By Brenda Isaac, Vice President of Marketing

This February, Nite Ize celebrates our 30th year in business. I know, I know. Why should you care? We’re just some random company looking for an excuse to have a few happy hours and pat ourselves on the back, right? While we certainly do love a good happy hour, that’s not why I think you should care. The success of Nite Ize, and in particular our founder and CEO, Rick Case, truly exemplifies the American Dream. From his “lightbulb moment” and the decision to start his own company in 1989 up to this year’s milestone anniversary, he has demonstrated incredible persistence and passion to develop innovative products, and the desire to create genuine relationships with our retailers and customers. He is a driven and passionate leader who genuinely loves what he does, and everyone at Nite Ize feels that every day. It’s what drives our desire to succeed. 

 Rick Case, CEO & Founder (2000)

I’m proud to have been a part of the Nite Ize team for 17 years. When I joined, I was a young marketer looking to get my foot in the door. I realize now that in many ways I was growing up at the same time that Nite Ize grew up. Together we would see our team grow from 25 employees to over 250. We would move from a small, rundown warehouse in East Boulder into two beautiful buildings spanning over 200,000 square feet in Boulder County. We would grow from a product line of just 25 products to a line that includes over 600 products – and counting. 

 Nite Ize Company Photo (2005)

 Nite Ize Compay Photo (2019)

What’s next for Nite Ize? I’m excited to announce a new chapter in our evolution as a company and brand. We are officially launching our new logo and brand look in 2019.

We’ve also created a new campaign that will introduce Nite Ize to millions of new customers and let them know that we are “Life’s Adventure Kit”. Whether your adventure is camping, remodeling your kitchen, or taking your dog to the park, Nite Ize products make life simpler, safer, and more fun.

Visit our Life's Adventure Kit page to learn more.

 

We want to focus on building our brand, creating lasting connections with our community of customers, and developing products that tap into the unlimited power of invention and discovery.

So, raise a glass of your favorite Boulder microbrew and let’s share a toast to Rick Case, Nite Ize, and a dream that continues to come true. Believe me, we’re just getting warmed up.

 

 

January 2019 has come and gone in a flash. So how are you doing with those New Years Resolutions a month in? At the start of each year, many of us set goals to become healthier versions of ourselves – whether that be to join a gym, go to the gym more often, eat better, bike to work at least once a week, and anything in between. The Holidays typically have us stressed with the pressures of society combined with an abundance of decadent food, resulting in an effort to live a healthier lifestyle at the start of the new year. But as time slips by, it’s all too easy to fall back into old, bad habits while you get swept up in your busy day-to-day life. So what can you do to keep yourself in check for the long haul? Here are 5 things you can do to keep your motivation flowing:

 

1. Use a Fitness Watch

 

 

If you don’t already own a fitness tracking device, this is the perfect time to pick one up. Luckily there are plenty on the market these days in a range of price points, so you’ll likely be able to find something that works for you and your budget. These devices are great for setting goals, keeping track of your step count, seeing how far you’ve run, how much elevation you’ve climbed and more. Think of your smartwatch or fitness tracker as your personal coach – and you don’t want to let them down.

 

2. Get a Workout Buddy

 

 

If a piece of technology isn’t enough to keep you motivated, find a real person who will! Having a partner makes your workouts, runs or rides more fun, and you’re less likely to skip a day. Perhaps your significant other, friend or family member has similar aspirations. You can both benefit by keeping each other on track. If running is your jam, sign up for a race with your workout partner so you have a set date to train for.

 

3. No Excuses! Even When It’s Dark

 

 

Just because it gets dark early or the sun hasn’t risen when you actually have time for your morning run or bike ride doesn’t mean you should blow it off. Nite Ize has great products for lighting your way and staying safe when you’re outside in the dark. For runners or walkers, our Radiant 250 Rechargeable Headlamp is perfect for seeing your way through dark neighborhood streets or paths. Make sure you’re staying safe and visible to cars with a SlapLit LED Slap Wrap or TagLit Magnetic LED Marker. If you’re commuting to work via bike, or simply out for a joy ride, be sure you pick up some Radiant Bike Lights for front and rear, and a couple of SpokeLit Wheel Lights for that crucial (and too often ignored) side visibility.

