Gadgets for Your Next Adventure Trip

Survival Strategies
Are you about to embark on an adventure trip? Irrespective of the type of activity you choose to engage yourself in- cycling, rafting, camping, hiking, skiing or snowboarding, it is always a sensible decision to keep stock of essential gadgets and equipment at all times. After all, contingencies always come unannounced! And more often than not, it is the simplest of gadgets like a pen knife, a torch light or a paracord bracelet, which come in handy the most during an emergency. Remember Robinson Crusoe, and how he was able to build a raft because he had a knife with him? Or how Tom Hanks survived with minimal gear and FedEx Boxes whilst stranded on a deserted island? When you are away from the comfort of your home and subjected to the wrath of nature, or any other adversary, your grit, determination, presence of mind and the gadgets you have at your disposal are critical for your survival.

Choosing the Right Gadgets
While safety is of paramount importance, the last thing you want on an outdoor trip is heavy baggage. In our quest to travel light, especially on outdoor trips, the ideal gadgets need to be lightweight, compact, portable and handy. As is the case while making any purchase, it is also necessary that you check on the quality of the equipment vis-a-vis its pricing. Even if you need to spend a couple of extra bucks on a reliable and time-tested brand, it is well-worth the expenditure, because quality is something that you definitely cannot compromise on as far as safety is concerned. We’ve compiled a list of gadgets that always come handy on outdoor trips:-

Paracord Bracelet
This is a safety gear comprising of a small bracelet tied around your wrist, and is quite inconspicuous and light-weight. But this small gadget can unfold into a strong paracord rope, which is at least 10 feet in length, and is extremely durable and strong. One inch of the paracord bracelet’s width houses one feet of paracord wire for anchoring, harnessing, hanging or clinging during emergencies. The product usually comes with a one-size-fits-all version, thereby fitting all wrist sizes easily.

Head Torch and Wrist Lights
No more fumbling in the dark for your torch light. Specially designed for camping tours and other adventure activities, head torches are becoming popular amongst outdoor enthusiast. Apart from this, you can also purchase high quality LED wrist lights that can be strapped on to your wrist and are easily adjustable as well as lightweight.

Windproof Lighter
Struggling to light a bonfire because of the persistent wind? The wind-proof lighter is a very useful piece of equipment that can conveniently fit in your pocket or purse, and can light your bonfire, barbeque fire or cigarette with utmost ease! No more fumbling around for a flimsy matchbox or cheap cigarette lighter!

Phone Battery Reservoirs
We cannot possibly imagine our lives without mobile phones today. Many of us also carry our iPads and iPods on trips, and it is a sheer frustrating experience when the battery runs down and there’s no charging point nearby. Charging Reservoirs and Emergency Phone Chargers are available in almost all leading online stores today, and provide different ranges of power back-up. Make sure you pick one that’s compatible with your phone battery!

Solar Shower
This is a gadget that most of us have never heard about. But the concept in itself is intriguing. It happens very often on hiking trips and camping tours that you end up facing water-scarcity. These showers are available in selected stores and can store up to 20 litres of water. Even if you are not very particular about taking a shower, these prove to be useful for water storage. The best part about this gadget is that it solely operates solar power and needs just 2-3 hours of sunshine for a complete cycle of operation.

Battery-powered Storm Lanterns
This is a ‘must-have’ in your emergency checklist or survival case. Not only does this alleviate the horrible smell of kerosene and eliminate the risk of explosions, this gadget comes with battery-saving features and adjustable lights as well. In most online stores, this comes with free set of batteries and an anchoring point or handle on top.

Dry Bags
Sudden downpours can not only dampen your spirits; these can wreak major havoc to your clothes and other accessories which are not waterproof. These dry bags are available in most camping gadget stores. Make sure you pick one that’s not just water-resistant but tear-resistant as expandable as well!