Hot enough for ya? I’ve been out working on my GX 470 prepping for a huge overland trip in November, and I think I’m just constantly dehydrated. Besides the temps, there’s some hot news coming from Midland USA this week with their new wireless Micro Mobile in-car radio. Plus new sizzling new action cameras from Insta360 and HOVERAir, some clever more public lands tools, and more.
Also, check out the most recent attack on our Public Lands, this is getting ridiculous! Here’s what you need to know…
Midland USA Micro Mobile GMRS Radio goes Wireless!
The new Midland USA MTX295 Pro 15-Watt MicroMobile is their first-ever wireless, Bluetooth microphone, giving you maximum power and flexibility. Not only is the handset able to go cordless, it also has an improved form factor so it’s easier to hold and use. And the screen has 7 selectable background colors!
It’s fully expandable, too, with ports for external speakers, PA system, and intercom, plus a USB-C charging port for other things. But the real trick is that it also pairs with 3rd party Bluetooth headsets & PTT buttons! The MSRP is $299.99 for complete kit with antenna & mounts.
And yes, their handheld “walkie talkies” have always been wireless, but those cap out at 5 watts. This one is 15 watts, so you get much greater range. I just got this kit in and will have an install and first impressions video up next week…subscribe to our YouTube channel to see it!
HOVERAir Versa is a Drone and a Gimbal-Cam in One
Need a drone and a gimbal but hate carrying two things? The new HOVERAir Versa sorta solves that by giving you detachable propellers, letting you use the body as a gimbal cam, then attaching them when you want a flying follow-cam.
Like their (excellent!) X1 drones, these are designed primarily as selfie cams that can follow you while walking, hiking, running, or cycling. I tried to get it to follow me while driving, and it’s just not designed for that. But it’s very, very good at following people, and the new Versa makes it easy to use for everyday footage, too.
Key specs are: Up to 4K/60fps, 10-bit HDR, 3-axis mechanical gimbal, 4 modes (Subject Tracking, Auto Framing, Orbit & Birds Eye, 230g, 14 minute flight time, 36km/h max speed. Launching on IndieGoGo, from $629.
Insta360 X6 360º Action Camera is All You Need
Insta360’s X-series 360º action cameras are really, really good, and the new X6 upgrades all the right features, making it the only action cam you need to take on a trip. Better mics now have integrated wind muffs/cancellation, plus tech to ensure they’re picking up the right noises clearly.
A larger, wider, brighter OLED screen makes it easier to see what you’re capturing, and dual Sony 1″ image sensors capture in 10-Bit i-Log/Dolby Vision for ultimate color quality. Specs include 8K50, 4K120fps slo-mo, 120MP 360º photos, 65ft (20m) waterproof, 140-minute run time.
There’s even “spatial capture” for creating 3D scans of your environment! Editing is easier than ever, too, with gyro-based in-app framing and multi-subject tracking. Replaceable lenses and better low-light performance, too. Buy from Insta360 or on Amazon, starts at $699.
Packfire Splitter Kit Makes Campfires Easier
All the wildfires (and oppressive heat) might not have you thinking “campfire” right now, but come fall and winter, your trips may benefit from an easy way to turn found logs into fire-sized kindling that fits perfectly into smokeless fire pits, like the very cool portable one from Packfire.
So, they made the Splitter Kit ($125), a stainless-steel fold-flat contraption that lets you hammer a log onto a wedge for quick splits. Comes with a carry case and mallet, just add wood. Comes with a free year membership to The Dyrt, too.
onX Adds Public Comment Layer to Maps
onX does a LOT for land access advocacy, which is just one of the many reasons I love their apps. Now, they’ve added a Public Comment Hub to their website where you can see a map of issues, letting you quickly learn what’s going on and take action. The best part? It’s free, there’s no membership required, just visit the hub on their website!
Admin Trying to Rescind Roadless Rule…Again!
As if the overwhelming response from US citizens wasn’t enough the first, time, Trump’s new USDA Ag Sec Brooke Rollins surprised everyone with this announcement, giving us just four weeks to comment. So please…
Read the official statement here, more details here, and comment directly on the Federal Register here. See a Map here. Short take is they’re positioning it as a way to combat future fires, but we’ve seen what this administration does – sell us something that sounds logical, then immediately turn it into private industry profiteering. Proof? It’s right there in the language… “restore our forests to health and productivity.”
What’s at Stake?
This admin has proven they want to drain our land of resources, often through no-bid deals that skirt environmental review and Tribal Land concerns. The 44+ million acres under review contain watersheds, wildlife habitats, and other resources critical to US citizens’ overall quality of life. While local management and fire prevention sound good from 10,000 feet, without specific restrictions on what this opens up the land to (logging, oil & gas, mining, etc.), it’s a Pandora’s Box likely to end with much of these public lands being turned over to private interests and closed to the rest of us. COMMENT HERE.
Show Time
I just posted this video from my trip through northern New Mexico. The trip was last fall, which was the perfect time to explore the high elevation BLM land and National Forests. If you’re planning your own fall overland trip, I highly recommend checking out Arch to Aztec UFO, Rock Garden, and the Santa Fe National Forest around Valles Caldera. Enjoy!
Field Notes
- National Parks allow electric scooters, hoverboards & micromobility devices
- Here’s a great guide to selecting the right Upper Control Arms
- These lights have the best cutoff line I’ve ever seen
- Here’s an easy way to add location tracking to your vehicle
- Eibach added a Pro Truck Lift Stage 2 for Tacoma Hybrid trucks
- Old Man Emu added a OME BP-51 Kits for the 6th Gen 4Runner
- AccuTune explains Dual Sport vs Adventure suspension tunes
Wandering Thoughts
I’m sending this out just before walking over to Outdoor Retailer, the annual tradeshow for anything and everything camping, hiking, climbing, etc.
You know, the outdoors.
The show, like most tradeshows, has struggled a bit over the past few years. And it’s definitely smaller than its heyday. But, it moved from SLC to Minneapolis this year, and there’s a lot of energy here.
They’ve invited 150 “creators”, so if you follow anyone in the outdoor space, you’re probably going to see a lot of cool stuff this week.
And there’s a big section dedicated to new brands. I met a few of these entrepreneurs at last night’s Happy Hour and the ideas and products they’re working on are very exciting!
I’ll be posting some of the highlights from the halls on our Instagram, and have a full roundup video (or two?) on YouTube early next week.
In the meantime, please go comment to send a letter to your representatives and let’s tell them for a second time in two years to keep their hands off our public lands!
Cheers,
Adventurous Way of Life covers the best new gear, gadgets, and tech for those who dig the outdoors, health, fitness, camping, cooking, overlanding, vanlife, and the adventurous active lifestyle. Subscribe here to get our periodic newsletter recaps by email.
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