Top Gadgets Every EP Agent Wants for Christmas Pt. 2

Hopefully you were able to check out the 7 gadgets from yesterday's list. If not, you can find them by going to my LinkedIn profile.

Here are the remaining gadgets that made my list of top gifts for EP Agents.

Goal Zero Yeti Lithium Portable Power Station

https://www.goalzero.com/power-packs

What it is: A series of portable power stations that you charge using either the mains (AC) or solar panels, and can then use to power up tablets, laptops, mini fridges, TVs, medical devices, lights. Oh, and phones. Battery capacity runs from 150 to 3075 Wh – or from a lot of power to a crazy lot of power.

Why you need it: EP professionals spend a lot of time away from reliable power sources, yet need to keep plenty of devices juiced up and running. If we’re sitting in a car waiting for a principal or doing residential work and, then leaving the engine running is often not an option: besides this being illegal in many places, it’s a sure-fire way to bother neighbors, attract attention and make an unnecessary stink. Having one of these along in the car prevents a lot of headaches.

Why I like it: It’s all about the power. The much smaller chargers you can carry in a pocket are great in a pinch if your phone needs a boost, but the smallest will only charge a smartphone 60-100% – once. The upper range of the Yeti will charge the same phones up to 50, 60 or 70 times. Top of the line? 150 charges. 

The EP Admin bag

https://zertnation.com/product/the-executive-protection-admin-bag/?v=796834e7a283

What it is: An unassuming backpack that doesn’t broadcast its real purpose. This bag is tailored to fit the needs of EP practitioners – especially solo practitioners and agents in charge – so they can bring along and find all their must-have gear.

Why you need it: This hassle-free bag is big enough to carry most, if not all of your crucial gear—med kits, mags, wires, batteries, phones, keys—whether you’re at a larger event or out on a solo detail.

Why I like it: I love the clever (and discreet) design this bag offers. Pockets and pouches are conveniently placed so you can access them easily, often with just one hand. You won’t spend time fumbling around looking for a particular item. You’ll always know precisely where it is and can grab it in an instant.

LifeVac

https://lifevac.net/

What it is: A portable suction device that helps clear a person’s airway in case of choking.

Why you need it: You might be in a situation where you need to perform first aid on your principal, a colleague, or a loved one. Choking, unfortunately, can happen anywhere and at any time—and the Heimlich maneuver may not always work or be practicable or possible to perform.

Why I like it: Like many of the other gadgets on this list, LifeVac is a compact, reliable, and infinitely useful thing that can save lives. Throw it into your EP admin bag and the risk of a principal choking will be one less thing to worry about. I also like the fact that the LifeVac’s mask only needs to be replaced every couple of years, making this gadget very low maintenance.

CMMG Tactical Bacon

https://www.cmmginc.com/product/tactical-bacon-case-of-12-9oz-cans/

What it is: Ready-to-eat, delicious bacon in a can.

Why you need it: Come on. It’s bacon.

Why I like it: See above. But seriously: this bacon lasts for a decade. If you haven’t stashed a few cans of this stuff in your bug-out vehicle or mountain hideout, you’ll only have yourself to blame when everyone else is feasting and you’re eating crackers and noodles.

Apple Watch

https://www.apple.com/watch/

What it is: In its own limited but helpful way, the Apple smart watch matches and extends the functionality of other, bigger iOS devices to the convenient location of your wrist.

Why you need it: The Apple Watch helps you accomplish a lot of what you do with your iPhone without having to dig your device out of your pocket and stare at it like a bored teenager. If you frequently need to check navigation directions, messages, emails, calendars, texts, or receive calls, the Apple Watch will change your life. Not like canned bacon, but still. Watch a video I did last year on driving with the Apple Watch here.

Why I like it: Being able to check your notifications and urgent messages with a quick glance at your wrist can be a real lifesaver—in some cases, literally. Apple Watch helps you keep your eye on the ball, the principal, your significant other – all without missing the latest sports score. At the very least, it’s a tremendous timesaver. With the launch of Series 3 and watch OS4, unless you’re deeply attached to the Android ecosystem, you simply won’t find a better smart watch out there. It doesn’t hurt that the upper-end models look incredibly cool, either.

Chris

https://www.hellochris.ai/

What it is: A smart, digital “co-driver” you attach to your windshield so you can read, dictate and send messages – while you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Chris also facilitates navigation, music, and calls.

Why you need it: Even if you’re wearing an Apple or Android smart watch, and even though Siri and Google Now might someday learn how to be great digital assistants, they’re not ideal for intense driving situations. You still often need to touch your device to interact with it, and not all third-party apps support voice functions or Siri/Google Now commands.

Chris is its own kind of touch-free device. It supports gestures, promises to integrate seamlessly with most of the apps you might need while on the road, and will respond to and learn from your interactions with it. The design’s pretty sleek, too.

Why I like it: I love the small interface right on the windshield that relays everything you need without needing to reach for the dashboard or in our pockets. I don’t want to fumble with my gadgets and get distracted.

Leupold LTO Tracker

https://www.leupold.com/night-vision-thermal-scopes/handheld/lto-tracker

What it is: A tiny, lightweight (less than 10 ounces!) yet powerful thermal imager.

Why you need it: Hunters love this one and for good reason. It provides excellent thermal imagery up to 600 yards and lasts for several hours. If you need to keep an eye on your prey or any other surveillance situation and don’t need a bigger thermal imager, this one ranks among the best.

Why I like it: Don’t get me wrong, there are technically “better” thermal imagers out there—better zoom, longer-lasting battery, and so on. But just like the Blue Force kit, this is all about having what you need with you and never having to worry about it getting in your way. It’s so practical there’s no reason to not bring it along.

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So, that's my list of the top gadgets for EP Agents.

If you're still looking for something to place under the tree for your favorite EP pro (or just want to treat yourself this holiday season) any of these would be a great choice.

Stay safe and happy holidays,

-CW