One thing that I have noticed over the past few years is technology creeping more and more into the outdoors. Because of this, we have decided to focus one gear guides on new products that are either tech in nature or help protect our technology. You will find cameras, things to protect your phones as well as a product that might just save your technology from moisture. We know not everyone will appreciate technology in nature but for those that do, we hope this guide is useful.
GoPro HERO3 Black Edition
These cameras are perfect for anyone who plays hard and wants some proof to show their buddies back at the office. The Black Edition is the most advanced GoPro, ever. No expense was spared during its development, resulting in a GoPro that is 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing ultra-wide 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second, the HERO3: Black Edition is the truly a versatile camera. Also it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and a Wi-Fi Remote that let you turn the camera on and off and to start and stop.
Features:
• Wearable, mountable design
• Immersive, wide angle capture of your favorite activities
• Professional quality HD video & 12MP photos
• Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control via included Wi-Fi Remote or video preview and remote control on smartphones and tablets running the free GoPro app.
• Rugged housing is waterproof to 197’/60M and captures sharp images above and below water
• Compatible with all GoPro mounts for attaching to gear, body, helmets, vehicles and more
• Professional 4K Cinema 15 fps / 2.7K cinema 30 fps / 1440p 48 fps / 1080p 60 fps / 960p 100 fps /720p 120 fps and more video capture
• 12MP photo capture with 30 fps burst
• Wi-Fi Built-In
• Wi-Fi Remote Compatible (included)
• GoPro App Compatible (FREE)
• 197’/ 60m Waterproof Housing*
• MSRP: $399.99
• http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-black-edition#features.
Eton BoostSolar
If leaving your phone or tablet at home just isn’t an option, be sure to pack a BoostSolar. The solar-powered backup battery pack will give your devices a boost from the sun when running low on juice. When the BoostSolar is all charged up, you’ll have enough backup power to fully charge most smartphones twice. And with the 2.1A USB out you can also charge your tablet. The BoostSolar is designed for all-terrain and can easily be strapped to a backpack for hikers. BoostSolar has a rugged rubber exterior and an IPX-4 rating, so it’s super sturdy and splashproof—for every adventure.
Features:
• Weight: 11.6 oz. (330 g)
• Dimensions: 6.1″ x 5.9″ x 0.5″
• Rugged rubberized exterior1
• IPX-4 splashproof2
• 5V = 2.1A USB out to charge most smartphones and tablets
• Slim design
• Fastener holes for backpacks and straps
• Rechargeable lithium battery (5000mAh)—enough to charge most smartphones twice
• Removable – Interchangeable battery pack
• Press button for LED battery charge indicator
• Micro-USB to charge via smartphone charger—7 hours for full charge
• Solar charging—30 hours for full charge
• MSRP: $99.99
• http://www.etoncorp.com/en/productdisplay/boostsolar
Coghlan’s Dry Pouch
Your most-used devices are certainly not designed to withstand a dip in the river or a dewy morning on a tent’s floor. To avoid water and element damage, pack a Dry Pouch from Coghlan’s. This lightweight safety net seals out H2O and is made of touch screen sensitive plastic, meaning if you must use your device while enjoying nature, you can.
Features:
• Hermetically seals out water with secure dual locking tabs
• Touch screen sensitive plastic
• Includes a neck strap and a carabiner for attachment.
• Floats
• MSRP:$11.99
• http://coghlans.com/product.aspx?ProductID=427
LifeProof frē iPhone 5 case
The LifeProof frē case for iPhone 5 gives users unprecedented freedom to take their iPhone everywhere without worry. Now iPhone 5 users can swim laps in the pool, bike through rugged terrain and use fitness apps on the run. You can stay connected and protected from dust, shock, weather and sticky fingers to contend with, while having full access to all device functions.
