Bird Cage Backpack

You really have to have a special relationship with your bird to spend $129 on this little gem. Known as the “Pak o Bird” it comes in three sizes which should fit most sized pet birds, unless your into domesticating raptors. The backpack is fully features with a privacy curtain, adjustable food cup and a durable dragonwood perch. The mesh is see-through but bite-proof to prevent any escape attempts while you and Tweetie are out and about.

Heated Hiking Boots

From the “If your not warm, your not walking fast enough” Department, Columbia has a line of boots that have dual heaters built into them . They have three temperature settings and powered by rechargeable lithium polymer batteries that runs for 3 to 8 hours before requiring a recharge. No clue as to where your going to get that recharge while you’re out hiking, perhaps a long extension cord. Oh and they have a LED display which gives you an actual read out of how warm your feet are. Just in case you couldn’t figure it out on your own. Yours for just $250.

Electricity Generating Backpack

Lightning Packs developed a backpack called the Suspended Load Backpack that actually generates electricity. As the user walks, the spring-mounted backpack bounces slightly, turning a gear on a generator creating power . It can generate up to 7.4 watts, enough power an MP3 player, a LED headlamp, a PDA, a hand held GPS, a cell phone and who knows what else, all at the same time. Now I know where you can get a recharge for your heated hiking boots.

Glove Shoe

FiveFingers are thin, rubber foot gloves made by Vibram, an Italian company…and I always though Italians had a sense of fashion. Their design is based on a theory that all the cushioning typically found in athletic shoes is bad for you and that the only “natural” way to walk or run is barefooted. I tell you what, I don’t care how good they are, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing these things in public. They cost $75 to $85 a pair.  Why they aren’t call FiveToes is beyond me.

So there we have a couple of real beauties that can be truly classified in the “What were they thinking” category of walking equipment. If you’ve come across any other walking gear that meet the exacting standards of Wacky Walking Equipment send me an email and I’ll be sure to include them in the next installment.

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