Tag Archives: Outdoor

Dreadnort POD is a capable multi-utility travel trailer, portable office with a gullwing door

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With the kind of creativity and engineering going into contemporary tiny homes in the US, one cannot have enough. A look around the inside and you marvel at how much comfort and convenience can be packed into such a small space. From the plush bedding to the fully-equipped kitchenette, within an equipped towable, you know, no matter where your adventures take you, you’ll always be safe and comfortable.

While the US already has existing infra and interesting caravans, New Zealand is only catching up with the likes of Dreadnort Boats creating multi-use portable structures that can be utilized as a mobile office, tiny home, or a camping trailer.

Designer: Dreadnort Boats

Case in point, the POD (Point of Difference in full), is a multi-utility structure that will put some of the more interesting options in the West to shame. Designed to be a tsunami shelter that doubles as a boat or a trailer, the POD, in its current stage, is not equipped for emergencies, owing to its door design and big panoramic windows.

Despite not being tsunami-proof as of yet the POD is a capable portable office with a gullwing door. Made from marine grade aluminum, the main body of the caravan rests almost 4in from the ground and it measures 5.1m x 2.5m x 2.5m, which renders it towable inside a 20-foot shipping container or behind a vehicle as a trailer.

The interesting aspect of the peculiar looking towable from Dreadnort Boats is V-shaped seating with a drop-down table that transforms into a sleeping area by night. Considering the multiple usages of the POD, it is customizable with 150-watt solar panels. The builders are working on several other layouts for the POD to make it useful as a food cart, kiosk, houseboat or anything the client wishes to use a mobile living unit for. A fully finished POD starts at about $60,000 (customization would cost extra).

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This Cone-shaped Chair amplifies the sounds of the river in front of it to help you calm down

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The chair’s unique design works the same way cupping your hands around your ear helps you hear better. Dubbed the Amplification Of The Senses Chair, this unique piece of public furniture can be found placed along the banks of the Han River in Seoul. Designed to be a place where citizens can go for a moment of reflection, relaxation, and tranquility, the chair’s unique design gathers sounds from around the river and channels them toward your ears, creating a unique ASMR experience that helps relax and rejuvenate you. “This river is one of the few places to feel nature in this polluted city,” said designer Eun Whan Cho, who was commissioned to make the chairs by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. “When we sit on these chairs, the sounds of trees and rivers are amplified,” he adds. The megaphone-shaped backrest of the chair not only heightens your sense of hearing but also blocks out your peripheral vision, allowing you to completely focus on what’s in front of you and helping your mind drown out any distracting thoughts and emotions.

Designer: Eun Whan Cho (Mootaa)

The chair’s clever design turns sitting into a much more intense activity by enhancing your hearing in a way that makes you concentrate on the tranquility of nature. Doing a much better job at boosting your focus and reducing your stress than any lo-fi playlist on YouTube possibly ever could, the bench acts as a place where you go to give your mind a break. You’re surrounded by nature, fresh air, the smell of grass, and the sounds of water rippling, birds chirping, and tree branches rustling in the wind.

The chair’s focus on nature is dual-fold. Not only does it physically help you connect with nature, it’s entirely made from recycled plastic waste too. Waste around Seoul is gathered, cleaned, and pulverized into tiny chips of colored plastic that are then bound with a resin and applied on large molds. Once the resin cures, the massive pieces are de-molded and assembled to form the chairs. Each chair removes a significant amount of plastic from entering landfills or becoming ‘nature’s problem’. In a way, the chair’s purpose, as well as its construction both, have a cleansing effect. The chair’s design cleanses the environment of plastic, and sitting on it helps cleanse the human’s mind of any distracting thoughts!

Each bench is meticulously hand-cast by applying a resin-suspended composite of recycled plastic chips onto large molds.

Plastic waste for the chairs began being collected in 2018, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to manufacture and install the chairs on the promenade around the Han River by 2026.

The Amplification Of The Senses Chair is a Silver Winner of the A’ Design Award for the year 2022.

The materials that make up the bench are obtained by crushing plastic waste in Seoul.

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This futuristic travel trailer pops-up into a luxurious home in the great outdoors

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If you’re looking for an expandable home on wheels to tow behind your EV, you have a few existing options already. However, if you’re not instantly in the market for a towable, and can wait for a couple of years, a ground-breaking travel trailer is in the works. It is solar-powered, furnished with modular furniture, and customizable to user requirements, but that’s not it!

Camping with family, friends or even when you’re in the outdoors all solo, a travel trailer ensures convenience and comfort. A towable with the ideal balance of luxury and convenience maintains unforgettable outdoor adventure, and this is what this Grounded RV’s towable with a unique aerodynamic design guarantees.

Designer: Grounded

Made from advanced composite materials, the expandable towable is designed durable and lightweight. This streamlined layout reduces drag to make sure you get enhanced fuel efficiency, while the RV’s unique hydraulic system ensures smooth transition between towing and living model.

