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Nite Ize lightup dog collar

Gavin’s Top Ten Battery Junction Gear Wishlist

Hi, I’m Gavin, and as I have worked at Battery Junction over the years I have come across more than a couple of products that I wish I had myself. In this blog post I will go through the top ten products (in no particular order) that have caught my eye.

1.

First up on the list is the Maxpedition Thermite Versipack. Being a huge skiing, biking, and hiking fan this handy pack caught my eye pretty quickly. This pack can be attached to the waist and leg, or held sling style over the shoulder. When skiing the waist/leg attachment is great for making sure that the pack stays firmly attached. When biking or hiking this pack can be more casually carried over the shoulder for a more comfortable and less movement restrictive method of carrying. Like most Maxpedition products, this pack is made to withstand some of the toughest conditions out there. With water and abrasion-resistant lightweight ballistic nylon fabric, as well as double stitched stress points I am confident that this pack would stand up to any rigors I might put it through.

2.

Next up on the top ten list is the Ultimate Survival Technologies Reusable Handwarmer. This product is perfect for anybody who goes out in the cold for extended periods of time. Living in Connecticut and being a frequent Vermont skier I have used many (probably hundreds) of disposable hand warmers over the years. This product is a great alternative that both helps my wallet and my conscience by being environmentally friendly. It is super easy to reuse the hand warmer, all that is needed is to place the used warmer in a pot of boiling water for about 15-20 minutes, or until the gel turns from orange to clear. This neat device is super affordable and has saved me big money that I would have otherwise been spending on hand and foot warmers.

3.

Next up on the top ten list is the Wiley X Nerve Goggles. These goggles are made and tested for military use so it is safe to say that they will stand up to anything I could put them through. The top down ventilation system is a great feature as it keeps that sealed goggle area from becoming too warm. Also, there is an anti fog coating on the goggles that importantly makes sure that the vision field never gets clouded. I have been eyeing these goggles for skiing purposes but they also could easily (and would probably be better) used for off-road biking/ATV track racing. They are a bit pricey at ~$85 but there is no doubt that these goggles will last for a couple of years and have the quality to be worth the price tag.

4.

Next up on the list of my top ten products is my favorite pet accessory the NiteIze NiteHowl light up dog collar. I personally use this product on a daily basis with my two dogs at home and love it. The collar is made of a plastic/rubber material that can be cut to fit any dog’s neck in the diameter range of 12″ – 27″. I use this all the time when walking my black lab mix at night because without it I have trouble seeing her any further than 5 feet away. The collar is great for making sure cars see your dog when walking on the roads, or even for when you want to keep an eye on your dog while they go for a nighttime run in the yard. As a dog owner and enthusiast I cannot say enough good things about this light up collar.

5.

Coming in at 5 (even though order doesn’t matter) is the very useful NiteIze HandleBand Smartphone Bike Attachment. This is just one of a couple of smartphone bike attachments that we have at Battery Junction. However, I prefer this one over the other options because of its universal fit feature. Because it can fit such a range of phone sizes I would have no problem getting a new iPhone, or changing to an Android because the bike attachment will work regardless. This attachment keeps the phone face up which is great for when you are using a GPS feature to get around, or are trying to track your fitness performance in an app. For just ~$15 this is a no-brainer bike/phone attachment.

6.

Being an outdoor person I would have to go with a headlamp for my flashlight pick, and the Petzl Tikka R+ Headlamp wins easily. This headlamp is rechargeable (USB compatible) and can have an output of up to 170 Lumens. However, the main draw for me is the Reactive Lighting Technology which allows the headlamp to make hands-free adjustments to the lighting pattern and strength. This feature is great because the main draw of headlamps is that they are mostly hands-free and this headlamp takes that into account by making it truly hands-free. The headlamp can also be connected with an app on your smartphone to allow for customization of lighting preferences. I have yet to come across a headlamp that is smarter or more hands-free than this lamp.

7.

The Tenergy Dual Port USB Power Bank is up next on my top ten list. As a college student and full-time smartphone addict I am a big fan of portable power banks. This one from Tenergy is one of the best options on the Battery Junction site because of its compact design mixed with large energy holding capacity. With two outbound ports for charging, this device can charge multiple devices at once and has a 8000mAh capacity for enough charge to go around. The slim design and built-in flashlight make this the best portable charger available at Battery Junction (in my opinion).

8.

