Best Outdoor Adventure Gear for Tech Lovers

Top Rugged Gear for Your iPhone and iPad
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These days, our iPhones (and to a lesser degree, our iPads) come with us just about everywhere—and with good reason. They allow us to have the comfort and convenience of today's modern technology at our beck and call, as long as we have a cellular signal or access to Wi-Fi.

If, like me, you frequently find yourself journeying off the beaten path, this list of rugged gear from waterproof Bluetooth speakers to rugged iPhone cases should make it easier for you to enjoy your outdoor adventures with your iPhone or iPad safely in tow.

Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel
($79.99)

The Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar charger is best suited for when you anticipate being outdoors  for an extended period. It allows you to harness the power of the sun to charge a portable battery pack, from which you can then charge your iPhone. The Nomad 7 also allows you to charge your iPhone by plugging it directly into the panel, but in my experience the solar panel works most consistently if you have a portable battery pack that you can charge first and then use to power up the iPhone or iPad. Because it relies on the sun, the Nomad 7 works best on clear days; but if you plan to go off grid, it's hard to beat the power of the sun to keep your iPhone charged.

"If you plan to go off grid, it's hard to beat the power of the sun to keep your iPhone charged."

Punkcase Waterproof Case for iPhone 6/6 Plus and 6S/6S Plus
(Starting at $24.89)

The Punkcase line is my favorite of the waterproof rugged iPhone cases currently on the market. Why? Well, not only does the Punkcase Waterproof Case for iPhone 6 provide the same high-level protection as the popular Lifeproof or Catalyst rugged iPhone cases, it's also far less costly. For about half the cost you can still have the benefit of an extreme-duty case that will protect your iPhone from shock, drops, submersion, and compression. The waterproof Punkcase is available in several models, all of which also happen to be some of the slimmest waterproof cases you'll find.

Aqua Quest AquaRoo Money Belt
($24.99)

This handy waist bag is designed to keep your iPhone and other gear safe and dry whenever you find yourself trekking near water. Even if you are on dry land, the AquaRoo Money Belt is an excellent option for discreetly keeping things like passports, keys, iPhones, tickets, and wallets secure.

"The Scosche goBAT 6000 will keep your iPhone and iPad charged and at the ready."

Scosche goBAT 6000
($69.99)

This 6000 mAh charger is great for whenever you find yourself away from a wall charger for any period of time. If you are a power iPhone user, continually faced with the possibility of a drained battery, this portable battery pack has your back. Whether you’re camping, at the beach, or traveling, the Scosche goBAT 6000 rugged battery pack will keep your iPhone and iPad charged and at the ready.

Turcom AcoustoShock Bluetooth Speaker
($89.99)

The Turcom AcoustoShock is a truly impressive rugged Bluetooth speaker. This hefty speaker delivers crystal clear audio; and with 30 watts of sound output, it's more than loud enough to fill a large room, campsite, or creek-side party with powerful sound. The fact that the AcoustoShock is also a rugged speaker, designed to withstand the elements (including incidental splashes or rain showers), only makes it that much more of a bargain at under $90.

 

"The SportclipAIRs stand out in their ability to stay seated securely and comfortably in the ear."

Scosche Bluetooth SportclipAIR Bluetooth Earphones
($99.99)

I've tried many pairs of sports earphones and these are one of the best in-ear earphones available. Like many sport earphones in this category, the SportclipAIR are sweat-proof and water-resistant, but the SportclipAIRs stand out in their ability to stay seated securely and comfortably in the ear. This is thanks in large part to a malleable, flexible tube that loops over your ear and squeezes into conforming to the contour of your individual ear. Unlike other in-ear headphones with bulky solutions for securing the earphones in place, the SportclipAIR are extremely streamlined and stay in place where you put them with the least risk of falling out of your ear. And if you do feel them start to come loose during intense activity, a simple squeeze of the wire band secures them.

SCOTTeVEST Men's and Women's Hoodies
(Starting at $75)

SCOTTeVEST offers two different hoodies: the 10-pocket simple Hoodie ($75.00)  for men and the 14-pocket Chloe hoodie ($90) for women. SCOTTeVEST’s hoodies are a great way to tote your tech gear around with you. The numerous external  and internal pockets can accommodate far more accessories than you might imagine at first glance. These lightweight hoodies can be worn as an outer layer on warmer days, or as an under layer when the temperatures drop. They are versatile and affordable options for techies who are looking for discreet and organized ways to bring their tech gear along on their adventures.

"The Chant Sport sure can belt out the tunes."

House of Marley Chant Sport Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
($119.99)

If you are looking for a heavy-duty waterproof Bluetooth speaker that's small enough to throw in a pack or slip into a water bottle holder, the Chant Sport is a perfect choice. Although only slightly larger than a soda can, the Chant Sport sure can belt out the tunes. It also comes with a built-in microphone for handling phone calls and convenient control buttons, and it’s completely waterproof and even floats. It's also eco-friendly, being made almost entirely from upcycled materials.