Latest news with #RTIC
The Independent
01-07-2025
- The Independent
The best camping chairs for kicking back in the great outdoors
Whether you're posting up beside a campfire, lounging by a lake, or tailgating before a game, a reliable camping chair makes spending time outside much more enjoyable. Today's chairs go beyond the old-school folding seat — they're lighter, tougher, and often packed with clever features, from built-in coolers and breathable mesh panels to cup holders, reclining frames, and more. After many weekend trips testing countless camping chairs, we've whittled it down to the top eight. We've found an option for every scenario or need. Our favorite — the RTIC ultra-tough chair — is foldable, supportive, and comfortable, checking all of the boxes of a great camping chair. But we've also found a hammock-inspired seat that is perfect for stargazing, a two-person loveseat for lounging in by the fire, a heavy-duty chair that can withstand the elements, and a recliner for ultimate relaxation. So, whatever is on your wishlist for the perfect camping chair, our outdoor gear testers have you covered. How we tested During a series of weekend trips, we carried and set up camping chairs on bumpy grass, uneven dirt, and smooth concrete, assessing how each one handled the different surfaces. We subjected each chair to a group of testers that ranged in size and body type — for reference, the testers ranged from 5ft 5in to 6ft. When testing, we considered six key factors: Comfort: It's no surprise that everyone's opinion of comfort is different, which is why we enlisted the help of multiple testers for this review. We considered whether the seat and backrest provided support, and if there was a headrest or the chair had reclining features. Portability and setup: If you're lugging the chair on your back, you need it to be easy to carry, so we favored those that had a carrying case or a strap. Similarly, we assessed how quickly each one was to assemble or break down, timing ourselves with a stopwatch. Weight capacity: We tested each chair to its claimed weight capacity and considered how stable it felt. We have also featured only those that can withstand over 300lbs. Durability: You want something to last a long time, so materials were analysed and tested — for example, we tugged fabrics to see if seams easily pulled apart. We also considered if each chair felt sturdy or well-constructed, prioritizing those that could handle heavy weights and felt steady on uneven ground. Additional features: We also looked for useful features — this went beyond simply assessing if it has a cup holder, for example. Instead, we assessed the size of said cup holder and whether it was able to hold a travel mug in it with ease, and whether it felt stable. We also looked for those that had pockets and considered their durability. Price: As with all of IndyBest's product review round-ups, we considered price and value for money. We assessed whether the added features were worth the higher price point and favored those that checked all of the boxes, yet wouldn't break the bank. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews At IndyBest, all our reviews are based on real-world testing. As an outdoor gear tester with nearly a decade of experience, Rachel Cavanaugh (and her team of reliable testers) has reviewed everything from hiking boots and tents to backpacking stoves and travel coolers. When it comes to camping chairs, she knows what to look for when tracking down high-quality models that will be practical and comfortable and will stand the test of time. The best camping chairs for 2025 are:
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘A new era': Crypto billionaire's $9.4M gift funding new SFPD surveillance hub
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie thanked a local tech billionaire on Thursday for funding a new downtown headquarters for the San Francisco Police Department's Real-Time Investigation Center (RTIC). The center houses technological resources that assist police officers in the field in real-time, such as drones, automated license plate readers and public safety cameras. The $9.4 million in funding for the new RTIC space was donated by San Francisco-based enterprise blockchain company Ripple, city officials said. The company's cofounder and CEO, Chris Larsen, said the enhanced center will 'help usher in a new era of accountability.' The current location is inside the Hall of Justice and operates with 'outdated wiring and other infrastructure challenges,' according to the mayor's office. The new location is said to feature updated equipment and other enhancements donated by the San Francisco Police Community Foundation and Crankstart. 'RTIC has already supported hundreds of arrests, with crime down 30% citywide, and with this new facility, the SFPD will have the tools and the technology it needs to take this work to the next level and help our officers keep our streets safe,' Lurie said in a news release Thursday. 'I want to thank Chris Larsen for his continued dedication to our police officers and the safety of all San Franciscans.' The center contributed to more than 500 arrests in 2024, according to the mayor's office. Outgoing Police Chief Bill Scott shared similar sentiments as Larsen, calling the upgraded headquarters 'the beginning of a new era of policing in San Francisco.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