Next on my wishlist is the Wagan 6L Thermo Electric Fridge/Warmer for car use. This one is on the wishlist because car trips are a pretty common occurrence for me and it would be a great convenience to have a fridge/heater for food and liquids. This unit plugs into any car charger and is compact enough to fit in between the driver and passengers seats for quick access while driving. This food container is the perfect companion for keeping coffee warm for an early morning ski drive, or for keeping beverages cool on the way to the beach over the summer. At a competitive price of ~$55 this cooler may be my next purchase.

9.  

The Leatherman MUT EOD Multi-Tool is an all-encompassing tool that is also in my top ten. This multi-tool from Leatherman is top of the line as far as multi-tools go. The MUT features 15 tools which can fulfill a range of functions. I would likely not need all the tools on any one trip, but my philosophy is that if you’re going to bring a multi-tool you might as well bring a multi-tool that has it all. I would bring this tool with me on pretty much any outdoors trip because it has the potential to help out in so many situations. I’m not a big multi-tool person but the wide range of tools and the 25 year warranty make this an easy top ten contender on my wishlist.

10.

Last and definitely least on my top ten wishlist is the NiteIze GetLit S-Biner Flashlight/Bottle-opener. As a college student of drinking age I always have my eyes out for cool and interesting bottle openers. This one may be neither but the price, light, and goofy name are enough to make me wish I had it. This may feel like a cop-out for the tenth spot but I honestly couldn’t choose because there are so many good products on Battery Junction.

If you liked any of the products in my top ten or are interested in coming across some of the products that just missed out, then come by Battery Junction and check out our selection of products!

Nite Ize running vest

New Year’s Resolution Support with Battery Junction

New year, new you! With the start of a new year comes the pressure and desire to improve and make serious positive changes. This can be tough or very easy depending on your resolution, but either way Battery Junction has you covered with the best gear for making that resolution a reality.

theshorelinemarket_2452_385942051Running/Exercise Resolution

Many people choose to make resolutions to improve their health or to step up their exercise regimen. We don’t sell diet plans at Battery Junction but we do have the NiteIze Lacelock KnotBone system for your running needs. The KnotBones are made of stretchy rubber material that allow the shoe to expand and retract without ever having to re-tie the laces. If you’re looking to go running you will also want to be sure that you’re easily visible to drivers on the road. Fortunately wetheshorelinemarket_2447_2834490926 have just what you need! The NiteIze Led Run Vest will make sure that every driver on the road spots you from hundreds of feet away.

Be Seen From All Angles

theshorelinemarket_2452_113964231Biking, whether it be for exercise or environmental consciousness reasons, is another popular New Year’s resolution. If you choose to substitute a car for a bike in the morning work commute then it is very important to have the right gear. The JetBeam BR10 is a great accessory for your bike that will allow you to see even when it begins to get dark. The BR10 comes with a bike mount and can run with a 960 lumen output for 2 hours! This mounted flashlight features a rechargeable battery and competitive pricing relative to its peers.

It is very important to be seen from every angle when biking at dusk or night. The NiteIze SaddleLite is a great way to increase your visibility from behind. The battery-powered bag light provides illumination with both glow and flash functions to make sure you are seen. Also if you are wearing a helmet (as you should) it is a good idea to highlight it for drivers. The NiteIze Helmet Marker Plus easily attaches to the back of any helmet and provides instant eye-catching light for drivers to be aware of. Finally, the NiteIze SpokeLit spoke lights will create an optical illusion that is impossible for drivers to miss. Simply attach one of the LEDs to a spoke and the spinning of the tires will create a glowing circle of light. With lights on the front, side, and back, you’ll see and be seen clearly.

Going Green!

ResolutionSome people may opt to be more environmentally conscious with their New Year’s resolution and try to go green in some way. If you should choose to invest in green energy we have a wide selection of solar powered lights and panels for purchase. One of the standouts is the Sunforce 37150 Solar Panel which can be installed to provide clean renewable power for a home, RV, or boat. The Sunforce is a top of the line solar panel at a competitive price that can provide you with power almost anywhere.

Rechargeable batteries are also another great way to go green for the new year. We are currently having a sale on Eneloop rechargeable batteries for up to 15% off! If you are looking to go rechargeable you will also need a charging device. Luckily we have you covered for that as well. The Xtar VC4 charger is a great device for keeping your Eneloops ready to use. This charger features 4 bays for charging and an LCD screen that updates in real-time.