 

4. Journal It

 

 

It’s easy to ignore your diet or skip your workout when you’re not holding yourself accountable. By keeping a journal dedicated to your goals, you can keep track of what you’re eating, how much weight you’ve lost and what your workouts consisted of. You can plug in information from your fitness tracker as well for an even more comprehensive view. If you’re more digital than analogue, there is a plethora of apps to help you monitor your goals. My Fitness Pal, JeFit, SparkPeople and Lifesum are a few to check out.

 

5. Treat Yo’ Self

Finally, always remember to go easy on yourself, even when trying to hold yourself accountable to your goals. Reward yourself in healthy ways when you’ve been killing it at pilates or staying on track with your diet. Find self-care practices that are right for you – it could be anything from taking a nice bath, treating your workout partner to a sushi night, getting a pedicure, or anything else you enjoy that won’t completely undo the hard work you’ve put in. Another great way to treat yourself and motivate is to buy some fun new gear. You’re bound to be more excited for your next class or session when you have brand new sneakers to break in or compression pants to try out.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Even the biggest fitness buffs have a hard time meeting their goals from time to time. Keep moving forward and make your future self proud.

Years ago we were all promised that we’d be living in a paperless society and that everything would be done digitally. And yet, my desk is still covered in documents, forms, notes and paperwork. The wireless era? We might have pervasive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth everything, but if your desk and home are anything like mine, you’ve still got dozens of wires and cables you have to deal with. My son’s dorm room at college? Same thing: behind his bed and desk is a jungle of cables that would impress even Stanley and Livingstone!

Fortunately, Nite Ize has this genius device that looks modest, but is your best defense against the chaos of cable sprawl: the Gear Tie®. Ranging in length from a few inches to monster ties that can help keep your kayak on the roof of your car in a snowstorm, they’re simple and insanely useful.

To really understand, consider how I’m using a 6-inch Gear Tie to keep my extension cord from sprawling all over the place:

Looks like a twist tie, but they are so much stronger, more flexible and vastly more durable that as soon as you use one, you’ll immediately rush out and buy another dozen. Even the smallest Gear Ties at 3 inches are darn useful. Have a jam-packed wall charger to help keep all your devices charged and ready to go? You don’t need to suffer through cables all over the place, but can keep them tamed and neat with a single cheery neon yellow GearTie:

What’s best about the Gear Tie system is that they last forever. Twist it closed. Twist it open to re-wrap your cables and wires. Twist it closed again. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

You’ll likely find something surprising as you proceed: it’s actually fun to organize all your cables and wires! Think of it as tech stress therapy.

The versatile Gear Tie Cordable™ is the perfect solution for wrangling cables, and comes in 3", 6" 12" & 18". These clever Gear Ties feature a stretch-loop on one side that fits over the end of a cord and lives there, offering a convenient way to wrap, organize, and identify your cords. 

It can be hard to tell from photos, but the exterior of the Gear Ties are rubber, so there’s no issue with electrical conductivity either. And lengths! We’ve got lengths that include 3”, 6”, 12”, 18”, 24” and the GearTie Mega at 32” and 64” lengths.

What can you do with really big Gear Ties? How about organizing the hose in your garage?

 

So don’t shy away from the task, pull your desk out and have a look at the tangle of wires. Peek behind your television and entertainment center. Check out the wires behind your bedside table. And don’t forget the garage and work room too. All of those can be neatly organized with the right size Gear Tie and just a little bit of enthusiasm!

The average American spends over $700 on holiday gifts each year. The very best gifts are often small and thoughtful, rather than big-ticket items. Famous American painter Norman Rockwell would undoubtedly have called them stocking stuffers; the kind of small gifts that fit perfectly into that stocking hanging from a nail over the fireplace.

Modest, useful gifts are always a welcome way to show you're thinking about someone, whether or not you actually have stockings hanging from your mantel or a living room covered in holiday decorations.

Classic stocking stuffer gifts are tangerines, walnuts and, in my family, rolls of stamps. These days, stocking stuffers are distinctly more tech-and-gadget oriented, and that’s exactly what we love to create here at Nite Ize: products that make your life simpler, safer, and more fun.

