Apple Watch Strap from Survival Straps provides comfort, versatility
Tech companies ask all the time about getting their products into this column. Here’s my response: It has to be new, cool, different and useful.
Which brings me to the Apple Watch Strap ($49.99) from Survival Straps. Smartwatch bands are a dime a dozen, but this one instantly caught my attention. The versatile band connected perfectly to my 42-mm Apple watch.
According to Survival Straps, the handmade, durable band is made with authentic military paracord with an attractive and unique stainless-steel anchor shackle closure system There are more than 45 paracord colors to mix, match and design a band to match your taste, resulting in thousands of combinations.
The watch strap I’ve been wearing for a few days was stiff at first, but after it formed to my wrist it fit to perfection. Moreover, it features one the most-secure closures I’ve seen.
Straps are custom made for your wrist size and are available for watches, bracelets, emblems and a variety of smartwatches. Samsung Gear S3 and Fitbit straps are also $49.99; prices vary for others.
Survival Straps is based in Ponte Vedra Beach and all of its products are made in the U.S. The company also supports first responders, wounded veterans and active military with more than $1 million in donations.
More: survivalstraps.com
Bug repellers
Thermacell’s backpacker mosquito repeller ($39.99) is a lightweight, portable solution for keeping an area free of annoying bugs.
The four-ounce gas-powered canister device is odorless and flameless and is good for up to 90 hours of bug protection before a refill is needed. A water-resistant nylon carry pouch is included along with three mosquito mats. Each mat is embedded with Allethrin, a synthetic version of pyrethrum, a botanical found in Chrysanthemum flowers. Heat the mat gently to put the repellent chemical into the air.
Thermacell also has launched the new MR450 hand-held repeller ($34.99).
The odorless and silent bug killer is designed with a rubber-armored finish and an ergonomic design. A butane cartridge with no open flame will last about 12 hours before a replacement is needed.
The MR450 includes one butane cartridge, three mosquito mats, a CR2032 battery and a belt clip.
More: thermacell.com
Power bank batteries
Griffin’s new reserve power bank ($29.99) battery lineup includes a portable 9,000 milliamp hours of power that can easily fit in a pocket. Most smartphones will get at least three full charges from the rechargeable battery.
The reserve power bank lineup also includes 2,600 ($19.99), 5,200 ($24.99) and 18,200 ($44.99) batteries. The 18,200 mAh will charge a smartphone up to nine times and a tablet up to two-and-a-half times.
According to Griffin, each battery is “designed with safety-certified lithium-ion batteries and is secured inside of a drop-tested polycarbonate shell.”
The batteries also have an LED power indicator so users will know if a charge is needed.
More: griffintechnology.com
Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellman
This story was originally published July 5, 2017 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Apple Watch Strap from Survival Straps provides comfort, versatility."