Tag Archives: Outdoor

Owlet ONE Is A Unique Looking Foldable, High-Torque E-Bike for Urban Commuters

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The Owlet ONE is a striking blend of minimalism and functionality, designed to offer a modern yet nostalgic riding experience. Crafted from high-quality, matte-finished aluminum, the bike’s robust frame provides durability while maintaining a sleek, clean look. One of the most interesting aspects of the Owlet ONE is its cylindrical central frame, which houses the battery and essential components. This design streamlines the bike’s appearance and protects its core elements from environmental damage, providing a smooth visual flow and making the bike appear sturdy and aerodynamic.

Designer: Owlet

Owlet ONE

Attention to detail is evident throughout the Owlet ONE’s design. The retro-inspired brown leather saddle offers a comfortable ride, while the spring suspension beneath the seat absorbs shocks from rough terrains. The 31-inch seat height ensures a comfortable position for riders of various sizes, promoting an upright and relaxed posture. The slim handlebars, wrapped in matching brown leather, are ergonomically designed for a comfortable and secure hold, making the bike elevator-friendly and easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

OWLET ONE Details

Designed with convenience in mind, the Owlet ONE features foldable footrests, allowing it to be stored easily in a car trunk or at home. The aviation-grade aluminum construction, designed with sustainable manufacturing processes, minimizes metal processing and welding, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly production. Owlet engineering is both functional and visually stunning, setting a high standard in micro-mobility. Owlet ONE reflects a dedication to a greener, cleaner future. Sustainability is integral to its engineering philosophy, focusing on reducing environmental impact while enhancing the joy of riding.

The Owlet ONE is equipped with wide 20-inch fat bike wheels and CST grippy road tires, which enhance the bike’s visual appeal while promising excellent traction and stability. These wheels provide outstanding performance both in the city and off-road, making the bike versatile for different terrains. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable and responsive braking performance, adding an extra layer of safety.

Functional components are seamlessly integrated into the bike’s design. The dual 30-watt LED “Angel Eyes” headlights and the blinker feature enhance visibility and safety during nighttime rides. The rear light follows a similar design language, integrating smoothly into the bike’s structure. The front side panels mask a suspension fork with air dampening, improving ride quality over uneven urban terrain.

The bike’s unique geometry and customizable wheelbase allow agile handling and a tailored riding experience. The ability to adjust the wheelbase from 25 inches to 40 inches lets riders choose between a more compact setup for urban environments and a stretched configuration for stability at higher speeds. The 6-degree to 10-degree rake angle and significant trail size contribute to the motorbike-like thrill, ensuring a responsive and engaging ride.

Recognizing that many e-bike riders prefer to throttle through commutes and urban adventures, LA-based startup Owlet designed the Owlet ONE without pedals. This high-torque, angular bike weighs 86 pounds and operates more like a sit-down electric scooter, reflecting the observation that pedals are seldom used in high-power e-bike riding. This new class of urban transportation is lightweight, mobile, compact, and powerful.

The 750-watt continuous 3,000-watt peak direct drive motor delivers up to 180 Nm of torque, providing great acceleration and hill-climbing performance. This setup creates an engaging “fly-away” feel, while the whisper-quiet operation ensures a smooth and silent ride. The motor is also service-free and reliable, enhancing the overall riding experience.

It boasts an impressive 1,500 Wh (56V 30Ah) battery, offering a range of 40 to 60 miles depending on usage. The 400-watt charger can bring the battery to 70% in 2 hours and fully charge it in 3.5 hours. The battery case, made from fire-safe aluminum, houses LG battery cells with pure nickel and copper contacts, ensuring durability and safety. The bike also features a smart BMS for battery management, further enhancing its reliability. Charging is convenient as the battery can be charged without removal using a standard XT60 connector.

GPS tracking adds an extra layer of security, allowing riders to track the bike’s location. This feature, combined with the stealthy and silent direct drive motor, makes for a discreet yet powerful ride. The bike is also Class 2 e-bike compatible, eliminating the need for a driving license, registration, or insurance, making it perfect for grab-and-go riding.

For those interested in owning an Owlet ONE, joining the waitlist guarantees a reservation between 1 and 100, securing a top spot in the delivery queue. The first 100 customers will enjoy personalized branding with their initials on the product, ensuring a unique and exclusive Owlet Bikes experience.

Overall, the Owlet ONE’s design blends thoughtful engineering and aesthetic coherence. It balances modern technology with retro elements, creating a practical and visually captivating product. Whether for daily commuting or leisure rides, this bike promises a blend of style, comfort, and functionality, making it a great choice if you’re in the market for an e-scooter.

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Fully off road capable, self-inflating AlphaGo S6 Air V4 camping trailer is like luxury villa on wheels

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It wouldn’t be wrong to say that there is no dearth of easy-to-tow camping trailers that are off-road ready and willing to go anywhere you want them to tag along. The limitation with most of them is the limited availability of space. No matter how spacious it is, a camping trailer still begs for a room unless it is one that can self-inflate in minutes to offer almost a luxury villa at the campsite to spend a weekend in with your family.

