Gifts for the Outdoor Techie
For the techie who enjoys spending time outdoors, there’s always a new gadget coming out that can be added to their gear kit. From shoes with built in sensors to water powered lanterns, here are six outstanding gifts to give the tech guru in your life.
UA HOVR ColdGear Reactor 2
The UA HOVR ColdGear Reactor 2 takes running to another level using UA’s Record Sensor technology, which connects seamlessly with the latest free UA MapMyRun app to give detailed running metrics. The shoe is ultra comfortable thanks to an anatomically designed molded interior, super-plush knit collar, and layers of plush material. In addition the adaptive ColdGear Reactor insulation keeps feet warm but not too hot, repels water, has traction for slippery conditions, all the while being amazingly light. Simply put, the second they step into the UA HOVR ColdGear Reactor 2, they will know it as a whole new running experience. MSRP $130 underarmour.com
JBL Pulse 4
The JBL Pulse 4 has high-resolution LED lights beneath its sleek surface that produce stunning light shows and bring a whole new dimension to music. With JBL’s classic Signature sound, they’ll hear the crisp highs and deep bass from all angles. The JBL Connect app allows them to choose colors and effects to suit any mood. Using a phone camera to really take customization to the next level, letting them scan and color match any object that takes their fancy. Kick back to calming pastels and classic chill out vibes, or shred along to flickering orange flames – the choice is theirs. Up to two smartphones or tablets can connect at once to keep the music flowing among friends, while a 12-hour battery life and IPX7 waterproof build ensure the Pulse 4 can handle any outdoor environment, come rain or shine. Head to the PartyBoost feature in the JBL Connect app to really crank up the fun and wirelessly connect more than 100 JBL PartyBoost enabled speakers. With its powerful sound and eye-catching light show covering the full speaker, the JBL Pulse 4 is truly a feast for the senses. MSRP $249.95 jbl.com
HydraCell SuperCell Hybrid Lantern & Charger
The SuperCell Hybrid Lantern & Charger is HydraCell’s flagship product. Powered by three proprietary, HC2D water activated HydraCells, it has 24 bright, long-life LEDs that provide ample light to illuminate rooms, camping areas or any places where bright light and rapid charging and powering of cell phones, accessory lights and external devices are needed. The SuperCell Hybrid Lantern has a standard USB port for charging as well as a 2.6 mm DC Out port for powering a variety of small DC devices including the AL-100 Accessory Light. The SuperCell Hybrid Lantern also comes standard with a small solar panel which plugs into the lanterns internal Li-ion storage. The solar panel can be used when the device is in charging mode to augment the power output, enabling more rapid and frequent charging capability. MSRP $149.99 hydracellpower.com
Solgaard Design Solarbank Boombox
The Solgaard Design Solarbank Boombox is a feature-rich premium speaker perfect for the outdoors where no plug ins are available. It is a powerful 3-in-1 power bank, Bluetooth speaker and solar-powered unit. It uses 4G Solar Panels to harnesses the energy of the sun to charge a phone and play music. The unit is light weight and portable, with dimensions of 6.2 x 3.5 x 2 inches and weighing in at only 1.15 lbs, making it the perfect companion for a day at the beach, hiking up the mountain or traveling the world. The quality of the speaker is apparent upon first play – loud, clear audio and a deep rich bass. The Boombox can power phones for up to ~5 full charges and up to two USB devices at the same time or 80+ hours of music via Bluetooth when fully charged. It works across the light spectrum to auto-charge in sunlight, and yes, even on a cloudy day – 1 hour of sun is equal to 2 hours of music. It can also be charged using micro-USB for a quicker charge. It is equipped with a 10,000 mAh battery, making it one of the most powerful solar-banks on the market. The Boombox is also compatible with other Solgaard products such as the Lifepack backpack, the Carry-on Closet suitcase, and the Hustle Backpack. MSRP $110 solgaard.co
myCharge Adventure H20 Portable Charger 15000mAh
The myCharge Adventure H20 Portable Charger 15000mAh external battery pack makes for a great adventure companion and easily stores and packs away in a small bag or backpack, so a convenient power source is always within reach. The waterproof Adventure H20 powerbank is perfect for providing power and extending the life of tablets, cell phones, Bluetooth speakers, e-readers or any other standard USB devices delivering 2.4 A of shared output power for up to 6x extra battery. With an IP67 rating and and durable rubberized finish, the portable charger is waterproof and dustproof (when the USB cover is closed) – built for those extreme outdoor conditions. The built-in carabiner feature offers the ability to attach the included clip to a backpack, belt, harness or any secure loop so that the power source is simply an arm’s length away. As for recharging, it’s super convenient with the included USB C Charging cable. MSRP $59.99 amazon.com
Skullcandy Sesh
The Sesh is Skullcandy’s simple and compact true wireless earbuds that comes in at a competitive price point. For those hesitant to try True Wireless technology, Sesh makes it an easy transition to a world without wires. The Sesh delivers a high quality experience with essential features for those interested in making the jump to a truly wireless experience. An uncomplicated single button interface offers quick access to a full suite of media controls for music, microphone, calls, and a device’s assistant. With up to 10 total hours of battery life – 3 hours of battery in each earbud and 7 additional hours in the included charging case – Skullcandy’s newest bud pairs easily to Android and ios devices and has a durable IP55 rating for sweat, water, and dust resistance, making it perfect for any daily activities, indoors or out. MSRP $59.99 skullcandy.com