When cooking with fire, it’s too easy to go wrong, after all, you can’t tame fire… or can you? But the taste of grilled foods is like nothing else…

What if you could take the flavour and fun of a traditional charcoal grill and make it easy to bring this type of cooking under your control. That’s the premise of the new Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill.

In this review I’m going to test one out for a few weeks at my home to see what it’s like to use, how easy it is to operate, if it truly can make charcoal grilling easier, and most importantly how the food turns out. I’ll wrap things up by going over the pros and cons and then I’ll let you know from my personal experience and hands-on review time, if I think I can recommend this smart charcoal grill to you.

A quick note here; Kamado Joe has generously gifted me with this product so that I can do an extended review at home. While the company has provided the product to me it has not had a hand in my creation of this review and has not told me what I have to say or what I can’t say about it so you can consider these thoughts my own.

Preparing for delivery

A word of advice about preparing for the delivery of your Kamado Joe Konnected Joe grill. It will likely be delivered on a large truck. The box is absolutely massive and weighs nearly 300 pounds according to the driver who dropped mine off. You’ll want to make sure you have a clear space for the delivery person to use a skid to maneuver it up to your house. There will be no moving the box itself once it’s delivered so make sure you can place it where you want it until you can unpack it.

The best thing to do is to open the box by removing the top lid and then lifting the sides of the carton off. Inside is the grill and many smaller boxes. Pull the boxes out and take them to where you’ll be assembling the grill. Open the grill up and take out the rest of the items that are stored inside including the heavy fire bricks. This will make moving the grill itself far easier. The last step will be to move the grill unit itself. You will absolutely need two people for this process or some kind of wheeled dolly. There are good handles on the side that allow you to grip it securely so you won’t feel like you’re going to drop it.

Watch my hands on video review of Kamado Joe Konnected Joe

Assembly

The assembly process was actually far easier and faster than I thought it would be. While I won’t go into excruciating detail about the exact steps; in a nutshell you put the legs onto a base, add the bottom shelf, then attach four caster wheels. The main Grilling unit then sits in the assembled base and gets secured with screws.

The last steps are to assemble the parts you need on the inside; there are several rather unique and perhaps indistinguishable parts. You’ll add:

1. 5 AMP ceramic fire bricks; AMP stands for advanced multi panel.
2. These fit together tongue-in-groove and shield the bottom of the unit from heat escaping.
3. Next a stainless steel ring goes over the top of those bricks to hold them in place and to provide a base for the racks that will go in above.

On top of the stainless steel ring there is what’s called the “divide and conquer” flexible cooking rack. On top of the cooking rack you’ll place two halves of a circular ceramic heat deflector. This looks kind of like a pizza stone cut in two.

An accessory rack goes in next where you can securely place optional cooking tools or pots. Finally the “half moon cooking grates go in which is your top-most grilling surface. Because this is divided in two, you can remove one or both if necessary.

Automatic charcoal starting with heating element and fan

A couple of other really cool features to take note of; there is an automatic fire starting system (AFS) which uses a heating element and fan in the base of the grill to ignite the charcoal for you easily. The heating element is on when a red light on the front is glowing.

Once engaged this heating element will stay on for 10 minutes and the igniter will automatically turn off if the grill temperature goes above 190°F or 88°C. You can also press and hold the AFS button to turn the element off anytime you prefer.

Kamado Joe app gives you full remote control

Now that we’ve gotten to know a bit about our grill, let’s get it connected. For this you will need the free Kamado Joe app. Sign up for or sign into your account and when you’re ready plug in the grill. This will activate the Kontrol panel and allow you to get the grill connected to your smart phone.

With that said you can use the app to control your grill, or simply use the control board on the front if you prefer or you don’t have Wi-Fi.

Getting to know the Kontrol Board

Taking a quick look at the control panel, there’s two parts to it; on the right is the input for up to three meat probes. Below that is the AFS or Automatic Fire Starter button. On the main screen is really only a handful of buttons and a small screen. On the left you’ll see screen cycle at the top which allows you to cycle through different controller views.

How to set temperature on the grill

Below that is the temperature button which allows you to set the temperature; to use it press the button to initiate the temperature sequence then turn the knob to your desired temperature. Press the button again to set the temperature. Below that you’ll see the ‘set time’ button and at the bottom is the pairing button.

My Set up experience

When you use your grill for the first time it’ll open the Kamado Joe app and follow the instructions for pairing your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi grill with your smart device. When I did it I was connected in seconds.

Two ways to use Kamado Joe

One of the first questions I got as I began my review is whether or not you need to use the smart connectivity or whether you can simply use the grill as he would a traditional charcoal grill. The answer is, you can use it either way.

Using it with the companion app is known as Automatic Mode, while using it without any of the smarts is called Classic Mode. I’m going to focus first on using automatic mode since that’s what differentiates this grill.

How to start Kamado Joe Konnected Joe in Automatic Mode

To start your cook make sure any existing ash from the firebox has been cleaned out since this can prevent new charcoal from igniting.

Add your charcoal to the firebox and close the bottom vent fully. When running the grill in automatic mode the bottom vent should be closed completely at all times, which is unlike running a typical charcoal grill or even using this one in Classic mode. That’s because temperature sensors combined with the fan inside are going to be able to regulate the temperature for you.

Close the dome and power your grill on with the switch on the back. Then power on your controller. Choose what temperature you want to heat the grill to. Then press the AFS or automatic fire starter button to engage the element to ignite the charcoal. The element turns on and a red light will glow. This element will stay on for 10 minutes.

The heating element inside will light the charcoal for you, meaning one of the more finicky tasks of charcoal grilling has become completely automated.

In my personal experience with charcoal grilling, I have often struggled trying to get charcoal to start and then to burn properly. I also find it very fiddly to be opening and closing different vents at the top and the bottom and I will happily admit that I don’t really understand the whole airflow thing.

But with the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill, I don’t actually need to even play a part. The grill knows what it’s doing and can deliver a hot grill on demand. Let’s take a look at it in action.

Cooking on the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill: my experience

One of the first things I cooked on my Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill was a steak.

We built a fire in the bottom of the Joe to break it in. The coals lit very quickly with the electrical element which is also connected to that small fan. The fan cycles on and off as it needs to, to keep your charcoal at just the right temperature.

We took the grill up to about 600°F and also took the opportunity to do some foil wrapped potatoes. Husband Roger used the stone diffusers included in the kit to cut some of the heat under the potatoes so they would bake instead of scorching. I have to say these came out absolutely perfectly and cooked fairly quickly. When it came time to sear the steak, the grill was piping hot and I can say that our two steaks came out absolutely perfectly.

Burgers – using the probe

On more than one occasion we used the Joe for grilling burgers, and I can stay without a doubt that these are the best burgers I’ve ever made on any grill or barbecue. Being able to precisely control the temperature, and deflect heat as maybe necessary means the burgers get perfectly cooked without turning into charcoalized hockey pucks.

Plus I got to experiment with using the temperature probes and I found that this can make a very easy grilling process even more error-proof, since your phone will alert you when your meat is cooked to the exact temperature or range you want, whether you like it rare or well done.

Because of the Kamado Joe,I’m getting more confident about grilling, so lettuce burgers are becoming a regular part of our rotation.

Pulled Pork – Feb 18

Next up husband Roger wanted to try out a pulled pork. This kind of all day grilling can be quite challenging because you need to manage the fire and the temperature throughout the day, and possibly add charcoal at some point. Using the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill for this couldn’t have been easier.