The very compact trailer is easy to store and maneuver. But once you are ready to camp, the trailer’s roof pops-up (in its entirety) to create 6.5 feet of headroom. Furnished with large glass windows for a panoramic view the trailer has a spacious interior equipped with a fully-functional kitchen, modular furniture, customizable queen bed, pull-out table, dry toilet, and spacious sitting area, thereby offering all the comforts of the home in the great outdoors.

The interior is insulated while the rooftop 1,500W solar panels power the remotely controlled electronics and appliances. Based on a modular layout, the travel trailer can be customized to suit each occupant’s requirement, fitting piece by piece according to need.

The Grounded RV’s futuristic towable is expected to ship in 2025 with a weather-resistant exterior and modern aesthetics to leave most RV makers thinking. With all the fancy antics, the interesting concept puts durability, comfort, and sustainability at the forefront, which has left the outdoorsy in me excited.

The post This futuristic travel trailer pops-up into a luxurious home in the great outdoors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 essential gear you need when you embark on your next outdoor adventure

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Getting back to the basics is always fun, especially if it involves heading outdoors, soaking up some sun, and enjoying the best of what nature has to offer. If you’re someone who loves camping and embarking on outdoor adventures, then you definitely need a few outdoor essentials by your side once you leave your house! You need products that help you get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. And, we’ve put together a collection of handy, reliable, and trustworthy outdoor gear that are the sidekicks you need next time you go on an outdoor adventure. From an Edison bulb-inspired flashlight that emits a warm glow to Sirius OUTDOOR AR-enabled smart ski goggles that are designed to change the world of snow sports – these fun and functional outdoor designs are all you need for your next adventure trip!

1. Sirius AR Goggles

Stepping in with a heads-up display of sorts, Zurich-based Ostloong has designed and developed the Sirius smart goggles that incorporate AR and AI in one successful unit. This brings smartphone notifications, slope details, and other vital information right in front of the skier’s eyes without impacting their field of view.

Why is it noteworthy?

As the first-ever advanced ski goggles that offer the adventurist an augmented reality experience with rich color display and detailed output, Sirius is the only eyewear combining AR and AI for outdoor sports.

What we like

  • Ensures safety and allows one to communicate while moving on the snow mountain, skiing or snowboarding

What we dislike

  • Given the size of the goggles, it may be difficult to keep them in place for users with smaller facial features

2. The Microtech Exocet Dagger

With a tiny 1.94-inch blade, the Microtech Exocet Dagger is actually legal to carry in most states, making it the perfect EDC to have on you at all times. The dagger features an OTF-style (out-the-front) drop-point blade made from CTS 204P steel that’s perfect for piercing and carving outdoors and doing things like opening boxes indoors.

Why is it noteworthy?

The blade retracts into the Exocet’s rather comfortably compact aircraft-grade aluminum handle, which also has a pocket clip on one side that doubles up as a money clip, letting you carry your cards and cash with you. I imagine taking out your money for a mugger would be a pretty interesting event, given that your de facto wallet also doubles as a blade!

What we like

  • It’s also the relatively wide pocket clip on its side, which Microtech designed to also double as a money clip, giving you a safe and secure place to store your Benjamins

What we dislike

  • We wish it had at least one additional function to make a multitool EDC

3. The Quasar Portable Lamp

A pretty cool and unique lamp design I recently came across is the Quasar portable lamp. Designed by Samy Rhio and Petite Friture, the Quasar portable lamp, is designed to be a ‘nomadic lamp’.

Why is it noteworthy?

French designer Samy Rhio designed this nomadic lamp to enable users to carry it around, allowing it to illuminate any space they go to. They can hang the nifty lamp using a multicolored strap that will remind you of a climbing rope.

What we like

  • The lamp has been equipped with a five-meter-long woven rope that is attached to the top of the lamp, making it a portable design that can be transferred from one location to another

What we dislike

  • Not sure if the lamp is durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions

4. The Edison Light Stick

Inspired by the vintage lantern, the Edison Light Stick from Barebones is a multifunctional flashlight on Huckberry, that would be super helpful on all your outdoor adventures. It emits a warm glow that is great in emergencies and functions as a direct light for essential tasks like preparing food or fetching water.

Why is it noteworthy?

The lantern-inspired light glows warmly is multifunctional and can instantly uplift the mood in the camp or double as a reading light for those who still love catching on some good old reading during their camping trips. The glass tube body of the Edison Light Stick features brass and copper construction on top and bottom, while leather accents complete its handsome look.