Drop the Smoking Habit

Some people may choose to drop a bad habit such as smoking for their New Year’s resolution. This is never an easy task and for those who turn to electronic cigarette alternatives Battery Junction has the accessories to help you with the transition. For a simple yet effective battery carrying case the UltraFire Battery Case should do well. The case can hold up to (4) CR123As or (2) 18650s and keeps batteries shielded from the elements to ensure peak performance. Additionally we carry waterproof cases for keeping the most valuable vaporizers in working condition. For a top of the line case take a look at the Underwater Kintetics Weatherproof 207 Ultrabox. The Ultrabox is waterproof, moisture proof, dust proof, and can be submerged in up to 16 feet in water.

These are just a few of the many products at Battery Junction that can help you keep on track with your New Year’s Resolution!

NiteIze Screen Cleaner

NiteIze Products You Didn’t Know You Needed

NiteIze is a great company that produces a countless number of handy products that you never knew existed but have the potential to change your life. In this post I will go through a couple of the best NiteIze has to offer.

Screen Skate Cleaner: NiteIze Screen Cleaner

The screen skate microfiber screen cleaner is the best alternative to your t-shirt that you can find for cleaning your cellphone or tablet screen. This microfiber cleaner helps remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints from your favorite electronic device with ease. The microfiber pad features a magnetic close to keep the elements from the cleaning side, is available in three colors, and includes a small s-biner allowing for easy attachment to key chains, belt loops, and zippers. At around $5 this microfiber pad is a no-brainer.

Knotbone Lacelock System:

NiteIze Knotbone sneaker laces The Knotbone is a revolutionary rubber shoelace replacement from NiteIze that will make sure you never go back to traditional shoelaces. The Knotbone eliminates the need for tying shoelaces by expanding and contracting to fit the contour of your foot. With a simple trim/size adjustment these laces will last through all types of weather and will give you a tight grip when running, but will expand when putting on the shoes. No more shoelaces coming untied, no more tripping on loose laces, no more bad friends tying your laces together! All of your problems are solved – pick up a pair of Knotbone laces now!

Gear Tie Cord Organizer: 

NiteIze Gear Tie Cord Organizer
Cord Organizer

This handy device will help you avoid the unbelievable annoyance of tangled cords. The Gear Tie Cord Organizer is a mountable rubber coated metal wire device which is meant for organizing and keeping ugly wires out of sight. Simply attach the acrylic backing tape to any surface, shape the gear tie to your preferences and you’re good to organize your electronic cords as you please. This product is ideal for organizing TV/cable/HDMI/power cords, and is perfect for keeping your phone charger at hand on your bedside stand or desk. You won’t realize how much you needed this cord organizer until you experience if for yourself.

 

Curvyman Cord Supervisor:

NiteIze Curveyman Cord Supervisor Have you ever wondered how headphone cords become tangled so easily? I do, all the time. Three minutes in a pocket or backpack and your headphones go from normal to having more knots than is physically possible – good luck untangling those for the next ten minutes. Ever wonder if there is a better way? I don’t, ever since I found the NiteIze Curvyman Cord Supervisor. This funny looking device will solve all your headphone problems by anchoring both ends of the headphones and providing a curved middle surface for winding the remaining length of the cord. The Curvyman comes with a small S-Biner for attaching the belt loops or keychains and is the perfect travel companion for avoiding the annoying headphone tangle.

NiteIze DoohicKey Tool:

6x Key Tool

The DoohicKey is the best keychain multi-tool you can get your hands on. This pint-sized tool comes has a bottle opener, scraper/tape cutter, flat-head screwdriver, pry tool, ruler, and a wrench. The DoohicKey is made of durable stainless steel and features a carabiner clip for easy attachment to key rings and belt loops. Airport friendly with a goofy name and great design, why isn’t this a part of your key ring already?

 

These are just a couple of the dozens of goofy, handy, and ingenious NiteIze we have here at Battery Junction. Come find a hidden gem today!

Gun Butter weapon lubricants

Gun Care and Maintenance Essentials

Guns require a ton of maintenance to keep working in top shape, and can become dangerous when they do not function properly. Luckily we have a number of ideal cleaning and maintenance items for your gun here at Battery Junction!

