortable. adjustable dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps. The bag hugs your body but doesn’t breathe well, so your back will get sweaty if you are working hard. This is a tough and versatile bag that is reasonably comfortable to wear, although due to its robust material, it is heavy at 2kg even before you have filled it with your gear. However, there is no doubt that this bag will stand the test of time and look suitably badass whilst doing so. RRP £150
www.511tactical.com/rush-72-backpack.html Pros Tough Versatile More pockets and straps than you will know what to do with Main compartment opens fully Seven designs available Water repellent Customisable with other 5.11 bags
Cons Heavy Lacks ventilation
Gadgethead Magazine
iStorage diskAshur²
Adding a security keypad to anything instantly makes it more exciting, whether it’s feeling superior at being able to access the stock room whilst the rest of the dregs are forbidden, or punching in your gym pin to do five minutes of low cardio on the off-chance you might see that girl that smiled at you once, but I digress. The iStorage diskAshur² is an easy to use, ultra-secure, PIN authenticated USB 3.1 hard drive with realtime AES-XTS 256-bit 24
hardware encryption, software-free design and super-fast data transfer speeds. You get to set up your own 7-15 digit PIN, James Bond
style, which is relatively easy to set up thanks to the included software setup and operation. The diskAshur² will work across all operating systems including MS Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Thin Clients, Zero Clients and embedded systems, as well as any device with a USB port.
I won’t pretend to know what this means, but for those who might understand it, it is worth mentioning that one of the unique and underlying security features of the GDPR compliant diskAshur² is the dedicated hardware based secure microprocessor (Common Criteria EAL4+ ready), which uses a built-in physical protection mechanism to defend against external tamper, bypass attacks and more. The diskAshur² will react to any automated attacks by entering a deadlock frozen state, which stops any such attacks in its tracks, and the EDGE™ (Enhanced Dual Generating Encryption) technology offers advanced data security via a built-in FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption engine. The diskAshur² features fast USB 3.1 data transfer speeds of 148 MBps (read) and 140 MBps (write), it is compatible with USB
2.0 and 1.1 ports, and you can even pre-program the diskAshur² with a Self-Destruct PIN - how James Bond is that? It also comes with protective carrycase, is light weight and portable and feels tough and strong. One con is that the built-in USB cable is annoyingly short, so you will need an extension for desktop computers. However, the diskAshur² is an ultra-secure device - it doesn’t come cheap, but if you need this level of security, it’s worth paying for. Starts from RRP £159
https://istorage-uk.com/product/diskashur2/ Pros Ultra-secure Portable Real-time hardware encryption with PIN authentication EDGETM (Enhanced Dual Generating Encryption) Technology Self-Destruct Feature Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism Unattended Auto-Lock feature Available in four colours: Phantom Black, Ocean Blue, Fiery Red & Racing Green Available in 500GB-5TB
Cons Short integrated USB cable
Gadgethead Magazine
Osprey Tropos 32 The Tropos 32 from Osprey is an everyday and commuting backpack designed for active use. It is available in five colours, Komodo Green (which is what we received), Navy Blue, Black, Armor Grey and Robust Red. It features Osprey’s AirSpeed trampoline suspended mesh backsystem, this reduces the amount of material on your back and creates a large ventilating space keeping you cool and your back dry whilst on the move. There is a dedicated padded laptop sleeve which is suspended away from the bottom of the pack, this helps to prevent your computer for getting a bashing when you place the bag down on the ground or table. This laptop sleeve has a direct zip access,
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which makes for quick retrieval to start work or in airline security. A cool feature of this bag is the integrated kickstand which holds the bag upright without you needing to rest it against anything, stops it falling over and damaging your gear whilst at the same time freeing up both your hands to dig around the bag. I thought that this metal bar would greatly increase the weight of the bag but it still only weighs 1.24kg (2.73lb) and it also completely flattens down for easy storage. This innovation