What we like

  • Equipped with seven different light modes so you can have your ideal ambiance anytime, anywhere!
  • Exquisite brass and copper construction accentuated with leather accents

What we dislike

  • The price tag is a little hefty compared to similar products on the market

5. Supernova

GravaStar who’ve surprised geeks with mecha-inspired Bluetooth speakers in the recent past have added another sci-fi speaker cum LED lamp to their line-up. Dubbed Supernova, the accessory looks like a three-legged robot, something anyone would want to sport in their geeky den.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bluetooth speaker besides looking really inviting to own, fairs well when it comes to the overall build quality, functionality, and hardware specifications. It is crafted out of a solid zinc alloy metallic body standing on GravaStar’s iconic tripod legs that we saw in their previous designs. The accessory with a 3-inch full-range speaker has 25 watts of power, 90db of output, and half-inch high-frequency tweeter for rich, crisp sound delivery.

What we like

  • In the music-playing mode, this light can synch to the rhythm of the audio for partygoers

What we dislike

  • Could get easily damaged in the outdoors

6. The Gerber Stake Out

The Gerber Stake Out is a nifty multitool that’s perfect for all the outdoor adventures you undertake! It measures just 4.5 inches in the closed position and a maximum of 6.6 inches when the knife is being used. The super cool multi-tool conceals 11 tools and helps you with almost everything – from setting up a campfire to cooking a meal in the wilderness. The Scandi grind blade features a bottle opener, awl, Ferro rod striker, saw, file, and a pair of scissors.

Why is it noteworthy?

There’s a tent stake puller for packing and getting the gear ready after setting camp during the nighttime. This is a very useful tool for campers as they can pack up tents in a way quicker time than normal. So, in a way, this utility is the USP of this multitool without any question. Add to the mix a ruler and pop-out tweezers, and you’ve got an all-purpose multitool convenient enough to carry with you all the time.

What we like

  • 11 tools concealed in 1 multi-tool
  • Economically priced

What we dislike

  • Made from Graphite, we would love to see more material options in this multitool

7. The Batch #003: PARTS Multipurpose Tool

The Leatherman knives have been widely loved by outdoorsmen for ages galore! The knives’ durability and ability to stay sharp for life make them an absolute fan favorite amongst adventure lovers.  And their latest interesting launch is the Batch #003: PARTS multipurpose tool with its unique set of features. A folding knife at heart, the multitool ventures into the world of interchangeable blade options for an EDC.

Why is it noteworthy?

According to Leatherman, their motive is to create the best folding knife out there from the current inventory of products in-house. The result is a multipurpose tool crafted out of 26 parts. It gets an innovative interchangeable blade system to swap compatible blades for the needed task at hand. All this while being ergonomically comfortable and highly functional to the last bit. The EDC gets the G10 handle for a better grip.

What we like

  • The knife can be swapped between the premium S30V stainless steel work blade for hardcore tasks or the 154CM blade tailored for normal household tasks
  • Crafted from 26 parts

What we dislike

  • Has a rather hefty price tag

8. The Tomori Lantern Kit

The Tomori Lantern Kit is really quite interesting because rather than providing us with a ready-made lantern, it functions as a kit that lets you create and set up your own lantern, and then swiftly put it aside when you’re done using it. Once the lantern collapses, it barely occupies any space, and you can fit a conventional flashlight inside it!

Why is it noteworthy?

The base of the kit is a foldable cardboard piece that serves as the flashlight holder and stable structure of the lamp. The kit comes with a rather nondescript LED flashlight that you can use on its own when not docked inside the lantern. In fact, the cardboard base can hold any cylindrical flashlight that is less than 30mm in diameter and 160mm in length. This means that you can use the same flashlight for the lantern as well as for typical uses, or you can have a set of backup flashlights when one’s battery goes empty.

What we like

  • The entire kit, excluding the flashlight, folds down to a flat A4-sized package, perfect for stashing in bags or drawers, ready for use in an emergency
  • Quite fun to put together and set up your own lantern

What we dislike

  • Cannot withstand rain

9. The SHARGE Concept

If you’re someone who loves embarking on adventures in the outdoors but are tired of always carrying portable power generators that sometimes can be more like excessive baggage than functional essentials, then the SHARGE concept is what you need!

Why is it noteworthy?

If you’re a camping fan, for example, you might want something that doesn’t exactly look like rugged tanks but at least has ties to your favorite hobby. It’s not by coincidence, then, that the SHARGE was designed to mimic the ridges you’d find on camping boxes. While the design is already visually appealing in itself, the structure also helps diffuse the force of impact, giving it a bit of ruggedness as well.

What we like

  • MagSafe-compatible
  • Rates high on aesthetics

What we dislike

  • It’s still a concept!

10. The EcoFlow River 2

As with any second-generation product, the EcoFlow River 2 has been able to learn from the lessons of its predecessors. Given the gap between the first and second EcoFlow Rivers, there has definitely been plenty of lessons to serve as the foundations of a better product. Fortunately, EcoFlow did seem to have benefited from hindsight, allowing it to turn the River 2 into a sleeker and more compact power station that no longer looks like a car battery.

Why is it noteworthy?

