Finding an inexpensive bike is a great way to encourage a healthy active lifestyle, so Mongoose manufactures several models of mountain bikes such as the Montana that are intended for the entry level rider. This bike is a classic hardtail mountain bike, without the bells and whistles, for riders in search of a simple, familiar looking, bicycle. At an affordable price, the Montana is great for men and women that are shopping for a basic bike. However, you do get what you pay for here.

The Montana is made affordable by the manufacturer by reducing production cost through the incorporation of introductory level components. The Shimano derailleur and shifters paired with an SRAM drivetrain gives the Montana reasonable climbing power and speed. This bike is not designed for, or intended, to perform under extreme duress. That means that this bike will not do well in extremely difficult climbs, or extremely steep descents. This is an entry level mountain bike designed to handle to rigors that a commuter encounters on the city streets with the option of driving through urban trails or off-road bike paths.

The geometry of the Montana is designed to help a rider sit comfortably in an upright position. The frame is offered in styles traditionally created for men and women. Though the two bike styles have s slightly different frame shape, their components and handling are exactly the same. The Element front suspension fork offers additional comfort to riders by smoothing out the jarring affects of the road for better steering control despite the terrain. For reliable stopping power that is easy to service, the Montana includes linear-pull brakes.

Typically, Mongoose manufacturers their bike models in series to imply that the foundational frame of a bike can be transformed into any level that the rider may wish. While the Montana is compatible with other intermediate level components, it is not the manufacturer’s intention here that this bike be used for more than casual enjoyment. The hardtail construction is reliable, but the frame lacks the fabrication to be expectantly resilient in challenging environments.

There are numerous complaining reviews on the internet in which customers focus on how the Montana did not meet their expectations. Unfortunately, the expectations of these customers were unrealistic. This is a basic bike at an affordable price. If you are interested in progressing with your mountain biking skills, then it would be best to consider purchasing another model like the Tyax Sport for a slightly higher price.

That bike is intended to grow with you, but the Montana is intended to just provide recreational enjoyment for the occasional trail rider or daily commuter. There are two suggested upgrade parts that a rider can consider purchasing in the future for their Montana. The first is the pedals, which should be replaced with medal ones to increase traction and control. Second, the quill stem allows the Montana a wide variety of seat options that can increase the overall comfort of this bike.

Mongoose has been producing the Pro Wing Comp mountain bike for a few years, and the components vary significantly between generations and model years. It is not necessarily the quality of components that varies, but rather the inclusion and configuration. The core of this mid-level bike’s design has stayed the same throughout the years, which means the ability to upgrade is consistent despite which Mongoose Wing you purchase.

The frame construction is a unique combination of metals. The majority of the frame is 6061 aluminum, which is aircraft grade tempered metal. However, the rear triangle of the swingarm assembly is alloy steel. It is not typical to join two different metals like this, but here it is actually a highly resourceful decision Mongoose has made. The two sections are attached by the four-bar assembly to the rest of the frame so there is no danger of mixed-metal fatigue. Due to the swingarm’s constant movement, constructing it from steel gives it greater durability in handling the endless terrain vibrations, which can warp aluminum.

The variation in components is first noticeable in the change between disk brakes and linear-pulls. On a dual suspension bike, a rider has the benefit of being able to maintain a flatter plain of travel that directly translates into higher rates of speed. Therefore, if a bike has the suspension to go faster, then it would make sense to always include stronger brakes to stop, right? This is where a question of weight and cost ratios comes in, and that is more of a manufacturing-cost problem rather than design issue. If you are considering buying the Pro Wing Comp at a good price with linear-pull brakes, consider investing a few extra dollars in an after-market front disk brake for improved control and safety.

The front fork is a Spinner Grind, which offers respectable middle-dollar value in suspension, and it has the included mounting brackets needed if you decide to upgrade the brakes. The components are Shimano with a RPM crankset. Generally, the components are best suited to a rider transitioning from entry to intermediate level with this bike. That is to say they are all adequate, but not astounding. There is an interesting inclusion of a large climbing gear with 34 teeth on the rear.

