Author: Julia Herrick

Categories
Cycling

Leafxpro shields cyclists from the rain, keeps commuters dry

Riding a bike to work—or anywhere, for that matter—is a great and environmentally-friendly way to get around and stay in shape. The only problem is that cycling can be near impossible when it’s raining.

patent-claimedTo protect from getting wet, the LEAFXPRO was created. This product attaches to all different kinds of bicycles. A clear flap acts as a windshield to protect the rider from rain, but still gives them a proper field of vision when riding. Similarly, another flap rests against the rider’s back to protect from the dirt and grime that the back tire usually kicks up. To make matters even better, the LEAFXPRO was designed in such a way that it won’t slow the rider down.

The LEAFXPRO looks a little bit ridiculous, however. There’s no type of windshield-wiper system in place to wipe water away from the front flap, either. It seems likely that in windy conditions the product might act as a sail. Still, it’s at least some protection against the elements for cyclists. Backers can donate £99 (~$151) for their own, with estimated delivery in September of this year. LEAFXPRO hopes to raise £20,000 (~$30,500) in funding.

Categories
Toys

Pinblock is a building toy that goes above and beyond, not meant for pinheads

Most building toys help kids learn about construction, engineering and spatial fundamentals. However, many of these toys are limited in the types of structures that can be made with them.

Pinblock promises to change all that. These small building blocks use a series of anchors and pins that fit together. On the campaign, the creators demonstrate just how many different things can be made using Pinblock. They’ve used their product to create planes, animals and even the Empire State Building. The shape of Pinblocks is what sets it apart from similar toys, allowing it to be melded into anything.

Backerjack has seen many building block toys over the past year, all promising versatility. And, for the most part, they all deliver. Pinblock is another example of this. It’s certainly a little bit more flexible than other toys, but doesn’t do much else to set itself apart. Still, for a donation of $40 backers can have a set of 500 pieces in random colors for delivery in May 2015. Pinblock is looking to raise $10,000 on Kickstarter.

Categories
Imaging

LensRacks holds camera, lens, flashes and more; makes life easier for photographers

Any photographer knows that changing lenses quickly can be an important part of getting the best shot. One can’t be fumbling around with camera bags and costly equipment, or else they’ll miss a great photograph. However, there isn’t a great way to keep the camera’s accessories organized.

patent-claimedFor lenses, flashes, monitors, cameras and more comes LensRacks. This product is modular and customizable, using rails to hold camera accessories in place. To use, place lens holders, flash holders, camera adapters and more in between the rails. The lenses and other accessories easily twist on and off. This way, all the accessories needed are quickly and easily accessible to the photographer. LensRacks is currently only compatible with Canon and Nikon products. Backers can pay $49 for the triple rail kit with estimated delivery in August of this year.

There are plenty of products out there aimed at keeping lens caps safe—like the Hack x Tack—but few that focus on larger accessories. While perhaps a little bulky to tote around, LensRacks is still great for any photographer who has a long day of picture-taking ahead of them. Its customizable and modular design make it especially appealing.

Categories
Health and Wellness

AK Athletic Kit uses cables for suspension training, gets results without the gym

As gym memberships become more and more expensive, people are exploring new ways to work out. Instead of relying on heavy duty machines for fitness, those looking to get in shape are venturing outside with a few small workout accessories.

patent-claimedThe AK Athletic Kit is a system of handles and cables that offers a suspension training workout. Such a workout uses the body’s weight to provide resistance. To use, attach the cables to something secure and choose the appropriate handle. With the kit, hundreds of different exercises are possible including everything from squats to pull-ups. The kit comes with instructions on how to do each exercise along with guides for circuit training. On Kickstarter, AK is shown in many different settings being used for different types of workouts. One AK Athletic Kit will cost backers a donation of $100 CAD (~$80 USD) for estimated delivery in May 2015. AK is looking for $30,000 CAD (~$23,950 USD) in funding.

While there are scores of fitness products that we’ve seen on Backerjack, such as the coreXtreme, AK sets itself apart. Most of these devices usually focuses on the core, but AK seems to do it all. More importantly, it’s similar to the TRX, a suspension training fitness system that’s currently quite popular.

Categories
Accents

Roka filter uses sand, charcoal to filter water for plants, makes for healthier growth

Plants are only ever as healthy as the water they’re given. Most pay little attention to the quality of the water they use for their plants. Doing so, however, means that many plants get contaminated water, harming them in the long run.

Roka is a filtration system for plants. Looking much like an upside down glass bottle with the bottom cut off, Roka gets inserted directly into the soil of the plant. Then, using several layers of filtration, the kit delivers only clean water into the soil. The top layer is fine sand which gets pathogens and microorganisms out of the water. Second, course sand keeps the fine sand above at bay. Third, charcoal pellets get chlorine and industrial solvents out. Last, the water passes through cotton balls which ensure that none of the sand or charcoal get into the plant. For one kit, backers can donate $50 on Kickstarter for delivery in July 2015. Roka hopes to raise a modest $1,750 in funding.