The biggest change you will notice comparing the two generations is that the River 2 has a more refined appearance thanks to its dual-tone color scheme and flat top. The large carrying handle no longer arcs over the top but instead juts out from the back. That makes it easier to stash the power station away in cramped spaces and put things on top of it. Having the handle extend to one side only also reduces the space it needs to occupy. This helps give the box a cleaner look, but relocating the carrying handle does have its share of consequences as well.

What we like

  • It will take more than 3,000 charging cycles (zero to full) before it starts to lose its full capacity

What we dislike

  • No wireless charging
  • Carrying the EcoFlow River 2, however, might be difficult for some other purpose. With the carrying handle now at the back, the box’s center of gravity is changed when you lift it up

The post Top 10 essential gear you need when you embark on your next outdoor adventure first appeared on Yanko Design.

All-in-one modular robot mower with 3D vision keeps your lawn clean without fuss or wires

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Robot vacuum cleaners have become more common these days, but indoor spaces aren’t the only ones that need cleaning. Maintaining a lawn is even harder work, especially since the tools available haven’t exactly been the easiest to use. Gasoline-chugging lawnmowers are noisy and dangerous, but robot lawnmowers with perimeter wires are only a step less inconvenient. More than just their efficiency, however, these supposedly smart lawnmowers turn out not to be that smart at all and require a bit of human intervention just to make sure they stay within boundaries. Fortunately, you can finally stop wishing for an effortless way to keep your lawn clean and green with this truly smart mower that makes lawn care not only easy but also safe for both people and animals alike.

Designer: Heisenberg Robotics

Click Here to Buy Now: $999 $2499 ($1500 off). Hurry, only 19/285 left! Raised over $1.2 million.

Compared to a vacuum cleaner, a robot mower needs to juggle a lot more responsibilities. Cutting grass is actually the easiest part, but a hands-free mower also needs to know where it should and shouldn’t go, avoid obstacles that may come in the form of unexpected furry critters, and more. Keeping within boundaries is already a difficult task, and most robot mowers require setting up wires around the area, which means digging up the ground to set these up.

With today’s technologies, especially AI and machine learning, that shouldn’t be the case anymore, and the Heisenberg LawnMeister demonstrates how to utilize these to free up our time and energy for the more important things in life. Calling this robot mower “smart” might even be an understatement because of how many features it packs inside to keep your lawn looking beautiful, no matter the time of the year.

Set Virtual Boundaries – Its smart navigation uses vision AI and GPS to learn your whole lawn – so you’ll never have to dig up dirt and lay wires around your yard.

Avoid All Kinds of Objects – LawnMeister can recognize all types of objects from a hedgehog to a lawn chair, then use its AI-powered system to steer around.

Instead of using cumbersome and intrusive boundary wires, the LawnMeister utilizes a combination of vision AI and GPS to know its location and its path. It creates a 3D navigation guide of your lawn and detects the edges, so it knows where to go and where to keep off. It sees and learns in real-time, avoiding obstacles like chairs and toys even if they change locations every day. Of course, it also avoids people, pets, and even unexpected furry visitors, so everyone and everything is safe, except for unmanageable grass, that is.

Custom Mowing Schedules – Customize your mowing schedule to fit your routine, giving you the freedom to have a great lawn on your time.

Set Up No-Go Zones – Simple lawn zone management means you can protect certain areas of your lawn, like a vegetable patch or a spot your dog likes to nap.

Conquer Any Terrain – They designed LawnMeister to handle slopes, bumps, and divots while still delivering the same even cut.

Th LawnMeister is so smart that you can immediately start using it right out of the box, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have any control over it. Using its companion app, you can set no-go zones or even have different settings for different areas, trimming grass short in one place while letting it grow in another. The robot mower can also take into account the season and the weather so that it can offer mowing schedules tailored to the grass’ needs.

Fertilizer – LawnMeister’s vision AI enables it to see yellow spots on your lawn and to sprinkle a trail of nourishment over the patches of stunted growth, giving your grass what it needs to grow back stronger and healthier.

Edge Trimmer – LawnMeister tidies up around gardens, patios, and driveways to cut loose ends and make your lawn look perfectly manicured.

Leaf Blower – Not only does it blow away fallen leaves so they won’t clog up the blades, but it also gets rid of grass, debris, and other fallen bits to give your lawn the neat and tidy look you want.

But wait, there’s more! LawnMeister can do more than just cut grass, which is really just one part of lawn care. With the fertilizer sprayer add-on, it can also apply fertilizer on grass by manually setting the areas that need to be sprayed on the app. Are fallen leaves messing up the scene? The rolling robot can blow them out of its way, along with debris, dust, and dirt. There’s even a driveway sweeper add-on to clean those grass clippings to ensure a thorough mowing session. The single 5Ah battery is enough for two hours of yard work on a single charge or four hours with the 10Ah dual battery option. And when it’s time to charge, the robot drives itself to its docking station and then returns to the exact spot where it left off. Say goodbye to noisy weekends, intrusive boundary wires, and uneven grass with the smart and safe Heisenberg LawnMeister All-in-One Robot Mower, starting at $999 only for a Super Early Bird discount.