The stock version of this bike’s 42t/34t/24t crankset is going to give good climbing power and downhill speed capability. However, for a small additional investment, you can replace the 42t on the crankset with a super-crank 50t, which is much more suited to reaching responsive speeds for faster descents. So, the 24t/34t ratio maximizes climbing ability while the 11t/50t would offer additional excellent downhill speed, which would transform this mid-level bike into a higher-end competitor with relation to gearing.

Out of the box, this bike is going to offer an improved riding experience over most entry-level bikes. However, the advantage to the Pro Wing Comp is its expandable ability in relation to its high quality frame design that will give a rider room to learn and grow.

The Mongoose Maxim is a dual-suspension mountain bike that is available at an entry-level price but offers room for learning and growth as a rider. The key to appreciating the Mongoose Maxim is to recognize that this is an stylish-looking beginners bike with the potential to be upgraded to an intermediate bike as a rider’s skills improve. Mongoose has employed this strategy for many of its more widely distributed bikes because it gives customers the opportunity to get started in mountain biking with a lower budget.

This should not be misinterpreted to mean that Mongooses are “cheap” in design quality, but instead that the manufacturer has made some decisions that reduce the overall cost. For example, the Shimano components tend to reduce the price because they are a little less durable. The twist shifters make finding the right combination the 21 gearing options fairly easy to learn. This gives the rider access to the three piece crankset and the 11t by 34t cassette for good mechanical advantage in the downhills and the climbs.

As with all dual suspension mountain bikes, the purpose of the shocks is to help the rider move faster over uneven terrain by limiting vertical movement. The Mongoose Maxim achieves this by using a simple single-point swingarm system for its rear suspension. This system combines a spring and strut assembly that allows the wheel line to move over the bumps without disturbing the fluid motion of the rider’s pedal stroke. This is the simplest rear suspension design, but it is also the simplest to service and adjust. For novice riders learning their way into mountain biking, this makes the Mongoose Maxim a great bike for practicing basic bike maintenance.

The complement of the bike includes linear-pull brakes and an Element front shock-absorbing fork. Something to consider is also the idea that not every rider wants to go bombing down the steepest passes and trails. For the casual rider, Mongoose has done well to provide options at the entry level position that have solid engineering and are affordable. If a rider simply wants a bike that can follow some uncomplicated trails and provide a smooth ride then the maxim is ideal. This is a light bike, and it is durable enough to keep up with a summer season of jaunts to the local trails. The wide tires Mongoose includes on its entry level bikes are small details that actually do quite a bit to improve the stability of the ride.

There are some junk bicycles being sold at large discount retailers, but the Mongoose is usually the diamond in the rough. What gives Mongoose the advantage of being affordable is the selection of basic level components that are included on the bikes like the Maxim. If you are looking for a simple fun ride, then it is a good purchase. If you are looking to grow, then choosing between this and Mongoose’s other entry level MTBs should be determined by the bike’s fit.

The first thing that is going to catch the attention of many riders is that the XR200 from Mongoose is sold at Walmart, which makes people prejudicially discount its quality. Before deciding that the XR200 is cheap-by-association, take a closer look at its components and design.

At the core of the XR200, and its cousin the XR250, is a single-pivot suspension frame. This is one of the reasons the XR200 is affordable. The single-pivot rear suspension design is the simplest, and therefore the most affordable to manufacture, but that does not mean that it is less effective.

The incorporation of this simplified rear suspension design allows novice riders to familiarize themselves with adjustment and maintenance of a suspension system. The strut, spring and swing-arm of dual-suspension bikes can be much more complex, but this is an entry level bike meant to provide the opportunity to learn and improve.