also prevents the pack from tilting over and helps to protect your contents. There are plenty of pockets to play with including a front organiser pocket, a small scratch-free pocket on the top of the bag which is an ideal place to keep your phone or sunglasses. A vertical zip provides access to a pocket at the front of the bag which has been designed for easy storage of gloves or a jacket and the two stretchy mesh side pockets are ideal for large water bottles. The Tropos has many of Osprey’s usual features including an internal key clip, LED light attachment point, and emergency whistle
on the sternum strap, as well as a vertically and horizontally adjustable sternum strap, reflective graphics, and side compression to reduce bulk. The mesh covered and padded shoulder straps are comfortable, but the removable hip belt lacks any sort of padding to stop it getting in the way if you are folded over on a bike and doesn’t provide much in the way of comfort. Overall this is a good, lightweight day pack that is well worth getting just to see how you ever managed without a kickstand before. RRP £120
www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/ tropos-32-2017 Pros Integrated kickstand AirSpeed backsystem keeps you cool Padded laptop and tablet sleeve with direct zip access Scratch-proof pocket Vertical centred zipper pocket Front organiser pocket
Cons Zero padding in hip-belt
Gadgethead Magazine
Groegg 2 My friends have recently become parents for the first time, and among the myriad of new things they both now worry about, whether their baby is too hot or too cold is one of the biggies. A safe sleeping environment can be vital for reducing the risk of cot death (SIDS) and it is currently recommended for the nursery temperature to be maintained between 16–20°C. The Groegg 2 is a wonderful idea that allows parents a quick visual of the nursery temperature with a unique colour-changing room thermometer that doubles up as a 28
nightlight. The Groegg 2 uses a colour-coded light system to show you the temperature, as well as a digital number displayed under the light. Red indicates 24˚C and above, orange 20˚C-24˚C, yellow 16˚C-20˚C (this is what you want) and blue 16˚C and below. The box and instructions also recommend which Grobag sleeping bag you would need for the
room temperature. The second generation of this award-winning egg, the Groegg 2 features a new squidgy, silicone design that is 33% bigger and brighter than the original model, as well as soft to the touch. It also includes four adjustable brightness levels so you have the option of using it as a nightlight or dimming it down to a more discrete glow. The Gloegg2 is compact and robust, making it easy to travel with and take to
grandma’s or on holiday (I can feel all the parents with babies rolling their eyes at the idea of a holiday). It doesn’t take up too much room on a chest of draws or changing table, and the light system means you can easily read the temperature whether it is on the floor or up high on a shelf. I would like the option to switch the glow off completely, so just the digital display remains, as this could be useful for if you are all sharing a room on nights away from home. RRP £29.99
http://gro.co.uk/product/groegg-2/ Pros Quick colour-coded display Precise digital reading Portable Soft silicone design Compact Four brightness options
Cons No option to turn light off completely
Gadgethead Magazine
Gul Shadow Halo Zip Drysuit The Shadow from Gul is for extreme conditions, part of their tough four-layer waterproof fabric performance range. The GCX4 material is a breathable, waterproof and hard-wearing fourlayer fabric that has been engineered to withstand demanding use over time. It is waterproof to 20,000mm and has a breathability of 10,000g/m/24h, with all the seams fully taped for extreme waterproofing that lasts over time. The water-resistant outer shell not only keeps you dry but protects you from the wind and cold at the same time, the midlayer is waterproof and has a breathable coating, and the innerlayer is made from a wicking polyester tricot that allows condensation and perspiration to escape. The new Halo Zip helps to make the Shadow more comfortable and flexible, as the 3D body
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contour zip has been specifically designed to minimise catching when zipping up and down and for it to sit comfortably on the body. The zip is placed high on the body so your movements aren’t restricted, and a secondary zip guard offers protection to the YKK Aquaseal dry zip. You don’t need anyone else to zip it up for you, as you can do it easily by yourself. The Shadow features