Click Here to Buy Now: $999 $2499 ($1500 off). Hurry, only 19/285 left! Raised over $1.2 million.

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Mini automatic OTF knife is loaded with satisfying features in a pocket-sized package

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Whether you fancy yourself as an outdoors person or not, there will always come a time when you wish you had something sharp with you to cut or pierce things. Foldable scissors are a dime a dozen, and most of them are terrible for what they’re meant to do. That’s not even considering how they’re not exactly useful in instances where you need a knife to get the job done. Just like many tools that you can put in your bag or even your pocket, you often have to make a choice between power and size, settling for compromises to hit the right spot. Fortunately, that’s now a thing of the past with this mini automatic knife that cuts through your problems like a miniature sword that’s small enough to fit on your keyring.

Designer: Tekto Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $139.99 (15% off and free FedEx 2 day shipping with Coupon Code “YANKO15”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

You’d be forgiven if you mistook the Tekto A2 Badger for a toy at first glance. Its small body is only 3.3 inches long when the blade is retracted and is still a short 5.26 inches when the Out-The-Front (OTF) blade is out. It only weighs 62g (2.18oz), and the way the blade swiftly ejects and retracts gives such a satisfying feeling that you might want to always have it in your hand. Make no mistake, this is no plaything, and it’s designed to be a powerful weapon against any and all outdoor or DIY troubles. Small but terrible definitely comes to mind, but in a very good way.

Compact & Lightweight – The A2 Badger is both easy to store and transport, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and those with limited space.

The short 1.85-inch blade is not only made from durable and anti-corrosive Titanium-Coated D2 steel, it is also designed with an American Tanto edge. This sword-like design means there are two cutting planes, one horizontal and one vertical, at an angle, giving you more versatility than a single curved edge that most pocket knives use. It has a distinctive black matte coating, so you never get blinded by reflections. It also makes the blade look handsome, perfectly complimenting its equally distinctive handle. The size also makes it “California Legal” for those who need to take or use the A2 Badger there.

Oversized Lanyard Hole – The design accommodates larger cords and paracords. This enhances convenience and accessibility, especially in low-light conditions or when wearing gloves, making it an ideal tool for any situation.

Contoured Button – Its precisely contoured button allows for fast and effortless ejection and retraction of the blade.

That handle has grooves running across almost all of its body, delivering a better grip no matter how you hold the knife. The asymmetrical button isn’t just for show either, making it easier to eject and retract the blade thanks to its larger surface area and steeper slope for the finger to land on. The handle is made from 6061-T6 Aluminum, making it durable yet lightweight, perfect for taking it anywhere and being prepared for any situation.

Despite all that power, the Tekto A2 Badger is also designed for convenience. An oversized lanyard lets you attach it to almost anything, from cords to paracords to keyrings. The ambidextrous pocket clip can be mounted on either side to accommodate right-handed and left-handed people. There’s even a glass breaker for emergencies. A mini automatic knife that packs power and handsome good looks in a small size is the perfect partner for all your adventures and missions, and the Tekto A2 Badger can be yours with a sweet 15% discount off its standard $139.99 price for Yanko Design readers.

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $139.99 (15% off and free FedEx 2 day shipping with Coupon Code “YANKO15”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

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Modern ditch cover redesign blocks mosquitos and saves your coins

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There are many everyday things in life that we easily take for granted until they cause us a great deal of trouble. The cover ditches and drains are a good example because we rarely pay attention to them until streets start flooding or we drop some of our stuff, from coins to even smartphones. They also become gateways for mosquitoes, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms to invade the world above and threaten our health. These drain covers are often crude, ineffective, and pretty much unappealing, mostly because very few people bother making an effort to design one that checks all the right boxes. Fortunately, there are a few creative minds willing to tackle these problems head-on, producing a ditch cover design that isn’t just safe but also good-looking to boot.

Designer: Chris Chang

To be fair, designing an effective yet presentable ditch cover isn’t exactly easy because of seemingly contradictory goals. On the one wand, it needs to let water flow easily into it to prevent flooding during heavy rains. On the other hand, the holes have to be small to prevent people’s feet and loose change from falling into them. Even if covers meet those two requirements, however, they’re still open to letting mosquitoes out from sewers below, not to mention the backflow of dirty water if those sewers start to flood.

FloaX is a concept design that aims to address all those issues without leaving a single one unsolved. It lets water in but keeps the harmful things out, and it also prevents things from falling into it. The best part is that it actually looks interesting and visually appealing rather than being an eyesore on otherwise well-kept streets.

The design’s secret is the use of floating parts that can block the flow of water in either direction. A ball made of thin rubber acts as a plug that blocks the single round hole when there is no water to drain. When water flows down from the cover, however, it easily floats to let water drain quickly. The ball sits on top of a valve plank that also floats up or settles down, depending on the situation.