Enter the luxurious new camping trailer from South Africa. Called the AlphaGo S6 Air V4, this is an off-road trailer designed to accommodate a family of six within a self-inflating camper that maximizes time at the camp and reduces set up and set down stress. The basic nature of this trailer is to effortlessly transition from a low towable trailer into a splendid multi-room villa with luxurious amenities packed within.

Designer: AlphaGo

By that virtue, the new AlphaGo camping trailer vouches to “represent the ultimate in freedom, luxury and style.” The trailer employs air inflation technology created by Opus Campers ensuring that it does not need traditional tenting poles and can set up in five minutes, creating a spacious interior and adjoining space that allows the occupants to make the most of their camping adventure, as opposed to the trailers that limit the owners within their four walls.

Trailing behind your 4×4, this AlphaGo trailer keeps a low profile and glides like the ‘air.’ It has a lightweight aluminum body based on a galvanized steel chassis and features a 10-leaf spring suspension to tackle the grumpy roads. When you’re at the campsite, this marvel of engineering opens to reveal its beastly appearance. The two sections of the roof unfold to create sleeping platforms while the awning and bathroom inflate at the push of a button to create more space outdoor and living area inside to relax and unwind.

Within its spacious, premium finish interior, the camping trailer has a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a lounge/dining area that transforms into a third bed. For entertainment, it’s installed with a 60-inch screen and a high-definition projector. AlphaGo S6 Air V4 starts at 449,995 South African Rand (roughly $24,500) with a 100 Ah battery, charging system, and 75-l fresh water tank. An inverter and solar panels are optional.

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Extreme EDC: This rugged Titanium Hatchet is your Best Friend for Outdoor and Tactical Scenarios

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Sure, it’s no Thor’s Stormbreaker, but the HYZER’s handy size and reliable design make it a perfect part of your outdoor or camping EDC. With a highly customizable design that lets you choose the axe head thickness, handle length, and even the color of the grip, the HYZER can be personalized to your liking, whether you need something hefty for felling short trees, or just a light, sharp, maneuverable axe to skin hunted animals and defend yourself in a skirmish.

Designer: Exceed Designs

It isn’t often you see hatchets made from titanium. The material, known for its enduring nature, is often seen in smaller EDCs that need strength in a compact form factor. Hatchets, by definition, are large instruments, and can rely on brute force to make their impact. However, the HYZER’s choice of being machined from solid 6AL-4V GR5 titanium sets it apart in a bunch of ways. For starters, the material allows the axe to be a lot lighter and thinner than its steel counterparts. The HYZER features a skeletonized handle that shifts all the weight to the blade on top, allowing you to swing with force. The head, however, comes fashioned from D2 steel, known for its reliability and edge-retention. Heavier than titanium, it shifts the weight to the top which makes the hatchet more efficient.

The HYZER comes with a few potential modifications that allow you to personalize your EDC. You’ve got a choice between short and long handle lengths, with the option of either going with the skeletonized handle, or opting for a woven handle that offers a significantly better grip. Similarly, the axe head comes in three weight classes too – a lightweight variant that weighs 6.77 ounces, a medium variant that weighs 7.44 ounces, and the heaviest variant that weighs 8.88 ounces. The heads attach to the handle using four countersunk screws to maintain the HYZER’s flush, sleek design, and can easily be replaced or customized depending on your need.

So what would you really need a titanium hatchet for? Well, the HYZER is best suited for adventure and tactical situations. Whether it’s braving the elements in the outdoors, or just old-fashioned survival, the HYZER is quite the sidekick for the job. Depending on your handle, the HYZER Measures either 8.15″ or 9.75″ long, weighing 12.3 or 13.8 ounces. Storing the HYZER is easy thanks to the option of an add-on sheath. Maker ‘Exceed Designs’ offers a classic sheath made from genuine Horween leather, or a molded sheath made from Kydex with an included adjustable belt clip (shown above).

Aside from the various spec customizations, the HYZER also has a few color variants to choose from. The handle comes with a choice between stonewashed, grey, or black PVD finish, while the axe head has four colors to choose from, ranging from stonewashed to two shades of grey, and finally the PVD black variant. If you choose to have your handle wrapped in paracord, there are 8 color options you can choose from, ranging from vibrant to covert.

The HYZER Ti Hatchet starts at $170, with different attachments/modifications being available for an add-on cost. Each hatchet is assembled in USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. The HYZER is limited to just a 500-unit run, so if you’re interested in grabbing one for yourself, head to the Exceed Designs website and snag yourself a hatchet before it’s all gone!

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20 Best Succulents for Beginners: Easy-to-Grow Varieties You’ll Love

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Introducing a touch of nature into your home not only enhances its beauty but also elevates the atmosphere with positivity. If you’re in search of attractive and low-maintenance plants, then nothing beats the beauty of indoor succulents. These delightful additions not only bring visual appeal but also contribute to a serene and inviting ambiance.

Image courtesy of: BlackBoxGuild

What are Succulents?

Succulents, known for storing water in their leaves, often have thick foliage, though the thickness varies among species. They thrive in dry climates and dislike high humidity. Proper watering is key for growth and flowering, as they can withstand drought by using stored water and nutrients but may rot if overwatered. Most prefer warmth and can’t survive freezing temperatures, which can lead to damage or decay. While some tolerate freezing to an extent, they still prefer warmth. Changes in temperature, water, or sunlight can alter their color, with some “blushing” or changing hues in response to increased sunlight.