San Francisco Chronicle
02-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Crypto billionaire offers $9.4 million to overhaul S.F. police tech hub
A crypto billionaire with a reputation for funding public safety projects San Francisco is asking officials to greenlight a $9.4 million gift to create a new, state-of-the-art technology hub for the city's police force. The donation, which is made up of funds linked to Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen, would relocate San Francisco police's Real-Time Investigations Center, which oversees its work with drones, surveillance cameras and automated license plate readers, from the SoMa Hall of Justice to an office at 315 Montgomery St. in the Financial District. If approved, the Police Department would sublet the Montgomery Street location for free from Ripple, which paid $2.3 million for the lease through December 2026 but is no longer using the space, according to a proposal ordinance. The other $7.25 million would come from the San Francisco Police Community Foundation, a charitable organization Larsen set up last year to support local police and crime-fighting initiatives. Police commissioners are scheduled to discuss the funding proposal Wednesday at their weekly meeting. If they agree to accept the money, the decision would fall on the Board of Supervisors for a final approval. In a Monday interview, Larsen credited last year's tech advancements with helping a chronically short staffed police force drive down crime rates and keep themselves safe. 'I think we can clearly see what a force-multiplier this is,' he said, noting the city's historically low rates of crime over the last year. 'The number of tools that they have is quite small, and we know that (expanding them) will have an impact.' Evan Sernoffsky, a spokesperson for the police department, said the gift would 'supercharge' a unit that in 2024 assisted in over 500 arrests and helped drive a 40% drop in auto thefts over a one-year period. 'We cobbled together our current (Real Time Investigations Center) with everything we basically had lying around,' Sernoffsky said. 'Little did we know how effective it would become with just the tools at our disposal.' In a statement, Mayor Daniel Lurie credited the center for supporting an understaffed department and helping to keep neighborhoods safe. 'With this new facility, the SFPD will have the tools and the technology it needs to take this work to the next level,' Lurie said. 'I want to thank Chris Larsen for his continued dedication to our police officers and the safety of all San Franciscans.' Both police and other city officials have for months bemoaned deficiencies in housing the department's technological epicenter the Hall of Justice, a crumbling building constructed in 1958 that relies on 1960s-era wiring. 'In its current location, the RTIC has experienced power and internet outages, and plumbing leaks from the ceiling,' the proposal ordinance stated. 'The RTIC is in a windowless room in a concrete structure, which limits cell phone and emergency radio transmission capabilities.' During a recent press conference at the RTIC's Hall of Justice location, police asked reporters to refrain from charging their equipment in the room's electrical outlets because doing so risked overwhelming the system. Last year touched off a technological revolution for city police following the passage of Prop. E, an assortment of measures that increased police powers and loosened the amount of oversight surrounding their surveillance technology. A wave of new equipment was introduced in short order. It included a fleet of officer-piloted drones, hundreds of new automated license plate readers and towering mobile security cameras stationed in crime hotspots. Many San Franciscans have embraced the advancements as an overdue response to its stubbornly high rate of car break-ins and other property crimes. But the tools remain deeply unpopular with privacy advocates who fear that they're vulnerable to abuses. The proposed windfall would both relocate the RTIC and expand it; with funds earmarked for purchases included a dozen additional drones and related software, a new video wall and the installation of fiber internet services.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
$15K designer bag thieves in SF Union Square nabbed with new tech: PD
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Police Department said its officers arrested two suspects who allegedly stole $15,000 in merchandise from a Union Square retail store on Friday. SFPD said — with the help of its Real-Time Investigation Center (RTIC) — it was able to quickly identify and arrest the pair and recover the stolen designer bags, including Burberry. (Watch the real-time video released by SFPD in the media player above.) 'Thanks to new technology and our RTIC center, SFPD officers were able to safely arrest suspects and recover stolen items,' said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie in a social media post on Thursday evening. 'Thank you to our officers for responding quickly and professionally in moments like these.' It is not yet clear what charges the suspects face. There were no injuries reported in the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Beach Coolers To Keep Essentials Cold On The Hottest Days