The grill got up to temperature fairly quickly and then stayed parked there. There was no fiddling or adjusting or constant checking. The best part was that the app kept me up-to-date about exactly what was happening on the grill. So much so, and so confident was I by this time that I felt comfortable going out on a long bike ride knowing I could keep one eye on the app and my cook from afar.

The pork roast we made was tender, smoky and succulent.

Beef ribs – Feb 19

Next up we tried another multi hour cook, this time with beef ribs. We put them on early in the morning thinking they would take close to all day. By the time we checked on them at midday we were surprised to find they were perfect; this put the cook time on the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe at least a few hours faster than using our old charcoal grill. The ribs were tender and tasty, with a nice bark on the outside.

Making pizza

We also used the Kamado Joe to make pizza. I will note there is a special pizza platform called the DoughJoe (haha) that turns your grill into a de facto pizza oven. I didn’t have that, but would certainly consider getting one. We got the grill up to temperature, assembled the pie, and had fully cooked fresh homemade pizza in under half an hour. Impressive.

Kamado Joe creates confidence

Charcoal grilling is an art. It takes practice and knowledge to cook well on a charcoal grill, and more so if you’re going to tackle longer all day cooks. For that reason I’ve always preferred to simply use a gas grill, but well gas grills can be quick and convenient, they can also dry out and scorch food a lot easier. Plus you just don’t get that beautiful smoky charcoal grilled taste when using a gas grill.

After spending about six weeks with the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe, I can say one of the best things about it is that it has made me a far more confident charcoal griller. I am no longer preoccupied with vents, airflow, and trying to fine-tune fire. I let Joe handle the intricacies of the fire and I get to watch via the app. It couldn’t be easier to master charcoal cooking.

Overall Review: Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill

Overall I have to say I’ve been blown away by how easy this grill makes cooking with charcoal.

Let’s go over the pros and cons so you can use my personal experience to make your own decision.

On the pro side, the grill is well built and feels substantial; like something I’ll own for life. It was incredibly easy to assemble, and the set up process was quick and smooth. The package comes with everything you could possibly need to grill effectively, and overall it’s just very intuitive.

Using the Konnected Joe makes cooking any kind of food virtually foolproof. I had amazing success cooking everything from burgers and steaks, to pulled pork, roast chicken and ribs. Even pizza got elevated thanks to this grill. I found it was incredibly hard to overcook or burn anything when following the app and letting the connected smarts manage the food for me. I think I said it before but I’ll say it again; I’m super impressed with how user-friendly this grill is and how much confidence it’s given me to cook with charcoal.

On the downside, it’s truly hard to find a lot of things I didn’t like. If you are new to charcoal grilling you might find the large size and extraordinarily heavy weight of this grill to be more than you want to manage. With that said this style, design, and size is all in line with similar ceramic or egg-shaped charcoal grills of this ilk. Other folks may not appreciate the fact it requires assembly, but I can attest that it was extremely simple to do. You will need two people for the last couple of assembly steps so plan ahead.

What are you want to cook with the help of technology using the app, or freestyle it on your own, this grill can accommodate both type of cook.

I can absolutely recommend the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill to you.

It sells for about $1699USD and you can get it from places like Home Depot, Best Buy and even Amazon in the US.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Review: Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

With more cities in the US, Canada, and other parts of the world building more bike lanes, e-bikes are becoming a more viable option for beating the traffic, and reducing carbon emissions, or just getting outdoors. I’m relatively new to e-bikes but I’ve been really enjoying the experience and learning about new brands. I recently received a test sample of the Himiway Big Dog E-bike to try out and see what the experience is like. In this review I’ll show you what it’s like to assemble and ride, and what makes this fat tire cargo bike unique and different. I’ll go over the pros and cons and then I’ll let you know if I think I can recommend the e-bike to you.

A quick note that while Himiway provided this sample to me at no charge, it did not make any requests about the content of my review so these thoughts are 100% my own. Read on to see how to get $50 off your purchase.

What is Himiway Big Dog E-bike?

Himiway named this particular e-bike “Big Dog” to describe its primary function as a utility or cargo bike and it has the looks to play that part. The bike’s aerospace grade aluminum frame is twice as thick as other commuter bikes allowing the bike to carry as much as 400 pounds worth of payload. If that figure sounds familiar, it’s the actually the same payload as the Himiway D5 Zebra I reviewed last August.

But the devil is in the details as the overall design of the Himiway Big Dog differs from your average all-terrain bike. The Big Dog has almost a moped form factor with a low center of gravity supported by chubby 20-inch alloy wheels. This combination makes the e-bike feel more comfortable to ride even if you fully load it.

Watch my full video review of Himiway Big Dog e-bike

Set Up & Assembly

A word of warning when the bike is delivered that it comes in an extremely big box and is extraordinarily heavy. The bike alone weighs 79 pounds so you might need assistance to get it somewhere or you can unbox it.

I assembled an e-bike last year and it wasn’t hard, but since it was extremely unfamiliar to me it did take me a while. We couldn’t wait to get this bike on the road so husband Roger assembled it pretty much the moment it arrived. It took him about 45 minutes to attach the handlebars, wheels, pedals, and a few accessories.

The bike does come with all the tools you need to do the assembly which is massively helpful. It also boasts a few extras like a bell. An AC-powered transformer and power cable are also included for recharging.

Battery & Range

The Himiway Big Dog E-bike uses the same 960Wh Samsung or LG 48V 20Ah lithium-ion battery as other Himiway all-terrain bikes like the Zebra. On a full charge the bike can last up to about 60-90 miles, or 96-144 kilometers. Like other Himiway bikes, you can easily swap or replace the battery by unlocking the bay with the included key and sliding it out.

You can charge the battery either on or off the bike.

How long does recharging take?

Charging a fully drained Big Dog takes about 7 hours. Wow that does seem infinitely long, the truth is that this is a massive battery; far larger than your average power bank, so it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that it will take a while. The best thing to do is to charge it overnight if you don’t want to deal with downtime.
Himiway claims that its battery can retain about 80% of its capacity after 1,000 charges.

Display & controls

Mounted in the middle of the handlebar is a good sized display screen. The multifunctional display offers all the essential data when riding including the average speed, mileage, and battery level.

On the left handlebar is the power and speed switch box which will get your bike turned on and allow you to dial up the pedal assist.
A headlight on-off switch and information button is also located here. A Shimano shift lever is located on the right hand side of the handle next to the throttle which operates by turning it towards you.

One other thing I really appreciate is the fact that an LED headlight and LED tail light are also included on the bike and can simply be activated with the push of a button.

Riding experience: Power on & go

I took the Big Dog our on several rides, and husband Roger also tested it out. While I did find it a bit strange to get used to the different dynamics of the smaller and fatter wheels, I got over it quickly. The bike feels very stable and supportive and the ride is extremely smooth—despite the bike’s weight.

Adjustable shock absorbers on the front allow you to make adjustments for street riding or going off road.
The bike is surprisingly comfortable to ride even for long distances; one of the first times we took the bike out to test it, we ended up on a three hour crosstown bike ride without realizing it.

The other way this bike is great is for keeping you stable when you hit grass, or dirt; those chunky tires dig in and keep you from skidding.

Carrying Cargo

You’ve got several options for carrying cargo with this bike. The rear rack is placed low down above the wheel so you could simply bundle soft bags onto here and secure them with bungee cords. You could also add some thing like a box or saddlebags or panniers and transport whatever you need to that way.

We opted to give the big dog that European chic feel by bolting a wine box onto the back.

