The must-have pieces of outdoor tech for 2015

Man in woods using GPS tracker

As much as many of us hate to admit it, being outdoors is no longer about getting away from technology, but finding new bits of kit and gadgets that help make our time in the fresh air better.

We're already accustomed to GPS for rambling, solar lights to keep passersby away from guide ropes and so on, but 2015 outdoor tech will bring a new wave of kit to help add some practical benefit or a little soul and style to that camping trip. Among the smart ideas begging for your attention next year are:

Multi-function charging kits

In recent years, there have been various charging kits to keep your gadgets up and running. In 2015, we'll inevitably see them refined to do more and more. One unit can charge your phone, GPS or other devices. It can provide light through a torch to act as a extra emergency light and can run as a small fan to help keep cool.

It uses the typical solar charger to keep things going, but expect makers to add more features to make them even more essential to outdoors types. How long until it comes with an electric can opener as an option?

Smartwatches

Woman looking at smart watch on a walk with yellow coat

Smartwatches have been "coming" for some years now; in 2015 they will go mainstream, with masses of Android and a range of iOS devices to match your phone. Along with fitbands, fitness trackers and other gizmos, they'll help record where you go, how you get there, how much exercise you do and what the conditions are like.

Lifelogging, as the trend is called, can help share your journey on social media, along with photos of your exploits to create a "living" record of your camping trips and treks. While the technology is pretty new, the idea of sharing everything (up to and including sleep patterns, heart rates, etc.) is a controversial one, but the user can decide what they share.

Drones

The last item on the list might be some folk's idea of hell. However, for the ultimate holiday photo, small portable drones equipped with HD cameras can take video or snaps of you and your friends or family, whenever you reach an exotic or cool location.

Easy to operate, they can consign snaps of soggy hikers huddled around a cairn to history. Instead you can take flyby shots as the party walk along ridges, pass waterfalls or other scenic delights. They can also come in handy when lost or in trouble, making them an increasingly practical bit of technology to take on your travels.

Make sure you have everything you need for your next camping trip with our full range of camping equipment.

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