Whether you're scaling the Three Peaks or taking a gentle stroll through the Cotswolds nothing clears away the cobwebs of a hectic work schedule like being outdoors. From finding the best trails and ensuring you never get lost, to capturing your exploits on camera and getting fit, here's our pick of the coolest gadgets you can use to conquer the great outdoors.
Handheld GPS
Using satellites to pinpoint your position, providing route information and displaying topographical detail, Handheld GPS devices (like those manufactured by Garmin), mean the days of fiddling with a map and compass as you battle with the wind are long gone.
They aren't just for walking either, but are useful in a range of outdoor sports including skiing, cycling, mountaineering; and can even include light and buoy information when boating.
Compact and light enough to slip into a pocket, the tough weatherproof construction might not look very appealing, but is designed to survive whatever wind, rain and snow might come your way. For optimum visibility look for a large screen that works in bright sunlight and has a backlight for dimmer conditions. Longer batteries of 14, 18 and even 28 hours are perfect for camping trips and if you're exploring different countries, buy additional maps on SD card or download them to the on-board memory.
Rough 'n' ready cameras 'n' camcorders
The slim and stylish cameras might be great for parties, but these designer digital cameras won't be able to battle the elements in the great outdoors. Whereas, the likes of the Olympus Tough range boasts rugged credentials designed for extreme conditions. There are tough camcorders out there too, designed to help capture and share those hairier moments. These adventurous gadgets are built from ultra strong materials, so can simply be thrown in a rucksack (or given to the kids) without fear of mechanical failure or damage from drops and knocks. Exact specifications vary, but a waterproof (not splash-proof) camera can withstand dunks underwater from 2-10m, making them perfect for water sports. Some can even endure sub-zero conditions for snowboarding and skiing holidays, and can withstand being crushed by your entire body weight.
Look for rubberized seals that prevent water leaking, LCD screens that are visible even with glare in bright sun or snow and generously-sized buttons you can operate with gloves on or underwater. A decent case provides extra protection, while a neck strap keeps your hands free and the camera easily accessible.
Read our guide to Kid-proof digital cameras for the family
Personal trainer tech
A fitness watch or running band are convenient and far cheaper ways than personal trainers to keep track of your training progress, and help push you to the next level.
Garmin and Polar create dedicated training watches and Nike produces an armband with built-in heart rate monitors that measure your performance as you train - you'll be able to access heaps of valuable info including distance travelled, pace and calories burned. Advanced models include a GPS receiver to keep track of your exact location and courses you can download and use.
At the end of a workout transfer the information to your computer (either via USB or wirelessly) using a simple software app that comes with the device or check your stats online, to monitor your achievements over time. Look out for gadgets sporting materials that you can easily wash and or wipe, to ensure your kit remains in good condition regardless of how muddy you get off the beaten path.
Staying on track
A phone is essential for outdoor adventures. Increasingly smartphones have built-in GPS helping you pinpoint your exact location without the need for a separate sat nav. Google and Nokia provide free downloadable maps and voice-guided navigation that are excellent in urban locations and for casual use. Serious walkers and hikers should invest in special hiking maps with tracks and trails you can download to your phone. Garmin offers a range of devices that support Ordnance Survey maps in the UK, with maps of Ski slopes and other outdoor, off-road, coverage available across Europe.
A portable charger such as a PowerMonkey can be an invaluable outdoor companion. Think of it as the kiss of life for your outdoor kit, a survival tool that ensures your gadgets are never left to run dry. Compact and lightweight to fit unobtrusively in your bag, many remote charging models are equipped to charge a mobile phone three times over, and come with adaptors for all major handset manufacturers including Nokia, RIM and Sony Ericsson.
In a hot climate try a lightweight solar charger that you can attaching conveniently to your rucksack - it absorbs the suns rays, converting it to power. If you are going abroad, look for universal adaptors. Certainly a smart option if you're planning to trek away from civilization for a longer stretch of time.
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