Enjoying the great outdoors is a fantastic way to take a break from the monotonous routine of modern life and earn a new appreciation for the beauty our planet has to offer.
But while you can opt to only make use of what Mother Nature offers you, modern technology can considerably enhance your experience. Tactical gear has always been essential for a safe outdoor experience, but including tech gadgets in your camping, hiking, or climbing adventures can make it much safer and more enjoyable.
If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor adventure to the next level, look at the best tech gadgets to include in your arsenal.
1. A Satellite Messenger
Anyone who has spent time in the backcountry knows intrinsically just how vast it is. While it’s reinvigorating to explore it all and spend some time off the grid, it’s essential to have the possibility to contact someone should anything happen.
Satellite messengers are a reliable and steady device you should always carry with you, even if you don’t plan on spending much time exploring outdoors. Depending on your model, they are reliable in areas without cell service and can even provide additional services such as location sharing, weather reports, or even GPS navigation.
Unlike other entries, satellite messengers are necessary for safety and self-preservation issues.
2. A Solar Charger (Or Power Bank)
If you’re opting to bring tech devices to the great outdoors, the first step is to ensure you can charge them anywhere you go.
You can’t plug in your devices to a tree to charge them, so until technology gets there, consider using a solar charger instead. The ideal solar charger for outdoor adventures must be compact, light, easy to carry, durable, and highly effective in many weather conditions.
But while a solar charger may be your best option for extended use, a regular power bank is much more inexpensive and can do the same job if you spend just a few hours outdoors.
3. GPS Watches
You can never have too many GPS devices, and a smartwatch version might be the most convenient for hiking or any other outdoor activity.
The features you can enjoy always depend on the model you purchase, but the most exceptional options on the market include entire navigation systems, solar charging, heart rate monitoring, health metrics, distance tracking, and more.
While they can be pricey, you can find countless options suitable for all budget restrictions. Remember that the most essential feature is the GPS navigation system and a solid, resilient, lightweight build with a long-lasting battery life. Every other feature is a welcomed bonus, depending on how much you wish to spend.
4. Action Cameras
Action cameras are particularly suitable for athletes, outdoor explorers, or anyone who wishes to keep high-quality videos of their endeavours. They are small, portable cameras designed to capture movement, reduce blurriness, and allow perfect still shots.
Because of their very nature, action cameras are also highly resilient and designed with high-quality materials that can resist hits, water, and any other type of damage. They also tend to come with equipment that allows you to place them in helmets, bikes, or any other area you’d like.
While technically your phone or regular camera could do all of those things, you risk severe damage or low-quality results, so action cameras are an excellent long-term investment if you want your adventures in video.
5. Camping Fan
Not everything about camping or the great outdoors has to be gritty—you’re allowed some luxuries to make your experience with nature a tad bit enjoyable if you wish to do so.
Enter camping fans—a compact and portable device that can help you remain fresh as summer temperatures soar. Countless models and materials are available, the best of which are resilient yet lightweight, with customizable airflow and long-lasting battery life. If you have the budget or interest, you can even find some fans powered by a solar panel.
Ready To Explore (And Conquer!) The Outdoors?
Technology has always been humanity’s number one ally. From inventing makeshift tools made with stone to the latest cutting-edge inventions, humans keep making clever use of their resources to master their environment.
With the right tech, you can enjoy the best Mother Nature offers while doing what humans do best—evolving and reaching new heights.
Are you ready to take on the challenge?