The XR250 offers similar simplicity in its design, but there are some notable differences. First, the XR250 comes with a spoke pattern designed to offer less wind drag by creating eight groups of four spokes. This can make a difference in performance at high speeds, but on this bike it is just for looks. A significant difference is the choice of included front suspension forks on these two bikes. The XR200 incorporates an Element fork while the XR250 uses a Zoom fork.

Oddly, the XR250′s Zoom fork is an odd manufacturing choice given the fact that this is a very obscure off-brand and there is very little known about this fork. It handles bumps moderately well, but it is a bit sloppy in its movement. The Element fork on the XR200 is widely supported by bike shop pros as a trusted name is durable suspension. Remember, the purpose of the front fork is not just for comfort, but also to help increase steering control.

There are other small differences between the two bikes, but at this level of performance the differences are nominal. The thing to remember when purchasing an introductory level mountain bike like these is that adjustments will need to be made. The factory assembles the bike, but the rider should always fine tune it to their particular preferences. For example, the disk brake will need some tightening at first to ensure proper response and stopping power.

While on the subject of the front disk brake, this configuration should be clarified. Many novice riders wonder why these bikes only include one disk brake on the front and a V-pull on the back. The reason is because 60 percent of a riders stopping power should be applied by the front brake. That is not to say that you should clamp down on the front brake, as that will cause an accident, but that the power to stop is best achieved when properly applying the front brakes. These bikes do have the necessary hanging brackets to add rear disk brakes after purchase if desired.

The Mongoose Tyax series is comprised of four bikes. Generally, the Tyax are the same in design but vary in quality level of their included components. Tyax Sport, Tyax Comp and Tyax Elite represent the three most common versions sold. The Super is the most advanced version of the Tyax, but it is also the least prevalent model and will not be included in this review.

At the entry level to the Tyax series is the Sport. This is intended to be the least costly option because of the use of entry-level Shimano components on the crankset and drivetrain. Though this is the most affordable option, The Tyax Sport includes the important design elements that give the Tyax its unique advantages. The benefit to buying the Tyax Sport is that one can slowly upgrade the components of the bike at later dates if a rider is on a budget.

For riders unaccustomed to aggressive trail bikes, the Tyax frame will feel awkward because of its longer top tube. The riding style is similar to the positioning that one rides a road bike, but most are unaccustomed to that because mountain bikes are traditionally known for putting the rider in an upright position. The advantage to a forward-leaning rider position, and the reason advanced and intermediate mountain bikes utilize it, is that the rider’s weight is shifted slightly forward to create more active steering and better leg-power transfer.

It will feel strange to those that are not accustomed to it, but after a brief familiarization period of riding, most riders will grow comfortable with the style. Mountain bikers should test ride a bike with an extended top-tube design if there is any hesitation about transitioning to this style of frame, but this is the rider position used on many advanced mountain bikes.

The Tyax series bikes are designed to offer a way for intermediate riders to transition from introductory to advanced mountain biking equipment. Although, many novices may wonder why the Tyax is considered an intermediate bike while still being a hardtail, which is a bike with no rear suspension options. The reason is that not all mountain bike terrains are best tackled with rear-suspension bikes. In fact, a hardtail bike will provide better traction on climbs and better support on jumps. Dual suspension is best suited to fast descents, but many professionals prefer the predictability of a rigid frame.

To provide a savings on the Sport and Comp models, Shimano and SRAM entry-level components are used. What makes them entry level is their lower durability and responsiveness. The Elite offers higher grade components at a higher price. Many riders choose to purchase the Tyax Sport then customize the components with their own selection of front-fork, drivetrain and crankset. With the Tyax 2012 models, even the Sport comes standard with disc brakes. Regardless of which investment level one chooses, the frame is the same and it is the core advantage to the Tyax series.

The Mongoose Otero Comp is a dual suspension mountain bike for riders interested in advancing their equipment and riding abilities to the “next level.” That level is the one in between introductory ranked bicycles and professional models. Many readers will associate the Mongoose name with their bikes sold at large discount-retail stores, but the Mongoose Otero Comp is more than just a cheap bike.