This plank serves as the bottom “cover” that blocks mosquitoes, bacteria, and even odors from escaping. When the sewer below starts to flood, the plank rises and blocks the dirty water from flowing into the streets, keeping the area sanitary and pedestrians safe. The parts that make up this ditch cover aren’t anchored down to allow them to move and float freely. Instead, they are enclosed in a metal shelf that turns these parts into a single product.

Instead of typical grilles, the cover on top uses a polygonal gradient design that still lets water in while blocking small objects from falling through. It also gives the cover better structural integrity and friction, preventing people from slipping or falling into ditches. The design also looks good, to the point that it could even be an attraction rather than something people avoid because they look gross.

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Porsche designs Airstream travel trailer that’s more aerodynamic, has lower suspension and a pop-up roof

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Airstream is distinguishable by its finest aluminum travel trailers. Remaining true to its design DNA and to align with the altering RV landscape, Airstream and Studio F.A. Porsche have together designed an Airstream coach with refined aerodynamics, a pop-up roof for increased headroom, and a lowered suspension to permit city dwellers to park the RV in their residential garages.

Airstream has been an innovative RV manufacturer, but this Porsche-designed next-gen Airstream trailer is far from what the former has managed through the years. A result of “what if” collaboration between the two design stalwarts, the concept may be starkly different but it deviates ever so little from Airstream’s signature riveted aluminum look.

Designer: Airstream x Porsche

Fashioned ideally in photorealistic renderings, a 1/3 scale model of the aerodynamically envisioned Airstream of the future is available on display at the ongoing South by Southwest Conference and Festival in Austin, TX. The airstream features an aerodynamic shape with the front improved for airflow, while its flush underside design ensures reduced drag-creating projection.

A first-of-its-type Airstream trailer with a lowered suspension, this Porsche design is more optimized for towing with electric vehicles. The design allows several things to be tucked into the 10-inch space below that trailer’s floor. So, you get water tanks, heating components, spare wheel, and Lithium-ion battery all tucked in there to save you space onboard.

Onboard, the pop-up roof creates more headroom when camped and the rear seating area can quickly transform into working or dining space. It can also be converted into an 82″ x 61″ sleeping area for when the night falls. This versatile living area can be opened into the outdoors with the rear openable hatch, that with attached awnings, create a shady space to relax or plan the next adventure.

Within the luxuriously designed trailer is a wet bathroom featuring a swing door that hides the toilet within. The galley has a hinged-up counter that extends up to the main entrance, creating a sizable L-shaped workspace akin to most spacious travel trailers. With its wholesome design and provision to integrate rooftop solar panels, the battery-equipped Porsche x Airstream travel trailer is ideal for adventures within the city limits and off the grid.

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More aerodynamic than other EV trailers, Lightship L1 is designed for extended off-grid time and reduced drag

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Lightweight, towable campers designed for electric vehicles are gaining traction by the day. Inclined on the idea of zero emissions travel, these trailers are integrated with a battery pack that makes extended off-grid stays possible, and allow peace of mind with the possibility of recharging the towing electric vehicle, if need be.

Joining the ranks is the luxury-packed Lightship L1 camping trailer towable by an EV pickup truck. It comes with a 40kWh battery onboard (upgradable to 80kWh), which can power the built-in systems and all electric appliances, charging the vehicle while off the grid. The roof and dual awnings are installed with solar panels that produce up to 3kW of energy, which the trailer uses to keep the battery charged.

Designer: Lightship RV

Almost ‘3 times as aerodynamic as a classic trailer,’ the L1 is designed to look different, but the difference is not limited to its openable glass panel windows all around. Constructed from automotive-grade composite material, the trailer derives its aerodynamic shape using a virtual wind tunnel.

There is manifold ingenuity in the L1’s design. Beyond the aerodynamism, the camping trailer features an interesting pop-up design. The roof extends upward, by a good three feet in Camp Mode, from 6.9 feet when the trailer is on the road (Road Mode).

The Lightship’s electric travel trailer measures 27 feet long, 8.6 feet wide, and weighs 7,500 pounds. The lightweight design and aerodynamic combination together allow the trailer to minimize drag. For EVs towing a classic trailer efficiency is a major concern: most EVs experience drop in the range when they’re towing. Lightship L1 is efficient in that its drivetrain powers the wheels independently, adding little haul weight to ensure the electric tow vehicle loses the least in its range.

Continuing the automotive-grade construction on the inside, the L1 trailer comprises interiors fashioned in textiles made from 70 percent recycled polyester. The liveable space inside is confined within glass walls and durable construction capable of accommodating up to 6 people. It features convertible beds, two (indoor and outdoor) kitchens, and a bathroom complete with rainfall shower and toilet.