Leatherman MUT:

Leatherman MUT Multitool
Leatherman MUT

The Leatherman MUT is a top of the line multi-tool used both by civilians and in a more tactical capacity by members of law enforcement and the military. The MUT is designed to be the one-and-done tool for anyone who owns a firearm. It comes with 16 different tools including brushes and threading tools for keeping barrels clean, and screwdriver components that are made to fit standard military and civilian gun sight adjustment. And with standard attachments such as a 420HC steel knife and wire cutters, this multi-tool will cover your gun maintenance needs and more.

Gun Butter – Firearm Lubricant:

theshorelinemarket_2421_541491159Gun Butter is a top of the line firearm lubricant manufacturer from the USA with a wide range of products. Gun Butter’s products can help keep your guns from jamming in harsh conditions such as snow, rain, or even dust clouds. It’s built to work in temperatures anywhere from -20 to 400 Fahrenheit and will provide 2 years of rust protection for your metal to metal, metal to plastic, or plastic to plastic mechanisms. This lubricant is a must have for extending the useful life of your firearm.

Maxpedition Carrying Cases:

Pistol Case/Gun Rug
Pistol Case/Gun Rug

Maxpedition cases go a long way to ensuring that your gun keeps working by providing quality protection for your firearm while you are not using it. Maxpedition bags are made from high strength 1000 Denier Nylon, reinforced at pressure points with composite thread, use YKK zippers and slides, and finally given a triple coat of polyurethane for water protection from the elements. Maxpedition makes bags specifically suited to carrying and storing guns, and produce some of the best carrying holsters for tactical weapon use. A big part of taking care of your gun is how you store it and Maxpedition offers some of the best protective bags money can buy.

If taking care of your weapons is a top priority for you, or if you are just trying to keep your guns in working condition, stop by Battery Junction and look at our selection of high quality products.

Pelican Cases and Logo

The Best Protective Cases For You!

This blog will introduce you to the variety of high performance protective cases that we have at Battery Junction and why they are a great way to keep your valuables safe. Both Pelican and Underwater Kinetics offer top of the line protection for your valuables and will keep your equipment safe in most any circumstances. These cases are wonderful for everybody from divers and extreme sports enthusiast who will be enduring some of the harshest conditions, to bands looking to keep their sound equipment and instruments safe, to regular consumers who just want to keep their firearm from rusting or getting clogged. These cases provide the highest quality protection for your most valuable possessions.

Pelican Protective CasesPelican Cases:

Pelican protective cases, like UK cases, are produced and tested under the toughest conditions in order to make sure your equipment stays safe no matter the situation. Pelican Protector Cases are airtight, watertight, dustproof, and constructed from the highest quality plastic and stainless steel materials. From micro cases for your smallest gear, to long cases for keeping your guns dust and moisture free, chances are Pelican has your storage needs covered.

Pelican Coolers:

Pelican also offers arguably the most high quality coolers on the market from 20 quart to 250 quart sizes covering all yourPelican High Performance Cooler
refrigeration needs. Pelican claims to have the thickest wall insulation in the industry which allows the coolers to keep ice for up to 10 days. As with the other cases, the cooler includes locking latches, handles, and wheels for easy transportation.

 

UK Ultrabox Protective Cases
UK Ultrabox

Underwater Kinetics:

Underwater Kinetics is a premier brand in the protective case market because of the high quality materials and design that goes into the company’s dry cases. The cases are constructed using high strength ABS plastic that can operate effectively anywhere within the temperature range of  -20°C and 80°C. UK cases come with silicone O-rings for waterproofing and provide the option for foam inserts, custom coloring, or electrical instrument panel installation for in the field use of equipment.

Transit Protective Case
Transit Case

Transit Case:

UK’s transit protective cases are great for safely transporting larger fragile gear, making them a favorite traveling case for band equipment, medical supplies, photography equipment and more. Transit cases are dust proof, waterproof up to 1 meter and have 3 inch wheels with an extendable handle for easy transportation. The transit case is a great option when you need to transport large and fragile materials to their destination damage free.

 

Ultra Case
Ultra Case


UltraCase:

The UltraCase, similar to the Transit case is perfect for keeping medium-sized gear damage free wherever it needs to go. The UltraCase is made with the same strong ABS material as the other UK cases and is also dustproof/waterproof. The case is also outfitted with venting latches that equalize pressure from the exterior with pressure in the case when it is opened, while also keeping the case airtight while it is closed. The UltraCase is stackable with other cases of the same model providing a safe and efficient way of transporting your medium-sized gear.