1. Jade Plant (crassula ovata)

Image courtesy of: klenova

Like a bonsai, the jade plant features a thick trunk and branch structure resembling a miniature tree. Its glossy, dark green leaves grow oval, with some varieties displaying a reddish tint at the leaf tips. Under suitable conditions, mature jade plants may bloom beautiful white or pink star-shaped flowers.

2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

Image courtesy of: Olivier_Le_Moal

Aloe vera is a must-have for anyone wanting a succulent in their garden, thanks to its rich history in traditional medicine, beauty, and nutrition. Even if you’re not into medicinal herbs, you can still benefit from aloe vera’s widespread availability. Plus, it’s low-maintenance—just avoid overwatering for a healthy plant.

3. Snake Plant (Dracaena Trifasciata)

Image courtesy of: tsableaux

Snake Plants, classified as succulents, are adept at water retention despite their upright leaves. To prevent yellowing or wilting, refrain from overwatering and only hydrate them when the soil is dry.

4. Burro’s Tail (Sedum Morganianum)

Image courtesy of: uladzimirz

The donkey tail plant, also known as Sedum morganianum, is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for beginners. Being a cactus, it is easy to care for—just place it in a well-draining pot and water occasionally.

5. Zebra Plant (Fasciated Haworthia)

Image courtesy of: Farknot

The zebra plant looks beautiful with its striking white or silvery bands on lush green leaves. Its thick, fleshy foliage makes it highly adaptable to different conditions, making it an excellent choice for any environment. Just ensure it gets plenty of bright light, whether from a bulb or the sun, making it perfect for indoor gardens.

6. Whale’s Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)

Image courtesy of: ClaireLuci

The striking appearance of the Whale’s Tongue Agave makes it an interesting addition to any garden. Make a note that it can grow to be up to five feet tall and six feet wide.

7. Zebra haworthia’s (Haworthia fasciata)

Image courtesy of: wirestock

Zebra haworthia, with its striking stripes and spiky foliage, may appear rare, but it’s readily available at garden centers and easy to care for. Just place it near a window for a few hours of bright, indirect light daily, and let the soil dry completely between waterings. It’s also perfect for terrariums or growing alongside other succulents because of its small size.

8. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

By Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

Panda plants, native to Madagascar, have fuzzy gray-green leaves with soft, silvery hairs and brown or rust-colored spots at the tips. They grow slowly, reaching about 2 feet tall indoors. It is recommended to provide bright light near a window and allow the soil to dry between waterings, being careful not to wet the leaves to prevent rot.

9. African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

Image courtesy of: Prickle

This eye-catching succulent, requiring minimal attention, includes unique varieties like the Rubra with green and magenta hues. Care entails ample direct sunlight, light watering, and adaptability to various soils, but it’s toxic to pets.

10. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

Image courtesy of: Multipedia

This houseplant, aptly named for its winter blooming, especially around Christmas, thrives with regular watering and enjoys occasional misting during its growing season in the spring. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining cacti mix soil.

11. String of Pearls Green (Senecio Rowleyanus)

Image courtesy of: varyapigu

The String of Pearls is a unique succulent with long, trailing stems adorned with small, pearl-like leaves. Its cascading growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as a trailing accent indoors or outdoors. Easy to care for, it requires bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.

12. Hens-and-Chicks (empervivum tectorum)

Image courtesy of: 30thte

Hens-and-chicks is well-known for its low maintenance and drought tolerance. The “hen” rosette is connected to its “chicks” via delicate roots, thriving in containers or rock gardens. Typically reaching 3 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide, it prefers bright light and well-draining soil, such as cacti or succulent mixes.

13. Echeveria

Image courtesy of: lma_stock

Echeveria, with its striking rosettes resembling giant roses, thrives in containers or mixed with other succulents in the ground. It also does well indoors with sufficient bright light and prefers part to full sun exposure.

14. Angelina Stonecrop (Sedum Angelina)

Image courtesy of: Sugar Creek Gardens

The Angelina Stonecrop is an evergreen perennial featuring succulent foliage that creates a dense, low-growing mat. Thriving in rocky or gravelly terrain, it produces small yellow flowers during the summer months. As autumn approaches, its foliage transforms into a warm orange or rust hue.

15. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)

Image courtesy of: ellinnur

The trailing indoor succulent plant features long tendrils of small banana-like leaves, ideal for standalone or mixed plantings. Regular pruning encourages thick, lush growth. It thrives in filtered sunlight and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

16. Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Image courtesy of: trimarchi_photo

The Ponytail palm, often mistaken for a palm tree but a succulent, is highly prized as one of the most appealing large houseplants. Its distinctive swollen stem base, resembling an elephant’s foot, has earned it the nickname “Elephant Foot Palm.” Thriving in sunny spots or bright indirect sunlight, it’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives on neglect, requiring infrequent watering.

17. Bear Paws (Cotyledon tomentosa)

Image courtesy of: Abu Shawka

The bear paw succulent, perfect for indoor gardens, features thick, fuzzy leaves with dark red margins resembling bear claws, and can grow up to 1 foot tall. To care for it, water when the topsoil is 1-2 inches dry and place it in an area with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.

