It's summer and you're just dying to get out of the steel jungle! But you've been locked up in your cubicle, with your head stuck in cyberspace, for so long, you may not be able to survive long without some 21st-century digital assistance. Here are a few cool new gadgets that can help you travel the back trails with complete confidence, and still be the most high-tech hiker on the mountain.
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Talkabout T6000 Radio
The latest offering (expected later this summer) from Motorola's line of two-way radios adds significant functions to an already impressive device. The T6000 from Motorola has the same 14 channels and 38 codes for completely private conversations as Motorola’s other FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, but adds a few new features like an FM radio (for getting the latest weather reports), a digital compass, thermometer, altimeter/barometer, and clock with timer and alarm. It also has a hands-free headset so you can make calls while hanging on to a cliff by your fingernails.
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Suunto Advizor Wrist-Top Computer
As if watches weren't already doing enough these days, Suunto has come out with the ultimate outdoor athlete's watch. The top-of-the-line Advizor ($299, Suunto) sports the usual time/stopwatch/countdown and alarm functions, but adds barometer, altimeter, digital compass, and even a heart-rate monitor. The barometer can keep track of changes over several days, so you can tell if you're staying ahead of that low-pressure system threatening to ruin your weekend, and the altimeter keeps track of your vertical ascent/descent rates. The compass has declination adjustment for greater accuracy, and has bearing tracking to make sure you're actually on course. The heart monitor can be set to put you in the "zone" and sound an alarm when your heart rate goes too high (when you spot that overly-protective momma bear, for instance).
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Hydro-Photon Steri-Pen
Rather than worry about water filters or nasty-tasting WWII-era purification tablets, take the high-tech route to eliminating bacteria and viruses from your water. The soon-to-be-released Steri-Pen from Hydro-Photon works with ultra-violet light to make drinking water safe -- just stick it in your water, wave it around for 30 seconds, and you've got good, clean H20, free of both Giardia and Cryptosporidium - a hiker's worst enemies (next to bitchy momma bears). At only 4 oz., it's lighter than most other filtration devices, and more effective. Hey, this might even come in handy back at the office!
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Garmin GPS III+
Forget paper maps that get wet, lost, and accidentally placed too close to the campfire. Pack the Garmin GPS III+ ($350, Garmin) and you’ll never get lost again. The III+ supports downloaded maps from the US Geological Survey, which can be viewed on the clear 5" screen. It can track your position to within 15 feet by using up to 12 satellites, and allows for way point navigation. Maps are available for urban areas too, so when you come out of the treeline, you can make a beeline for the nearest 7-11.
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AlpineAire Self-Heating Foods
Okay, you're not the greatest cook in the world -- even with a full kitchen at your disposal -- what are you supposed to eat in the woods, nuts and berries? Of course not. Eat like a gourmet with AlpineAire self-heating meals ($8 per entree, alpine Aire). With selections like chicken parmesan and vegetable beef stew, there's no need to eat bark, and even no reason to start a campfire. Just pull the string on the package, wait 15-20 minutes, and out pops a steaming hot meal.
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PowerExperts Sun Catcher
How are you going to power all your gear out there in the woods? Well, if you're really buff you could use the Aladdinpower Handheld Generator ($60, Aladdinpower), but for those who want to do a little less work, check out the Sun Catcher ($340). Using the sun’s rays, you can power your laptop or recharge the batteries for all your gadgets. And if you've forgotten to turn off the lights on your car in your excitement to leave civilization behind, just plug it in and you'll be heading back to the datamines in no time. On second thought, maybe you don’t want to bring along the Sun Catcher.
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Now that you know you can take to the great outdoors without leaving your gadget lust behind, there's no reason to sit around the city on your thumbs. And who knows, after a couple of days in "The Big Room," you may find yourself dreaming up new strategies for cyber-commuting.
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