Gadgets For Outdoor Adventure Activities

To make your outdoor adventure activities even more rewarding, there are a variety of gadgets to help you stay safe and enjoy the outdoors. From action cameras that immortalize adrenaline-pumping moments to rugged smartwatches that track your fitness progress, these tech gadgets enhance your experience and empower you to push your limits.

Solar-Powered Portable Charger

Thanks to efficiency advances and cost decreases, solar power is now viable for the backcountry. Hikers, backpackers and campers can now keep their phones, GPS devices, headlamps, and flashlights charged with this handy gadget.

This particular solar charger is a compact package that folds flat for transport and storage, with two full-bleed ETFE panels that convert sunlight to electricity for device charging. It’s slim and sleek, with a built-in kickstand for optimal UV absorption positioning. The package also includes four carabiners for attaching it to your backpack, along with a waterproof-sealed USB-A and USB-C port for outputting the charge. It doesn’t include a battery pack, so it can only be used while actively in the sun and shuts off as soon as it stops receiving sunlight. It also has LED lights that signal charging status and will automatically restart as soon as the sun reappears.

When choosing a solar-powered portable charger, consider how many devices you’ll need to charge and how long you’ll be away from a power source. For example, if you’re hiking for several days and have three devices to charge, opt for a higher-powered model with more than one solar panel that can charge quickly. Also, check that your desired solar charger is compatible with the types of devices you’ll be using it with and has enough USB ports to support all your gear.

The JBL Charge 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Like its predecessor, the JBL Charge 5 sounds great and offers some nice improvements in design and performance over other recent portable Bluetooth speakers we’ve reviewed. It’s also a little pricier than some competing options, but the extra cost pays off with additional smart features that make it worth a closer look.

For example, the Charge 5 includes built-in noise cancelling technology for improved audio clarity, and it comes with a handy protective sock. It also has a USB-C port for charging its battery, and the back of the speaker has a USB-A port for charging other devices. The charger also supports Bluetooth 5.1 and can pair with another JBL speaker for stereo or PartyBoost playback. The JBL Portable app lets you update the speaker’s firmware, as well as manage PartyBoost and other features.

JBL’s sound signature is sculpted for a fuller, richer presentation of vocals and lower-register percussive hits. For example, Bill Callahan’s “Drover” benefits from increased bass presence, while the drums and higher-register acoustic strum have more clarity than they would on a flatter response speaker.

The Charge 5’s sturdy exterior can withstand splashes, rain, and brief submersion in water. Its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance makes it a good choice for hiking and camping trips, as well as picnics or barbecues in the park. The Charge 5 also has a rechargeable power bank that can keep your device charged while you listen to music or make phone calls.