Gadgets for the Great Outdoors - by Richard Bewley of www.gadgetshop.com

LONDON, November 29 /PRNewswire/ --     If reports are to believed, most of the western world spend their free
time staring at the television, playing video games or surfing the net for
hours on end. While that may be some people's idea of a good time, many of us
would rather spend our leisure time outside, taking on the challenges nature
has to offer. Whether you enjoy mountain climbing, camping, or just the
occasional picnic in the countryside, there's no denying the great outdoors
is far more interesting than anything TV or the internet has to offer.

But that's not to say that there's no place for technology out in the
wilderness. Some pretty smart inventions have been created with the
outdoorsman (or woman) in mind. Ray Mears may be happy rubbing sticks
together to create fire or using the moss on the trees to tell which way is
north, but even the most adventurous of us could still use a little help out
in the wild.

Taking technology outside

There is a whole host of gadgets that can be of assistance when taking on
Mother Nature. Some are well known and well loved, like the compass and the
trusty Swiss Army Knife. But some, while newer and more hi-tech, are just as
useful, and once you've started using them you'll wonder how you ever
survived outdoors without them.

For example, the Gadgetshop's portable UV monitor is a handy little gizmo
that lets you know exactly how strong the sun's rays are wherever you happen
to be. Calculating against your skin type and the protection factor of your
sun cream, it alerts you when you've had optimum exposure to the sun and
would be wise to find some shade.

Also from the Gadgetshop is the solar backpack isn't just useful for
carrying provisions. It is equipped with a handy solar panel which stores
energy from the sun while you are hiking along. This energy can then be used
to recharge a device such as a digital camera or mobile phone, meaning you
need never lose contact with the outside world, or miss the opportunity to
take the ultimate wildlife snap.

For those that enjoy al fresco dining, but lack the patience to build the
perfect bonfire, the Notebook portable flat-folding barbecue is a must-have.
This lightweight, easy to carry item, which is smaller than the average
laptop computer, unfolds into an instant barbecue which can be taken anywhere
- just add charcoal!

Gadgets for the urban survivor

If you shy away from the wilderness, but still like to get out about in
town, the Gadgetshop has outdoor gadgets to suit you, too. Battery powered
heated gloves are a real boon on those long winter nights. The shake-powered
torch doesn't need batteries, so can be relied on the event of a power cut.
In the event of a breakdown at night, you'll be glad you had an emergency
rechargeable torch in your car's cigarette lighter.

So if you're going on walkabout, don't just rely on the survival tips of
Ray Mears or Bear Grylls, wise as they may be. Give yourself even more of an
advantage with some hi-tech gadgetry. After all, if it's good enough for
James Bond, it must be good enough for you!

http://www.gadgetshop.com

Contact Details: 

    Richard Bewley
    T: +44-(0)1494-737099
    richard.bewley@gadgetshop.com