With winter’s chill finally going away to make way for warmer temperatures, we’re looking forward to more outdoor adventures like spring camping trips, summer trips to the pool, canoeing at the pond at the grandparent’s house, beach trips, and just playing outside in the yard. Having the right kind of gadgets that are suited for the ruggedness of outdoor activities plus having the proper accessories to protect your devices and keep you safe is smart. Here are some of my picks that are necessary for outdoor adventures.
Waterproof Sound System
Whether you’re poolside, gardening, or picnicking or barbecuing with friends, its fun to liven up the outdoors with some music and Jabra Solemate Max ($399.99) delivers big sound in a durable package via Bluetooth. Jabra Solemate stands out among an endless list of requests to review portable speakers not only because of the Jabra name but also because it resists dirt, dust, and water through the innovative design and can provide full Dolby sound when using the Jabra Sound App. Solemate is a sturdy speaker (weighs 7.8 lbs) that is easily transported with a rubberized handle so you can experience your favorite music that sounds like it should sound regardless of where you might be.
Waterproof Video and Still Camera
Created by a surfer to capture action shots, you don’t need to ride the waves to appreciate what a GoPro can do. This versatile compact device records an hour worth of footage and also can be used to capture still shots. A wide variety of mounts such as a helmet mount, chest strap, and suction cup mount ($39.99) allows you to clip it in and capture action as it happens, keeping your hands free. Sure, you can hold the GoPro too but it’s not exactly buoyant so it will sink to the bottom of whatever body of water you’re in.
Water Resistant Tablet
When I was first introduced to the Sony’s Xperia Tablet Z ($499) last year, I met it in a kitchen where it was being touted as a great device to use in the kitchen because it was resistant to spills but this thin lightweight Android tablet is also great outside the home. It’s the perfect size for toting in a pool bag with wet towels and swimsuits because of its waterproof nature and if it happens to be subjected to a splash from the pool or an accidental wave, no worries! It can take splashes and maybe an accidental dip although I personally wouldn’t immerse it water for any underwater selfies.
Waterproof Phone and Tablet Cases
All last summer I’d watch as our dive coach hopped on the board to help a kid during practice, leaving his smartphone in his pocket. All season long I bugged him to get a LifeProof case for his iPhone just in case he slipped. He always managed to stay on the board but we all know that it would have taken just one slip to destroy his phone. My favorite cases for protecting my smartphone and iPad Mini are from LifeProof because they protect your devices from water, sand, and shock. Lifeproof’s Fre cases provide full protection encasing your phone from the elements while the Nüüd line lets me use the actual touchscreen but provides plenty of protection from the elements for everyday use. Both Fre and Nüüd lines are available for a variety of iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Samsung Galaxy models. Prices start at $79.99 depending on the device you’re protecting and the LifeProof case you select.
Durable Source of Bright Light
Those who spend time camping underneath the stars can appreciate the light of the moon without competing city lights but in all honesty, it can be really dark and scary for young campers. Flashlights are great but our new favorite product is the Rayovac Virtually Indestructible LED 6AA Spotlight ($39.99) that we’ve put through the paces at home and have determined it lives up to claims of being waterproof while submerged. We’ve also drop tested it and discovered that the rubber casing helps it survive impact and indeed the lens and reflector are shatterproof. We haven’t quite exhausted the reported 10 hour battery life by leaving it on but are loving the 3 different light modes (high, medium, and low) and the strap. This is a weighty and powerful light so to be able to have a strap is great. Just warn kids to not swing it around when around others! Ouch!
Super Charging Station
Making sure all of your devices are charged before your next big adventure can be a challenge. If you’ve been a victim of too many devices and not enough outlets, the Chil Powershare ($49.99) is the product for you! This compact charging hub features 4 USB ports and stands nicely on a rubberized base that contains a plug to insert into a wall outlet. It’s perfect for family vacations or to share with friends who also need to charge their devices before you go out on your adventure.
Way to Contain the Wet Stuff
Nothing is worse than coming home to find that water has dripped from your water bottle, swimsuit, or towels on to your electronics and have destroyed them. Keep wet stuff with wet stuff thanks to Pish Posh Mommy’s Wet Bag ($24.99). Designed to hold wet swimsuits, diapers potty training gear, etc., these practical bags feature a water resistant lining and cute cotton print with an outside zipper to contain wet items whose drippiness poses a threat to your devices. The price is well worth the potential cost of having to replace a phone, tablet, or worse—laptop!
Sample products were provided by companies for testing but all opinions are my own. I am a member of the Rayovac Power Bloggers and receive product and compensation for my involvement. Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post. Images courtesy of the companies mentioned.