The kitchen on the inside along with the usual cooktop, oven, and sink, includes a dishwasher. The slide-out kitchen on the other hand is equipped for a quick bite with a camp-style induction cooker and collapsible sink. Interesting highlight here is the countertop made from upcycled ocean waste. Available on preorder starting at $125,000, the Lightship L1 electric travel trailer makes traveling efficient, clean, and remarkably comfortable.

The post More aerodynamic than other EV trailers, Lightship L1 is designed for extended off-grid time and reduced drag first appeared on Yanko Design.

A micro-camper with glass doors & a skylight + other camping essentials you need on your outdoor adventures

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After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. And with the summer season setting in, I’m definitely in the mood to soak up some sun; and, camping could be a great outdoor activity. Although camping does have a few downsides too – I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From a portable power station to a camping chair that doubles up as a carrying tool – we’ve curated some fun and functional camping designs for you. Enjoy!

1. Emma

A camping trailer with a distinctive personality, Emma is designed to make those scenic rides in the city outskirts more exciting. The trailer is fashioned with a glass door on the passenger side. Kuckoo will give adventurers an option to customize the camper with a glass door on the driver’s side as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

Emma is the second desirable camper from Kuckoo. Bruno, the first variant, is a lovable option in the rugged camper market in Europe. Emma borrows the acceptable mechanics and layout of the Bruno and scales it down in size to make the micro camper easier to tow using a vehicle of choice.

What we like

  • Easier to tow using a vehicle of choice
  • The glass sides of the Emma along with the rear glass window and a skylight in the living area, make this camper a day rider’s delight

What we dislike

  • It’s not yet on the market!

2. The Edison Light Stick

Inspired by the vintage lantern, the Edison Light Stick from Barebones is a multifunctional flashlight on Huckberry, that would be super helpful on all your outdoor adventures. It emits a warm glow that is great in emergencies and functions as a direct light for essential tasks like preparing food or fetching water.

Why is it noteworthy?

The lantern-inspired light glows warmly is multifunctional and can instantly uplift the mood in the camp or double as a reading light for those who still love catching on some good old reading during their camping trips. The glass tube body of the Edison Light Stick features brass and copper construction on top and bottom, while leather accents complete its handsome look.

What we like

  • Equipped with seven different light modes so you can have your ideal ambiance anytime, anywhere!
  • Exquisite brass and copper construction accentuated with leather accents

What we dislike

  • The price tag is a little hefty compared to similar products on the market

3. The LIPOWER Mars-2000

Meet the LIPOWER Mars-2000, a beer-cooler-sized power station that gives you up to 2000W of power no matter where you are. Whether you’re camping outdoors, spending a cool evening at the beach, going on a road trip, or even taking your camera and drone on a day-long expedition for work or casual photoshoots, the LIPOWER Mars-2000 is a pretty capable portable power source that’s equipped with EV-grade LFP batteries for sustained power no matter what your requirement.

Why is it noteworthy?

The 1460Wh power station weighs 35.5 lbs (16.1 kilograms) and comes with built-in handles that let you load it on the back of a car and carry it pretty much anywhere you want. The LIPOWER Mars-2000 offers 10 different ports to charge/power a whole slew of devices, including 3 110V AC ports, 3 12V DC ports (including one car outlet), 3 USB-A ports (including one USB3.0 port for fast charging), and one USB-C port that outputs 60W, making it perfect for phones, tablets, and even laptops.

What we like

  • There’s also an input for plugging solar panels into the LIPOWER Mars-2000, charging it via solar energy up to 80% in 5 hours, according to its makers, LIPOWER

What we dislike

  • It is a bit bulky to be carrying around in the outdoors

4. Supernova

GravaStar who’ve surprised geeks with mecha-inspired Bluetooth speakers in the recent past have added another sci-fi speaker cum LED lamp to their line-up. Dubbed Supernova, the accessory looks like a three-legged robot, something anyone would want to sport in their geeky den.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bluetooth speaker besides looking really inviting to own, fairs well when it comes to the overall build quality, functionality, and hardware specifications. It is crafted out of a solid zinc alloy metallic body standing on GravaStar’s iconic tripod legs that we saw in their previous designs. The accessory with a 3-inch full-range speaker has 25 watts of power, 90db of output, and half-inch high-frequency tweeter for rich, crisp sound delivery.

What we like

  • In the music-playing mode, this light can synch to the rhythm of the audio for partygoers

What we dislike

  • Could get easily damaged in the outdoors

5. The Chair-A

The Chair – A can be “half folded” into a form that almost resembles a “jigae” or a traditional Korean carrying tool. It is practically a frame that lets you load more things on your back without having to cram them into your backpack or have them dangling precariously from bags.

Why is it noteworthy?

This kind of tool has been used to easily transport loads of firewood, and its design hasn’t really changed at all in the past centuries. This chair, however, applies an A-frame design that makes the carrier look a bit more aesthetic while also providing more stability.