Now it can carry groceries, a backpack or case of beer easily.

Speed & Power: 7-speed Drivetrain

Himiway outfitted the Big Dog with a 750W brushless geared hub motor. At full throttle, the Big Dog, can reach a top speed of 25 mph as delivered which makes it a bit slower than the Juiced CrossCurrent X Step-Through, but still on par with other Himiway bikes. When Roger and I tested it out, we couldn’t get it much faster than about 20 mph even when unloaded. Himiway says that’s because customers who want to unlock more speed must first agree to a safety disclosure to receive a code to unlock higher speed.

The 7-speed drivetrain does give you some peddling flexibility but be prepared for a workout especially when you fully load its already heavy frame. Speaking of weight, if you plan on storing the Big Dog on a bike rack, make sure it can handle at least 90 pounds to support its 88.6-pound body.

Interestingly this bike also has something called walk mode which will give you very low power assistance when you’re walking the bike long distances or up small hills. Just press and hold the minus button on the left side keypad to slowly power the bike forward at walking speed.

Power assist, pedaling, or full throttle

Like many e-bikes you have options for how you want to power it; you can of course simply pedal the bike and get where you’re going, though as noted above because this bike is so heavy it is indeed quite a work out.

A good thing then that you can engage the adjustable pedal assist which will make peddling much easier. You can dial this power assistance up or down depending on how much of a boost you need. If you want to extend the bike’s range beyond 60 miles, the pedal-assist system will give you a nifty 15% range boost.

Like operating a motorcycle, the Himiway Big Dog offers a half-twist throttle which is great at quickly and effortlessly launching the bike forward while at the same time, offering a layer of protection against accidental activations.

Although Himiway advertises the Big Dog as a city cargo bike, the 20-inch x 4-inch Kendo fat tires help the big dog adapt to tougher terrain and weather conditions while providing good shock absorption as well.

Mechanical Disc Brakes & Kickstand

The Big Dog also features the same Tektro 180mm mechanical brakes as the Zebra on both wheels. After a little bit of calibrating, I had no problems with these brakes on the Zebra. However, loading the Big Dog with cargo can affect the stopping distance.

When parking the Big Dog, you can use the heavy-duty U-shaped aluminum kickstand since its double-leg design helps with the stability which comes in handy when loading and unloading, or doing repairs or replacing the battery.

Exclusive Accessories

The Himiway Big Dog is built like a tank just like the Zebra, but if you want to maximize its rugged frame, you can equip the bike with an accessory or two.
Himiway sells a special front-mounted basket as well as an extended large rear rack for those larger loads. You can also attach the bike to a foldable cargo trailer sold on Himiway’s website. Finally, the Himiway Cobra Rear Rack initially made for the Himiway D7 Cobra and D7 Cobra Pro is compatible with the Big Dog as well.

Security

In this day and age it’s important to have good security features. The big dog gives you the ability to create a security pass code which is required to power up and ride the bike. You can set your own pass code by following the instructions in the manual. Even so, someone would still be able to pedal the bike away if they were determined. I would also like to see something like a hidden AirTag compartment either in the battery or the frame…or both, so that it could be tracked if stolen.

Weather resistance

Naturally one hopes a e-bike is weather resistant, and the Big Dog does have IPX4 water resistance. Still, Himiway recommends you not park your bike outdoors in cold or inclement weather for extended periods of time.

Overall Review: Himiway Big Dog E-bike

Not all e-bikes including some all-terrain ones are made specifically for cargo, deliveries or just those that need to carry stuff on two wheels. Himiway did a good job filling in that niche because the Himiway Big Dog is a fun e-bike for transporting stuff or just tooling around in, and it has some off-road chops too!

Soup it up with a rack accessory and you have an e-bike that can really stack up the load while having a big enough battery for long distances. The Big Dog’s cargo-focused role does mean that Himiway had to compromise a bit on its all-terrain performance so be sure you really need the cargo features before finalizing your purchase.

Overall I think this is a great e-bike and extremely well made. I love the versatility of the Cargo focussed design; I think the fact the cargo rack is placed lower down behind the seat and over top of chubby tires gives it so much more stability for whatever you need to carry. I think this would be a really great e-bike for someone who needs to navigate a densely populated urban centre while carrying the essentials. while the bike does weigh a lot, it actually gives me a lot of confidence that if I ever did face a crash, the bike would survive, and so would I.

When it comes to the downside for this bike, there’s not a lot that truly stands out to me. I do think the heavy weight, while necessary to its core purpose, is a lot of bike to manage, and if you were to try to transport this on a vehicle, just lifting it up would be a huge challenge for one person. Plus, you’re going to have difficulty finding a vehicle rack that can accept its weight. If you’re interested in the Himiway brand, you can also take a look at the Himiway Zebra, which is slimmer and lighter.

The other thing I would like to see on this bike is some better anti-theft options like a hidden AirTag compartment.

Those are less distractions from the bike itself and more just observations and future considerations.

I and Roger have been loving the Himiway Big Dog and I can absolutely recommend it.

If you’d like to check it out on Himiway’s website you can get $50 off by using my affiliate link, or use coupon code TECHGAD23 to get that $50 off.

Also Read:

1. BenjiLock Fingerprint Bike Lock review

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Himiway Big Dog cargo e-bike review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

How do Tentsile tents work?

Tentsile makes specialized suspension tents for campers and outdoorsy types. The tentsile tents come in a variety of sizes and configuration options and they look as though they’re defying gravity. At the same time the tents look like it would be impossible for them to support actual humans.

Laying out the Tentsile to get the tree alignment right.

The Tentsile tent consists of several parts and pieces; the tent itself, the fly (available in different colours and patterns), three wide seatbelt-style straps, three ratchets, two articulating tent poles, screw-style pegs, and bungee cords.

The tent uses the wide seatbelt-style straps to wrap around nearby trees, then the straps are fed into large ratchets which cinch the tent to the straps tightly to provide a stable base for the tent. With a stable and even base, you slide poles into the tent to pop it open, clip on the fly then peg it down or wrap it around the tent if you prefer.

The tent has a flat and stable bottom, and despite what you might think, two people do not really roll into eachother. The Tentsile Connect tent also has a strap that runs along the spine or the base of the tent which can be tightened to create two hammock style areas inside the tent if you prefer.

See my hands-on review of Tentsile Connect suspension tent

How to set up Tentsile Connect

You need three strong and sturdy trees to attach the Tentsile tent to.

The first time you’ll use this tenstile 2 person tent (or even the first two times) will be a challenge. Don’t attempt to do this for the first time after arriving late and in the dark to a campsite. You’ll go insane. You definitely need some practice with this tent in order to get it right. For me that took about two or three tries in various different locations.

Tentsile tents – First try

The first time we set up the tent it was an utter failure. We set the tent up, tightened the straps and attempted to climb in. In seconds and with a snap, the tent dropped to the ground taking us with it. Fortunately it was not a far fall and we didn’t get hurt. What went wrong, we wondered?

The ratchets will show you when they’re locked (though hard to read here). Heed this!

It turns out the steel ratchets that are used to tighten the straps were not locked into the closed position. This is a majorly important step, though I’d have to be taught this lesson one more time before it really sunk in. More on that later.

Tentsile tent- Second try

We tried a second time, only this time (with ratchets locked!) we were in an odd configuration where my husband and myself were kind of tossed into the middle of the tent almost as if it were a giant single hammock. Something was clearly not right. Was one strap too high, we wondered?