Features:
• The thinnest, lightest, all-protective iPhone 5 case ever made
• Built-in scratch protector delivers complete touchscreen protection
• Fully submersible to 6.6 feet
• Survives drops from up to 6.6 feet
• Totally sealed from dirt, dust, snow and ice
• Full screen protection and functionality
• Complete access to all buttons, ports and controls
• Maximum sound output and clarity
• Anti-reflective optical-glass camera lens
• Your frē for iPhone 5 is backed by a 1-year warranty
• MSRP: $79.99
• http://www.lifeproof.com/en/iphone-5/?path=TopNav
Mophie OutRide
Eliminates the need to carry a dedicated video or camera device and puts the power to record and share in-action moments in the hands of action sports enthusiasts, using only an iPhone 4/4S. The high-impact, water-proof and lightweight polycarbonate housing protects the iPhone in any scenario. The modular quick-release mounting system allows recording at any angle and attachment to any surface on a variety of sports equipment.
Features:
• Water-proof up to 60 meters
• Wide angle lens is optimized for recording action sports
• Free on the iTunes store, the OUTRIDE app is a place for the action sports community to search and share videos from around the globe.
• Personal Profile—get started by uploading a profile picture and adding in your location. From the personalized profile, users can view captured videos and photos, find and follow friends, and customize categories
• Capture—Allows the user to shoot both vertically or horizontally
• View—Custom settings allows for a unique viewing experience, and provides notifications of “friends” updates
• Share—Community-based sharing allows users to discover new users and connect with the “mophie” community within the app and through other social networks
• MSRP: $129.95 to $149.95 depending on the kit purchased
• http://www.mophie.com/shop/outride
Mapi Alinda + Smyrna Case:
When taking your iPhone on a hiking trip, don’t risk damage by keeping it in your pocket. Be sure to bring along the Alinda + Smyrna protective case and belt holder from MAPi. The protective leather will keep your device safe from the elements, and will keep your device on-hand at all times. The Alinda is a sleek case designed to hold your iPhone 5 on your belt clip. While the Smyrna Leather Cover/Bumper is made for iPhone 5 users who desire protection of their phone without the added bulk of closure and pockets. This case features soft, high quality glossy leather that provides protection of the device with a sleek, professional look to match the user. Smyrna also offers port openings for easy access your camera, flash, earphone, speaker, volume control, and Lightning battery port.
• MSRP: $80.00
• http://www.mapicases.com/alinda-smyrna-leather-iphone-5-belt-and-cover-case-bundle/
Magellan SmartGPS
One of this year’s hottest technologies has been the new Connected Cars, but not everyone has the budget to purchase a new car. With Magellan’s new SmartGPS 5390 that will be debuting this October, you will be able to get the great new features of Connected Cars into your existing car for only $250. The SmartGPS and FREE SmartGPS companion app (iOS and Android) form two parts of a powerful ecosystem. The new SmartGPS will not only guide you to your destination quickly and safely, it will also give you:
• Find destination on Smartphone, send to SmartGPS. Use your smartphone to plan where you want to go, and then with the touch of a button send the destinations to the SmartGPS in your car. SmartGPS makes trips safer, easier, and more fun for both you and your children.
• Yelp & Foursquare. Discover new restaurants, shops and interesting places, with real-time information from Yelp & Foursquare displayed on the SmartGPS screen. Instantly and seamlessly navigate to those locations on the larger SmartGPS.
• Fuel prices. No need to hunt for the lowest fuel prices because SmartGPS will display fuel prices at nearby stations based on your location, directly on the device screen.
• PhantomALERT. SmartGPS helps you avoid traffic tickets with audible and visual alerts for red light cameras and speed zones.
• MSRP: $249.95
• http://www.magellangps.com/SmartGPS
SPOT Global Phone
The SPOT Global Phone, is a portable, easy-to-use and data-enabled satellite phone that allows you to communicate with family, friends, work and emergency services from virtually anywhere in the world. Hikers, boaters, off-road travelers and all outdoor enthusiasts will find that SPOT Global Phone provides industry-leading, crystal clear voice quality where cell service won’t work.
