Technology isn’t reserved only for the living room and the office, it has a very important role in modern adventuring and survival. The way we explore and interact with the open wilderness is enhanced by modern technology that keeps us safe, informed and in communication with the world. These eight gadgets, from a high-tech camp stove to a water filtering straw, can change the way we experience the wilderness beyond.
1. BioLite CampStove
Heat has always played an important role in survival and camping, but this role is increasingly important now. The BioLite CampStove not only provides acutely-targeted heat for cooking, it also converts waste heat into electricity to charge your mobile phone, tablet or other USB-chargeable device. The CampStove was first revealed in 2012, but it became widely available in 2013, and is shipping now for US$129.
2. Panasonic Toughbook 31
Tough situations require tough gear, and this beast of a laptop bears that title in its name: the Panasonic Toughbook 31. It is built to handle extreme weather environments and all the bumps, scrapes, jerks and jolts that come along with them. It’s powered by an Intel Core i5 chipset, it features optional 4G LTE mobile broadband and all the weather proofing one can fit in a clamshell case. All that protection doesn’t come cheap, as the best Toughbook on the market sells for over four thousand US dollars retail.
3. Surefire E2D LED Defender Ultra Flashlight
When police and military personnel reach for a flashlight, the Surefire brand is a frequently chosen option. Surefire’s E2D LED Defender Ultra Flashlight sends out 500 lumens of light power in a cone that can be focused wide or tight. On full power, the E2D can light up the night environment for up to 2.5 hours on constant use. At its lowest setting, nearly 70 hours of lighting is available thanks to low-consumption LEDs. It’s designed for those who adventure often, and probably priced out of the pocketbook of most casual campers.
4. Bushnell SolarBook 850
You may not always have the time to fire up your CampStove for its USB-charging capability. If you need power on the go, the Bushnell SolarBook 850 provides solar charging for your mobile devices via USB. It folds out from its case, like a book, to expose a set of PV solar cells that transduce solar energy into electricity. You can roll it out in a sunny spot while you relax or throw it over your shoulders while you hike. Either way, it’ll add some necessary charge to your battery-powered gadgets on the go.
5. Earl Backcountry Survival Tablet
Most tablets are built for the couch. This one is built for the wilderness. The Earl Backcountry Survival Tablet is a tablet computer system optimized for adventuring needs and built for extreme conditions. It’s an Android-powered tablet with an efficient E-Ink display, a GPS system, a weather sensor and radio communication technology. You can use Earl to navigate rugged terrain, communicate with your crew and get a sense of what’s going on around you. Not bad for just US$299.
6. Braven BRV-1 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Entertainment can be an important part of surviving an adventure. When the travels are tough, a night of relaxing with good music can make all the difference. When the goings are great, you’ll want something to celebrate with. The Braven BRV-1 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker fits perfect in both scenarios, handling extreme weather and kicking out plenty of volume in the process. At US$149, it’s a bit pricier than most Bluetooth speakers, but it’ll outlast the rest in rough weather.
7. SOL Origin Multi-Function Survival Kit
It’s always wise to carry a few survival essentials, and this kit packs most into a single unit. The SOL Origin Multi-Function Survival Kit (SOL stands for “survive outdoors longer”, not the common alternative!) includes a laundry list of survival needs. It features a knife, an LED light, a compass, a fire starter, a fish hook and line, a signal mirror and more. All of these items pack into a small, lightweight travel kit that fits into the palm of your hand, available for US$40 online.
8. NDuR Survival Water Filtration Straw
The most important survival need of all is access to fresh, clean drinking water. Often times, when you need it most, you don’t have access to it. The NDuR Survival Straw filters water as you sip, allowing you to quench your thirst from a variety of sources. Melt some snow in the winter, collect some rain water in the summer or grab some clear water from a stream and this straw can give you the best chance at clean, healthy water.
Great suggestions for the best Outdoor Gadgets to have during camp! Thank you for sharing!
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