Tentsile tent – Third & fourth try

We tried the set up again, only this time we seem to have gotten it a little too low to the ground. When we climbed in we were basically touching the ground with our butts. Down came the straps and on to another attempt we went.

Confused, we tried our set up again.

This time it seems like we’d gotten our angles wrong. When choosing a set-up location, you’ll need to ensure the trees you pick to connect to are at the correct angles for the tent. Despite seeming like you should seek out trees in an equilateral triangle configuration, you’ll want a little more of a V shape (isosceles triangle, friends. Remember high school geometry?) for the Connect tent.

Tentsile tent – Fifth try’s a winner!

We re-strung the tent and moved the front two straps to trees that were more forward of their previous position and that seemed to work better. This time when we got in we had a solid and mostly flat surface that allowed us both to lay flat on our own sides of the tent. This was how we slept for the first night in our Tentsile tent. Hallelujah!

Best Tentsile Tent Tips

Don’ts

• don’t attach to dead trees (they’re likely to be pulled over. Yep, this happened to us)
• don’t attach to trees smaller in diameter than about the size of two fists (they won’t be strong enough)
• don’t hang it much more than 4 feet off the ground – a height you’d feel safe falling from

Dos

• always remember to lock the ratchets
• remove rocks and avoid stumps and debris underneath. Just in case.
• practise your set up in daylight, and with some time to spare
• know that other campers will be curious. Plan to be an ambassador for Tentsile!

Extra safety procedures

It’s important to employ the safety procedures Tentsile recommends, since if you fall, it’s likely gonna hurt.  For starters, make double sure you lock the ratchets.  We are now in the habit of calling out, “Ratchet locked!” and we both check all three, just to be sure.

It’s also recommended to tie part of the excess strap into a knot to prevent it accidentally being able to slide out of place if the ratchet failed.

Also, I’m not going to say how I know this, but don’t attach the straps to a tree narrower than two fists, and don’t strap it to any standing dead trees. You’ll pull them over. Trust me.

Tentsile tent is supremely comfortable

After waking up I was surprised. I had no backache, and no stiffness from laying on a slowly decompressing air mattress. It was as though I’d been cradled for the night in a completely weightless environment. I felt amazing and my husband said he did too. It’s quite surprising what not having to sleep on pressure points can do for a good night’s rest! We were instantly hooked.

The view from the inside. I’m lying right in the middle, but this sleeps two easily.

Tentsile tent – It’s all about the trees

On our next trip we arrived to our first campsite early only to find there were not enough trees properly spaced to accommodate the Tentsile. Fortunately we had anticipated this  could happen at some point, and brought along a second ordinary ground tent for just this emergency.

This brings me to an important point about the Best Tentsile tent. It’s not going to work in every situation. Even in the heavily wooded and rustic Rocky Mountains where we tested it out, many campsites just don’t have the right tree configuration to make this tent set up work. If you’re using this at a campground, it’s quite possible that on a busy weekend you may only get one or two choices for campsite, and they may or may not have the right trees for your Tentsile.

I brought this tent along on camping trips to the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Kananaskis Country, as well as to the Olympic National Forest in Washington state. We also had it with us as we road tripped through eastern Washington with its largely desert environment.

I’d say realistically we could only find proper tree configuration to set up the Tentsile 2 person tents in about 50% of the places we stopped; and this was while deliberately trying to find opportunities to set up and test the tent.

I think it’s worth knowing that you may not be able to go into the wilderness with this tent as your only means of shelter. Now, I suppose you could just unfurl the tent, put up the poles, and lay it out on the ground, and just peg it into place. In fact, Tentsile does say that’s a viable option, though it is quite tight on the inside.

“You can pitch on the ground in dry conditions. You can also use a spare rain fly as a ground sheet, wrapping the “wings” up to create a barrier against rain coming in under the top fly sheet. Please remember these are Tree Tents and as such, the head room will be tight as you will not benefit from 8″ of sag you get when in the air.”

Use Tentsile tent covered, uncovered, or wide open

The Tentsile is versatile.  You can use it with the fly on, off, or unzip the screen mash and lay right out in the open. The choice is yours depending on your environment and the bugs.

Is a Tentsile tent comfortable?

I can say unequivocally that this is the most comfortable tent I’ve ever slept in. Being suspended in the air relieves all pressure from your joints and muscles, and means you’re not sleeping on any pressure points. Waking up from a sleep in a Tentsile tent is the height of camping comfort. Plus it means you don’t need to pack things like bed rolls, cots, air mattresses, pumps, and the like. (Unless of course you feel the need to keep those on hand in the event the Tentsile doesn’t have the right tree configuration for setup.)

I love the fact that I can sleep suspended in comfort, and not wake up with one of those weird headaches from accidentally having my head at a lower point in the tent then my feet as often happens with conventional ground tents.

Of course it’s also nice not sleeping on the cold ground or having to deal with dampness. We did use the tent one night when it was quite cool overnight, and did find we got pretty cold. That was remedied the next night when we laid a blanket across the bottom of the inside of the tent, then put our sleeping bags on top. Toasty!

Sleeps two comfortably.

Overall when it comes to comfort, this is definitely my number one pick of all time for tent camping.

Will we roll into each other in Tentsile tent?

We were camped at several sites and had numerous other campers come over and ask about the Tentsile hammock tent. One of the key questions everyone seems to have is,”Don’t you roll into each other at night?”

The answer is a definite no. The base of the Tentsile tent features a wide heavy strap down the middle that forms a kind of spine which keeps it taut and stable. The result is while there is a bit of drop or sag in the center, you’re definitely not rolling into each other. It was a surprisingly stable and flat surface to sleep on.

Lay flat or create two sleeping ‘hammocks’ in Tentsile tent

There’s another option for sleeping two people in this tent. That is to tighten the base or spine strap of the tent before you set it up. What this does in essence is creates two halves, or pockets inside on the base of the tent which essentially creates two hammock-like compartments inside. My husband and I found this was our favorite configuration for sleeping. It allowed us each to be cradled and comfortable, and mitigated any slight rolling into the other person.

Can Tentsile really hold us? – Strength & Durability

Getting into the Tentsile tent to sleep for the first time was a bit of a leap of faith. Because the fabric is so thin and light, your brain will be telling you that it can’t possibly hold your weight. While we got over the hump and I got in first, there was a second leap of faith required when my husband got in. You’ll definitely hear the straps pull and groan as the tent adjusts to the weight of two adults. It’s a bit freaky the first couple of times, but you get used to it.

Tentsile says the tents are built to hold 400kg/880lbs for the larger models, and 220kg/485lbs for Tmini and Flite models.

Another consideration is that unlike sleeping in a regular tent, with the Tentsile, every time someone moves, the entire tent moves with you. It’s a bit like sleeping on a waterbed, for those of you who remember that experience of the 80s and 90s.

I expected a certain amount of wind to affect the tent while we were sleeping in it, but I was surprised to find the heavy weight straps keep it pretty stable.

Getting in & out of Tentsile tent

If you suspend this tent the recommended three or four feet off the ground, you shouldn’t have much trouble getting in or out. You can really just unzip the Tentsile, sit on the edge and then lean back into it. If you’re up a bit higher, you can use a log or rock to give yourself a step. (Just make sure it doesn’t remain underneath the tent.)

It might be worth pointing out here that some photos online and on social media show the Tentsile tree tents suspended over great heights, and over water. Tensile doesn’t recommend this, and in fact addresses this on its website. The company says these types of installations are done by professionals with Rope Access experience.  The company’s line is, “your Tentsile should be set up at a height that you would feel safe falling from” and I’d say I agree wholeheartedly with that statement.

