Gadling gear review: OutThere AS-1 Pack

by Kraig Becker on

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that I get the opportunity to test a lot of outdoor gear. I’ve been fortunate enough to put sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing and much more through their paces, and in the process I’ve learned a lot about how those products differ and what distinguishes the good from the bad. After awhile, some of the gear starts to look the same, as one manufacturer copies another in an attempt to add new features or options to their equipment. That’s why it is so refreshing when you find new, innovative products that do something a bit different.

That’s exactly what I found in the AS-1 Pack from a company called OutThere, a start-up looking to challenge the big boys in the outdoor space. The AS-1 was designed by Mike Kloser, a world champion adventure racer, who has spent years competing in some of the toughest endurance events, in some of the harshest environments, on the planet. Kloser knew exactly what he wanted and needed out of a backpack, but since no one made what he was looking for, he went out and built it himself.

When using the AS-1 the word that kept coming to mind was versatility. The pack does so many things, and does it all so well, it is hard not to be impressed. Make no mistake, this is a backpack designed for the hardcore sport of adventure racing, but it brings a lot to the table for adventure travelers and backpackers looking to go light and fast as well. For example, the pack is made from lightweight, yet durable, water resistant fabrics, which help to protect the important gear inside, while shrugging off all the punishment that comes along with travel.The AS-1 features 30 liters of internal storage space, with room for an additional 10 liters in external stowage as well. It includes an incredible array of pockets of various sizes, all of which are easily accessible and help to keep travelers well organized while on the go. In fact, there are so many pockets, that I kept discovering new ones the longer I used the pack. You’ll also find both internal and external hydration bladder sleeves, trekking pole/ice axe loops, and two removable hip pouches that are perfect for snacks or a small camera. Integrated compression straps make it a snap to carry skies or a snowboard, while four mesh elastic pockets provide plenty of room for carrying water bottles too.

Of course, all of these options aren’t very useful if the pack isn’t comfortable to wear. Fortunately, the AS-1 excels in that area as well, thanks to a plethora of options for adjusting the fit. The easy to adjust shoulder straps, working in conjunction with a floating hip-belt and strategically placed compression straps, give you the ability to customize the pack to fit your body perfectly and once you have the fit set to your needs, it stays in place exceptionally well. The AS-1’s back panel is well padded and designed to keep air flowing between the pack and its wearer, a combination that will be much appreciated on those long days on the trail. All of this adds up to a backpack that can easily carry large loads, without sacrificing comfort.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the AS-1 Pack was designed for use in adventure racing, a sport, which mixes trekking, paddling, and mountain biking through remote areas of the planet. For that particular use, this is without question the best pack available. But I think active, adventurous travelers will appreciate its versatility and attention to detail as well. For example, I wished that I had had this pack with me on a trek through the Himalaya last year and I know that backcountry skiers, climbers, snowshoers, and other outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it as well. The AS-1 is one of those rare pieces of gear that you can purchase and use in all kinds of ways, making it a bargain at $189.

A profile of travel writing school Matador U

by Jessica Festa on

As someone who has been traveling around the globe since before I can remember, I have always dreamed of being a travel writer. While I would often blog about my trips to my friends and family, write about my trips for school papers, and create websites and content for (unpaid) internships, I never realized that travel writing was something that normal people could actually make a living out of.

Matador has always been one of my favorite travel websites, so when I saw that they were offering a MatadorU travel writing course, I became interested. I did a bit of research, read reviews and feedback from other students, contacted the instructors, and, after deciding it sounded worthwhile, signed up. Plus, I liked the fact that they allow you to try the course for a week for $10 to see if you like it, risk free.The total for the course is $350 which gives students access to various lessons, resources, and support forums. With all the course offers, I can honestly say it is the cheapest yet most worthwhile course I have ever taken. Before even get started, there is a pre-course that helps you setup your blog and learn what steps to take to get the most out of the course. After that, there are 12 weekly chapters (although, you are allowed to take as much time as you need to complete them), each with key terms, lessons, examples to make the lessons clear, and assignments that are critiqued. Unlike many of the assignments that I completed in school, what is great about MatadorU’s assignments is that each one becomes content to help build your blog. There are also assignments that help you create photo essays, podcasts, portfolios, and advertising pages to help monetize your site. Some other important lessons learned from MatadorU include:

  • creating successful pitches
  • finding and approaching editors
  • crafting compelling beginnings, middles, and ends to your story
  • creating characters and dialogue
  • writing in different tenses and using all of the five senses
  • writing different types of articles, for example, destination pieces vs. reviews
  • crafting a successful bio
  • how to apply for press trips and etiquette to abide by if you are chosen
  • tips for successful freelancing
  • tips for travel writing full time (for example, how to get insurance)
  • how to successfully use social media as a travel writer
  • how to work on the road

And much more (seriously, that isn’t even half of what they cover). Really, though, if there isn’t something covered, you are free to seek help by contacting the instructors or posting in the community forums where your peers, as well as staff, comment. The forums are not only a great place to learn and get advice about travel writing, but are also helpful in creating contacts, finding potential project leads, finding out about writing contests and jobs, and allowing you to talk to like-minded people in your niche.