a high neck, cuffs on the sleeves and legs to help stop any water or cold drafts creeping into the suit. There is also a pocket at the top of the right leg, but this is not waterproof, so make sure you take your phone out of your pocket before heading into wet conditions. The contoured body panel helps to reduce snagging and bulk, and this in turn reduces how much you get caught by the wind. It also features reinforced, hard wearing seat (bum to you and me) and knee panels, as well as articulated arms and knees, and adjustable internal braces ensure a precise and comfortable fit. The
thermal outer fleece collar adds some comfort, but the latex socks feel horrible when you first put them on. However, you won’t regret them, as there is nothing as uncomfortable as wet and cold feet. All things considered, this is an excellent choice for water sports such as sailing or wind surfing and extreme outdoor conditions. RRP £400
www.gul.com/sail/mens/drysuits/shadow-mens-halo-zip-drysuit Pros GCX4 Fabric
Cons High price tag
Breathable 100% waterproof heat taped seams Contoured body panels Halo zip Latex socks Internal adjustable braces
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Secure Your Data Hardware Encrypted (AES 256-bit) USB 3.0 External Hard Drive PIN activated (6-16 digits) Works with PC, Mac, Linux, Citrix, Android, Thin Clients and Embedded Systems
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Marshall Stanmore Speaker It isn’t often the beauty and functionality come together in such a sweet package, but the Stanmore Bluetooth Speaker by Marshall manages to combine the two beautifully. This is most definitely a speaker you will want to display with pride of place in your home. Available in the classic amp design, there is a choice of Black, Brown or a cool Cream. It features the iconic gold script logo, gold piping, vinyl casing and vintageinspired fret grille cloth. It has all the charm of the original 60’s design with all the functions of a modern product. With a wide range of connection options, you can quickly connect devices without the hassle of standing 34
up from the sofa via Bluetooth v4.0, and with APTX Technology the connectivity is strong allowing me to walk downstairs and three rooms away without it dropping out. Alternatively, you can use the RCA input to plug in your record player, or use the highquality coil cord that’s included to connect your phone to the 3.5mm auxiliary input. The top brass plate houses the analogue controls that fuse the traditional amp design with a modern twist, with satisfying light-up
level indicators that allow you to customise the sound through volume, treble, and bass. The Stanmore has two standby modes, power-saver and standard, these allow for a low usage of energy when it isn’t actively in use. I was nervous to test the sound quality, because if I was to discover it wasn’t up to scratch, it would be like finding out your super-hot tinder date thinks Nickelback are a good rock band; thankfully however, I was not disappointed. Featuring One 50Watt Class D amplifier for the woofer, and Two 15Watt Class D amplifiers for the tweeters, the
speaker packs a serious punch for it modest size. Loud and rich, it delivers meaty bass with clean, clear mid and high tones that are all adjustable. I can see two things that may put people off. Firstly the price. Though people who don’t prioritise their audio joy when it comes to their finances simply don’t deserve to own this. Secondly, there maybe be people who are looking for something more discreet or portable and at 13.77x7.28x7.28inches and 5.10kg. The Stanmore is neither of these things, but if you have this plugged in at home you won’t want to leave the house anyway, so really, there is no excuse. RRP £349
https://www.marshallheadphones.com/mh_uk_ en/stanmore-bluetooth Pros Excellent sound quality Beautiful original Marshall design High quality finish Treble, bass, and volume control Bluetooth v4.0 APTX, 3.5 mm or RCA connection Strong Bluetooth connectivity
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Seeland Scout Fleece Seeland is a company based in Denmark that creates clothing, footwear, and equipment for hunting that has been designed by professional hunters. The Seeland Scout Fleece is a thick and warm fleece featuring YKK zip closure and pockets ideal for keeping you warm whilst you’re out in the elements either hunting or fishing.