Safety, bears & wildlife – Tentsile

I had it in my head that I could suspend this tent five or six feet off the ground, and become a less likely target for potential predators. Turns out I’ve got it wrong. Tentsile recommends the tent only be placed about three or four feet off the ground; just enough to keep you out of the muck, and off uneven ground. Placing the tent any higher could seriously hurt you if something went wrong with one of the straps or ratchets. Unfortunately, that means you’re likely still within range of any wandering wildlife.

Overall review of Tentsile Connect suspension tent

I absolutely loved my experience with the Tentsile hammock tent and would definitely get one of my own. The primary reason I like it so much is because of the sleep comfort. It’s a game changer to wake up without any aches and pains and to feel really refreshed.

While there was a definite learning curve in how to set up and use the tent (and I was VERY frustrated early on, I’ll admit), after a few tries, it’s now much easier and we have improved at being able to find just the right trees to properly configure the tent.

We are still bringing along a ground tent on longer road trips in case we end up somewhere that’s not suited to the Tentsile. For us car campers, this is easy. For backpackers not so much, but as I pointed out you can use the Tentsile on the ground in a pinch.

I’m very impressed with how durable and strong the fabric is, and really feel as though it will be quite long-lasting. As of the date of this review, I have set up and taken down the Tentsile tent about eight times, and slept in it about four or five. Unlike some other tents I’ve reviewed which started to break after just a couple of uses, the Tentsile seems to me to be durable and very well made.

I have no hesitation about recommending the Tensile Connect tent as a superb and outstanding purchase for your camping kit the will keep you comfortable for years to come.

 Tentsile Connect sells for about $570CAD/$450USD from Tentsile or Amazon.

Tentsile Connect Tree Tent – Blue

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Review: Tentsile Connect tree tent appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Whether you’re planning an epic road trip, a soccer parent gearing up for Saturday morning matches, or a survivalist looking for ways to grid-proof food storage, portable fridges have nearly endless use cases. And before you say it, we know what’s on your mind: “But aren’t coolers the same thing?” Sure, if you enjoy soggy sandwiches and hunting for ice every day. Portable fridges offer a hassle-free experience, sans the puddle of disappointment.

What should I look for in a portable refrigerator?

Unfortunately, finding the perfect portable fridge can sometimes feel like solving a complex equation with the number of factors you’d have to consider. To make it easier for you, here are a some of the most common ones:

Power source: Each source has its own merits; DC is great for on-the-go cooling, AC if you’re near a fixed power supply, and solar if you’re out in the middle of the forest, harnessing the power of the sun to chill your drinks (how cool is that?!). Yet, while they all play the same tune – keeping your food and drinks frosty and fresh – the choice impacts how and where you can use your fridge.

Cooling capacity: The cooling capacity isn’t just about cramming as much food and drink in as possible; it’s about efficient chilling. It’s more about whether you just need to keep things cool or do you need to get things from cool to frozen. Of course, portable freezers will be more power-hungry and a bit more expensive than fridges that can’t cool down enough to freeze.

Build quality: From riding through potholes to getting hauled over rocky terrain to a campsite, portable fridges take more of a beating than your fridge at home, of course. You’ll want a rugged design, wheels that can handle typically dirty or gravelly terrain, and at the same time, something that doesn’t weigh as much as your car.

Ease of transport: Speaking of hauling, robust, well-placed handles can make the difference between an easy relocate and a comedy routine worthy of Charlie Chaplin. When it comes to larger fridges, wheels are your ticket to easy maneuvering. Make sure they’re rubber because plastic wheels are just as bad as having none at all.

Additional features: While features such as digital controls, USB ports for charging devices, or dual-zone cooling areas for separate temperatures are considered add-ons, they can often spell the difference between a good fridge from an exceptional one. The ability to check the temps from your phone is especially nice to have.

What is the best size portable fridge? How many cubic feet refrigerator do I need?

Size and capacity: Your portable fridge is as much a camping companion as your tent. A 35-45 liter fridge typically serves a family for a weekend in the wild. Remember, bigger isn’t always better. You have to lug it around, and it also needs more power. For a solo or duo traveling light, a neat 15-25 liters should suffice.

However, if you could only choose one portable fridge, the Goldilocks zone would be between 35L-55L. These don’t take up a lot of trunk space yet large enough to store a couple of days’ worth of food and drinks.

So, if you’re in the market for a new portable fridge, check out BODEGAcooler’s Spring Saver sale that puts a lot of the bestsellers at a huge discount. All models have a cooling capacity of up to -4℉ when in Max Mode so you can keep your drinks cool and, if you need to, freeze your perishable items like meats.

BODEGAcooler Portable Dual Door Freezer (TWW75)

Meat needs to stay at a stable, low temp to keep from spoiling. Also, raw meat has a knack for leaking juices, and no one wants to take a swig of their favorite soda or snacks only to find it’s had an unwanted marinade.

So, if you’re going on a long off-grid camping trip, this BODEGAcooler TWW75 Dual Door can be just what you need. Want to grab a beer without disturbing the tower of burger patties and veggies for tonight’s BBQ? No problem! You can access your cans of liquid chill from one door while your food tucks in undisturbed behind another. It’s all about minimal food-shifting. Less rummaging, less landslide risk, more good vibes around the campfire.

But let’s not forget about temperature control. With some dual door models, you can adjust the temperatures separately. That means your frozen meats stay frozen, while your drinks lounge at their perfect drinkable temperature.

BODEGAcooler Dual Zone Fridge with Wheels (T60)

Dual-zone portable fridges like the T60 provide the ultimate flexibility in your cooling choices, with each one offering two separate compartments with individually controlled temperature settings. The larger zone typically acts as a refrigerator, storing a multitude of items at their ideal temperatures, while the smaller zone can be your freezer.

And if you’re worried about having to carry it around, don’t. The sturdy handles and two large wheels ensures easy hauling from your car to the campsite.

BODEGAcooler Car Fridge (K25)

If you’re not looking to haul large quantities of food for long distances, especially in a smaller 25L chest, then you may not even need wheels on your portable fridge. In this case, the small K25 can already check all the boxes for you. It’s a lightweight but powerful car fridge and cooler that doesn’t take up a lot of space, lightweight, and comes with a carrying case that you can easily bring chilled drinks and cold cuts on a long hike or a romantic stroll on the beach.

BODEGAcooler Single Zone Portable Fridge-Freezer

A single-zone portable fridge can offer a multitude of advantages that campers, road trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts would definitely appreciate. One primary benefit lies in the uncomplicated operation of a single-zone fridge. The temperature remains uniform throughout, making an excellent solution for optimized refrigeration.

BODEGAcooler Drawer Refrigerator

Ever spent time diving into a chest type portable fridge and realizing you’ve already emptied it out before finding what you’re looking for? With the BODEGAcooler Drawer Refrigerator, you can bid farewell to these wilderness woes. They slide open to offer organized and easily accessible food storage, no diving necessary. It’s a freestanding, space-saving fridge that fits neatly into an RV, camper van, boat, or even your souped-up, beach-ready SUV.

BODEGAcooler Portable Car Refrigerator

While wheels might seem like a great idea in terms of increasing portability and ease of movement, there are some drawbacks such as its inability to navigate sand and rugged terrain. So, for people who don’t need wheels on their portable fridges, the BODEGAcooler Portable Car Refrigerator may just be what you need. However, it does more than make up for it by giving us a portable cutting board and a built-in bottle opener.

