The Toys
of Summer
16 MIND-BLOWING GADGETS
FOR GROWN-ASS MEN
“I’ve been afraid of people playing their life away with too many toys,” Ray Bradbury famously said.
Lighten up, Ray. It’s summer.
To help you achieve some no-guilt, grown-up fun, we present The Toys of Summer, our annual compendium of cool gadgets, impossible vehicles and wondrous outdoor gear.
Be safe and have fun out there.
The Hot Tub Boat
Hot Tub Boats
Situated smack in the boat’s center of buoyancy lies a 32-square-foot hot tub two feet deep and spacious enough for six adults. Heat is provided by a diesel-powered boiler, and the adjustable thermostat can go up to a tropical 104° F.
Transparent Kayak
Driftsun
Officially a kayak/canoe hybrid, the vision-granting vessel can handle both calm and choppy waters. It includes two aluminum paddles with ergonomic grips, in addition to a pair of wells for balloons — which keep the boat afloat in case it flips.
CreekKooler
Kanooler
Once you’ve got your transparent kayak, you’ll need this genius tow-behind cooler. It’s basically a boat for booze, and holds up to 30 12-oz cans of brew and 20 pounds of ice.
Phatty Electric Scooter
Phat Scooters
Available in two models — the Phatty Original or Phatty Sport — this electric two-wheeler packs a 1,200W motor with 70 lb.-ft. of torque and a top speed of 20 MPH. Surfboard rack optional.
Prynt Pocket
Prynt
A second-generation instant photo printer that works with most iPhones. Mysteriously, it allows users to add a video to the photo file that can be viewed with Prynt Pocket’s companion app. It’s also a more affordable instant camera than similar options.
e-Moke
Moke America
Originally designed for the British army in the 1950s, the early versions of the Moke were based on the British Motor Corporation’s Mini. After being discontinued in the ‘90s, they’re back stateside with the e-Moke, a street-legal electric vehicle with a 40-mile range and a top speed of 25 MPH.
ProBeam Laser Projector
LG
A portable projector that weighs four pounds and provides a 120-inch diagonal presentation on any surface. It connects to your wifi and bluetooth, but the 2,000 lumens of brightness and seven-year life expectacy are what make the product appealing beyond its portability.
Prorace Board
JetSurf
Looks like a wakeboard, treads water like a surfboard and propels like a jet ski. JetSurf’s Prorace is pure water-sports extravagance. Zipping around at speeds up to 36 MPH, you’ll be the talk of the lake/bay/ocean. Laird Hamilton approved, to boot.
SCORKL
David Hallamore
Forget artificial lungs. This lightweight, eminently portable scuba tank is about the size and shape of a water bottle, and it’ll get you 10 minutes of water submersion. Bonus: refills with a hand pump.
SureFly
Workhorse Group
Fly yourself to your next summer destination. Equipped with eight independent motors that each power a carbon fiber propeller, this battery-powered octocopter has a range-extending gas engine that allows it to cover 70 miles and hit a max altitude of 4,000 feet. And it’ll fit in your garage.
One+ Cooling Cooler
Ryobi
Twenty inches tall and 30 inches wide, the Ryobi One is a 50-quart wheeled cooler that happens to double as a cordless air conditioner.
Spark Drone
DJI
A pint-sized quadcopter you control with hand gestures. Featuring 1080p video, 16 minutes of flight time per charge and a top speed of 31 MPH.
SS-12 Slingshot
Assolar
Equipped with a laser sight and a flashlight, the SS-12 lets owners hunt small game, engage in target practice and torment Mr. Wilson with ease and accuracy. Also converts into a tiny bow.
Pathfinder
ION Audio
A cooler-sized, waterproof speaker that delivers 100 watts of peak power and 75 hours of sound per charge. The built-in wheels, multi-color LEDs, cup holder, USB charger and mic transform it into a beachside karaoke wonder.
SoelCat 12
Soel Yachts
This 16-passenger catamaran has already been dubbed a “Tesla on the water.” Which is to say, the boat is fully sustainable and quiet to boot,reducing CO2 emissions as it ferries you about the nearest body of water.
CampStove 2
BioLite
A smokeless camp stove and device charger, now with 50% more power, an integrated battery and an LED dashboard. Burns sticks, twigs and pinecones.