18. Pinwheel Desert Rose (Aeonium arboreum)

Image courtesy of: nanihta

Also called Black Rose Tree Houseleek, this perennial succulent displays fleshy rosettes in solid colors or variegated hues of green, yellow, white, or red. It thrives in most light conditions, including partial shade, and should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out.

19. Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)

Image courtesy of: kostiuchenko

This striking cactus features bright red, yellow, and orange round tops on a green rootstock. It thrives with a dry period before heavy watering. To ensure optimal growth, place the green rootstock near a bright, indirect, sunny window for plenty of sunlight. While some indirect light is beneficial, limit direct sunlight exposure to no more than 2 hours daily to prevent color fading.

20. Happy Bean (Peperomia ferreyrae)

Image courtesy of: takemewu31

Also known as Pincushion Peperomia, this succulent features bushy, curved leaves and can reach up to 8 inches in height and spread. For best growth, place it in full sun to partial shade and water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

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The Air Station POD-01 Inflates In 5 Minutes & Accommodates 4 People For Camping Adventures

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Designed by the French company Exod, the Air Station POD-01 is designed to be a portable and inflatable housing solution. The home is inspired by the technology used for the powerful kite-surfing wings. The capsule can be inflated within five minutes, and it can accommodate up to four people. Tents are pretty quick to set up now, but they almost always include poles and elastic, and having to deal with the two. Exod is offering an easier solution that utilizes air to support the structures.

Designer: Exod

Currently, the company is taking pre-orders for the Air Station POD-01, which is essentially a bigger version of an inflatable hammock, and a one-person inflatable it had previously designed. The Air Station POD-01 is designed to serve as a comfortable and spacious shelter for your camping trips.

Much like its predecessors, the POD uses a frame system which is based on inflatable tubes. Exod said that the tubes “become incredibly hard and rigid at just 0.5 bar (7 PSI) of pressure.” The pressure is created through a hand pump, which will inflate the entire home within five minutes. The structure can be deflated and set aside within five minutes as well. When inflated, the POD occupies 4.2 square meters of floor space and has walls with a height of 5 feet. The walls feature big screened openings and windows which offer views of the surroundings. Storage modules can be attached to the air beams, to ensure the floor isn’t populated.

When the POD is deflated and folded down, it can be packed into a carry bag measuring 10 x 14 x 25 in. The bag is a bit heavy weighing around 18.7 lb, so this product is surely targeted towards car campers. Currently, the POD is at a discount if pre-ordered, and it is available in a black or white version. The first 10 units cost US$1,843, and the next 20 units will be sold for US$1,951. The final batch will be sold for US$2,060, after which the normal retail price will be US$2,710.

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This Patio Umbrella has Built-in Fans to help you Cruise through the Summer Heat

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Summer warmth can be a blessing and a curse. As the days lengthen, inviting us to parks, beaches, and outdoor gatherings, the sun’s relentless heat can quickly turn a leisurely afternoon into a struggle against sweat and discomfort. That’s when you crave the indoors, with its shade and its fans and modern cooling – but what if you could get shade and fans while outdoors? Say hello to Alizé, a foldable patio umbrella that comes with a set of 4 built-in fans. Designed not just to shelter you but to actively keep you breezy and sweat-free, Alizé is a patio umbrella with a weatherproof design, built-in fans, and even USB ports that let you charge your gadgets. ‘Sunbrella’ fabric keeps the harsh sun out, and a robust aluminum frame and wide span lets Alizé host up to 4 people at a time, bringing the comfort of the indoors to the fresh vibrancy of the outdoors.

Designers: Tony Lee and Ryan Dickerson

Click Here to Buy Now: $309 $702 (56% off). Hurry, only 32/50 left!

What really stands out with Alizé is that it’s a clever idea executed in a totally new way. At first glance, it looks like a high-end patio umbrella with a slick, foldable, weatherproof design. Open it using the pulley system and you’re greeted with a control panel on the main stem that connects to a set of fans integrated into the umbrella’s structural frame. Press a button on the control panel and the fans begin to spin, generating a steady breeze directed at the perfect downward angle keeping everyone cool throughout the hot summer days, windless mornings, or humid evenings. The fans move a lot of air thanks to powerful brushless DC motors, – quite similar to the ones found in drones. When deployed, the system transforms the Alizé into a personal air conditioner, generating a breeze from fan blades that can turn at speeds up to 2200 RPM. The blades have been custom-designed to limit turbulence for quiet operation and each is individually controlled by the person sitting directly under it for a truly personalized experience that no outdoor fan has been able to achieve before. At the heart of the design is an ingenious electro-mechanical locking system that ensures the fan’s blades line up perfectly with the frame so you can shut the umbrella without manually making sure everything is aligned. Advanced safety features prevent the fans from operating when the umbrella is closed as well as automatically turn off and lock the blades if the umbrella is accidentally closed with the fans still spinning.