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The Scout fleece jacket is made from thick, soft fibres that allow for retention of body heat and provide you with good insulation allowing you to feel comfortable,
even on the worst of days. The fleece can be used as a mid-layer with a waterproof over the top or on its own for milder days. It is made from 100% Polyester, with a 2-Tone, 2-way pile fleece that is lovely and soft on your skin. The Demitasse Brown colour helps you blend into your surroundings and the inside is a lighter brown to make it easier to see in low light. The cotton/nylon front pockets are large enough to store binoculars or other essentials, the YKK zips however, are stiff and makes it difficult to undo with gloved hands. The wrists are elasticated to help prevent drafts getting in and the hem has a draw-cord for a precise fit and to keep the heat in and the cold air out. The main zip also has a cotton
guard that runs all the way along to prevent the air flow getting in between the teeth of the zip and to stop the cold metal from coming into contact with your skin. There is a third pocket on the chest with a popper closure which again is quite unyielding, and although
it looks and feels high quality, it is a pain to open and close. The Scout Fleece is made to a high quality and soft, cosy and warm garment. If only those pockets featured an easier entry, it would be perfect. RRP ÂŁ79.99
https://rc01.seeland.com/en-gb/scout-fleece Pros Warm Good quality finish Can be used as mid-layer or on its own Draw string hem Elasticated wrists
Cons Stiff zips and popper on pockets
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Osprey Ozone 75 Convertible I am more than a little bit in love with this bag. I only wish we had got our hands on it sooner for our recent travels in South America, as this bag is ALL bags, all at once. Do you want a wheelie bag for easy commuting around airports and public transport? A light day pack for exploring? A large comfortable backpack for long tips and travelling? This bag is all those things and more. This light-weight wheeled travel pack transforms into a fully operational backpack. It’s features include a lightweight frame so when empty it only weighs 3.15kg, there are two large wheels with traction grips, and an extendable ErgoGrip T-shaped handle that slides out with ease to a comfortable height. When you need the bag off the ground or both hands free then the back-panel zips open to reveal the torsoadjustable harness and
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padded hip-belt. The Velcro gets in the way when you are pulling it out and the two clips on the bottom of the case are very hard to clip in, it works just fine without them clipped in but that’s not the point, it is awkward stowing them in correctly to get the streamline profile though this doesn’t affect the bag if it remains a little bulky. The back-system is an adjustable trampoline suspended mesh, the straps and weight distribution adds up to a comfortable experience although
the wheels very slightly touch my lower back, this wasn’t uncomfortable but may cause for transfer of dirt onto your clothes. The Ozone has a lockable zip on the main compartment which opens the bag fully, although you do have to unclip the four compression straps to open it properly. There is internal compression and a separate compartment on top to store wet or dirty clothes, there are also two grab handles on the side and top of the bag. I would like to see one on both sides and the bottom also just to make it easier to grab quickly at the airport luggage carousel, for example. The removable 18L daypack has a padded laptop
and document sleeve, a top zip pocket for keys and other essentials, and a large organiser area to store all your gear. It also attaches to the shoulder straps of the main compartment so you can wear it kangaroo style for easy access to your things and to look like a true tourist. This versatile, lightweight bag gives you so many options when it comes to travelling, with plenty of pockets to keep you organised, it is the perfect accompaniment to your next adventure. RRP ÂŁ260
https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/ozone75-convertible Pros Converts between wheelie and shoulder straps Removeable daypack Internal compression straps Kangaroo style attachment Lightweight Comfortable to wear and wheel Stands up on its own
Cons Wheels could make clothes dirty Clips on the bottom on the bag are awkward
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Metrel MI 3152 Eurotest XC Entry Set MI 3152 EurotestXC is from the new generation of Metrel’s multi-functional measuring instruments. It features, amongst other things, include complete installation safety testing according to IEC/EN 61557 and AUTO SEQUENCE testing of TN, TT as well as IT earthing systems that are managed by a new intuitive and user-friendly interface that uses a large colour touch screen display. Other functions include, on-line voltage monitoring, phase sequence testing, earth resistance measurement, illuminance measurement and TRMS current measurement up to RCD tests, line and loop impedance tests, earth resistance measurements as well as ISFL measurements and the IMD tests. The Metrel Electrical Safety Manager is an application that has a unified user interface with the
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new generation of Metrel’s instruments, this enables the pre-treatment for the measurements, viewing and editing of the measurement results and generation of professional reports. You can use the MI 3152 for anything as simple as a oneoff diagnostic test to programming the instrument with specific test sequences. Measuring functions include, insulation resistance with DC voltage from 50 V to 1000 V, continuity
