NEWS – This week I’m bringing you four Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns for products that you would carry (or wear) with you.
KIZIK: shoes that pop on
What is it?
KIZIK shoes are specially designed shoes that use a titanium loop in the heel area so that you can put the shoes on completely handsfree.
Why do I like it?
KIZIK are cool because you can slip them on and off without untying them or bending over to remove them or put them on. They are perfect for travel and navigating through TSA checkpoints where you’re asked to remove your shoes. Howard reviewed a pair of their men’s shoes this past year and liked them so much that he made them one of his favorite “gadgets” of 2018. KIZIK sent me a pair of their women’s shoes to check out and I really liked them too. I’d love to check out these new styles although I actually like the men’s Cali style better than the women’s!
Where can I find more info?
The KIZIK campaign ends on 1/5/19 they have already met their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a pair of KIZIK shoes starting at $79. After the KIZIK campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
PWR2 Traveling PowerStation
blurb by Andy Jacobs
What is it?
The PWR27 is a portable charging device that boasts 7 days of power, AC + USB A & C outlets, the ability to charge 5 devices at once, a solar panel, IP67 water resistance, crush-proofing up to 2 tons and a drop-proof to 1000+ feet.
Why do I like it?
I own several portable charging devices that we use for family trips, work trips, all-day outdoor events and so forth. Most of them work pretty well for their intended purpose, but all of the ones I own suffer from two drawbacks: (1) They can only charge a phone or two, or maybe a phone and a tablet, and (2) They are fairly delicate. The PWR27 solves both of these problems—in spades. As stated above, it can charge up to 5 devices simultaneously. And not just phones and/or tablets, but also larger devices—you can even plug in a two-prong AC plug and power a laptop or other more power-hungry items. In addition to a 120V AC outlet, it has two USB C outlets and two USB A outlets. It boasts a 27,000 mHa battery, as well as a 4-in-1 light with strobe and pass-through charging as well. This thing is LOADED.
Where can I find more info?
The PWR27 campaign ends on January 27, 2019. To date, 1,626 backers have pledged over $295,000, already crushing (pun very much intended) the campaign goal of $35,000. Pledge packages start at $139 + shipping for a single PWR27 shipped to the USA and increase from there based on the options selected. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
DARTER – A Micro Pen with a hidden secret
What is it?
It’s a tiny EDC ballpoint pen no taller than a standard AA battery that holds a complete sewing kit inside the barrel.
Why do I like it?
Tiny EDC pen + sewing kit = you had me at tiny EDC pen. Seriously though, the look of this pen makes me think of steampunk gadgets which I love and just the fact that I’d always have a sewing kit with me makes this 2-in-1 pen attractive to me.
Where can I find more info?
The DARTER campaign ends on 2/7/19 they have already met their funding goal of $22,862. You can pre-order a DARTER starting at $24. After the DARTER campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
PrintBrush™ XDR -Colors. Everywhere.
What is it?
PrintBrush is a small color inkjet printer that can print on paper, plastic, wood, metal, and more and is controlled by your smartphone.
Why do I like it?
It’s small, portable, and doesn’t use paper because it prints on almost surface just by swiping the printer across the material. I would love to use this little printer in my journals. I also like that they include free ink cartridges for a whole year.
Where can I find more info?
The PrintBrush campaign ends on 1/31/19 they are still working towards their funding goal of $502,250. You can pre-order a PrintBrush starting at $242. After the PrintBrush campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.