18 Coolest Outdoor Gadgets for Nature Lovers

11/12/2020

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We all know somebody who seems to spend more time outdoors than inside. Whether camping, hiking, gardening or crafting, they can’t get enough of Mother Nature. The grass is their sofa, the birdsong their morning alarm. They don’t care for Netflix, but a new edition of their favourite wildflower almanac is bound to raise a smile.

If you’ve got an outdoorsy type in your life, you might be wondering what to gift them at the next birthday or Christmas. The good news is there are plenty of great products for people who love being out in the wild. Perhaps your family is planning a big camping trip and you need some new outdoor gear. Or perhaps you just fancy treating yourself.

Whatever your reasons for browsing outdoor gadgets, we’re going to show you some of the coolest. We’ve listed our favourite outdoor products and equipment to give you some inspiration. Here are our top picks:

1. Bio-Lite Wood-Burning Stove

Bio-lite wood-burning stoves have become very popular with camping fans because they provide a ‘clean’ way to cook outdoors. To create a fully functional electric oven, the user simply needs to build a fire (as many people already do when they go camping). Then, they position the bio-lite stove on top of the fire.

The heat from the fire powers a thermoelectric generator inside the stove. This generator charges a fan which injects air into the burn chamber to create a more efficient, more eco-friendly cooking process. It even stores excess energy as electric to be used for charging devices via an integrated USB port. Pretty cool, huh?

The only downside to these cool outdoor ovens is their size. They can cook almost anything – including pizzas – but they tend to be on the bulky side. For this reason, we think they’re best suited to campers who travel by vehicle. If you’re going to buy one, you need an easy way to transport a portable stove that’s on the larger side.

Bio-lite wood burning stove

2. Thermal Imaging Scope

This next gadget is for the serious outdoorsman (or lady). As high-quality thermal imaging scopes can be very expensive, you should have a clear purpose in mind when browsing for one. Are you hoping to capture nocturnal animals? Do you need a thermal scope for hunting expeditions? Are you hoping to increase your home’s security?

Whatever your reasons for buying a thermal scope, shop carefully. Thermal vision doesn’t need a light source to operate, unlike standard night vision. This means it’s perfect for night-time hunting trips and detecting movement whether from people or animals in extremely low light conditions.

You should be aware thermal imaging scopes are normally a little heavier than night vision scopes. Make sure your chosen gadget has ergonomic features that allow it to be gripped tightly without discomfort. You don’t want to lose this piece of kit in the woods!

Thermal imaging scope

3. Go Pro

Go Pro cameras have been a staple in the equipment bags of mountain bikers, hikers and climbers for a long time. Yes, they can be rather pricey. However, depending on the type of video footage you’re trying to capture, they may be the only viable choice. Nothing matches Go Pro cameras for rugged, fast-paced action shots and videos.

These ‘action’ cameras are popular for two reasons. They can be mounted in an almost endless variety of ways on car hoods, bike handles, skateboards, rucksacks, shoulder harnesses and lots more. They’re also designed to withstand very fast movement so, unlike many other portable cameras, they are capable of recording things like extreme sports in crystal clear quality.

You don’t need to empty your bank account quite yet because Go Pro cameras come in a wide variety of models. Some models can be bought for as little as £120. Other Go Pros retail for more than £380 and come with an array of sophisticated features like super time-lapse vision, HyperSmooth stabilisation and 1080p live streaming.

Go pro

4. Metal Detector

Metal detectors have experienced a serious surge in popularity over the last five years. They’ve become cool gadgets and now everybody wants one. There’s something unmistakably relaxing about an afternoon spent metal detecting. It’s not really about finding valuables; it’s about getting outdoors and paying attention to things.

These devices come in a range of different sizes and prices. If you want to make metal detecting a regular hobby, you might consider a more expensive product with an interchangeable coil and a large ID LCD meter. Or you could spend less on a midrange detector with a medium-sized waterproof coil and a non-slip adjustable neck.

If this is your first foray into metal detecting, we recommend a midrange product, at least to begin with. You’ll find some fantastic machines on the market for under £80. Some of our favourites come with universal headphone jacks so you can plug in and tune out the background noises. This can be very helpful when detecting in locations like the beach.