Without further ado, here's our favorite stocking stuffers to sweeten every seasonal stocking, whether literal or just figurative…

DOOHICKEY® KEYCHAIN KNIFE

Whether your gift recipient is always looking for the next great camping location or just know how convenient it is to have a package-opening, apple-peeling, multi-purpose knife easily accessible, the Doohickey Keychain Knife is a winning gift. It’s small, lightweight, closes firmly and safely, and is light enough to clip onto your belt, backpack, keychain and/or purse. Better yet, it comes in a bunch of delightful colors. The Nite Ize DoohicKey line offers an entire line of everyday carry tools that fit right on a key chain. One of our favorites is the Doohickey® Fishkey™ Tool. What fisherwoman (or fisherman) wouldn’t love this addition to their kit?

GEAR TIES

Whether you’re organizing wires behind your desk or securing items in the back of your truck, there’s nothing quite like a Nite Ize Gear Tie®. Turns out that they also make terrific presents, whether the recipient is dealing with life in the dorms, looking for a better way to bundle their yoga mat, or a DIYer who likes to keep everything organized while on the job.

Start with one or more of our Pro Packs. We're a big fan of the little 3” Gear Ties that have a million-and-one uses at home, work, or in the car. It’s surprising just how useful it is to have a reusable rubber twist tie that lasts year after year (and use after use). You can’t just have one!

S-Biners

Another great option we have at Nite Ize is our S-Biner® line. Think of carabiners reinvented and redesigned to be even more useful, versatile, and convenient whether you're on the go, organizing the garage, or trying to find a way to keep your kiddo's water bottle attached to their backpack. 

The unique Slidelock® 360º Magnetic Locking Dual Carabiner  is a fun and functional spin on the dual-carabiner design. With locking steel gates on each side, this product functions like a class S-Biner, but with a big twist – the two carabiners are connected using a powerful magnet, making them easy to separate. This is ridiculously useful whether you want to quickly detach a set of keys, keep your fishing net at the ready, or hanging a multi-tool from a work belt.

Micro Flashlight

You can never have too many high quality flashlights, and here at Nite Ize we make a wide variety of them. Useful when clipped to a backpack, stashed in a purse, or on a kid's bedside table – a good, reliable flashlight can also be a lifesaver when the power fails.

But to fit into that mythic stocking, you probably aren’t going to want to gift one of our large professional-grade tactical lights, which are more of an under-the-tree kind of gift. Instead, check out our Inova® Microlight STS™ Flashlight as a fun and more modest alternative:

Most fun variation that turns out to be quite useful? The BugLit® LED Micro Flashlight. It’s the perfect critter to be peeking out of that stocking on Christmas morning!

Whatever fun and pint-sized gifts you share with your loved ones this holiday season, we wish you all the best from the entire Nite Ize team!

It’s that time of year, time to rise up and meet the challenge of finding the perfect present for everyone on your holiday gift list. Modern gifting often now involves tech essentials such as charging cables and batteries, along with WiFi or cellular plans. Keep in mind that a great gift is one that demonstrates your knowledge of the recipient, not the amount of money you spent on their present. Whatever your budget may be, there is a plethora of great gifts for tech enthusiasts on the market this year.

We at Nite Ize are tech and gadget enthusiasts too, and we know a cool present when we see one. Dog lovers, outdoor adventurers, DIYers, parents and homebodies alike – we all charge our devices, listen to music, and travel with pocket-sized tech. Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite gifts this year, all sure to receive an enthusiastic welcome in any home.

Google Pixel Buds

Wireless bluetooth earbuds are a saturated market and there are thousands of options you can buy online. Heck, your smartphone probably came with earbuds that work perfectly well for casual music listening and an occasionally phone call. But what if you had earbuds that could translate foreign languages as you heard them?

That’s the amazing promise of the Google Pixel Buds. Pair it with a Google Pixel phone and you can tap into Google Assistant to get real-time translation of dozens of popular languages, from Japanese to Spanish, Finnish to Latvian, Tamil to Mandarin Chinese. But that’s not all; the Pixel Buds also offer splendid music playback quality with a convenient charging case included.

