Gadgets & Gear

Here is a somewhat less embarrassing version of the Hands-Free Umbrella Messenger Bag. Rather than wearing the bag on the front, this one is worn on the back and is still able to offer protection from rain, sun, and bird droppings.

The umbrella fits into a pack that is strapped to the back. The pack slips over the shoulders and you are able to secure it around the waist with a plastic buckle. When opened, it is able to cover a little over 39-inches of diameter with its polyester canopy. I like the fact that it is worn on the back but as you can see in the picture, there seems to be a lot of wasted space in the rear. This gives random creepers an opportunity to sneak up behind you and take cover in the rain without you even knowing it. Sharing is caring but I don’t want some dude walking right up behind me.

For those of you who are Apple users, there’s a good chance you’ve looked into a case to protect the large, fabulous, and exceptionally vulnerable screens on your technology. If you’re trying to find a simple, modern and extremely attractive alternative to the boring or tacky offerings currently on the market, check out these smart and understated felt cases by Byrd & Belle. Made for a number of different technologies, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your device – there are six separate styles in a range of colours. The line is the brainchild of Angie Davis, who creates every item by hand in Minneapolis out of sustainable wool and environmentally friendly dyed leather. If you don’t care about any of that stuff, the fact remains that the combination is thick, soft, reinforced, and most importantly, has killer good looks. See the full line of Byrd & Bell cases after the jump.

Earlier in the year, we showed you guys Skataz which are motorized roller blades that were in the development stage. The last time I checked, it was still a prototype. While we wait on those, there is another cool project in the works by JP Works, a design consultancy firm based in Los Angeles, CA.

The product they are developing is called spnKiX and they are currently collecting funding for the project over at Kick Starter. The technology being incorporated into these “shoes” can be found on laptops, smart phones, and the latest radio controlled cars. SpnKiX are battery powered, motorized skates which can strap right on to your shoes.

Snowboarding season is still in effect and the guys over at Pirelli, Italian tire-maker, and Burton (snowboarding gurus) have teamed up for a little project. I wasn’t aware that a tire maker and a company that makes snowboarding gear would collaborate to make a limited edition snowboard. But then again, Pirelli does make some badass snow tires.

The project in question is the ‘Pirelli Pzero x Burton’ which will feature high performing Pirelli outsole built with Pirelli’s signature rubber compounds and a special tread pattern for optimum traction on the slopes. These snowboards are some of the lightest in Burton’s portfolio and will feature lightweight Burton Pirelli diode EST bindings which will provide superior comfort and performance for riders.