If you’re an adventurer, the idea of a vacation with lots of sun, sand, and surf probably only stirs a mild level of interest in you. In fact, you might only be able to sunbathe on a beach chair and sip on a cold drink with a long straw for about 20 minutes before you’re on your feet and looking for something interesting to do. Instead of unwinding, you’re looking for something to turn you on. Instead of settling down and relaxing, your restive spirit is pushing you to do something. Instead of accepting a world of comfort and luxury, you want to feel the thrill of pushing yourself past your comfort zone.
If you’re thinking of an adventure—say, traveling, hiking, camping, or mountain climbing to name just a few choices—you might be tempted to leave the world of technology behind you. Like Dr. David Livingston exploring Africa in search of the source of the Nile, you might be tempted to disengage from the world as you know it. However, after a moment of reflection, you’ll appreciate how the right technology will enhance your experience.
Here are 5 tech tools you might want to schlep along with you on your next adventure:
- A smartphone
A smartphone is the technological equivalent of a Swiss army knife. It has such a wide range of functions that it will make a world of difference to your trip. A smartphone equipped with pre-installed apps using GPS, which is less likely to depend on a network connection, is crucial. You will also want a durable case like those available at bodyguardz.com to keep it from harm. Incidentally, speaking of Swiss Army knives, that piece of timeless tech would also be a good thing to take with you.
- A camera
Sure, you could use your smartphone, but you would get much more functionality with SJCAM’s New WiFi-Enabled Full HD Action Camera. There are going to be moments that you will want to share on your blog, moments where words won’t be enough to describe the breathtaking vistas you stumble upon.
- An electric charger
You’re going to need to charge your smartphone and camera, but you may not always want to use an electrical outlet if you make stopovers at hostels and camps because fellow travelers eyeing your bright, shiny tech might have sticky fingers and relieve you off it when you sleep. A Powertraveller Power Monkey Extreme 12v is an excellent power source to have with you. This compact solar powered charger is water proof and shock resistant.
- A GPS enabled wristwatch
The path you’re following may be all mapped out, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get confused by the map. And if you’re confused, with no one around for miles to ask for directions, you’re liable to get lost, which, depending where you’re wandering, could be a dangerous thing. This is where a Garmin Tactix, a nifty piece of tech favored by the military, will save the day.
Why this piece of tech? Well, it offers the following 5 features:
- A highly sensitive GPS
- A 3-axis compass
- A digital thermometer
- A barometer
- An altimeter
In addition, it’s well-built and waterproof and can guide you right back to your starting point should you have no idea where you are.
- Camping Cookware.
Since you might be wandering far from any places to eat, it’s a good idea to have sufficient cookware. An article by Heather Kolich, How Camping Cookware Works, explains the critical difference between regular cookware and camping cookware: “Unlike kitchen cookware, pots, pans and dishes meant for camping, hiking, kayaking and other adventure sports are built to travel. They often feature lightweight materials and multifunction parts; they can also come with insulated, fold-away handles or removable handles for carrying hot pots. Ideally, they’re compact, easy to carry and clean and tough enough to stand up to weather, backcountry use and nontraditional cleaning methods.”
You’re one of those rare breed of people who don’t feel alive unless you’re exploring something new or going where no one has gone before. Now with these five tech tips, you should be able to get the most out of living on the wild side.