$159 at The Google Store.

Amazon Echo Dot

Instead of hunting for remote controls or having to launch specific apps on your phone, imagine just speaking directly to your devices. That’s the promise of voice control systems, and there are a lot of them on the market now. None are better than the Amazon Alexa ecosystem, and the tiny little Echo Dot is a great way to join the voice-control revolution. Don’t be fooled by its remarkably affordable price – the Echo Dot has tons of capabilities. Better yet, if you have an existing stereo or music system (or even a TV soundbar with AUX input) you can hook it up and control your music and radio stations all with your voice.

But where the Alexa devices really become fun is when you realize they can answer questions, not just execute specific commands. It’s an amazing homework assistant, for example, solving mathematical equations, defining words, identifying authors, and much more. You can also make phone calls, message people and/or control every aspect of your smart home.

$49.99 at Amazon.com

Nite Ize Financial Tool RFID Blocking Wallet

Have a tough gift recipient who seems to already have everything in the world of gadgets and tech? The Nite Ize Financial Tool RFID Blocking Wallet will delight ‘em with its simple design and rugged looks. More importantly, credit cards are susceptible to hackers scanning people’s pockets or purses in public places, so an RFID shielded wallet is a must-own for travelers, concert-goers or anyone who’s out and about.

But this is a wallet with a secret identity: The Financial Tool features a bottle opener, 5 standard-size wrenches, 6 metric-size wrenches, a nail removing notch, phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, scraper and even a protractor – all disguised as a unique stainless steel wallet!

$14.99 at NiteIze.com

iHome iSP6X Smart Plug

Whether that tech fanatic already has a smart home with everything hooked up or they don’t realize how much smart home technology will revolutionize their world, this iHome smart plug will be a great option. Better yet, it is compatible with every smart home system on the market, from Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Wink, to SmartThings and Nest, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility.

Indeed, the combination of the Amazon Echo Dot and the iHome Smart Plug could let grandma walk into her house and just say “Alexa, I’m home” and have the light turn on. No fumbling in the dark. Or cousin Joey could say “Alexa, play death metal” and the music would start and the lights would turn off!

$29.99 at iHomeAudio.com

 

Nite Ize Steelie® Phone Mount Kits

There's a reason why Steelie users are so loyal – once you enter into the Steelie magnetic phone mount universe you'll quickly wonder what you ever did without it. The Steelie Ecosystem is a family of products that make mounting and viewing your mobile device easy and convenient. The product line, which uses a ball and socket system to allow for the perfect viewing angle, includes mounts for your car's dash, vent or windshield. Additionally, there are several attachment options for your device, so you are sure to find the right Steelie solution for anyone.

The Steelie magic doesn't have to end when you step out of the car – one of my favorite products in the line is the Pedestal, which provides a convenient docking station to use on your nightstand, desk, kitchen, or anywhere you might need hands-free viewing. Check out the complete line here and find the perfect Steelie for anyone on your gift list!

Pricing varies per product at NiteIze.com

 

Whatever gifts you choose for your loved ones this holiday season, we hope that you all have a safe and happy holiday. And don’t forget those charging cables!

 

For this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we asked our Field Team to send us their top two to four Nite Ize products they are giving this season. As expected, Gear Ties came in as a very popular stocking stuffer. Check out the full list from our team and get into the spirit!

 

Anthony Johnson: Action Adventurer & Outdoor Photographer

• Steelie® Magnetic Phone Mounts 

“The Steelie car mount is our go-to for gifting. It is something that everyone can use, and a great stocking stuffer.”

• Radiant® 300 Rechargeable Lantern

“We also tend to gift the Nite Ize Radiant 300 Rechargeable Lantern. We've given these to our family and friends who enjoy the outdoors, whether through backpacking or camping or just enjoying grilling on their back porch. It is also fantastic that you can charge other USB devices off the lantern, making this particularly valuable gift for friends and family who spend time in the backwoods.”

• Radiant® 125 Rechargeable Bike Light

“ Finally, for our cycling friends, we have given the Nite Ize Rechargeable Bike Light. You can never have too many bike lights, and these are so bright and rechargeable. The beam is great and makes it easy to see for early morning and evening rides. The multiple settings also allow you to use the lights to alert cars you're on the road. It's a ready safety feature.”

