Freeknight Backpack Review

Hasn't been a lot of fishing videos lately as I've been focusing on the recently opened Spiny Lobster season here in California. These critters are a exciting challenge to go after, especially as the water temperatures cool off. I've been using this handy backpack, called the Freeknight Backpack, courtesy of Gearbest to haul my snorkeling gear and it has done a superb job.

In addition, it holds several micro and mini drones, like my Mould King Super S without a problem, and is perfect for taking them along on a short hike. It has an emergency whistle, hip straps, water-resistant (not waterproof) fabric, and a purported 40L carrying capacity with multiple compartments. It's fairly comfortable as well. You can find this backpack online here. 

Bijia Monocular Review

Check out this monocular from Gearbest: It's compact, well-designed, and offers high-quality visuals while out on the trail. I see myself primarily using it for checking out distant creek channels and ridgelines. Very impressed with this sample provided courtesy of Gearbest! http://goo.gl/A5wIby

Who needs a LuminAid: Solar Camping Lantern

I've used the LuminAid camping lanterns quite a bit recently and found them very helpful for the few hours of light I need before going to sleep in my tent. However, they cost a pretty penny-and now I've found an alternative. Check out this affordable solar lantern from Gearbest, who kindly provided me with a review sample. It's easy to use, can be placed just about anywhere in your campsite, and offers 3 modes of light. The first two (strong, dim) are great, don't see a need for the flashing one at the end, unless an emergency occurs. Check it out here: http://goo.gl/GwIdPs

Started doing a lot of camping recently, and was using a somewhat expensive, but compact hammock. Folded down into a built-in pouch on the side of the hammock, and the ropes tucked into ontop. Enjoyed it, but had a hard time recommending it due to the cost. Fortunately, GearBest has release a very affordable hammock alternative and provided me with a sample. The only different is the ropes aren't pre-knotted, which I do somewhat miss. Check out my review of the Gearbest nylon camping hammock in the video above. Buy it online here: http://goo.gl/cpbqTo

Lazy Bag Product Review: Inflatable Camping Chair

Got to love this inflatable bag/chair courtesy of Gearbest! It comes in a compact package, then quickly inflates using only wind. Once enough air is inside, simply turn the bag handles shut (wrapping it down, similar to a dry bag system). Tighten it down, then snap it closed with the plastic locking system (note the quick release system when re-opening it). That's it! Check out my video demonstrating how do chill out with the Lazy Bag below, and grab it from Geabest here: http://tinyurl.com/lazybag and their other products for camping/outdoors here: http://tinyurl.com/jrwqfj9

RM Mini 3 Smart Home Controller Review: Broadlink Universal WIFI / IR Remote Controller

While the Amazon Echo is a widely known as one of the most popular smart home devices in the United States, there are actually an array of smart home monitors worldwide. Xiaomi has one, as does Broadlink. The Broadlink RM Mini 3 controller (Broadlink Universal WIFI / IR Remote Controller), courtesy of Gearbest, reportedly allows the user to control the TV, AC, and more remotely. This is through both voice commands and pre-programmed settings using the Broadlink smart home app. The device connects to the app with ease, and it's very easy to program devices (such as a TV remote). However, the remote feature (and others) don't appear to be compatible with US-based equipment (in my case, the remote wouldn't turn on the TV, despite successful sync-up). furthermore, the voice command feature only works in Chinese, severely limiting its use outside of the People's Republic of China. While it's a near gadget, it isn't very useful at all in the USA. 

Sky Vampire Review: HeliCMax's Latest Quadcopter

One of the most popular quadcopter models is the Tarantula X6. I love flying it, with great range and reliability. However, it lacks several features, and at times can be cumbersome to work with. Recently, the HeliCMax Sky Vampire drone was released. This one is supposedly very similar to the Tarantula X6, but with some unique features setting it apart. I spent several weeks with the Sky Vampire courtesty of HeliCMax, filmed constantly with a mounted action camera (ELE Explorer Pro, EKEN H9, and SJ7000), in a variety of environments.

It's a very nice drone with great features that set it apart from the Tarantula X6 (altitude hold mode, beefier look, battery compartment door, and on/off switch), but suffered from drone board reliability issues as well as intermittent transmitter range difficulties. If these problems can be fixed, the Sky Vampire could replace the Tarantula X6 easily. Take a gander at my video review of the Sky Vampire drone above!

Check out HeliCMax here: http://www.helicmax.com

Also, here's another flight with the Sky Vampire. YouTube's stabilization feature was used.