The frame of the Otero Comp is made of heat-treated aluminum, which means it is stronger than common aluminum frames. The heat treating tempers the aluminum the same way steel is strengthened by heat, so the frame is extremely rigid and resistant to bending. The reason for the Otero Comp’s replaceable derailleur hanger is because of the aluminum construction, which means the rear derailleur can be completely replaced if damaged because it is not welded to the frame. This is an important difference from lower-quality bikes because if the derailleur hanger is permanently attached to an aluminum framed bike, then the entire frame is ruined when the hanger is bent.

The most noteworthy element to the Otero Comp’s suspension design is the unique quick-release adjustable travel system it incorporates. Typically, on dual suspension mountain bikes, the rider has the opportunity to make some adjustment to the tension settings of the rear suspension strut to help maintain a better wheel line. The rate of travel that is useful in a suspended rear wheel is not always the same, but many riders are accustomed to riding on a setting that is an average of acceptability for all situations.

The Otero Comp allows riders to make suspension travel-limit settings adjustments on the fly without the need for tools. During a cross-country ride, on approach to a fast descent where more suspension travel is needed, a rider simply has to open the quick-release handle and set the suspension to its full four and a half inches of travel. However, after completing the descent and facing a climb, the rider can again use the quick-release handle to reduce the suspension to its minimum travel setting to give the bike greater rigidness for improved traction. This is an incredibly helpful modification that will give tremendous riding efficiency to an experienced mountain biker.

In addition to the rear-suspension adjustment, the front fork can be locked-out to give the bike more rigid handling for softer terrain situations that require firmer front wheel control. The components in the drivetrain and crankset are good quality SRAM parts. Shimano’s cassette has been included to offer a gear ratio that is best suited from cross-country and downhill riding. The inclusion of disk brakes further illustrates the fact that this bike is designed to go fast on the trails, which requires a stronger stopping power than the typical V-brakes offer.

From top to bottom, the Mongoose Otero Comp is a well designed and modestly priced intermediate rider’s bike. This mountain bike will help improve trail performance and enjoyment for a reasonably priced investment.

The dual suspension is the first design characteristic that will catch the attention of the Mongoose Tech 4 prospective buyer. However, the suspension can be misleading if one does not take the time to consider the entire array of components included and the purpose for which this bike will be ridden. As an entry-level downhill and general cross-country mountain bicycle, the Tech 4 is a great value.

To better understand the Tech 4′s strengths and weaknesses, you need to have some experience riding on a full-suspension bicycle. While there is some minor adjustment that can be done to the 4-Bar Link XC suspension system that is permanently attached to the rear swing arm, the bike’s performance may be unfavorable if the ideal conditions are not met. The fact is that if your physical weight over- or under- compresses that rear “Horst Link” when you ride then you will not be able to maximize the effectiveness of the suspension. Ideally, the wheel path should remain in the middle of its vertical travel range for the majority of your ride. If it is bottoming out or not compressing then this may not be the bike for you.

Many riders assume that the purpose of suspension is simply for comfort. That is only part of the advantage. The primary benefit of the Tech 4′s suspension is actually meant to allow a rider to travel faster over uneven terrain. The frame and rider travel on a straight horizontal plain while the wheels move up and down to compensate. The result is faster descents, which requires stronger brakes. This is an area that reveals the Tech 4 as an introductory bike. V-brakes on the rear and front will offer some stopping power, but dual suspension mountain bikes that are intended to fly down the trails need disk or drum brakes. The Tech 4′s lack of either makes it less prepared to handle extremely fast descents.