of PE conductors with 200 mA DC test current with polarity change, continuity of PE conductors with 7 mA test current without RCD tripping, line/loop impedance, loop impedance with trip lock RCD, TRMS voltage and frequency, phase sequence and specific earth resistance with Ro-adapter as well as predefined automatic tests and many, many more. It features built-in fuse tables for automatic evaluation of the line / loop impedance result, can monitor all three voltages in real-time, has a built-in charger and rechargeable batteries. The Light level measures light levels, ideal for emergency lighting contractors. It comes
with three wire test lead set with probes and crocodile clips, mains plug test lead, neck strap and protective carry case. Metrel has made things as simple as possible with the MI 3152, making it easy to use straight out of the box, it has a colourful and tactile interface that makes it a pleasure to use (even with sausage fingers), and the help buttons are a great addition. It has all the tests and functions you could need, the cost is a little steep, but it is worth the investment. RRP ÂŁ1098
http://www.metrel.co.uk/productsuk/electrical_ installation_testers/multifunction_testers/ mi_3152_eurotest_xc_new.html Pros Easy to use Clean and bright interface Help buttons Loads of functions
Cons Initial cost is high
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Härkila Vindeln Fleece Jacket The name Härkila originated from the 17th century, from a family farmhouse in the county of Västra Götaland on the west coast of Sweden. It translates from the Nordic tongue into “The field of great bulls”, in reference to the many giant moose that lived in the area. Moving from hunting to awardwinning dog breeding, the family began to create hunting gear by establishing a sewing workshop and making protective clothing for all weathers. The Vindeln Fleece Jacket is a breathable and water-repellent jacket in windproof Polartec Wind Pro fleece. It has a twoway zip, zipped handwarmer pockets and hem draw cords. Available in sizes S all the way through to 3XL, the Polartec Wind Pro ensures four times more wind resistance than traditional fleece and works by performing as both an outerwear 42
and insulation. The breast pocket is able to house a walkie-talkie if you are old school, or a smartphone if you have moved with the times. The two-way zip, as you would expect, zips both ways to allow for easy adjustment of the jacket; if you need to crouch down for extended periods of time, the jacket can roll up and become uncomfortable, so being able to unzip the bottom a few
inches can make all the difference when it comes to comfort. The Vindeln also has two large zipped pockets that double up as handwarmer - a welcome addition if you need to remove your gloves for intricate work on cold days. The hem draw chords prevent drafts sneaking into the jacket whilst keeping the heat inside where you need it, and the elasticated wrist cuffs also create an insulating barrier. The Vindeln has a high-quality finish. Not only does it look great, it will keep you warm and comfortable in cold and windy conditions an excellent choice for a hunting jacket. RRP £159.99
https://harkila.com/en-gb/products/fleeces/ vindeln-fleece-jacket#.WdSt2dFryUk Pros Warm Attractive Wind resistant Two-way zip Draw cord hem and elasticated wrist cuffs Walkie talkie pocket Hand warmer pockets
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Mee-go 4-Wheel Sit & Ride If you think trying to get out and about with a pushchair is difficult, try it with a double. When you have your boisterous toddler and baby competing for your attention, throw in a cumbersome double pushchair and try and wind yourself around the maze that is the pound store. If you don’t fancy this dream scenario, there is a whole host of available attachments to make your travels easier, the Mee-go 4-Wheel Sit & Ride is one of a few Mee-go offers to choose from. The Sit & Ride comes with extendable and adjustable aluminium arms to fit most pushchairs, but it is worth mentioning here that it is essential you check it is compatible with your pushchair, otherwise you will find yourself having to choose between walking like you’ve pooped yourself or kneeing your little
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darling in the back of the head with every step. The Mee-go Sit & Ride comes with an anti-slip foot board, a removable seat, and steering
wheel for a choice of configurations. The chunky and smooth rolling wheels also have LED lights that flash when you are on the move for added cool points (no batteries required). Designed in conjunction with The Autistic Society, the seat has a three-point safety harness, and the
padded seat is removable to allow it to be cleaned and it is suitable for children up to the weight of 25kg. The whole thing is easy to put together and the universal connectors can be left on the pushchair when the board isn’t in use. It moves effortlessly along with the pushchair, it does however, weigh in at 5.8kg. This would be in addition to the other 1000 things you need to simply move your children around an area that isn’t your home. Having complained about the weight, I must also note that if your little passenger decides to not sit still (it came as a surprise to me that children are not the best at this), they can tilt the base up, especially when leaning back. It wasn’t enough to completely tip it over, but it was enough to shake my faith in its stability. RRP £115
http://www.mee-go.co.uk/productsitnrides/ Pros Easy to assemble Removeable seat and steering wheel Motion activated LED lights on the wheels Smooth ride
Cons Heavy Can be tipped up (but not over) when child leans back and to the sides
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