The umbrella offers a choice between 2 or 4 fans, depending on how many people will sit under it. The smaller parasol comfortably seats two people, while the larger, with 4 fans, lets up to four people lounge in the shade. Three speed settings on the control panel let you easily adjust the fans’ intensity, and if that wasn’t impressive enough, multiple USB-A ports let you plug your gadgets into the Alizé too, so you can charge your phones, earbuds, or Bluetooth speakers. Suffice it to say that the umbrella directly connects to a power source given its fixed design, eliminating the need for batteries.

Moving onto the umbrella itself, the Alizé comes with a robust marine-grade construction that can take on any weather – be it harsh sun or strong winds. The canopy is constructed from Sunbrella fabric, a premium material renowned for its durability, UV protection, and resistance to fading. This ensures the umbrella provides ample shade while withstanding the harsh summer sun. The frame is crafted from rust-resistant aluminum, offering a lightweight yet sturdy structure that can handle unexpected gusts or sudden downpours.

Beyond its innovative cooling technology, the Alizé Umbrella prioritizes user convenience. The setup process is designed to be quick and effortless, with an external pulley that allows you to bask in a cool shade under its canopy within minutes. User-friendly controls with adjustable fan settings empower you to personalize the airflow for optimal comfort. No more struggling with clunky buttons or confusing dials – the Alizé is designed for intuitive operation. Each Alizé comes in a choice between 3 models, with an ability to further customize the fabric color, or the finish on the fan’s frame, choosing between polished metal or a faux wood finish for that rustic cabana aesthetic.

Click Here to Buy Now: $309 $702 (56% off). Hurry, only 32/50 left!

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Twisting Camping Lantern brings both light and fun to outdoor activities

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Outdoor lamps are a dime a dozen, but the vast majority of them come in rather serious and rugged designs. That’s unsurprising considering how most people will probably want a reliable light source that doesn’t require much fuss or fiddling to set up. That, however, doesn’t mean there’s no more room for a pinch of frivolity and whimsy, especially if you’re more interested in adding some luminous accents over actually illuminating your campsite or backyard. That’s the kind of experience that this toy-like lantern is offering, adding an element of fun to outdoor nighttime activities with a simple twist.

Designer: iu Llong (for Havnby)

Camping lanterns, or any lamp designed for outdoor use for that matter, are often rugged and simple to operate. The last thing you want to bother with in the dark of night is fighting with your advanced but complicated lighting solution. Sometimes what you need, however, isn’t just light but entertainment and enjoyment, which the Twist Camping Lantern delivers by turning its function into a more engaging physical activity, almost like a game or a toy.

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Inspired by the “gashapon” Japanese vending machines that dispense random capsule-encased toys, this lantern employs a twisting mechanism to not only turn on its light but also change the mood. It’s made of two truncated cones joined at their bases, and each half controls a different aspect of the lighting. Turning one side controls the brightness of the light while the opposite side affects the temperature of the light, from cool white to warm red. Since there are no distinct levels or markers, changing these settings involves a bit of discovery and uncertainty, adding to the excitement that the experience provides.

The capsule-shaped lamp also has another unique element: its hanging clip. The clip can not only hang from hooks or cables but even from poles, as a self-locking mechanism makes it stay in place. This clip is actually also made of two halves magnetically joined at the end, providing an easy way to attach those poles without having to slide the lantern from the top or bottom.

The Twist Camping Lantern’s light might admittedly be too low to illuminate the whole campsite at night, so it’s more of a mood setter than an all-in-one light source. In some cases, however, it might just be enough for the activity, like reading inside a tent or having a backyard party. Its design and mechanism, simple as they might sound, significantly change the image of the lantern from one of utility to one of enjoyment, inviting users to have a little fun underneath the starry skies.

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Top 20 Tips for Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden

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Who says that maintaining a beautifully landscaped garden demands extensive labor? Instead, contemplate these simple principles for crafting an easy-to-maintain outdoor haven that will bring you joy every time you step into it. This guide is designed to help you create a garden that needs little time for maintenance, freeing up more time for you to relish the space itself.

Designer: Austin Maynard Architects

1. Create a Plan

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Plan for yard or lawn renovations, whether small or extensive. Research, sketch, and decide on plants, hardscapes, and furnishings to avoid later expenses and save time.

2. Craft an Outdoor Living Area

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Establish outdoor living spaces to expand your entertaining options during warm seasons, including dining areas, lounges, and seating arrangements around fire pits. Patios, decks, and terraces reduce the need for extensive planting areas and lawn maintenance. These gathering spots will encourage you to spend more time outdoors and appreciate the garden rather than constantly maintaining it.

3. Get Rid of the Grassy Area

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

If you have a small garden, consider investing in tiled surfaces, paved areas, or decking. This will reduce the effort needed to maintain a well-kept lawn. By avoiding the use of a lawnmower, you can also explore permeable paving alternatives.

4. Invest in Large Pots

Image courtesy of: slavazolotko

When designing your garden, carefully plan the layout based on sunlight and water availability to determine the appropriate plant selections for each area. Larger pots are simpler to upkeep as they occupy space and demand less watering compared to smaller ones. Go for raised planters or cluster sizable pots if you lack soil, such as in grassy gardens.

5. Shape and Size of Plants

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Consider the sizes of the plants you choose and their placement within your garden; avoid overwhelming the space with excessively tall plants. Make sure that the smaller plants are not overshadowed by larger ones.

