There is a world beyond your office door, waiting to be explored. In this guide, we pick our favorite adventure and fitness technologies, apparel, and gear to help you get out there.
A Runner’s World
Starting a running regime takes motivation, and there is nothing worse than going for a run and not knowing how far you’ve gone or how much progress you’re making to zap that motivation. The coolest running product we’ve seen in a long time is Nike+, which pairs technology and the NikePlus.com website to help you make the most of your runs. You can use it in one of two ways: If you like to run with music, Nike+ will work with your iPod Nano. You need a pair of Nike+ shoes (marked with the Nike+ logo) into which you will put a small sensor that will communicate wirelessly with a receiver you plug into the Nano’s charging jack. It tracks distance, calories burned, and speed, and displays them on the Nano’s screen. If you find yourself in need of a little push, hold the center button down to go straight to your “power” song. Prefer to run without music? Then you’ll need the Nike+ SportBand ($59), which also tracks your running stats in conjunction with the sensor and Nike+ running shoes. When you are done with your run, either plug in the Nano or the SportBand, and you can log all your running stats to the Nike+ website. The website also lets you train for marathons, chat with or challenge other Nike+ runners, and track your progress.
Nike+ SportBand
Of course, the hiking set might need a little more information on their surroundings when out on an expedition. We recommend a “wristop” computer from Suunto. These advanced watches, such as the Lumi Terra ($400), offer more than just time. A digital compass helps you find your way, an altimeter tells you how far above sea level you are, and a barometer measures atmospheric pressure. You can also get temperature and weather information so you don’t get caught in the rain or snow.
Travel Photography Done Right
Whether your travels are taking you to the wild coast of South Africa or the rainforests of Ghana, you’ll want to take great snapshots of all your adventures and need a camera that can keep up with you. We like Nikon’s 13.5-megapixel Coolpix P6000 ($500). With the P6000’s unique GPS capabilities, you’ll never have to ask yourself, “What was the name of that town again?” as you’re leafing through photo albums. The camera automatically “geo-tags” your images with the location where you took the picture. When you’re done snapping, upload your images to Nikon’s MyPictureTown.com to conduct a search for the precise names of all your various locations.
For something a little more rugged, you can’t go wrong with Pentax’s 10-megapixel Optio W60 ($300). It’s waterproof to 13 feet, letting you record videos and images of your underwater quests like swimming with the sharks in Belize. It’s also “coldproof” to sub-zero temperatures, so you can hit the slopes without worrying about your camera literally freezing up. If you prefer a camcorder for preserving submerged memories, check out Panasonic’s SDR-SW20 Camcorder ($400), which can record video in five feet of water.
Pentax Optio W60 & Panasonic SDR-SW20
Don’t Get Lost
We love the great outdoors, and there is nothing like exploring it with the right accoutrements. With DeLorme’s new all-purpose Earthmate GPS PN-40 ($400), you can “layer” trails and roads over high-resolution aerial imagery, or USGS Quad maps to help you see where you’ll be hiking in greater detail. Topo USA software is included, which enhances geocaching (high-tech treasure hunting using special GPS maps). You can also use this handy device to map out kayaking routes (even in fog, you’ll know where you are), aid you in finding game or fish, or determine your bicycle route. A dual-core processor makes getting maps incredibly fast.
If you plan on taking your canine friend with you on your various sojourns, check out Garmin’s Astro 220 Dog Tracking System. This tough, all-weather collar plus GPS transmitter helps you keep track of your dog—which is great for hunting when tall grass can obscure your view. One charge equals about 36 hours, and the device will track your dog within a seven-mile range. For $600, you also get all the features of Garmin’s other top-of-the-line handhelds, such as a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSD card slot, and more.
Magellan’s Triton 2000 ($500) is also a great companion, especially for campers. The GPS device includes and LED flashlight, built-in barometer, 2-megapixel camera, and a voice recorder to enhance your waypoints (points you may later want to return to). Say you’re white-water rafting in Panama, for example, and see a waterfall. You can snap a picture of it, record a note about it, and record coordinates so you can later return for a dip. Magellan’s step-down model 1500 ($400) doesn’t include a camera, but it’s waterproof.
Paddle in Style
For those who prefer to explore by sea, Valley Sea Kayak’s Nordkapp LV is sea kayaking at its best. The intermediate to advanced kayaker will feel confident heading out in the tight rocky channels of the Scottish coast or conducting an expedition of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Its tight fit allows easy edging and responsiveness, and remains quick on the pick up. And there’s enough room in the bow and stern for a good week’s worth of gear. If money is no object, spring for the super light Ultra Kevlar model, which will set you back $4,599.
One of the biggest pains for a kayaker or canoe buff is getting the boat on top of your car before you head down to the water. With Thule’s 897XT Hullavator ($550) you don’t have to worry about lifting the kayak over your head. Simply hoist the kayak up to waist height, and the Hullavator does the rest, lifting your kayak up and on top of the car. Plus, it only takes up 28 inches of your rack, meaning you still have plenty of room on top of the car for, say, a bike or an additional kayak.
Thule’s 897XT Hullavator
Watch from Afar
To really enjoy all the sights nature has to offer, you need a good monocular so that you don’t scare away the animals. Brunton’s Echo Zoom monocular is only $50, and it’s also one of the lightest models available at 3.2 ounces. This single-lens device lets you zoom from 10x to 30x with ease, and fits in your pocket.
There are also some very interesting monoculars that offer laser rangefinders, which are perfect for hunting, boating, or even golfing. Nikon’s 6x Laser 550A S ($350), for example, provides actual distance, angle, horizontal distance, height, and difference in height between two separate targets. An external LCD panel shows results. For golfing or hunting, this information will allow you to shoot or swing with confidence. And it’s waterproof, to boot.
Stargazers are in luck, as well, because Celestron’s SkyScout Personal Planetarium ($200) lets you locate and get information on any object in the night sky. Look through the viewfinder, click the Target button, and the SkyScout will tell you what you are seeing. You can even locate stars or planets by selecting the object’s name on the SkyScout and following the arrows until you have arrived at your celestial destination. Once you’ve gotten there, the SkyScout features audio and text about the heavenly body, from history and mythology to facts and trivia.
Rugged Packs
Of course, you are going to need a good pack or bag to tote all your gear and electronics. Black Diamond’s Bandit ($70) is great for the skier, with a sleeve for water and a place to attach skis. It even has an AvaLung avalanche safety device for those exploring the backcountry.
Tunes are a must for any inspired hike or biking expedition. Skullcandy’s Link H2O Hydro pack ($140) offers both audio and agua. Attach your MP3 player (or cell phone) to the pack and listen to music through the strap speakers. You can also store a half-gallon of water for hydrating on long treks.
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