Features:
• Compact size: 5.3″H x 2.2″ W x 1.5″D
• Lightweight: 7 ounces
• Satellite-based technology
• Superior voice clarity with no noticeable delay or echo
• Backlit color display optimized for outdoor daytime viewing
• Long-life battery: 4 hours talk time, 36 hours standby
• Data capable enabling email and file transfers
• Quick online activation, ten-digit dialing with local phone numbers
• Ergonomic design
• Lighted keypad
• 911 emergency service access
• MSRP: $499.95
• http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=123
Hercules WAE Outdoor BTP04 speakers
As any adrenaline junkie knows, a perfect companion to outdoor activities is music. It keeps us going and builds momentum to push it further, especially when biking up that mountainous trail or skiing down a steep slope. However, our ability to listen to music while doing what we love can sometimes be problematic. To meet this need, Hercules recently launched its WAE (Wireless Audio Experience) Outdoor BTP04 speakers. The IP64-ceritified (water and dust resistant) speakers offer wireless capabilities with 14 hours of battery life and are compatible with all Bluetooth devices. Most importantly, [extreme sports, camping, mountain biking etc.] enthusiasts will be amazed at the powerful audio that emanates from the compact, portable device.
Features:
• IP64-certified wireless speaker: water and dust-resistant.
• Single-unit Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR (A2DP) stereo speaker.
• Compatible with Bluetooth® devices: mobile phones and smartphones, tablets, computers (Windows® Vista / 7 / 8, Mac® OS X®).
• Includes on-the-go charging gear. Speaker provides more than 14 hours of battery life.
• Rubber end-pieces for enhanced shock resistance, and double protective grille for drivers.
• Built-in microphone lets you enjoy hands-free calling.
• On/Off switch and 1/8″ / 3.5 mm mini-jack Line input plug.
• Easily connect WAE Outdoor BTP04 speakers to one another, using the included USB cable.
• Secure tether hook, wrist-strap, snap hook.
• Standard-size screw thread for easy mounting (examples: tripod, suction cup mount, bike mount, etc.).
• Bluetooth® receiver mode lets you use the Bluetooth® function with a stereo system (or any other audio system). Listen to the music stored on your Bluetooth® device on your favorite stereo!
• MSRP: $99.99
• http://www.hercules.com/us/wireless-audio/bdd/p/220/outdoor-btp04-bluetooth-portable-speaker/
BOOM Urchin
Whether you enjoy swinging through canyons, ripping a south swell or bagging peaks, you crave heart-pounding excitement. Next time you head out on your outdoor adventure, make sure your music can keep up with the Urchin – a rugged Bluetooth speaker that delivers a powerhouse of sound in a funky, lozenge-shaped design. Featuring a rubberized exterior that comes with 10 removable silicon skins, this speaker is designed as much for the beach as it is the backcountry thanks to the following
Features:
• Comfortably dangles from a belt loop or backpack by way of its carabineer and silicone loop; also comes with a suction cup for sticking to a shower tile or wall, a screw mount attachment for the dash of a car or tree trunk, and a bike mount
• IP Level 4 rating allows the Urchin to be waterproof for up to 5 minutes of saturation
• Dustproof and shock-proof – can be dropped as high as 10 feet (50 times in a row!)
• Features a built-in microphone and an auxiliary input for hard connection
• Enjoy 8 hours of nonstop beats before requiring a charge
• Anti-sonic diffraction geometry produces clear and crisp sound at louder levels across all music genres
• MSRP: $149.99
• http://shop.boommovement.com/product_info.php/products_id/12
BHEESTIE Sport
BHEESTIE Sport is an innovative tool that removes daily moisture build-up from personal electronics. We can expose our gadgets and gizmos to humidity, rain, snow, excessive heat, and perspiration. But did you know that personal electronics can lose optimal functionality with only 1 drop of trapped moisture? With daily use, BHEESTIE Sport drastically reduces the likelihood of water damage to personal electronics. It can be essential to have on hand in emergencies too. Anytime your electronics encounter a major water mishap, BHEESTIE Sport offers speedy recovery. Sure, there are home remedies- but who wants their devices covered in dusty cat litter or sticky food film? The crevices of these devices may never be the same. BHEESTIE Sport is simple, dry, and effective- specially designed for safe-keeping of expensive personal electronics.
Features:
• BHEESTIE Molecular Beads: 28 grams
• Interior Bag Dimensions: 5.25 in x 7.0 in / 13.34 cm x 17.78 cm
• Bag has gusseted bottom.
• MSRP: $17.95
• http://www.bheestie.com/products/dry_my_wet_phone