New Gear Feb 07
The waterproof Offshore Backpack is designed for the offshore sailor and land-based traveler alike, according to manufacturer Ocean Racing. It is the result of feedback from racing sailors who wanted enough internal volume to
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accommodate foul weather gear and boots, plus enough room and additional protection for a laptop. The backpack is constructed of polyurethane-impregnated nylon fabric, with stitched and taped seams and coated, water-resistant zippers. The bag measures 19 by 14 by 12 inches, and the padded neoprene computer sleeve — which fits into an internal compartment — will accommodate a laptop with up to a 15.4-inch screen. The navy-and-black backpack has padded shoulder straps and is priced at $150. A matching waterproof duffel bag ($110) and a tote bag ($28) also are available. Ocean Racing, Grosse Point Farms, Mich. Phone: (313) 887-8415. www.oceanracing.com
Leatherman Tool Group is discontinuing its Charge Ti and XTi multitools and replacing them with three new models: the titanium-handled Charge TTi and the aluminum-handled Charge AL (pictured) and ALX. The aluminum handles have rounded edges for increased comfort and are heat-treated
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and hard-anodized for wear resistance and strength, according to Leatherman. All models have locking blades, diamond-coated files, multiple-bit drivers, crimpers, strippers and cutters, saws, bottle and can openers, and redesigned pliers. A nylon or leather sheath is included. The Charge AL and ALX models have a manufacturer suggested retail price of $128, while the TTi retails for $159. Leatherman Tool Group, Portland, Ore. Phone: (503) 253-7826. www.leatherman.com
Digital Antenna has introduced a pair of wireless cell phone boosters that can serve a larger variety of boats than previously available systems. Designed for larger boats, the
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PowerMax 4KSBR-50M is a 70-dB gain cellular repeater that requires a 25-foot separation between antennas. For smaller boats, the PowerMax 4KMR-30M (pictured) 50-dB gain system requires a 12-foot separation. The boosters improve cellular signals up to 30 miles or more offshore, according to Digital, and the dual-band repeaters (850 and 1,900 MHz) boost cell phones and air cards to 3 watts. List prices are $799.95 for the 4KSBR-50M and $599.95 for the 4KMR-30M. Digital Antenna, Sunrise, Fla. Phone: (954) 747-7022. www.digitalantenna.com
FirePod hand-warming devices, available both in muff-style and pocket-size warmers, use convection heating to create what the manufacturer calls a “150-degree microclimate” within five minutes of being turned on. The HW-206
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Sportsman fleece muff (pictured) has two built-in warming pods, elastic hand openings, an adjustable waist strap, 13-inch zippered pouch and a rechargeable 6-volt battery pack. It runs for up to 12 hours on a single charge, according to Optronics, and the suggested retail price is $79.95. The similar HW-200 Spectator muff runs for five hours on a single charge of its four AA NiMH battery pack, and has a suggested price of $69.95. The HW-100 pocket hand warmer also runs for up to five hours and is powered by four AA batteries. Retail pricing is $19.95 for one or $29.95 for two. Optronics, Muskogee, Okla. Phone: (918) 683-9514. www.optronicsinc.com
U-Line has introduced a line of icemakers it describes as space-saving, energy-efficient and “elegant.” Echelon Series icemakers are available in black, white or stainless
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steel (pictured) finishes and use less than 3 gallons of water to produce and store up to 25 pounds of crescent-shaped ice cubes daily, according to U-Line. The company says the units require neither a drain nor side, top or rear clearance for ventilation. They measure 34-1/8 inches tall, 14-15/16 inches wide, and 23-11/16 inches deep. In addition, the stainless steel icemakers are said to be suitable for outdoor use. Retail pricing starts at $1,338 for black or white models and $1,860 for stainless steel. U-Line Corp., Milwaukee. Phone: (414) 354-0300. www.u-line.com