By the time I had reached Chapter 3, I had not only begun contacting editors and sending pitches, I had started making money. My first article that I successfully pitched and sold was for an online adventure travel magazine about hiking in New York. While they normally didn’t pay for articles, they liked my idea so much they gave me $50 to create a mini-hiking guide for them. While this isn’t a ton of money, just starting out, I was pretty excited, especially since for years I had been writing for websites that didn’t pay me a dime. It also gave me the drive to really put all of my efforts into the MatadorU course and get the most out of it, giving me the confidence to pursue higher paying avenues (many times, successfully!).

Aside for the immense amount of information they give you and the feeling of a strong support system, there were two things about this course that really made me feel like it was worthwhile. The instructor in charge of the course, Julie, is the most helpful teacher I have ever had. I was always amazed at how much thought she put into giving me feedback on my assignments and my endless questions and e-mails. She has taken the time to Skype with me about future steps in my travel writing career and has even set me up with some networking projects. I am not sure how she finds the time to give each student so much attention, especially since she is a travel writer herself, but she does.

The other factor that has really made me a fan of MatadorU is all of the resources that I have, and always will have, access to. Just the Magazine List alone, with publication information, submission guidelines, and editor contacts for over 100 travel-related magazines, was worth the cost of the class. There are also pro-modules that are helpful to alumni, as well as a Market Blog that posts press trips, job leads (I have actually gotten paying assignments and jobs from this), and a weekly Writing Lab where you can have any piece of writing you wish to submit critiqued.

So what did I get out of the course? A lot. By taking this course I have not only helped enhance my writing, researching, note-taking, social media, and blogging skills, but have also seen that it’s actually possible to be paid to do what I love most, travel.

Steamline Luggage makes junk in the trunk look good

by Libby Zay on

After hours and hours of watching travelers roll by with boring baggage at the airport, I finally spotted a line of suitcases that gives me luggage envy. SteamLine Luggage makes well-tailored, vintage-style cases that are reminiscent of old steamer trunks-except with a modern twist.

These leather-bound bags are at the same time fashionable and funcitonal. Color combos range from pink and crème to teal and tan (and some more modest options, too). As expected, SteamLine designed a range of sizes, including a stylish carry-on bag with discreet trolley wheels that ensures travelers will get to their departing gates with ease.

Purchasing luggage can be quite the commitment. In this case, with a price tag upwards of $280, many would consider it an investment. But not only do these trunks seem like fun pieces to wheel around the airport; they could be displayed at home when you’re not on the road. Any excuse to put off unpacking a little longer!

Gadling gear review: G-Form Extreme Sleeve for iPad

by Kraig Becker on

Over the past year and a half, one of the first things I’ve always packed when getting ready for any trip is my iPad. Apple’s ubiquitous tablet is a fantastic travel companion, serving up books, games, music, movies, and more. But there has been more than one occasion in my travels where I’ve had concerns for the safety of my favorite gadget. After all, it has accompanied me to the Himalaya, the African bush, and the Atacama Desert, among other places. If I had the Extreme Sleeve from G-Form with me on those trips, I wouldn’t have been nearly so worried.

The Extreme Sleeve is made from a combination of proprietary materials that are both soft and tough, while resembling something that a superhero might use to protect his important tech gear. It is very lightweight and fits snugly over the iPad, ensuring that it doesn’t slide around inside the case. The fact that that it is also water resistant and designed to absorb direct impacts, provides another level of protection that you won’t find in most other cases.

There are a couple of caveats to the Extreme Sleeve however. For example, I own the first generation iPad and use Apple’s official case. The Sleeve’s snug fit makes it impossible to use both it, and my case, at the same time however, which means I have to remove my iPad from the case I use on a day-to-day basis (no small feat mind you!), in order to slide it inside the G-Form offering. The Extreme Sleeve does a fantastic job of protecting the device inside, but you’ll be going without a case when actually using the device, which can prove problematic for some. The design of the iPad 2 and its Smart Covers, makes this less of a problem, but you’ll want to make sure you get the Extreme Sleeve 2, which has been specifically designed to accommodate that second generation device.

Once you place your iPad inside the Extreme Sleeve you can simply drop it into your backpack or suitcase and feel comfortable that it is going to arrive at your destination still in working condition. G-Form claims that the case actually stiffens upon impact to protect is contents, and while I can’t verify that that is actually true, I can say that I was very impressed with how well the case performed in normal on the go use. Just how good is it at protecting your gadget? Check out the video from G-Form below which shows them dropping a bowling ball onto an iPad inside their case.

As someone who regularly travels to remote destinations and takes his gadgets with him, I think the Extreme Sleeve will be a popular item for any iPad owner, but will especially be a hit with adventure travelers. The rugged case makes it possible to take our favorite gadget with us without fear of damage. (MSRP: Extreme Sleeve 1 – $59.95/ Extreme Sleeve 2 – $69.96)


Extreme Demo: Can your iPad survive a 12-pound bowling ball? from G-Form on Vimeo.

Amazing ball camera lets you create panoramic photos

by Melanie Renzulli on




Think your iPhone or Android camera and a panorama app is all you need to take 360 degree photos? Then I’d like to introduce you to the Throwable Panoramic Ball Camera. As you’ll see in the video above, the ball camera is equipped with 36, 2-megapixel mobile phone camera modules which all click together to create a full panorama when the ball reaches its peak of flight. This crazy cool project is the work of German student Jonas Pfeil and four other students from Berlin’s Technische Universität. The throwable panoramic ball camera is not yet available for purchase (its patent is still pending), but you can be sure that after more people see this video of the camera in action there will be a run on demand. Though, I wonder, just how expensive could a gadget with 36 mobile camera lenses be?