There are few better ways to spend long sunny days than at the beach. You can surf, read, play in the sane and, when you have one of the best beach coolers on hand, enjoy your preferred cold beverages and fresh eats, even on the hottest summer days. When you pick the right beach cooler—perhaps our top pick, the RTIC 32-Quart Ultra-Light Cooler—and pack it with enough ice or ice packs, even hours of blazing summer sun won't warm up your food and drink. The best beach coolers can keep your food and drink safely chilled for hours even in sultry summer ... More weather. Before selecting the beach coolers featured in this guide, we spoke with experts, consulted Forbes Vetted staffers and relied on our own experiences with many of these models. From the wheeled RovR RollR 45 to the backpack-style Hydro Flask Day Escape, we've got you covered with the best options for a day by the water. Find our recommendations below, along with expert insights and advice to make the buying process a little easier. RTIC Weight: 13 pounds | Capacity: 32 quarts | Locking method: Dual rubber latches | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 3 years The Ultra-Light from RTIC looks like a hefty piece of hardware, but it's surprisingly light at just 13 pounds when empty. And even when you take full advantage of the 32-quart capacity—enough room for 30 pounds of ice, or 48 12-ounce cans—this cooler is still easy to move about. It also packs in some clever features, like a built-in bottle opener, tie-down points and non-skid rubber feet that prevent it from sliding about. RTIC coolers are known for their rugged reliability, but they tend to show wear more noticeably than other brands we've tested. That said, this is still a durable and highly efficient cooler with rock-solid insulation, so if you don't mind that it picks up scrapes and scratches, it's a lifetime purchase that will keep goods cold no matter how many days you spend at the beach Amazon Weight: 8.7 pounds | Capacity: 52 quarts | Locking method: N/A | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 1 year Coleman's Classic Series Hard Cooler proves you don't have to pay top dollar for a decent chilly bin. Insulation, durability and capacity are all adequate for a day at the beach, and the only thing we'd like to see is a latch or two to keep the lid shut. As it is, if the cooler falls over, there's a good chance all your goods will spill onto the sand, so don't let the kids or distracted friends tip it over. Do, however, enjoy the impressive 80-can capacity and three-day ice retention, even in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need a boost, this Coleman is also tough enough to support someone weighing up to 250 pounds using it as a seat or step stool, which is impressive considering it weighs less than nine pounds. And when the lid isn't being used as a seat, it doubles as a small table thanks to four recessed cupholders. Ultimately, it's not going to be as insulative or durable as other top-tier models, but it's great for casual trips to the beach and other summer adventures. REI Weight: 28 pounds | Capacity: 45 quarts | Locking method: Dual rubber latches | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 5 years The RollR 45 from RovR is one tough piece of hardware. It can shrug off drops, rolls and other accidents without popping open, or popping a tire. Those nine-inch wheels roll right over dirt, grass, gravel and of course, sand without breaking a sweat. And you'll need the wheels—this thing weighs almost 30 pounds when empty, which makes it difficult to lift from shelves or into the back of the car based on our testing. Thankfully, once it's on the ground and ready to roll, deploying the suitcase-style handle makes moving it from A to B an absolute (ocean) breeze. Inside, you'll find a plastic dry bin to separate food and utensils from ice and ice melt, though you won't find any water in the bottom for quite some time—the insulation is outstanding, even in direct sunlight. What you will find is an assortment of compatible RovR accessories sold separately, including cupholders, a cutting board and even a large storage bin, all of which attach to the cooler in some way. It's pricey, but if you're willing to spend a bit more on reliable wheels, insulation and accessories, you'll never wrestle with a heavy cooler again. Yeti Weight: 4.5 pounds | Capacity: 18 quarts | Locking method: Zipper | Special features: Yes | Warranty: 3 years The Yeti Hopper Flip can hold a generous assortment of 12-ounce cans (30, to be exact) provided there's no ice, or you can stash a 12-pack, plenty of snacks and enough ice to keep contents cold for a day at the beach. It features a rugged, waterproof zipper that keeps sand and seawater out, and you can haul it from the side handles, a top handle