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Summer is officially here and so far it has been full of warm days which call for adventure. I enjoy spending some spend time outdoors, soaking in the sun and seeing all the different types of activities occurring.

 

For Canada Day this year, a group of friends and I decided to celebrate Canada by exploring the Bruce Peninsula.  We decided to go for a hike through the National Park to see and appreciate the Grotto (cave).

 

While nothing fell in the fire - there was a slip on the hike resulting in a cracked phone screen, which has inspired the topic for my blog post  today. There are definitely a few things we'll do different next time we go back out into the wilderness. 

 

Remember to place devices out of the sun and extremely high temperatures to avoid receiving temperature warnings or possibly damaging your device. 

 

Below are some neat tech devices to consider including on your next trip outdoors. 

 

Wenger Solar Panel 

There were a few instances where the phones of everyone in our group were dead - especially during instances that merited a great picture. As frustrating as it was (and knowing some things are meant to be in our minds), a solar panel would have been a great thing to have on the adventure. Wenger solar panels are light to carry, are able to roll up, and offers five USB ports. This item comes in three sizes pricing ranges from $180 - $340. 

 

In the past, when out on the water, we have protected our devices (phones, music players and speakers) by placing items in a zip lock bag, in a sealed Tupperware container. 

 

 

Eco-Amplifier 

Although it's nice to absorb the sounds of the outdoors, sometimes you want to enjoy your favourite music while relaxing outside. Instead of a speaker that needs to be charged and maintained, consider investing in a few eco-made amplifiers that make your music louder.

 

Created out of 100% Post Consumer Fiber Paper, the eco-amp is priced around $10 and there is an iPad version as well.  

 

 

LED Picnic Blanket 

What a neat DIY product! There are many advantages to having a LED picnic blanket - including ability to see what you're eating.  This blanket folds up small and runs 4 - 6 hours on AA batteries. Check out the project necessities here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High Pressure Shower

Equipped with a 7 foot hose and a tank that holds enough water for a 7 minute shower, this portable tank is lightweight and simple to use. This high pressure shower operates off of a foot pump, and has multi functions - use to take a shower, give your pet a shower, rinse off your clothing  and / or dishes. The Helio pressure shower is priced at $100 and, if left in the sun, the water becomes warm and transforms into a 'hot' shower. 

 

 

Inflatable Solar Light

Another great addition on an outdoor trip, this MPOWERD inflatable solar light is waterproof, light to carry, and rechargeable. The solar light works by absorbing UV rays from the sun and then operates off of a lithium battery. The fully charged solar light can produce light for up to 12 hours, depending on what settings you use it at. Pricing ranges from $10 - $20 dollars.  

 

 

View this short video to learn about other great items for the outdoors.

 

 

iPhone Tips

  • Leave iPhone in airplane mode to avoid roaming charges
  • Purchase an Otterbox
  • Leave out of the sun

 

The Mad Hatter's love to spend time outside. If you have any outdoor technology products that should be included in our list, please send us an email or tweet to let us know. 

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