Our spiritual journey starts with the right equipment
Jawbone UP3
Without the bulk of a screen, the new Jawbone UP3 can be worn as a bracelet or alongside a watch — fitting in as easily at boot camp as it would a fine dining restaurant. However, beneath the sleek aesthetics of Jawbone’s latest offering is an equally impressive fitness monitor. The UP3 can analyse heart rate, stress and sleep patterns, as well as track diet, personal goals and hydration. To ensure we don’t slack off, it also has an Idle Alert to ensure maximum motivation and activity. It is compatible with various health apps, allowing users to gain a comprehensive picture of their individual wellbeing. The UP3 is designed to be worn 24/7 and wearers are connected via Bluetooth (even when swimming) for effortless data download. Away from home, the UP3 can last a week on a single charge.
Tentsile
It’s not often we hear of someone taking their treehouse on holiday, but that’s exactly what Tentsile have made possible. Tentsile tents can be secured anywhere there are trees and are the ultimate place to reconnect with nature. Better yet, an erection time of only 10 minutes means more time for relaxing. Tentsile tents yield up to 15 square metres of floor space and the innovative design allows for multiple levels, resulting in spectacular forest cities. Plus, hanging out above ground has its advantages. Campers can journey into remote locations and no longer have to put up with trekked-in sand or pine needles, uneven sleeping surfaces, creepy-crawlies, or floor dampness. Even better, sleeping in a Tentsile is like lying back in a hammock, eliminating the need for bed rolls. This means less equipment to carry and a healthier, more ergonomic rest. Also, with every tent purchased Tentsile plants three trees — the perfect match for adventurous tree huggers everywhere.
Pax 2 Vaporiser
We all know smoking is bad for us. That’s why Pax Labs Inc. are helping change the health consequences and negative perception of lighting up. Their second generation loose leaf vaporiser, the PAX 2, looks more like a music device, keeping its true purpose discreet. It boasts some cool features including motion and lip detection and self-optimising temperature, as well as a 10 year warranty. PAX 2 works by heating loose-leaf botanicals — of any variety — at a temperature that won’t burn the material, instead releasing active ingredients and natural oils into a subtle vapour. This means the ‘baddies’ of smoking are largely eliminated. Chemicals directly associated with burning plant and paper don’t exist, so lungs aren’t affected, and there’s no need for an ashtray. Without any second hand smoke, the scent associated with smoking is greatly reduced, meaning we are free to indulge anywhere. The PAX 2 is a stylish and healthier alternative for smokers. What’s the harm in that?
Roll Recovery R8
Don’t worry, Jeremy Nelson hasn’t been stealing wheels from unsuspecting rollerbladers. Instead, unsatisfied with traditional self-massage products, the runner, cyclist and mechanical engineer has designed his own — and the result is a winner. The Roll Recovery R8 uses a series of spring-loaded wheels to flush out sore legs, break up muscle adhesions and reduce inflammation. Four gripping points allow for the accurate targeting of muscle groups, delivering a deep tissue massage without the cost or inconvenience of a personal masseuse. The R8 is small and light enough to travel anywhere. So whether the next big event is an international marathon or local inline hockey tournament, the R8 is every athlete’s ultimate recovery companion.
Compressed Towel Tablets & Rag Soak
Inspired by old-school smelling salts, Prospector & Co.’s Pugilist Rag Soak is the ideal pick-me-up during long journeys. The conscious company’s products are handmade using naturally-derived ingredients. Combining hemp oil, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender, the Soak exudes a powerful scent that clears the mind and helps relaxation. And it’s even better when combined with Prospector & Co.’s Compressed Towel Tablets. A stylish glass bottle holds six almost weightless tablets, ending the need to transport full size hand or face towels. The cotton fibre pills decompress with water and magically expand into a face cloth. Only a small amount of the oil needs to be used on each rag for a relaxing steam treatment, on the go or mid-flight. Alternatively the pills alone can be popped in a pocket or wallet for use when away from the conveniences of home or hotel. Pugilist Rag Soak and Compressed Towels are a perfect marriage for weary, space-conscious travellers.
SmartMat
The world’s first responsive yoga mat, intelligently combines mindfulness and portable technology. Calibrated to an individual’s body shape, size and personal limitations, the SmartMat gives feedback on alignment, balance and weight distribution. Linked to a smartphone or tablet, it has three settings to help improve posture and poses. In-home Private is a fully guided audio workout, In-class Assist provides silent on-screen feedback, and Zen Mode allows for unassisted practice. As skills evolve, so does the mat, adjusting goals according to ability and continually updating information that can be referred to post-workout. The SmartMat also works in temperatures of up to 43°C and is sweat resistant — perfect for Bikram classes or tropical retreats. Whether the SmartMat is being transported from home to class, or from country to country, it can be conveniently rolled up like a regular mat. Now that really is smart.
Words by Anna Harding