People who use GPS maps know that Garmin’s proprietarily maps are pretty good. The only problem is that it can be limiting as they only allow their maps to be loaded on the system. They have changed the game slightly as they have opened up their operating system for your Oregon, Dakota or Colorado handhelds to allow the import of maps you currently own (paper or digital) directly into your unit.

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SPOT LLC. announced a major upgrade to their super cool messenger today.

The new design address several of the major complaints that users have been griping about; including smaller size, a stronger GPS antenna which will provide a stronger signal and better performance when deep in the forest and an extra LED light to signal when the message has been sent.

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The mouse shaped bar of soap brings sweat relief to those of us who get the computer gitters on day three of a camping trip.

At $5.75 a bar, it's a whole lot cheaper then bringing and destroying your work mouse in the rain.

More info: Zakka [Via: Gizmodo]

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Sanyo has just released information on their new line of waterproof video camera's that shoot in HD. They can capture your goofy smile in perfect high definition 1280 x 720 30fps.

The best part of these units is that they are water proof rated at IPX8 which is the highest level certified. That means that you can take the pistol shaped models down to 1.5 meters (5 feet) and the horizontal model down to 3 meters (10 feet)!

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Let's get really geeky for the next 5 min. If you have ever wondered how those little lights in your headlamp work but have been too scared to ask? I have the answer for you. Lighting your way back to your tent are probably LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes. They take hardly any energy to run and last forever so you find them in almost all the headlamps on the market today.

Watch Collin Cunningham's fantastic video on the history of LEDs. Collin helps to run the MAKE blog which is an awesome website on how to make stuff. Great for the tinkerer or yourself.

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If are like me and have seriously tried to work on a plan on how to attach a small inflatable dingy to your kayak to carry your electronic gadgets without looking like a sissy, then you will be interested in the new Energizer Solar Recharger.

Solar rechargers have been out for sometime now in various ranges of prices and quality but this seems like a real winner as it can recharge either AA or AAA batteries out on trip as well as recharge virtually any USB connected electronic device including iPods.

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As you can tell, I'm a huge gadget lover. I mean, it's all I write about. I love this stuff!

You might remember a while ago I wrote about a really cool splashproof coating from a company called Golden Shellback for handheld gadgets like Blackberries, GPS's and cell phones. I'm excited to let you know that they have finally released prices and opened for business and you can now get your gadgets weather proofed now.

If you haven't see it in action yet, you need to watch the little video below where they demonstrate a functioning blackberry sitting in a glass of water.

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Olympus has just released information on an updated Stylus 1050 SW point and shoot camera. It is very similar to the current Stylus 1030 SW with similar specs (10.1MP, 5 feet shockproof, 10 ft. waterproof, 14°F freezeproof) but with a tap-control feature to make it easier to take pictures in extreme environments. By tapping the top, back or sides of the camera, you can toggle through different options and settings even if you are under water or wearing thick gloves.

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Northeast Maritime Institute has recently developed a unique coating process for electronics called Golden Shellback.

Not a whole lot is known about it right now but it is basically a thin coating that is applied to any solid material to make it waterproof. The coating is applied in a vacuum and covers both the inner and outer components of a gadget, which doesn't conduct electricity. The catch is that at the end of the process, your cell phone is more water resistant rather then completely waterproof due to the fact that the coating process can't get cover up holes like ear bud or battery charge jacks.

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If you have an old Leatherman Micra that you are no longer using any more, why not get creative and turn it into a trusty holder for your house keys?

Instructables has step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own. We guarantee that you will be the envy of your other geeky friends at your next party.

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Anybody who has camped with me in the past will tell you about my rule about requiring ties for ALL meals. I'm not sure where it came from but I guess I am just doing my part to tame the wilderness out there for everybody.

The problem is that dirt and camp campfire smoke keeps staining the fine imported silk ties that everybody wears to ensure compliance. My friends are on a budget and being messy eaters, they need to bring multiple ties out on every trip. What's a brother to do?

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