While the idea of a natural filtration system is appealing, it doesn’t seem necessary to filter tap water, especially for plants. Perhaps in places where the tap water is undrinkable Roka makes more sense. In addition, the campaign fails to clearly state how long each kit will last for. Still, the idea is interesting and Roka’s appealing aesthetic will surely make it popular.

Categories
Aquatics

Goumba safety flag alerts boaters to divers, makes a splash in the ocean

Scuba diving is a fun sport filled with wonderment and excitement. However, the proper safety measures must be taken in order to avoid accident. The same goes for boating. When shirking safety responsibilities, people can get hurt.

When divers go underwater, there’s no telling where they may pop up again. That’s why divers use a safety flag. According to the campaign, these flags are abysmal and need an update. That’s why Goumba was created. Goumba is a dive flag or cube with four reflective sides and a light to indicate to boaters that divers lurk beneath the surface.

In addition, Goumba offers boat flags as well. These flags indicate when there is a diver underneath the water from that boat. This product uses a wind turbine so that the flag spins around, but its message is always visible. For either the in-water or on-boat flag, backers will need to donate $129 for delivery in April 2015. Goumba hopes to raise $50,000 on Kickstarter.

With a fun name and innovative design, Goumba will definitely find success with divers and boaters alike. It’s not the coolest product out there, but those who spend a lot of time in the water will appreciate the peace of mind it brings.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Health and Wellness

Wishbone smart thermometer measures temperature without touching

Temperature-taking is one of the best ways to monitor one’s health. Various thermometers can be used to detect one’s temperature, including ones that go in the mouth, ear, or, well, other places.

Wishbone is a non-contact thermometer. The little green device plugs directly into a smartphone’s headphone adapter. With an iOS/Android-compatible app, one can measure temperature and store such data for reference at a later time. The Kickstarter campaign boasts how Wishbone is excellent to use with babies or any other finicky patient. In addition, this device can measure ambient temperature or the temperature of any object as well. One will cost backers $26 for estimated delivery in April 2015. Wishbone is looking to raise $20,000 on Kickstarter.

The market has been flooded with smart health devices, including MOCAheart which was recently covered on Backerjack. Wishbone will do well as an easy-to-use non-contact device. However, it would behoove the creators to look into adding some more features to their app.

Categories
Sports

Powapass passes soccer balls to players for practice, shoots them out real good

One of the best ways to practice a sport alone is with a ball dispenser, like those used in tennis and baseball. Now, there’s such a product for soccer as well.

The Powapass shoots soccer balls out for practice. It can hold three balls or up to five with an extra extender piece. With a remote control, the player can easily adjust the angle and speed at which the balls are shot out. The battery is rechargeable and the product is lightweight and portable. In addition, it’s also possible to determine at what kind of interval the balls should be dispensed.

This product is excellent for soccer players looking to practice. The campaign also suggests that parents could use Powapass for their children who want someone to play with outside. Perfect if the parents are too lazy or busy to go out themselves. The limited ball capacity of Powapass is the only drawback, but it looks like the creators are looking to solve this problem in the future. One will cost backers a donation of $390 AUD (~$304 USD) with delivery in May 2015. Powapass is hoping to raise $55,000 AUD (~$42,900 USD) in funding.

Categories
Home Pets

Vegua fish tank keeps fish as pets, cleans itself with fresh herbs on top

Pets and plants are two of the best things one can have to make a house a home. Both, however, require some maintenance.

The Vegua fish tank provides both the fun of fish and the nutrition of fresh herbs with the least amount of work possible. This mini eco-system keeps itself going with very little help from anyone. The waste from the fish feeds and waters the plants. In turn, the plants consume everything that makes the tank dirty so it never needs to be cleaned. To feed the fish, just put a small amount of food in the compartment on top. Vegua can support a variety of fish and plantlife from goldfish and bloodfin tetras to basil and mint.

We’ve seen other tanks like this one in the past, such as Avo. This is a nifty little idea that brightens up anyone home. It also has the added perk of growing fresh herbs. Too bad it isn’t completely self-sufficient as the fish still need to be fed. For their own, backers can donate €239 (~$364). Vegua is hoping to raise €120,000 (~$182,900) on Kickstarter.

Categories
Lifestyle

Back to the Backers: The Easy Throw Shovel

Backerjack first met the Easy Throw Shovel just about a year ago. This nifty little invention promised to ease the strains of snow shoveling. By using the weight of the snow, the mechanism is able to fling the snow so the shoveler doesn’t have to. Unfortunately, funding was cancelled for this product before it could reach its goal.

Now, the Easy Throw Shovel is back. Unlike other products that come racing back to the crowdfunding scene after a time of hibernation, the Easy Throw has done little if anything to improve upon their original product. The shovel looks the same and doesn’t boast any new features. However, the price has come down substantially. In the last campaign, the shovel costed backers $72 CAD (~$58 USD), but now backers only need to shell out $48 CAD (~$39 USD), nothing wrong with a little discount. Easy Throw is looking to raise $64,000 CAD (~$51,500 USD) ($8,000 CAD less than their original goal) on Kickstarter.