9 Smartphone Accessories Perfect for the Outdoors
We all know that we hike, bike, ski, camp, and just wander in nature to escape and disconnect. However, our phones sometimes run our lives, even when we are on a camping trip. Our phones double as cameras, music speakers, and maps. My friend who had hike the Pacific Crest Trail for six months said that a huge majority of hikers actually relied on the PCT app on their smartphones rather than carry maps or guidebooks.
Whether we like it or not, technology has infiltrated the outdoor gear market. If you do choose to bring your pricey smartphone out with you on your backpacking trip, fishing adventure, or weekend of hunting, you may want to invest in some of these accessories to not only protect your phone but also enrich your overall experience outdoors.
1. Waterproof Case
There are a variety of waterproof cases on the market today. These cases provide an overall protection if a rain storm catches you off guard or you accidentally drop your phone in a water source. The cases below range from actual cases to waterproof sacks catered to a phone or small device.
Check out these brands to find waterproof cases for your smartphone:
Shop Lifeproof | Shop Otterbox | Sea to Summit | E-Case | Outdoor Tech | HitCase | Shop All Waterproof Cases on BC25
LifeProof Waterproof Phone Case / Photo Credit: AllisonHiromi via Flickr
HitCase waterproof phone case / Photo Credit: Warren R.M. Stuart via Flickr
Otterbox Armor Waterproof Phone Case / Photo Credit: OtterBox via Flickr
2. Waterproof Phone
If you are in the market for a new phone, why not go one step above a waterproof case and just go with a waterproof phone? Amazingly enough, waterproof phones have been on the market for a couple years know. However, some of these phone should not be totally submerged underwater; they are more water resistant. Furthermore, some of these phones are dirt or shatter resistant so a case still might be a good idea depending on the model you are looking at. Some models below have the total package of shatterproof, waterproof, and freezeproof.
Check out these brands of waterproof phones:
Sony’s Xperia phones | Alcatel OneTouch Conquest | CatS40 | XMapSystems
Xperia ZR Waterproof Phone / Photo Credit: Kārlis Dambrāns via Flickr
3. Selfie Stick
A selfie stick might sound silly but these sticks sure can capture some great shots of you and your hiking pal. When you are in a remote area with no one but you and your hiking partner, who else is going to take that epic shot of the two of you on that amazing mountain summit? Do keep in mind that not all selfie sticks are waterproof so that might be something to consider when shopping for your selfie stick!
Shop Selfie Stick | Shop Xshot Stick
Phone on Selfie Stick / Photo Credit: Roland Tanglao via Flickr
Photo Credit: mirsasha via Flickr
4. Solar Charger
When you are out in the backcountry with no access to an electrical outlet, the best way to charge your phone is through a solar charger. Solar chargers have become more affordable over the years as well as more compact.
Check out these brands for the most popular solar chargers used for camping and in the backcountry:
Shop Goal Zero | Shop Aspect Solar | Shop PowerTraveller | Shop PowerMonkey | Shop all solar chargers on BC25
PowerTraveller Solar Charger / Photo Credit: Bjørn Heidenstrøm via Flickr
Goal Zero Solar Charger / Photo Credit: Nordtrekking.de via Flickr
5. Waterproof Speaker
Whether you want to jam out at camp or bust a move up that steep mountain, speakers can be a must for the music lovin’ hiker. Small, portable speakers can be lightweight, waterproof, or even non-electronic.
Click on the link below to shop these popular brands for waterproof speakers:
Shop EcoXGear | Shop Grace Digital Audio
ECOXBT Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker by ECOXGEAR / Photo Credit: Wicker Paradise via Flickr
6. SPOT Connect
You might have of the SPOT GPS system in which the system can email friends and family back home your current location. SPOT has come out with a nifty device that can actually give you cell service when you are lacking. It is called the SPOT Connect and it turns your cell phone into a satellite communicator. This device could seriously save your life!
7. Waterproof Armband
A waterproof armband can allow you to listen to your tunes, audiobooks, and podcasts while on the go and while on the go in the rain!
8. Waterproof Headphones
To accommodate your waterproof armband, waterproof headphones are a must!
Shop Jabra Sport | Shop H2O Audio | Shop All Waterproof Headphones on BC25
Waterproof headphones / Photo Credit: Compudemano
9. Mini Tripod
A mini tripod for your smartphone or GoPro is smaller than a selfie stick and possibly lighter.
Flexible tripod / Photo Credit: Lars Rosengreen via Flickr
Sources:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-waterproof-phones/
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