It’s perfect for keeping a lot of items of the same category chilled or frozen. So, need to bring two cases of beer cans to a beach party? No problem with the BODEGAcooler Single Zone Portable Freezer.

The post How to choose a portable refrigerator appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Bluetti Power Station Lineup

Not all camping trips (or campers) are the same. Some of us are looking to simply charge a phone and a lantern for a quick overnight in a tent, while others are bringing along the whole tech setup — think drones, laptops, and even a portable fridge for longer-term off-grid camping.

To be specific, power stations may differ in power input capacities, charging options and rates, types of outlets and rates, and other features. Fortunately, Bluetti recognizes that its consumers have varied power needs based on their activities, whether it’s for outdoor camping or long-term off-grid living. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Bluetti for sponsoring this article. The company has been a longtime supporter of our work and their content helps us keep the blog and the YouTube channel running so for that we are truly grateful.

And now is the best time to look closer since the company’s “Spring into Solar” program is running from March 7th to 24^th, 2024, designed to elevate your outdoor activities in a budget-friendly and eco-friendly way.  With some incredible savings of up to 31% off  on portable power solutions, now is the time to stock up.

The Lite Pack: For the Minimalist Adventurer

Starting with the smaller, lighter units, the Bluetti AC2A and the AC70. These are your go-to for the ultimate weekend warrior status. They can handle phone charging, keep your cameras ready for that next shot, and even power up a portable fan if you’re going out during extra hot summer months.

The capacity 300W capacity for the AC2A might not be able to to run a portable fridge, but it’ll make sure your essential gadgets stay alive. On the other hand, the AC70, rated at 1000W might be able to operate more power-hungry appliances like a toaster or an induction cooker especially if you use Power Lifting mode.

While the AC70 is a bit larger, they’re both still super portable, which means less time spent playing Tetris with your tent’s precious real estate.

You can also bundle it with a solar kit with efficient charging so you can extend your camping outdoor time while keeping your gadget essentials juiced up.

AC2A features and benefits:

• Solar charging support
• 8Wh battery capacity
• 2X 150W AC outlets, 1X USB-C (100W max) and 2X USB-A (12W) outlets, 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
• 300W rated power + 600W Power Lifting Mode
• 8inｘ6.1inｘ6.8in

AC70 features and benefits:

• Solar charging support with 500W Fast Solar Intake (Fully charge in 2hrs)
• 768Wh battery capacity
• 950W Turbo Charging (With AC power)
• 1,000W Rated Power + 2,000W Power Lifting
• 2X AC outlets rated at 1000W max shared capacity, 2X USB-C (100W each), 2X USB-A (12W), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
• 4in × 8.2in × 10.1in

The Mid-Range Marvel: For the Comfort Seekers

For those who like a bit of glamping with their camping or just have more demanding power needs, mid-range power stations are where it’s at. These units, which typically hover between 1000W to 2000W, can handle charging multiple devices at once, keep a portable fridge running, and even power a small TV or a laptop for a cozy movie night under the stars. They strike a neat balance between portability and power – a real Jack-of-all-trades.

If this is what off-grid camping means to you, then the Bluetti AC180 falls exactly in line with what you need. It’s a 1,800W power station with a Power Lifting mode capacity of 2700W, coupled with an expandable battery capacity. With this combo, you can even use induction stoves to safely whip up some quick campsite grub.

Plus, there’s a wealth of output selections including 4AC outlets that can run multiple small appliances simultaneously. As long, of course, they have a combined pull of less than 1800W.

AC180 features and benefits:

• Solar charging support with 500W Fast Solar Intake
• 1,152Wh battery capacity (Expandable up to 4,224Wh)
• 1440W Turbo Charging (With AC power)
• 1,800W Rated Power + 2,700W Power Lifting
• 4X AC outlets rated at 1800W max shared capacity, 1X USB-C (100W), 5X USB-A (15W), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)

The Powerhouse: For the Basecamp Bosses

And then, for the truly luxe campers or those who just refuse to leave any tech toy behind, we have the powerhouse units. With rated capacities over 2000W, these behemoths can pretty much handle anything you throw at them – from powering an electric grill to keeping a large 8000 Btu air conditioner running for 7 straight hours, to multiple charges for all your devices.

For these purposes, the AC200L and AC200MAX are all great choices. Of course, with great power comes great…weight. These units are not exactly what you’d call ‘portable’, but if you’re setting up a substantial camp or have a vehicle with you, they’re unbeatable.

These are also typically equipped with a 48VDC / 8A that can deliver power to an entire RV.

AC200L features and benefits:

• Solar charging support with 1200W Fast Solar Intake
• 2048Wh battery capacity (Expandable up to 8,192Wh with 2X B300)
• 1440W Turbo Charging (With AC power)
• 2400W Rated Power + 3600W Power Lifting
• 4X AC outlets and 1X NEMA TT-30 rated at 2400W max shared capacity, 2X USB-C (100W), 2X USB-A (18W), 1X 48VDC / 8A (RV Outlet), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)

AC200MAX features and benefits:

• Solar charging support with 900W Fast Solar Intake
• 2048Wh battery capacity (Expandable up to 8,192Wh with 2X B300)
• 1400W Max. Fast Dual Charging (Solar + AC Adapter)
• 2200W Rated Power + 4800W Power Lifting
• 4X AC outlets and 1X NEMA TT-30 rated at 2400W max shared capacity, 2X USB-C (100W), 2X USB-A (18W), 1X 48VDC / 8A (RV Outlet), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)

Real Talk: Is a Portable Power Station Worth It?

If you’re the type who truly goes off the grid and embraces the wilderness in all its disconnected glory, maybe portable power stations might not make much sense to you. But for the rest of us who like a little modern convenience with our outdoor adventures, a portable power station can be a game-changer.

Choosing the right one comes down to understanding your needs. Think about what gadgets you can’t live without, how long you’ll be out, and how much you’re willing to carry. And remember, just because you bring along a bit of power doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great disconnect. It just means you’ll have enough battery to Instagram your escapades (or, you know, call for help if things get too “Into the Wild”).

So, if you’re looking for a power station this coming camping season, then don’t forget to check out the Bluetti Spring Sale where all of these are up for grabs at discounted prices!

The post Top gadget picks for being comfortable off-grid appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

We’d like to say a special thank you to BougeRV for sponsoring this blog. While the company is supporting us with this sponsored blog, it has not told us what we have to say or cannot say about its product so you can consider these thoughts our after we did our own research.

ASPEN 30 PRO 34QT Dual-System IceDrive Fridge with Wheels

There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors as soon as the weather warms. Picnicking in the grass as the leaves begin to emerge, camping while the days are warm and the nights still a bit cool, or even planning your tailgating party. Whichever way you embrace the outdoors, there’s a good reason to consider adding some powered food storage to your adventure gear.

A portable off-grid fridge can be used to store food and beverages, keeping them fresh and chilled. It can keep meat or salads safe ahead of a beachfront barbecue, and when you’re enjoying the scenery of an epic cross-country road trip, having a portable refrigerator can mean fewer stops for pricey snacks and drinks. Bottom line: a portable refrigerator is going to come in handy in more situations than you think.

ASPEN 30 PRO is a portable refrigerator first and backup power station second making it a fantastic companion to any camping trip. The company has developed other refrigerators in the past, but exclusive to the ASPEN family is its IceDrive technology. This technology makes the fridge capable of bringing the temperature down to 0°F in just 30 minutes and can optionally push temperatures even lower to -9°F, which means your portable fridge is now a freezer!

