In this day and age, most of us have integrated technology into our lives in an inextricable way. Now, some of us can’t even go to the corner store without bringing our phones with us. And while that can sometimes be a crutch, this level of tech dependence can also be hugely beneficial — especially when it comes to convenience, the acquisition of knowledge, and so much more.
There’s one venue, however, in which technology is still somewhat sparse: outdoor adventure. And that goes double for the colder and wetter months of the year. However, its rarity is more of an inconvenience than a roadblock. If you appreciate the usefulness of tech, you can absolutely find it in adventure-ready gear if you know where to look. In fact, we’ve rounded up a gathering of expedition equipment imbued with handy and helpful technology for this month’s Amazon Scoured guide.
Tile Sticker Tracking Device
The smallest and most versatile tracking device Tile has ever released, the sticker can be attached to anything via its sticky back and will stay powered up for 3 whole years. It also offers a range of 150 feet, works as a 2-way tracker if you’re searching for your phone, and gives you access to Tile’s community for larger-scale tracking.
Leatherman Raptor Emergency Response Shears
Leatherman, the top name in folding multi-tools, knows that different situations and professions call for different tools. That’s why, for emergency responders, they’ve created their Raptor Emergency Shears. With the ability to fold down small enough to stash in your pocket, first aid kit, MOLLE-equipped backpack, etc, these shears pack in six handy uses — including a ring cutter, seatbelt cutter, ruler, oxygen tank wrench, and even a carbide glass breaker tip. And they come with a 25-year warranty.
Under Armour Verge 2.0 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
Built from ultra-durable and lightweight synthetic materials, Under Armour’s Verge 2.0 hiking boots are perfect for those who appreciate speedy expeditions. They also boast 100% GORE-TEX waterproofing, an ultra-grippy lugged outsole for superb traction, and they offer plenty of ankle stability for rockier terrains. And if they do get wet, they were also designed for quick drying.
Ember Smart Mug 2
Many an adventure has started out with a nice hot cup o’ joe. However, if you like to take your time with your coffee, you run the risk of it cooling off a bit too soon. Of course, you can avoid that entirely with the Ember Smart Mug 2, which will keep your coffee at the exact temperature you want it until you’re done. And you can control the whole thing from your smartphone.
Oakley Clifden Mountaineering Sunglasses
The long-time eyewear brand’s very first mountaineering sunglasses, Oakley’s Clifden were worth the wait. They’re super-durable, boast specially-engineered side shields for light and weather protection, they’re equipped with Prizm tungsten polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection, and they come with a tether to ensure that you don’t lose them even on the windiest, most aggressive expeditions.
Kjus BT 2.0 Gloves
The biggest problem with most winter gloves, especially in this day and age, is that you have to take them off if you want to operate your phone. Even touchscreen gloves can be a bit clumsy — which also increases the risk that you might drop your phone into a snowbank. However, Kjus offers these Bluetooth-connected winter gloves that are waterproof, cozy, and can be wirelessly tethered to your phone so you can make calls without even having to take your phone out of your pocket — all courtesy of an integrated OLED screen.
DOOGEE S95 PRO Rugged Smartphone
Apple’s iPhone, at least the more recent models, are finally somewhat water-resistant. However, DOOGEE’s S95 PRO rugged smartphone puts it to complete shame, as it is built to withstand mil-spec levels of punishment including exposure to moisture, dust, dirt, snow, mud, extreme temperatures, and even solar radiation. It also comes with 8 gigs of RAM, a 128-gig hard drive, an AI-assisted three-camera system, a 5150mAh battery equipped for wireless charging, and so much more. It’s not an iPhone; it’s better than one.
SUUNTO 7 Smartwatch
The latest and greatest activity-focused smartwatch from the long-standing brand, the SUUNTO 7 is one of the absolute best offerings in their catalog. It comes pre-loaded with 70+ sport modes for tracking just about any kind of physical activity you can embroil yourself in, has an onboard GPS system with a suite of sensors, allows for free offline outdoor maps, has a battery that can keep it functioning for up to 48 hours, and has a full-color OLED touchscreen protected by its stainless steel case.
Garmin Overlander Rugged Navigator
For those whose off-the-grid adventures include some kind of 4×4 truck or fully-equipped SUV rig, Garmin’s Overlander rugged navigation tablet is one of the most indispensable high-tech tools you can have in your repertoire. Not only does it include a full-color touchscreen GPS display, but it gives you access to Garmin’s expansive downloadable maps, has 64 gigs of onboard storage, it’s preloaded with overlanding points-of-interest and campsites, and it’s tough enough to survive bad weather and all the other filth associated with off-roading.
Canada Goose Expedition Parka
One of the bigger downsides of being human, at least in regards to outdoor adventure, is that our bodies are not built for the cold. Thankfully, we’re smart enough that we figured out how to beat that with clothing. And if you want to go to the coldest reaches of the planet, you should probably deck yourself out in Canada Goose’s Expedition Parka. This winter coat is weatherproof, loaded with warm genuine goose down, has plenty of pockets for all your handheld gear, and even comes with a cozy fur-lined hood.