Dry Box Protective Case
Dry Box


DryBox:

The DryBox is very similar to the UltraCase in construction and materials used, but is meant for more of a protective carry as opposed to travel. The DryBox offers many of the same features including being watertight, dustproof, crushproof, and airtight in order to keep gas from entering the case. The DryBox has customization options including clear or solid colored lids and different foam inserts.

Ultra Box Protective Case
Ultra Box

UltraBox:

The UltraBox is the smallest option of the four protective cases and is meant for small electronics while providing the same protection that larger cases offer. The UltraBox is waterproof, airtight, dustproof, and boasts a lighter weight than its larger counterparts. The UltraBox gives the option of either a clear or solid lid, nylon mesh pouches, or shock-absorbent rubber liner. The UltraBox is the perfect high protection case for small electronics and gear that you need to bring with you on the go.

If you have sensitive equipment that needs transporting, or if you just need a quality cooler to bring to the tailgate then come by our protective storage cases section on Battery Junction and take a look at our selection. For further information about case materials, construction, or ratings visit either the Underwater Kinetics website or the Pelican site.

Black Cat Snarling

Make It Through the 13th: A Guide to Surviving This Frightening Friday

Broken Glass

It’s the end of the week, and while Fridays usually bring relief and joy, we find ourselves avoiding the cracks in the sidewalk and steering clear of dark colored felines. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen; we’ve Friday the 13th. While you haven’t necessarily succumbed to bad luck in previous years (knock on wood), it can’t hurt to plan around the possible jinxes that seem to be particularly present on this most unlucky of days, and Battery Junction is here to help you with your preparations.

Avoiding Black Cats:

black-catThese pesky hex machines are a prominent symbol for misfortune on any given day of the year, so encountering one on this particular date can only amplify the chances of receiving 13 years of bad luck. While you’re able to put your house on black cat lock-down, you won’t have the same environmental control once you step out into the outside world, so you’ll need something more mobile than walls to keep them from crossing your path. What better repellent is there to keep the cats at bay than their seemingly sworn enemy, man’s best friend. Keep a dog close to your side, which can be easily done with the help of a proper leash, and your path will stay clear of any unlucky felines.

 

Umbrellas Aren’t Worth The Risk:

Open-Umbrella-in-House-grey2001-300x233If it’s raining on your Friday the 13th, then you may already feel like bad luck has found you, but don’t let it trick you! All the rain is doing is prompting you to use one of most potentially unlucky objects out there; an umbrella. This seemingly innocent device may keep your head dry, but has the potential to cause a severe depletion in luck when opened inside and is just not worth the risk on this unluckiest of days. Sure, you may tell yourself that you’ll remember not to open it until you walk out the door, but all it takes is one distraction while you’re leaving and BOOM, you earn yourself an unhealthy dose of hexes. Keep yourself dry with a nice waterproof poncho, or better yet, just say inside; there could be black cats out there anyway.

Steer Clear of Hazardous Mirrors:

broken-mirrorSure, you’ve had that mirror in your bathroom since you’ve moved in and you’ve never come close to breaking it before. Well unfortunately, bad luck doesn’t check your track record of maintaining your reflective surfaces. It’s Friday the 13th, should checking to see if your hair looks good really your top priority? Be confident in your own appearance, or at least accept that approaching something so fragile on a day like today isn’t worth the potential 7 years of bad luck. If you truly find yourself in need of gazing upon your own beauty, at least use a nearly unbreakable mirror to lower your risk of jinxing yourself.

Be Ready For The Unexpected:

friday-the-13th-jason-voorheesFor 363 days of the year, we can all be fairly confident that a masked man wielding some form of bloody cutlery won’t be a major concern. However, from what horror cinema has taught us, today (along with Halloween) is the day where that sense of safety and doubt of the supernatural may cost us our lives. Don’t let your common sense lure you into a false sense of security; anybody wearing a hockey mask isn’t worth approaching. Just because you don’t live near Camp Crystal Lake doesn’t mean you’re safe (Jason somehow made into a spaceship, he can certainly make it to your front door). If you do unluckily stumble across a masked man wielding a long knife, make sure you’re evenly matched by carrying a machete of your own. With the proper equipment, you may just survive this Friday the 13th in one extremely paranoid piece.