 

Joe Allen: Outdoor Sportsman, HuntCo on The Pursuit Channel

• Gear Tie® Reusable Rubber Twist Ties

“I always have 3 or 4 attached to my pack in the field. The uses are infinite. On a particular occasion I used one Gear Tie to secure all four legs before loaded this deer into the bed of a truck.”

• Radiant® 300 Rechargeable Lantern

“This is another staple of my field pack to have handy in a pinch. I pulled out my lantern during this alligator hunt for extra light while securing the jaws and tagging the gator.”

• INOVA® STS Headlamp

“Our lamps are with us on every hunt to get us in and out in the dark. The red light option provides great light that isn’t as offensive to wild animals.”

• S-Biner® Dual Carabiner

“The S-Biner stays on every pack to help attach the extras.”

 

Jason Epperson: Family Travel & Adventure Blogger

• SlapLit™ LED Slap Wraps

“We love the SlapLit LED Bracelets for the kids. They're a great way to keep track of the kids when they’re running around outside at night, at home or in a campground.”

• Gear Tie® Reusable Rubber Twist Ties

“Gear Ties are great for any handyperson to wrap up extension cords and hoses, but they're also great for kids to play with to make 3D shapes.”

Willi Schmidt: Outdoor Sportsman

• S-Biner® Dual Carabiner

“S-Biners are a must for me in the field. I keep a couple attached to my backpack at all times, making it very convenient to attach items to the outside of my pack, quickly and easily. Whether they are plastic or metal, they don't add any meaningful weight and they get a lot of use.”

• Gear Tie® Reusable Rubber Twist Ties

“I keep Gear Ties in my pack and in my truck. Many times they have come in handy, most notably when my truck's wheel lining was coming loose. They were the only thing that would work and they kept the truck together for the remainder of the hunt and the return drive home.”

• Radiant® 300 Rechargeable Lantern

“This is a go-to lantern on my hunting adventures. With 300 lumens, it gives off plenty of light in a cabin, tent or even in the back of a truck. The ability to re-charge the battery and charge other electronic devices from the lantern make it very practical.”

• INOVA® STS Headlamp

“The Inova STS headlamp by Nite Ize is an absolute must for me when hunting.  It gives me hands free light for going into my hunting area. The Swipe-To-Shine, 265 lumens is easy to use and plenty bright. The ability use the red light and not spook game as an added bonus.”

 

Heidi Kumm: Fitness Buff & Dog Lover

• GlowStreak® LED Ball
• Flashflight® LED Dog Discuit

“We love the dog stuff, especially the light up toys now that it's dark out before we get home from work! The GlowStreak ball + Flashflight Dog Discuit are a daily go-to!”

 

Jose Flores: Outdoor Sportsman

• Steelie® Magnetic Phone Mounts

“I love the Steelies. Whether I’m in my boat, truck, UTV, or wherever, I find something I can stick it to!”

• GlowStreak® LED Ball
• Flashflight® LED Dog Discuit

“We love the dog stuff also! The light-up ball and flying disc are easy favorites for our dogs, as it’s all they can play with outside after 4 PM here in Alaska!”

• INOVA® STS Headlamp
• Radiant® 300 Rechargeable Lantern

“This season I started to use the lanterns and headlamps much more. I really like the new design on the headlamps. The rechargeable option for the lanterns was a hit this fall.”

 

Tara Schatz: Action Adventurer & Dog Trainer

• SpotLit LED Carabiner Light

"In the winter, we have no choice but to walk our pups in the dark. We use the Spotlit clip-on LED lights to keep our dark dogs visible to others, whether we're on the trail or walking through town."

• Gear Tie® Reusable Rubber Twist Ties

"Gear ties are indispensable for hikers, campers, and outdoor adventurers. We use them to pack our backpacks, keep our gear inside of our canoe, and organizing for road trips."

• Steelie® Magnetic Phone Mounts

"I take a lot of solo road trips, and the Steelie Dash Mount is the best smartphone mount I've ever used. It provides easy access to my maps and my music."