What we like

  • It folds completely flat so that it can be conveniently stored in cramped spaces
  • The arms do help shift the weight a bit to prevent strain and injury

What we dislike

  • Not very comfortable for prolonged use because of the fabric seat
  • Absence of a backrest

6. The Mobile Universe

Called the Mobile Universe, this portable battery is super easy to carry along when you go camping. It has been amped with different inputs and outputs, allowing you to power up all the diverse devices that you require when you go camping. You have AC output, USB-A, USB-C, 12V for car sockets, and other things you may need.

Why is it noteworthy?

It can charge smartphones and even power a small coffeemaker. The device also has different wires and connectors, living up to its “universal” name. Campers and those that will be spending time in the great outdoors can definitely benefit from bringing a device like this if they don’t want to totally go off-grid and still have access to things like phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.

What we like

  • Has some significant power to it, allowing it to charge all kinds of devices

What we dislike

  • It’s still a concept, and we need more information on it

7. The EcoFlow River 2

As with any second-generation product, the EcoFlow River 2 has been able to learn from the lessons of its predecessors. Given the gap between the first and second EcoFlow Rivers, there has definitely been plenty of lessons to serve as the foundations of a better product. Fortunately, EcoFlow did seem to have benefited from hindsight, allowing it to turn the River 2 into a sleeker and more compact power station that no longer looks like a car battery.

Why is it noteworthy?

The biggest change you will notice comparing the two generations is that the River 2 has a more refined appearance thanks to its dual-tone color scheme and flat top. The large carrying handle no longer arcs over the top but instead juts out from the back. That makes it easier to stash the power station away in cramped spaces and put things on top of it. Having the handle extend to one side only also reduces the space it needs to occupy. This helps give the box a cleaner look, but relocating the carrying handle does have its share of consequences as well.

What we like

  • It will take more than 3,000 charging cycles (zero to full) before it starts to lose its full capacity

What we dislike

  • No wireless charging
  • Carrying the EcoFlow River 2, however, might be difficult for some other purpose. With the carrying handle now at the back, the box’s center of gravity is changed when you lift it up

8. The Bag Sofa

Designed to be an excellent portable seating solution, this inflatable chair can be set up in any kind of outdoor environment, allowing you to simply sit back and chill. Called the Bag Sofa, the chair can be folded down to a really flat rectangular piece, that you can easily carry with you anywhere!

Why is it noteworthy?

Part of the bag is made of hard pieces that form the structure or frame of the sofa, while soft cloth-like parts serve as the connecting materials that allow the chair to fold. It’s almost like those fabric-covered foldable boxes, except it’s shaped to form the semblance of a chair when unfolded.

What we like

  • Super portable design that can be carried anywhere
  • Features a fabric material that protects the skin from sticking to the bag’s synthetic surface

What we dislike

  • We’re not sure how comfortable the chair would be to sit on, especially for long durations

9. The Batch #003: PARTS Multipurpose Tool

The Leatherman knives have been widely loved by outdoorsmen for ages galore! The knives’ durability and ability to stay sharp for life make them an absolute fan favorite amongst adventure lovers.  And their latest interesting launch is the Batch #003: PARTS multipurpose tool with its unique set of features. A folding knife at heart, the multitool ventures into the world of interchangeable blade options for an EDC.

Why is it noteworthy?

According to Leatherman, their motive is to create the best folding knife out there from the current inventory of products in-house. The result is a multipurpose tool crafted out of 26 parts. It gets an innovative interchangeable blade system to swap compatible blades for the needed task at hand. All this while being ergonomically comfortable and highly functional to the last bit. The EDC gets the G10 handle for a better grip.

What we like

  • The knife can be swapped between the premium S30V stainless steel work blade for hardcore tasks or the 154CM blade tailored for normal household tasks
  • Crafted from 26 parts

What we dislike

  • Has a rather hefty price tag

10. The Tomori Lantern Kit

The Tomori Lantern Kit is really quite interesting because rather than providing us with a ready-made lantern, it functions as a kit that lets you create and set up your own lantern, and then swiftly put it aside when you’re done using it. Once the lantern collapses, it barely occupies any space, and you can fit a conventional flashlight inside it!

Why is it noteworthy?

The base of the kit is a foldable cardboard piece that serves as the flashlight holder and stable structure of the lamp. The kit comes with a rather nondescript LED flashlight that you can use on its own when not docked inside the lantern. In fact, the cardboard base can hold any cylindrical flashlight that is less than 30mm in diameter and 160mm in length. This means that you can use the same flashlight for the lantern as well as for typical uses, or you can have a set of backup flashlights when one’s battery goes empty.

What we like

  • The entire kit, excluding the flashlight, folds down to a flat A4-sized package, perfect for stashing in bags or drawers, ready for use in an emergency
  • Quite fun to put together and set up your own lantern

What we dislike

  • Cannot withstand rain

The post A micro-camper with glass doors & a skylight + other camping essentials you need on your outdoor adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.