The Shimano twist-shifters, SRAM drivetrain and Suntour XR170 triple crankset are all good mid-range quality components that can provide reliable performance when cared for. There have been some complaints that the rear-derailleur is problematic and can cause chain-slack, but an adjustment to the derailleur tension should easily correct that. The Tech 4 does not have the latest greatest parts, but the components it has are proven and reliable. For example, the Rock Shox Judy J1 front fork suspension is a popular and reliable suspension choice for added steering control and arm-stress relief during fast bumpy descents.

The Mongoose Tech 4 is only offered in yellow and is sold with some nice wide Kenda Kharisma tires for stability and great traction on urban and off-road terrains. This is a great bike for someone launching an interest in downhill and cross-country mountain biking, but this bike is not designed to manage the landing impact of excessively large jumps. As a daily commuter, this bike can offer a reliable ride at a reasonable price with room to grow.

Italy is a country of incredibly diverse terrain. In the northernmost part of the country, the steep Italian Alps rise in jagged peaks toward the sky. Volcanoes shaped much of Italy’s southern land and the pitted remains of lava fields are a reminder of the country’s tumultuous past. Such a diversity of landscape required Italian hiking boot designers to produce footwear that was rugged, durable, and protected the wearer from injury. Italians are as passionate about hiking as they are about fashion and Italian designers meet this challenge by manufacturing some of the finest footwear in the world.

Zamberlan

Three generations ago a cobbler living in the Italian Alps began to design a hiking boot worthy of scaling the stark and dangerous mountain ranges. He named the company after himself and today the Zamerlan name lives on as some of the finest quality hiking gear available. The company is still family-owned and operated and manufactures all of its boots in Italy. Known for solid soles and genuine leather uppers, these boots are expensive, but customers know they are getting a quality shoe that will last for years.

The Zamberlan 1030 Stella NW GT RR hiking boot is a men’s powerhouse design, with beautifully stitched full grain leather in a glossy wax finish that excels in repelling moisture. The interior is lined with Gor-Tex to encourage breathability. The dual-density rubber sole is a design unique to Zamberlan that manages to be both sturdy and yet conform to the terrain and the shape of a hiker’s foot. The treads are deep to discourage mud caking. The boot laces high to protect against sprains and is designed for ultimate support while hiking.

The 308 Trekker RR is a low boot with the characteristic high quality leather uppers that make Zamerlan famous. This style offers the deep treads on the sole that give excellent traction in mud or snow. The leather upper is designed for durability but this is a boot intended for less demanding hikes. As a low boot it offers less support for the ankle but this is not a design flaw; rather, it is intended to allow for increased mobility in the pivoting motion of the ankle joint.

Asolo

Winning “Best Hiking Boot of the Year” awards comes naturally to this boot designer. Asolo began producing its first hiking boots in the mid-Seventies and continued its tradition of innovative design and legendary quality unabated to the present day.

The Asolo TPS 520 GV Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed for both men and women and is a leather and Gor-Tex hybrid that promises to support and cushion the feet while protecting them from injury and allowing them to breathe. The company isolated three primary strike zones along the shape of the foot and matched these areas with increased shock absorption in the sole for a truly comfortable hiking experience. This is a cross-over boot that can handle diverse terrain, perfect for long or short hikes.

Asolo designed the FSN 95 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots as a waterproof model with synthetic and suede uppers. The sole is equipped with the characteristic Asolo design that marries technology and quality materials. This boot will hold up under extreme conditions and maintain its waterproof integrity. The front and sides of the boot are protected against abrasion and shock with solid rubber panels that cover the entire toe box area and run along the length of the boot sides. This model is specifically designed for men, while the FSN 70 style is similar in design and made for women.

La Sportiva

Giving Zamberlan a run for their money is boot designer La Sportiva, who located their operations at the base of the same mountain range and use it to test their boots as well. This Italian company stands out for imaginative design and focuses the bulk of its effort on mountain climbing shoes. Their innovative hiking boots are known for being sturdy, rugged, and dependable.