This might sound like marketing talk, but the presence of an icebox is a huge statement. You can actually put ice cream in this box and won’t have to worry about your frozen treats melting.

Zone control for different levels of chill

With 34 quarts (32 liters) of capacity, you can also store more than a dozen cans of beverages and a couple of days’ worth of food. The fridge’s interior features a big and small removable basket for sorting items and perishables. These compartments have their own individual zones where you can control the temperature separately. For instance, you can have both zones serve as freezer roles if needed or save on energy and keep both zones as standard fridge functions—or one of each!

Small, portable with wheeled design

As the smallest portable fridge in the ASPEN lineup, the cooler weighs just under 42 pounds making it travel-friendly for smaller vehicles as well. The pair of wheels on the rear of the cooler allows easy transport when loading to and from the vehicle. You can even use the fridge at night thanks to the LED light functionality.

Not just cool, it powers YOU

Plus, ASPEN 30 PRO features a full-size USB port allowing your smartphones, tablets, and smaller powerbanks to tap into the fridge’s power. The refrigerator comes with a pair of DC power cords for car charging and a standard AC power adapter for a full top-up at home.

Multiple ways to power your fridge

Thanks to the embedded ECO electronic control module, the fridge can monitor the car’s battery voltage automatically. By default, this setting is switched to “High” but you can also configure it to “Medium” or “Low” if you prefer the fridge using more of its internal battery. Using AC power or your vehicle to keep the fridge powered aren’t your only options either as it comes with solar charging support.

ROVER2000 Semi-Solid State Portable Power Station

While on any outdoor adventure we’ve all faced an emergency power situation. At its simplest, it’s a pain to run out of juice and have no opportunity to quickly charge your phone. At its worst, you may need to boost your car, or even power an important device or tool for your job, and not having access to reliable power can cost you time.

That’s where BougeRV’s ROVER2000 Portable Power Station comes in.

Its key differentiator in the big market of portable power stations is its use of “Semi-Solid Battery Technology” which provides higher energy density and better safety than traditional lithium-ion batteries. BougeRV rates the cycle life of the 2008Wh battery at 3,000 cycles so lifespan isn’t sacrificed at all.

On the connectivity side, the ROVER2000 offers plenty of ports including five AC outputs, three 18W USB-A 3.0 ports, and a three USB-C 100W port capable of charging most laptops. It also features a DC 5525 output port along with a standard cigarette output port. Finally, you can connect up to three daisy-chained extra batteries to the power station’s battery port to further extend the runtime.

BougeRV designed the ROVER2000 with big appliances in mind as its 2,200W total power spec and 4,000W surge can handle electric fryers, 120W refrigerators and coffee makers. It can even power a 50-inch TV for nearly the entire day. The power delivers a clean, pure sine wave output allowing you to use it like a UPS in case of a sudden blackout.

With BougeRV’s separately sold 200W 12V 9BB portable solar panel, you can turn the ROVER2000 into a clean energy generator which is most ideal for those long RV roadtrips. The entire generator weighs about 47 pounds which is just a bit heavier than the ASPEN 30 PRO and it has two handles on the sides for easy carrying.

Get ready for summer with BougeRV

BougeRV (Bouger means “to move” in French), a company founded by outdoor enthusiasts, offers some reliable portable power solutions that cannot only keep your campsite running smoothly, but it can help you eat better as well.

The innovations BougeRV brings to the table are definitely something worth considering. The ROVER2000 comes with a 5-year warranty while the ASPEN 30 PRO comes with a 2-year warranty so you can expect these products to last numerous trips. The ASPEN 30 PRO is available on the BougeRV website for $459.99 while the ROVER2000 retails at $1,899.99

If you want to try some of the top camping and outdoor cooling and power gear, visit BougeRV’s website and use Promo Code AFF18 to get 18% off your order.**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I may also earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon.

The post Get Ready for Camping & RV Season With BougeRV appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

About Kemimoto

Kemimoto is a popular brand among ATV and UTV owners as the company was founded back in 2011 by riders themselves. (We’d like to say a special thank you to Kemimoto for sponsoring this Blog. While the company is supporting us with this sponsored blog, it has not told us what we have to say or cannot say about its product so you can consider these thoughts our after we did our own research.) But don’t let the ATV and UTV focus fool you because the heated gear the company makes targets all sorts of outdoor lovers from skiers to hikers, fishers, or anybody who finds traditional winter wear insufficient for those supremely sub-zero temperatures, primarily because they’re rechargeable and fast heating.

Meet the men’s & ladies Kemimoto Heated Gear Lineup

Kemimoto has developed its own heated technology and successfully implemented it in every piece of clothing it offers, including heated gloves, jackets, hoodies, pants, socks, insoles, and vests. If you’ve ever underdressed for a day in the great outdoors, you may already be thinking self-heating clothing is well worth the investment. However, if you are budget conscious and just want to try out heated clothing, we recommend starting with a Kemimoto heated vest first.

Kemimoto’s heating vests provide good heating coverage for your body while being priced lower than jackets. You can wear them on top of your long-sleeved shirts for extra warmth without the bloat many winter jackets give. And of course in the most extreme temps when multiple layers are just not enough, a self-heating vest can make all the difference between calling it a day and keeping the fun going. The areas of your body a vest can heat depend on the model you pick. Let’s take a look at three of Kemimoto’s most popular heating vests to see.

Women’s Cropped Heated Vest

For ladies looking to add warmth without bulk, Kemimoto offers a Ladies Cropped Heated Vest. With a shorter more flattering length and a super soft cotton lining plus a stand-up collar design, this vest is ideal for layering over a sweater or other thermal layer, allowing you to skip the bulky overcoat.

This women’s waist-length heated vest uses four carbon fiber heating elements, on the back, abdomen, and collar, providing additional heat to the core. Plus, the heating elements in the front also let you use it for hand-warming too.

Men’s Heated Vest by APP Temp Control

The Men’s Heated Vest by APP Temp Control is Kemimoto’s mid-range heating vest and is worth picking over the entry-level model as it allows you to control the temperature via a mobile app called Kemimoto Heatech  (found on the Apple App store or Google Play). The app guides you in pairing your smartphone with the vest and provides a friendly interface in setting the vest’s temperature across three levels. The heating elements within the vest target four areas across the abdomen, back, and collar.

Heated Vest by Voice and APP Temp Control with Battery Pack

Controlling the temperature of your vest using your phone is a pretty cool experience, but it isn’t practical in all situations. A sudden downturn in weather conditions might make smartphone usage difficult especially if you are wearing gloves and your device might not respond well to touches. This is where the voice activation feature comes in… voice controlled clothing?! We really have reached the future!

The Heated Vest by Voice and APP Temp Control with Battery Pack comes in handy: Once you pair the vest with your phone, you can summon the voice assistant by saying “Hi Kemi”, “Hello Kemi”, or “Kemi” followed by a simple command such as “vest low” or “vest high,” or even “start back heating,” and “start abdomen heating”  to adjust it.

If you are wearing other voice-enabled Kemimoto products, you can control your clothes as a group with just a single command. In addition to the voice benefits, this heating vest also offers five heating zones extending the warmth to your shoulders.

The convenience of this in extreme outdoor environment can’t be overstated.

How Heated Vests Work

Kemimoto made its heating vests with carbon fiber wires which run through the clothing, then heat up when electricity passes through them. The included 10,000mAh or 15,000mAh battery pack s provides power to the heating vest through a standard USB connection so you could use other powerbanks as well. The carbon fiber wires are also very light weight.