or an included shoulder strap. And unlike a hard-sided cooler, it's easy to stuff in the car or wedge into a canoe—the soft walls bend and flex, unlike the rigid plastic on a traditional hard-sided cooler. Don't be afraid to toss, stuff or otherwise push this cooler to its limits, either. It's backed by a strong three-year warranty, and in classic Yeti fashion, it can handle just about anything you throw at it, save for a shark encounter. It can also double as a dry bag to safely stash food, clothing and even electronics if you want to strap it to a paddle board or kayak. Of course, you're going to pay a bit more for a Yeti, but if you're looking for a reliable soft cooler that's a step above the rest, this is a great option. Amazon Weight: 2.7 pounds | Capacity: 21 quarts | Locking method: Zipper | Special features: Yes | Warranty: 5 years Carrying a fully-loaded cooler across hot sand is no easy task, even if you're sharing the load with others. Tossing those cans into a backpack that disperses the load, however, makes the process a whole lot easier. And the best backpack cooler for the job is the Hydro Flask Day Escape that features padded and adjustable shoulder straps as well as an adjustable sternum strap that helps balance the load. When empty, this backpack cooler weighs a mere 2.7 pounds, yet it's rated to keep things cold for up to 36 hours if loaded with enough ice. Based on our experience, the backpack's zipper can be stubborn, probably because it's leak-resistant, but that's a tradeoff you'll be willing to make at the beach. Like the Yeti Hopper Flip, it also doubles as a dry bag for water sports, or even winter sports if you want to bring it to an apres scene. Hydro Flask finishes the design with a mesh pouch and gear attachment loops to secure your keys or one of the best Bluetooth speakers. Amazon Weight: 4.1 pounds | Capacity: 11 quarts | Locking system: Side lid locks | Special features: No | Warranty: 1 year A cooler is a lot like a suitcase: You tend to overpack it 'just to be safe' but rarely use everything inside, which is why a compact option like the Igloo Tag Along Too is usually all you really need. This small cooler will hold more than enough food and drink for those low-key beach outings, and it takes up far less space than a big, bulky cooler when you're not using it. Measuring just 13.07 x 9.33 x 13.07 inches, it's smaller than your standard carry-on luggage, but it still fits 14 12-ounce cans. The Tag Along Too's lid is secured in place by little wings attached to the shoulder strap, and when it's open, the lid is designed to sit upright for easy access. If you were to load this compact cooler with ice alone, you could expect it to insulate for more than two days, which is plenty long enough if you're packing for two, or spending an afternoon by the water. The gear team at Forbes Vetted never recommends products without throughly evaluating them first. That means research, hands-on testing, conversations with experts and a thorough review of online ratings left by verified buyers. From traditional coolers to beach chairs and wagons, we seek out only the best products for a day by the water. Your cooler is indispensable if you want to spend any meaningful amount of time relaxing in the sand. As your source of sustenance, hydration and libations, it's important to invest in a cooler that's built for the demands of a sizzling summer day. Here's how we made our selections: Your beach cooler does you zero good if it's too heavy and clunky to haul across the sand. Look for models with big handles, wheels and shoulder straps, as these make it easy to move your cooler from point A to point B. Most hard-sided coolers are fairly heavy, but backpack and soft-sided styles are great alternatives, and they're just as reliable when it comes to insulating. 'For beach coolers, I prefer ones that you can sling over your back,' says Yamaguchi. 'I like the Hydro Flask Day Escape insulated cooler, which can be worn like a backpack.' Capacity is one of the more important things to consider, so think about how many people you're packing for and how long you'll be at the beach. A small beach cooler, around 10 to 20 quarts, is perfect for one or two people, while a group or family may need a cooler that's 40 quarts or bigger. Keep in mind that bigger coolers can hold more food, drinks and ice, but they're also heavier and harder to carry. Reliable insulation keeps your food and drink cold for hours, so look for a cooler with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid to keep the cold in and the heat out. Some coolers—including the ones we recommend in this guide—are made with thicker insulation to keep contents cold for days. If you'll be in the sun for hours, better insulation means your goods will stay colder, longer. Again, good insulation can make a cooler heavier, so find one that balances your needs. Sand, sun and saltwater can be tough on materials, which is why it's worth looking for a cooler made from strong, weather-resistant plastic or fabric. Sturdy hinges, durable handles and watertight zippers are also important—the more rugged the design, the longer it will last and handle wear and tear.