The Glacier WLF Mountaineering Boot is just as comfortable in freezing conditions as it is on the front lines fighting a brush fire. The company advertizes this design as capable of withstanding the high temperatures that come with firefighting, making it a true all-purpose boot. The leather and synthetic upper is designed for air flow and durability, while the sole has a high melting point and is attached with special heat-resistant glue.

La Sportiva’s Trango S EVO GTX boot is an eye-catching design with a screaming red synthetic upper. This is an all-purpose boot meant to tackle shifty shale as well as steep slopes. The Gor-Tex will keep feet dry while allowing for maximum circulation of air. The sole extends up over the toe box to protect the feet and shield the shoe from scrapes.

Scarpa

The Scarpa brand was born in the Montebelluna region of Italy in 1938. Still producing quality footwear today, the company boasts of being the first to utilize Gor-Tex in their designs, a feature which other companies quickly copied. The company is still owned by the same family today, who pride themselves on continued quality and consistent craftsmanship.

Scarpa produces characteristic multi-colored designs, and the men’s Triolet Pro Goretex Mountaineering Boot is no exception. The Gor-Tex and reversed-suede upper part of the boot is a bright orange for maximum visibility. The design focuses on flexibility, allowing for total maneuverability. This feature makes the mountaineering boot a good choice for varied terrain. The sole has a padded interior that cushions the foot for extreme comfort, while providing a leather surface that excels in gripping and holding.

Nubby soles provide traction while shedding mud in the men’s Kailash GTX Boot. Suede and Gor-Tex uppers combine to secure the foot in place over rocky terrain. The boot is light but sturdy, saving the hiker from serious fatigue while trekking. The tough rubber sole comes up and over the toe box to strengthen the shoe and prevent it from wearing and scrapes.

Mongoose Pro Wing Comp Mountain Bike Review

Mongoose has been producing the Pro Wing Comp mountain bike for a few years, and the components vary significantly between generations and model years. It is not necessarily the quality of components that varies, but rather the inclusion and configuration. The core of this mid-level bike’s design has stayed the same throughout the years, which means the ability to upgrade is consistent despite which Mongoose Wing you purchase…

Mongoose Maxim Mountain Bike review

The Mongoose Maxim is a dual-suspension mountain bike that is available at an entry-level price but offers room for learning and growth as a rider. The key to appreciating the Mongoose Maxim is to recognize that this is an stylish-looking beginners bike with the potential to be upgraded to an intermediate bike as a rider’s skills improve. Mongoose has employed this strategy for many of its more widely distributed bikes because it gives customers the opportunity to get started in mountain biking with a lower budget…

Mongoose XR Mountain Bikes Review

The first thing that is going to catch the attention of many riders is that the XR200 from Mongoose is sold at Walmart, which makes people prejudicially discount its quality. Before deciding that the XR200 is cheap-by-association, take a closer look at its components and design. At the core of the XR200, and its cousin the XR250, is a single-pivot suspension frame. This is one of the reasons the XR200 is affordable. The single-pivot rear suspension design is the simplest, and therefore the most affordable to manufacture, but that does not mean that it is less effective….

Mongoose Tyax Mountain Bikes Review

The Mongoose Tyax series is comprised of four bikes. Generally, the Tyax are the same in design but vary in quality level of their included components. Tyax Sport, Tyax Comp and Tyax Elite represent the three most common versions sold. The Super is the most advanced version of the Tyax, but it is also the least prevalent model and will not be included in this review.

Mongoose Otero Comp Mountain Bike Review

The Mongoose Otero Comp is a dual suspension mountain bike for riders interested in advancing their equipment and riding abilities to the “next level.” That level is the one in between introductory ranked bicycles and professional models. Many readers will associate the Mongoose name with their bikes sold at large discount-retail stores, but the Mongoose Otero Comp is more than just a cheap bike.

Mongoose Tech 4 Mountain Bike Review

The dual suspension is the first design characteristic that will catch the attention of the Mongoose Tech 4 prospective buyer. However, the suspension can be misleading if one does not take the time to consider the entire array of components included and the purpose for which this bike will be ridden. As an entry-level downhill and general cross-country mountain bicycle, the Tech 4 is a great value.