Every Kemimoto heating vest comes with a temperature protection feature that will automatically reduce the temperature if it exceeds 65 degrees. The vest also comes with a sensor that can detect if you are not wearing the device. Thanks to this sensor, the heating vest automatically shuts down 10 minutes after you remove the vest to save battery life.

Can I Wash Heated Clothing?

Hand-washing your heated vest using cold water and mild detergent is your best bet. Just avoid twisting or wringing the heated vest to prevent damage. If you want to machine wash, place the heated vest in a mesh laundry bag and use the gentlest cycle setting in your washing machine. Make sure you disable the tumble dry setting as well.

Because of the sensitive carbon fiber wires within the fabric, Kemimoto does not advise ironing, bleaching, or dry-cleaning their heating vests.

Explore the best heated clothing from Kemimoto

Heated vests can really make your winters far more comfortable than the best traditional winter clothes out there and you can find other brands with their own competing clothing lines as well. Kemimoto has been in the business for more than a decade and is backed by the ATV and UTV community. Plus, their heating clothing products passed all the strict certifications and standards like CE, FCC, PSE, and ROSH making them safe products to use anywhere.

If you want to try some of the top heated clothing, visit Kemimoto’s website and use Promo Code AFF18 to get 18% off your order.

Or check out the Kemimoto Winter Sale with up to 50% off some items.

The post How to stay warm outdoors: heated clothing by Kemimoto appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

BLUETTI AC180T: Modular Power Station with Dual Hot-Swappable Battery Design

The BLUETTI AC180T is the company’s first power station with a hot-swappable battery design. (We’d also like to say thank you to BLUETTI for sponsoring this post. While they are supporting us by asking us to write this article, they have not told us what we have to say or what we can’t say about the product so you can consider these thoughts ours.) The power station relies on dual 716.8Wh LFP batteries to provide a total output power of 1,800W. You may remove either of the LFP batteries without power interruption and only a slight output reduction to 1,200W. With BLUETTI selling the LFP batteries separately, the AC180T offers a convenient and modular way to expand the power station’s overall capacity.

BLUETTI allows users to connect the AC180T directly to the grid to charge both batteries simultaneously via 1,440W fast charging or optional solar charging at 500W Max. Charging time from empty to 80% lasts about an hour (or 45 mins for both batteries) or 90 minutes to 100% (70 for both batteries). With a single battery equipped, the power station weighs nearly 40 lbs or 18.5 kg while adding the other battery bumps the weight up to 58.4 lbs or 26.5 kg.

Like other recent BLUETTI power station products, the AC180T comes with a 20ms UPS mode to swiftly handle sudden power interruptions. The power station features 4 AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports and a 12V cigarette lighter port.

BLUETTI MultiCooler: World’s First LFP-Powered Refrigerator and Freezer

BLUETTI’s first companion product that will support the AC180T LFP batteries is the MultiCooler, a portable car fridge that can hit sub-zero temperatures from -20°C to 20°C (-4°F to 68°F). With a 40-liter capacity, the MultiCooler is capable of chilling up to 65 cans of soda or freeze meat products or keep sensitive medicines at their required cool temperatures. The MultiCooler’s speedy operation promises to cool from 30°C down to zero (86°F to 32°F) in just 15 minutes.

The BLUETTI MultiCooler houses a 9-liter ice chamber that can create 24 pieces of small or large ice cubes in a few minutes. You can use the MultiCooler as a consistent ice maker as it uses running water to allow production of about 4 batches of clear ice per hour. The MultiCooler also has a built-in self-cleaning mode to prevent mildew buildup.

BLUETTI claims the MultiCooler as the first portable ice maker that can solely get power from a vehicle. You may also plug it directly to the wall socket or insert one of the AC180T batteries to give it a 72-hour runtime. Extending the battery runtime is possible via a BLUETTI solar panel as long as the battery remains installed.

Thanks to the MultiCooler’s solid insulation, the MultiCooler can keep those optimum temperatures even after the battery depletes with an estimated 48.3 hours to go from 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F).

As a part of the BLUETTI ecosystem, you can remotely control the MultiCooler using the same BLUETTI app and activate all the familiar features found on its batteries like ECO mode to extend the MultiCooler’s runtime even further dropping the power consumption to just 0.18kWh.

For easy mobility of the massive 28 × 16.5 × 18.7-inch (710 × 420 × 475mm) unit, the MultiCooler features a built-in drawbar and dual wheels. The entire body is shock-resistant for rugged travel and offers a slide add-on if extra vehicle stability is required.

BLUETTI SwapSolar Use Cases

The BLUETTI SwapSolar combo system is perfect for long-distance road trips or hot ocean adventures where ice-cold drinks and fresh food are needed the most. With its ability to charge gadgets as well, no extra power stations or separate coolers are required effectively pushing the travel efficiency to new heights. You can shop BLUETTI products on the company website or find them on Amazon.

Also Read:

1. BLUETTI Black Friday Specials + NEW Power Station in Canada
2. This portable power station solves your biggest problems: BLUETTI AC60 & B80 Review
3. Review: Bluetti EB3A power station

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BLUETTI AC2A and AC200L Overview

Packed with Innovations and Refinements: BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station

The BLUETTI AC200L houses an improved 2,048Wh that lasts more than 10 years while retaining the 3,000+ life cycle target. The power station’s built-in 2,400W pure sine wave AC inverter can energize sensitive electronics and power-hungry appliances such as a 1,200W coffee maker for nearly 4 hours. Like other BLUETTI products, the AC200L offers a power lifting mode to temporarily boost the power output to 3,600 watts. The AC200L is compatible with the B210, B230, and B300 expansion batteries allowing up to 8,192Wh worth of extra power if you add a pair of B300 batteries.

One of the key improvements of the AC200L is its fast-charging capabilities. The battery can reach an 80% charge in as little as 45 minutes via the wall or about 2 hours for full recharging via solar panel under good conditions.

BLUETTI also changed the port arrangement of the AC200L as it now has a pair of 100W USB-C ports along with 4 standard 120V/20A outlets, a new NEMA TT-30 outlet for charging RV starter batteries, a 48V DC port for charging house batteries (requires the BLUETTI D40 DC-DC charger sold separately), and 2 18W USB-A ports.

The AC200L can be used as a UPS with 20ms switching time which is sufficient for powering refrigerators when unexpected outages occur. With built-in Wi-Fi in addition to Bluetooth, remote connectivity via the BLUETTI app is a lot simpler and gives you quick access to special features such as power lifting and ECO modes.

More Portable and Longer Lasting: BLUETTI AC2A Portable Power Station

The AC2A carries the same battery longevity improvements, fast-charging and 5-year warranty of the AC200L to a smaller 7.9-pound form factor making this the company’s lightest smallest UPS yet. The power station features two AC outlets and 12V car outlet along with a single 100W USB-C port and pair of USB-A ports. With up to 300W and 600W surge power, the BLUETTI AC2A can power smaller devices such as drones, small PCs, mini fridges, and air mattress inflators. The power station’s 204.8Wh battery can be expanded with BLUETTI’s B80 expansion battery products.

Price and Availability

Both the BLUETTI AC2A and AC200L power stations will be sold at BLUETTI’s official website and official Amazon page on February 1^st and you can expect both products to launch with early-bird deals.

You can learn more about the new products from BLUETTI’s website.

The post Two new products from BLUETTI – Meet AC2A and AC200L Portable Power Stations appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.