6. Choose the Best Area for the Kitchen Garden

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Most garden vegetables thrive in ample sunlight, while root vegetables and leafy greens benefit from some afternoon shade in hot weather. To prevent waterlogging, avoid low-lying or poorly draining areas, as well as sandy soils that drain too quickly, which can hinder plant growth.

7. Test the Soil

Image courtesy of: deyangeorgiev

Your soil’s condition is crucial for your garden’s health. Check its texture by squeezing a handful as it should crumble easily. Make a note that heavy, sticky soil suggests excess moisture. A soil test helps identify nutrient levels and pH. Low pH may require lime to raise it, while high pH may need other amendments. Address nutrient deficiencies with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

8. Give Your Plants a Good Start

Image courtesy of: yanadjana

Ensure your plants start strong by following planting tips on seed packets and plant tags, considering factors like weather and soil temperatures. Optimal planting times vary; some plants thrive in cool weather and can be planted early in spring, while warm-weather crops require higher soil temperatures and should be planted later. Proper spacing is crucial for growth; bushy varieties need room to spread while climbing plants can be planted closer together and trained upwards.

9. Opt for Climbers

Image courtesy of: stevanovicigor

Climbers offer an ideal solution for expanding your growing area by utilizing walls, fences, or even trees. Examples of climbers include ivy and climbing hydrangea, which naturally adhere to surfaces. Before planting, consider painting or staining the surface for a low-maintenance yet visually striking appearance.

10. Use Mulch

Image courtesy of: larisikstefania

‘Mulching’ involves using materials such as bark chippings or gravel to cover soil around plants, reducing labor by inhibiting weed growth, minimizing watering needs, and preventing water evaporation. Remember, applying a dense 2-inch layer of mulch blocks soil sunlight, inhibits weed seed germination, and retains soil moisture.

11. Invest in Sturdy Plants

Image courtesy of: uladzimirz

Opt for easy planting by choosing hardy shrubs and evergreens, which are durable, long-lasting, and require less frequent replacement than deciduous plants, while also maintaining their attractive appearance year-round with minimal leaf shedding. Consider plants suited to your local climate to save time and money in the long term by placing them appropriately from the start, ensuring they thrive with minimal care. Additionally, it is highly recommended to grow ‘groundcover’ plants as they suppress weed growth.

12. Go for Raised Beds

Image courtesy of: Maria_Sbytova

Raised beds offer an ideal solution for creating a low-maintenance small garden design, as they provide a tidy appearance, enhance drainage, minimize weed proliferation, and can be constructed at a convenient height, offering ease on the back by reducing the need for excessive bending.

13. Minimalist Garden

Image courtesy of: duallogic

Choose a modern, minimalist aesthetic over intricate, labor-intensive flower beds by selecting low-maintenance shrubs complemented by sleek hardscaping. Note that hardscape elements can be as diverse and captivating as plants, requiring minimal maintenance.

14. Stay Organized

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Efficiently arrange your tools to avoid spending more time searching for them than actually tending to the garden. Establish a suitable storage system, whether it be a garden shed or a dedicated cabinet for tools, ensuring easy access and tidy storage after use.

15. Consider a Zen Garden

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Zen gardens epitomize low-maintenance design, focusing on minimalism and tranquillity for meditation and relaxation with little upkeep. They feature raked gravel or sand instead of grass, offering serene patterns, while large rocks and stones serve as focal points, providing stability without maintenance. Sparse planting, with carefully selected plants like bamboo or Japanese maples, cultivates simplicity and calmness within the space.

16. Swap Hedge with Fence

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Replace hedges with fences for less maintenance. Well-kept hedges look good but need regular trimming, which can be time-consuming or costly. Installing a fence initially costs more but saves on upkeep in the long run, especially at the front of your property where it improves security and curb appeal.

17. A Simple Water Feature

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Maintaining sizable water features can be cumbersome and messy. If you desire a water element, opt for something easy to clean, such as a low-maintenance outdoor water fountain for the soothing sound of flowing water or a straightforward stone basin filled with water.

18. Look out for Pests

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Stay vigilant for pests as healthy plants are better equipped to withstand insects and their damage. Regularly inspect your garden for signs of infestation such as sticky residue, fruit holes, or damaged leaves. Identify the specific pests present to select the most suitable pesticide for effective control.

19. Install an Efficient Irrigation System

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Overhead watering with a hose or sprinklers encourages garden fungal diseases. To simplify and optimize watering, install a drip irrigation system. It delivers precise water amounts to the soil, minimizing waste and fungal risks. When choosing a system, prioritize timers but remain adaptable to weather changes for efficient watering.

20. Create Your Compost

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If you’re dedicated to cultivating numerous plants, having a quality compost heap is crucial. This allows you to recycle various waste materials like grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and more. Not only does this practice promote sustainability, but it’s also environmentally friendly. Despite the effort required to maintain a compost heap by turning it regularly for proper aeration and decomposition, there’s a convenient solution for rotating compost bins.

In conclusion, even individuals leading busy lives with limited time can achieve a low-maintenance garden with minimal effort by implementing these guidelines.

