Gear Review: Tech4o Discover GPS

 Fitness watches today could accurately be referred to as wrist-top computers. The secret agent watches of yesterday with steel-cutting lasers and micro-fine cable rappel lines seem pale in comparison. Manufactures push the limits cramming the latest functionality and technology into the smallest package. These “watches” provide the user with data such as time, distance, pace, direction, and caloric expenditure. Fitness watches use an accelerometer or GPS communication to track pace and distance. GPS watches require no tuning or adjustment relative to accelerometer watches and prove to be more accurate over rugged terrain.

Enter the Discover GPS watch by Tech4o. The Discover GPS comes onto the market packed with features and priced well under comparable units. I initially judge these watches by size, battery life, and the technology used. The Discover GPS is lighter than other models tested and I found its size and shape to be superior. The watch features a rechargeable lithium battery which lasted several days on a single charge during normal use. The battery is more than ample to power all features even on the longest runs. A power saver mode can be enabled to get the most from the battery while on longer expeditions such as extended hikes, cycling, and alike. The people from Tech4o have somehow hidden the GPS receiver in the Discover GPS to produce a watch that is no larger than the standard G-Shock, while providing solid GPS reception.

The Discover GPS provides the user with a full complement of data points and display modes.  Best of all, the Discover GPS allows the user to customize the layout of the display modes. If you would like elevation, time, and pace on one screen, just set it in your profile. View settings can be set from both the watch and from the included PC interface. This makes for a great user experience and sets the Discover GPS apart from other units. The PC interface and included software allow you upload and download workout statistics, routes, and tracks. Elevation, time, and pace, is graphed for you and data can be viewed in Google Earth. Tech4o seals the deal by throwing in a wireless heart-rate monitor chest strap.

The Discover GPS is feature rich, light, and easy to use. This model will serve a number of sports and with no other accessories needed to purchase. The Discover GPS package and price point makes this a great value.

Price: $199.99

Gear Review: Klymit Kinetic Double Diamond Vest

Klymit has developed an inflatable and adjustable vest aimed and maximizing performance and compactness. The design takes advantage of stretch fabric, argon gas, and a built-in regulator dial.

The more than modern appearance of this vest had me thinking “gimmick” and I was skeptical from the get go. Upon first inspection, I was impressed with the construction and materials used in the vest. Details such as stitching, hems, and zippers, all seem well done. The cut of the garment seemed athletic and it fit me well with various levels of inflation. The vest however doesn’t move well with the body when its inflated to what I’m judging to be more than 50%. The Klymit Kinetic’s chambers are sewn linearly making it stiff from bottom to top. When getting into my truck with the vest zipped, it rose above my shoulders like a flotation vest in the water. Being somewhat uncomfortable, I wondered if the vest would ride up the same way on a ski chair lift or other similar posture. That being said, I did find the vest comfortable while walking and even jogging.

The vest collar is not insulated, but the cut and fit of the collar, arms, a waist seemed ideal for heat retention. Drawstrings compliment both the collar and waist for adjustable fit. The vest design hugs the body, and I was very impressed with the warmth. The vest performed well for me while being in a low aerobic zone near freezing temperatures wearing a long sleeve base layer.

Inflation, and hence heat retention, is adjusted by the use of a regulator dial on the left side of the chest.  Truthfully, I learned that unzipping and zipping to regulate body temp is almost instinctive to me at this point, and I found I did not take advantage of vests regulator dial as often as I would like. However, since the vests chambers must be air tight, the relative breathability found on other traditional down and synthetic vests is in question with this item. I do not feel that this vest will breath well enough during more increased aerobic activities.

The vests inflation hose is retained in its own zipped area within the left hand pocket, keeping it out the way until inflation time. I found the vest easy to inflate and deflate with the included “Klymitizer” and tanks. I found no clear indication on the vest or in the enclosed documentation as to what maximum inflation looks like. Left mostly untouched, the vest lost the majority of its loft and required another fill in 3-4 days. It’s unclear at this time if this is due to a leak or just normal loss of gas.

In the end, I can’t see myself taking advantage of the adjustability that Klymit has built into this vest. Deflating the vest and recharging later on the mountain just doesn’t appeal to me. The Klymit vest when combined with one tank and charger, seems to diminish most if any weight and or storage savings. Keep at it team Klymit! In the meantime, I’ll continue with the traditional layering and venting techniques.