 

Rob “Reker” Kretsch: Outdoor Sportsman

• See’Em™ Mini LED Spoke Lights
• Gear Tie® Reusable Rubber Twist Ties
• CamJam® Tie Down Straps

“As stocking stuffers, I’m giving out the See’em Spoke Lights for the little one’s new bike and Gear Ties and CamJam Tie Down straps for all the adults. The Gear Ties are by far the most used piece of gear I own.”

 

Whether you’re shopping for outdoor enthusiasts, tech and gadget gurus, DIY masters, kids or dogs, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list!

It’s been a few years since I had a dog, but I still love dogs and we definitely have a very pet friendly household. Like most dog lovers, I don’t have a huge bias regarding breed and understand the attraction of a lapdog like a Chihuahua or Teacup Poodle and the fun of a bigger dog. I also learned long ago that if you think of a dog as being roughly the equivalent of a 3-4 year old child, you’ll have a much easier time understanding their emotions and reactions to different situations.

As a result, I sometimes am offered the chance to dog sit a friend’s pup when they’re busy or have to head out of town for a short trip. My standard answer is an enthusiastic yes, and doubly so if the dog’s a larger breed, my personal preference with canines. The latest dog to make my short list is my friend's Pit Bull mix, Amber.

This is where the Nite Ize pet line proves invaluable, from reflective leashes and illuminated safety necklaces to play toys. Here’s what I have in my dog sitting kit to ensure things go smoothly: The Huck ‘n Tuck® GlowStreak®, a rechargeable NiteHowl® LED Safety Necklace and an S-Biner® TagLock™ to ensure their ID tag stays attached to their collar.

HUCK ‘N TUCK GLOWSTREAK

Big or little, young or old, every dog loves to have fun, run around and chase things! Whether they bring the tossed toy back is another story, but regardless, this is where the GlowStreak is a true standout. Imagine a tough ball that lights up and glows as you launch it far into the dog park or along the trail. What dog wouldn’t be transfixed, eager to run and grab it?

The Huck 'N Tuck GlowStreak includes a collapsible ball thrower that easily fits in your pocket or a drawer, then extends to 24" for maximum ball launching power. From the dog’s perspective, they'll be stoked that fetch doesn't have to end when the sun goes down since the GlowStreak lights up with a color-changing LED!

NITEHOWL LED SAFETY NECKLACE

Just as we humans forget what we’re wearing during a busy day, dogs don’t pay much attention when you tie a bandana around their neck or slip on a collar with an ID tag. Useful, but boring when compared to the super cool NiteHowl LED Safety Necklace. It’s an illuminated, battery powered safety necklace that will help everyone else see them and help you find the pup if she decides to bolt after a nocturnal squirrel.

What’s really cool about the NiteHowl, though, is that it’s made with a flexible polymer material that lets you easily cut it to size. Whether your howler has a tiny Chihuahua-sized neck or is a big dog like my buddy’s Pit Bull, the NiteHowl fits perfectly. This is also a great accessory for dogs who join their guardians camping and on backpacking adventures, ensuring they don’t just vanish into the dark chasing after a strange noise.

S-BINER TAGLOCK

Any dog I’m going to dogsit must have a collar and ID tag, even though it’s a nightmare to work with those annoying split ring devices to attach the ID tag to the collar. Enter the terrific S-Biner TagLock. It’s a really simple idea: The S-Biner has already proven itself invaluable for camping, backpacking, skiing and all sorts of other uses. Why not use it for pet ID tags? The TagLock is the perfect size for attaching a pet ID to a collar. It’s safe, it’s rugged and weatherproof. And it’s easy. Why make it hard on yourself attaching that ID tag when you can use an S-Biner?

Bonus: This works great for cats who have ID tags on their collars too.

WE LOVE DOGS

There’s something really delightful about spending time with dogs, whether they’re shy or rambunctious. It’s why we humans have such a close affinity to dogs in just about every culture around the world. A happy dog is also a source of joy for every dog lover and happy dogs are safe, busy and active dogs. 

As for me, Amber looks like she needs to go for a walk so it's time to slip a NiteHowl LED Safety Necklace on her and go for a stroll around the neighborhood.