Mongoose Montana Mountain bike review

Finding an inexpensive bike is a great way to encourage a healthy active lifestyle, so Mongoose manufactures several models of mountain bikes such as the Montana that are intended for the entry level rider. This bike is a classic hardtail mountain bike, without the bells and whistles, for riders in search of a simple, familiar looking, bicycle. At an affordable price, the Montana is great for men and women that are shopping for a basic bike. However, you do get what you pay for here.

This is not the usual Christmas gift list about “Top 10 of…” or “The best presents for…”

It’s a list of presents ideas and suggestions for a traveller who likes the outdoor adventure activities….don’t forget the solar battery charger too

The best gift for a people who likes travels is sure a trip.

You can learn how to organize a trip for him here.

Here the big list of gift suggestions

Accessories
Carabiners

Carabiners are aluminum ovals with spring-loaded gates, used to clip two pieces of gear together or gear to a rope.

Here You can read a buyer’s guide to learn how to find them
Swiss Army knives

A Swiss Army knife (SAK), is a brand of multi-function pocket knife or multitool. Generally speaking, a Swiss Army knife has a blade as well as various tools, such as screwdrivers and can openers.

You can buy different types of swiss knifes here. For tech lovers it’s also possible to buy the “Swissbit”. A knife with an USB pen integrated.
Flashlights

A flashlight torch is a hand-held portable electric spotlight. Here you can search and compare for Flashlights offers
Handheld water purifier

Water purifier is an useful tool that uses the UV radiation as an effective viricide and bactericide. Disinfection using UV radiation is more commonly used in foreign countries or not verified water sources before drinking. Here more info to buy it
Telescoping walking stick or trekking poles

Trekking poles (also known as hiking poles, hiking sticks or walking poles) are a commonly used to help hiking. Unlike ski poles they are often made in two or three sections and can be extended and retracted as necessary for use.

Here an useful tutorial about how to choose trekkign poles
The Notebook portable flat-folding barbecue

It’s a lightweight and easy to carry accessory. It can be unfolded into an instant barbecue. You can buy it from Gadgetshop.com
The PacSafe TravelSafe 100

It is a very handy tool to safe passport or extra money while touring. The Travel Safe 100 is a compact, lightweight security pouch that allows you to lock up your valuables wherever there is a stationary item to attach it to, in or out of doors. You can read a detailed schedule here
Technology
SPOT Satellite Messenger

It’s a GPS device used for emergency. It sends alerts and broadcast the sender’s GPS coordinates. It can be used also as a tracking tool to let Your contacts know where you are and that you’re OK.

On Findmespot.com you can find more info on how it functions.
A portable UV monitor

It’s a great gadget that lets you know exactly how strong the sun’s rays. It tells you how much sun is getting to your skin and how much is too much. Useful in case of long walks during summer period or location under the sun (Mountains, Deserts, etc…) You can find more info here
A solar backpack

It’s a normal bag equipped with a handy solar panel which stores energy from the sun while you are hiking along. Very useful for long trips. It helps to generated energy that can be used to charge devices like cell phone, cameras, etc…More info here
Universal charger

Solio Hybrid1000 is an universal charger that link a solar panel with a battery. It can power an array of mobile devices, from MP3 players and cell phones to digital cameras and a GPS.

Here where to buy it
Books & co.

Amazon is the best website where search for books and related.

You can do a little search to find

* Personalized books (guides, magazines, travel, outdoors, etc…)
* Guidebooks and maps to places your travelers would like to visit

Photography

Instead of the usual digital cameras, why don’t you choose a webservice where You can create your own hard covered photo books with the pictures of your travels.

The services that do this are:

* My Publisher
* Shutterfly
* Kodak Gallery
* Apple’s iPhoto