The post Top 20 Tips for Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden first appeared on Yanko Design.

5 Reasons the Beatbot AquaSense Pro is the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner

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The Beatbot AquaSense Pro changes the game for robotic pool cleaners. This state-of-the-art device combines cutting-edge technology with robust engineering to deliver an unparalleled pool-cleaning experience. Here’s a detailed look at why the AquaSense Pro is the best investment for pool owners, covering its comprehensive cleaning capabilities, user-friendly features, superior performance, and competitive pricing.

Designer: Beatbot

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,759 $2,199 ($440 off) and 1-year extended warranty on top of the standard two-year warranty! Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Dive into Comprehensive 5-in-1 Cleaning Magic

The AquaSense Pro offers a revolutionary cleaning system designed to handle every aspect of pool maintenance. Its 5-in-1 cleaning capability ensures that every inch of your pool is spotless.

Crystal Clear Water at Your Fingertips: The AquaSense Pro doesn’t just remove visible debris; it filters out even the tiniest particles that can cloud your pool water. This enhances the visual appeal of your pool and ensures a healthier swimming environment by removing potentially harmful contaminants. Imagine the satisfaction of jumping into your pool and seeing the bottom, crystal clear, with no murkiness in sight. That’s the AquaSense Pro’s promise of pristine water quality.

Surface Cleaning Made Effortless: The AquaSense Pro, with its AquaGlide Simulated Flight Propulsion Design System, effortlessly skims the water’s surface, sucking in floating debris through its top suction mouth. This means no more tedious manual skimming to remove leaves, bugs, and pollen. Your pool’s surface will always be clean, allowing you to enjoy a pristine swimming experience without the hassle. Think of those warm summer days when leaves constantly fall into your pool. The AquaSense Pro handles this effortlessly, keeping your pool inviting all season long.

AquaSense Pro Surface Cleaning

Say Goodbye to Waterline Grime: The AquaSense Pro’s specialized brushes scrub the waterline, removing oils, grime, and algae buildup. This means no more scrubbing the waterline yourself. This feature is especially handy if you have swimmers who leave behind oils and lotions that collect at the waterline. Imagine the relief of no longer seeing that unsightly ring around your pool and knowing it’s being taken care of automatically.

AquaSense Pro Waterline Cleaning

Immaculate Floor Cleaning: Debris that settles on the pool floor can be challenging to remove, especially if it sinks into tiny crevices and corners. The AquaSense Pro’s powerful suction and dual-roller brush system lift and capture dirt and debris, ensuring an impeccably clean pool floor. This eliminates the need for regular manual vacuuming, which can be time-consuming and physically demanding. This feature is a game-changer for those with large pools, freeing up hours of your time.

Wall Cleaning without the Hassle: Cleaning pool walls requires labor-intensive scrubbing. The AquaSense Pro climbs and cleans pool walls using strong suction and mechanical agility. Its dual-roller brushes effectively remove algae and grime, ensuring vertical surfaces are as clean as the floor and waterline. This feature helps prevent algae growth and maintains overall pool cleanliness. No more leaning over the edge with a brush in hand; the AquaSense Pro does all the hard work for you.

AquaSense Pro Wall-Cleaning

Unmatched Cleaning Performance

The AquaSense Pro’s performance truly shines. Its powerful nine-motor system and brushless main pump motor generate up to 5,500 GPH (gallons per hour) of suction, ensuring even the most stubborn debris is efficiently removed. Whether it’s leaves, bugs, dirt, or fine particles, the AquaSense Pro’s powerful suction ensures they are captured and removed, leaving your pool spotless.

AquaSense Pro: NonaDrive™ 9-Motor System

The dual-roller brush system includes two sets of brushes, placed at the front and back, operating with differential speeds and directions. This provides precise control and extensive coverage, lifting and capturing all types of debris, including fine particles, leaves, and bugs. The intelligent path optimization, powered by a quad-core 1.8GHz processor and SonicSense Ultrasonic AI Pool Mapping, ensures the AquaSense Pro navigates your pool efficiently. It follows an S-shaped cleaning pattern for the floor and an N-shaped pattern for the walls and waterline, maximizing cleaning efficiency and reducing cleaning time.

Battery Power That Keeps You Going

The AquaSense Pro’s high-capacity 10,400 mAh lithium-ion battery ensures extended operation times and reduced downtime. On a single charge, it provides up to 9.5 hours of continuous surface cleaning and up to 5 hours of floor cleaning. This extended runtime is crucial for ensuring that even large pools can be thoroughly cleaned without the need for frequent recharging. Efficient power management, aided by intelligent path optimization, conserves battery life by avoiding unnecessary overlap and redundant passes.

Up to 9.5 hours for surface cleaning and Up to 5 hours for floor cleaning

Recharging is quick and hassle-free. The cleaner comes with a dock charging station that simplifies the recharging process. Once the battery level drops below 15%, the cleaner smartly returns to its starting point and parks itself on the water surface near a wall. This MemoryPark feature makes retrieving the cleaner easy and prepares it for charging. It takes less than three hours to fully recharge from complete depletion, meaning you can quickly get it back in action.

