A lot of people love spending time in the outdoors as a way to escape modern day to day living. This often includes the opportunity to look away from screens and “switch off” from technology. There are an increasing number of devices however that can actually help to improve our time out exploring, so let’s have a look at some of them.
GPS Navigation
We can’t talk about technology in the outdoors and NOT mention GPS navigation. Almost all of us utilise GPS services on our phones regularly, whether that’s while driving to a new place or trying to find somewhere around us. There are also a wide range of apps, many of which can be used to help us explore our surroundings. These include OS Maps, ViewRanger and Komoot to name just a couple.
In addition to GPS based apps, GPS devices are also available on the market. Popular brands include Garmin and Suunto. These are often a better shout than relying on your phone as they tend to be more accurate. Additionally, their battery life is much longer than a phone.
Image Source: Pexels
Portable Solar Charging Panels
Speaking of battery life, if you spend a lot of time in the outdoors, then having your own portable solar panels is a great idea. There are so many lightweight and affordable options on the market nowadays that you are sure to be able to find the option that works best for you. It’s really easy to hang them on the back of a rucksack while hiking or prop up next to your tent to charge up small devices and portable power banks. Some smaller panels are even integrated into their own power banks. They are a great example of sustainable technology in the outdoors. This is especially important with the current climate crisis (read about how students are taking on the fight to save our planet here).
Bigger panels will of course capture more energy, and if you camp out a lot in areas where you can bring more stuff in a vehicle, then they may be a great investment.
Electric air pump
Okay, this one may seem a bit silly at first, but seriously, have you ever tried to pump up an airbed using a foot or hand pump? Plus, they can be used to pump up tents (yep, inflatable tents are a thing and they are pretty cool), inflatable items like blow up chairs and kayaks. Some even plug into the 12 volt point in your car.
Image Source: Pixabay
Rescue Devices
So these are not so fun to talk about, but they do play a super important role for those who venture further out or off the beaten track. They come in many different shapes, sizes and types, depending on what environment they will be used in.
Personal Locator Beacons will send an SOS signal to rescue agencies with the location that it has been triggered in. This will dispatch the relevant rescue services to the place that the emergency is happening. The emergency could be could be a man overboard, a boat sinking offshore or a light aircraft going down unexpectedly.
While PLB’s bring the rescue, items such as transceivers help with the search. Skiers commonly wear these in case they are caught in an avalanche, especially when going off-piste or backcountry skiing in remote locations. The transceivers send out a signal which rescuers can then use to pin-point the exact location of the person in distress, even if they are buried. Transceivers can be small enough to be sewn into a jacket for easy access.
Many rescue devices require a paid subscription to keep them active after the initial purchase. We certainly feel this is a more than worthwhile investment.
Image Source: Unsplash
What about you
Our manager Jess is a BIG fan of her portable solar panels. Bought initially for a camping trip, they have since been used on a trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and a multi-day expedition in Swedish Lapland. Nowadays, she has them propped up in her living room window to charge her power banks for when she’s just out and about. With today’s energy prices, we think this is a great idea!
Do you use any of these items when you are exploring? Let us know what technology in the outdoors you use @wiseupteam on all the socials.
Title Image Source: Pixabay & Canva
Return to Blog