I took a road trip last week—it was only a long weekend really—but nonetheless I got to drive through some of the most beautiful landscape in Arizona and Utah. It was my first trek up to Moab for hiking and mountain biking (definitely not my last…I’m hooked!), but only the latest of what’s typically a once-a-month venture out on the trails in and around Arizona.

This time along, I took my Vehicle Safeguard Video Camera from Gadget Universe. I picked up the little digital camcorder a while back because it’s designed to stay out of the way while you drive, but provide an added sense of security in case of an accident (between Phoenix and Tucson there’s a plethora of snowbird drivers and super-speedy vehicles along the interstates…accidents are unfortunately commonplace). It mounts to the dashboard and at the push of a button, records low-res video over your hood for hours. The quality and frame-rate aren’t spectacular (similar to a entry-level webcam, though it’s not designed to be your camcorder, just a backup in case of emergency), but if you are ever involved in a traffic accident (or just witness one), there’s no more worrying about proving your innocence (Officer, I’ve got a video of the other driver running that red light!).

While I was fortunate enough not to have to rely on the camera during any accidents along my way up to Moab, I did get a some cool video of Monument Valley. Areas like this are the reason I live and hike in Arizona. Now if only I could find a way to attach the camera to my mountain bike!