The battery is designed for durability and longevity. High-quality lithium-ion technology ensures that the battery maintains its performance over many charging cycles, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Even during peak swimming season, the durable battery provides consistent performance when the pool requires more frequent cleaning.

Easy Operation and Hassle-Free Maintenance

After using the pool cleaner over the last six months, I can confidently say that Beatbot’s primary goal is to combine user-friendly operation with easy maintenance to make pool cleaning as effortless as possible. The AquaSense Pro is designed with the user in mind, with intuitive controls and straightforward maintenance features. And yes, in my opinion, that’s mission accomplished.

Powerful Dual Filtration System: The two-layer filter captures debris with particles as small as 150 micrometers (μm)

The Beatbot App offers a range of functionalities, allowing you to customize your cleaning experience, select different cleaning modes, and monitor cleaning progress in real time. This level of control ensures that you can tailor the cleaning process to suit your specific needs.

AquaSense Pro: dynamic LED display allows one-click activation and easy cleaning mode selection

The app also provides notifications and updates, keeping you informed about the cleaner’s status and any maintenance requirements. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates mean the cleaner can continuously improve and adapt to new cleaning challenges, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of pool cleaning technology.

OTA (Over-the-Air): Experience seamless upgrades with online software updates. Keep your machine performing optimally and enjoy new features instantly.

Maintenance is straightforward and hassle-free. Features like SmartDrain’s automatic water release and easy filter access make upkeep simple. The MemoryPark feature ensures the cleaner returns to the water surface for easy retrieval, eliminating the need for manual intervention. You don’t have to dive into the pool to fetch the cleaner; it comes to you, ready to be lifted out with minimal effort.

The AquaSense Pro’s cordless design adds to its user-friendly nature. Without cords to manage, you avoid the hassle of tangled cables and potential trip hazards. Charging the cleaner is also simple, thanks to the dock charging station. Just place the cleaner on the dock, and it begins charging automatically. This ensures that the cleaner is always ready for its next cleaning session, with minimal effort on your part.

Built to Last

The AquaSense Pro is built to last. It has extensive safety certifications, including ETL, CEC, and IP68, ensuring it meets the highest safety and durability standards. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that the AquaSense Pro remains a reliable part of your pool maintenance routine for years. The durable design is complemented by features like SmartDrain automatic water release and MemoryPark, which make maintenance easier and enhance the cleaner’s longevity.

Jump into the Deep End with AquaSense Pro

Having used a basic pool cleaner that attaches to the pool system with a long hose swirling around, I can’t see myself ever owning a pool without the AquaSense Pro. This robotic pool cleaner transforms pool maintenance from a chore to a breeze. Ready to make pool maintenance effortless? The Beatbot AquaSense Pro is the robotic pool cleaner you’ve been waiting for. With its advanced features and reliable performance, you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your pool. Don’t settle for anything less when it comes to keeping your pool in top shape. Dive into a cleaner, clearer pool experience with the AquaSense Pro. Visit the Beatbot website and take advantage of special offers today. Your pool deserves the best, and so do you.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,759 $2,199 ($440 off) and 1-year extended warranty on top of the standard two-year warranty! Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post 5 Reasons the Beatbot AquaSense Pro is the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mobile power bank concept can be used horizontally or vertically to maximize space

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It’s almost comical how we’ve become so attached to our electronic devices that we start to panic whenever our batteries go red. That’s why there’s a large and thriving market for all kinds of portable battery solutions, ranging from pocket-sized blocks just for your smartphone to hulking boxes for a few night’s stay outdoors. The latter, while portable, aren’t exactly space-efficient, especially when it comes to the horizontal space you need to use them. This concept for a portable power station literally turns the design on its head by letting you use the large battery standing up, except for one or two cases where you’ll need it to lie down anyway.

Designer: Real Design

The design convention for large power stations is horizontal boxes as these are definitely the most space-efficient shapes. You can easily stow them in cabinets, trunks, and other storage solutions while allowing you to pack other objects beside or even on top of them. When in use, however, that horizontal orientation can actually be wasteful, especially if you don’t have much space on the ground or on the table in the first place.

The SJPB-400 Mobile Power Bank is designed with a dual orientation in mind, allowing you to stand it up and put it down on the ground beside your table. You can still have easy access to its most important ports since they’re located not in the “front” of the box but off to one side, which becomes the “top” of the power bank in that position. Other boxy power stations can probably be put up like that as well, but not only are their vents blocked, the ports become harder to use as well.

Admittedly, this flexible design does have its disadvantages, even in the case of the SJPB-400 concept. This mobile power bank has a wireless charger on its longer side, so you can’t use it while it’s standing up and vertical, not unless it uses MagSafe or similar technologies that will keep the phone from falling. Regardless, the lone AC outlet on the opposite side of the USB ports will remain inaccessible, so it’s something the user will have to consider on a case-to-case basis.

One design feature of this concept that goes against its space efficiency is the handles on each side. They do improve the power bank’s portability and ergonomics when carrying it, but it comes at the expense of compactness and simplicity. You won’t be able to put anything on top that doesn’t fit between those handles, so packing will become a puzzle game of trying to fit pieces together.

The post Mobile power bank concept can be used horizontally or vertically to maximize space first appeared on Yanko Design.