Metal detector

5. Solar Battery Charger

Anybody who goes camping regularly or likes to embark on long hikes (particularly in rough terrain) should purchase a solar battery charger. If you know somebody who fits the above criteria, consider getting one for their kit bag. These clever gadgets can be lifesaving in emergencies.

They’re also very easy to use. Simply roll the foldable panels out and place them facing upwards in a sunny spot. While they can take a while (several hours in some cases) to fully charge, the idea is that once juiced, users rarely allow them to go flat.

If you keep a solar battery charger in sunlight most of the time, it theoretically won’t ever run out of power no matter how far you are from civilisation.

The more you pay for your solar charger, the more efficient it will be. If you’re looking for a wireless charger for your car or just to carry around in your pocket, a less expensive gadget will likely do the job.

If you’re planning to take the charger out on overnight camping trips, it might be worth spending a little more for larger panels and a dual USB output for charging multiple phones or cameras.

Solar Battery charger

6. LED Lighted Beanie Cap

An LED lighted beanie cap is a wonderful gift for anybody who spends a lot of time in the garden. Even on long summer days, time can run away from you when you’re outside gardening, crafting or reorganising the shed. With a lighted beanie, the encroaching dark is never a problem. Keep one of these hats by the back door and there’ll always be a reliable light source to hand.

Our favourite products are the ones which come with a USB port for fast recharging. Yes, that’s right. You can really plug a beanie hat into your computer. It sounds peculiar but it’s actually a very useful feature. It turns a warm beanie into what is, essentially, a hands-free flashlight. Even with a USB port, these hats can be thrown in the washing machine without fear of breaking the light source or charging socket.

Ideally, you want an LED that can light up to thirty metres away at least. Some lights are detachable. Others are part of the beanie and cannot be removed. The important things to remember when shopping are comfort and efficiency. Is the head-light going to last for the duration of whatever outdoor activity you’re doing? Is the beanie comfortable to wear?

LED Lighted beanie cap

7. Emergency Go Bag Survival Kit

Not everybody needs an emergency go bag or an outdoor survival kit. For some people though, they should be considered essential. If you or somebody that you know regularly vanishes into the wild on days long adventures, an emergency go bag survival kit is an affordable way to protect yourself.

It’s not one of the coolest outdoor gadgets around, but it is one of the most valuable. The typical emergency go bag contains a foil blanket, rescue whistle, flashlight, fire starting tool, folding saw, compass and a bracelet which turns into a climbing rope. Some other kits substitute the saw for a small axe. Larger bags may also include medical equipment.

The point of an emergency go bag is to ensure hikers, climbers, mountain bikers and other wilderness seekers carry the tools needed to save their lives. Whether you get caught in a storm, stuck on a mountain or injured in the forest, your chances of making it home in one piece are significantly higher when carrying one of these kits.

Survival kit

8. Camera Drone

Now to a product that consistently ranks among the cool gadgets and gizmos. Remote controlled camera drones are everywhere at the moment. They’re not just fun to fly around the backyard, they’re great for shooting adrenaline-pumping action footage. For instance, lots of mountain bikers use camera drones to capture jumps and other aerial stunts.

Yet, you don’t need to be a stunt biker to appreciate the magic of drone technology. Other people use these cameras for capturing majestic, sweeping shots of their favourite landscapes. Shooting directly from the air provides a unique perspective that it’s almost impossible to replicate in any other way.

If you’re thinking about buying a drone as a gift or a treat for yourself, spend time browsing the market. Don’t jump into a purchase too quickly, because there are so many different devices out there. For those who’ve never flown a camera drone before, it’s probably best to start with a less expensive product. That way, you can get used to flying via remote control and, if you do crash, you’re not going to ruin a £200 machine.

Camera dome

9. Multi-Function Axe Tool

Here’s another handy tool for the passionate outdoorsman. Multi-function axe tools are compact chopping devices designed to slip neatly into a rucksack, climbing harness or camping bag. They’re noticeably smaller than a standard two-handed axe. They’re also different because the axe heads on these tools serve multiple functions.

Most have an axe blade on one side and a small hammer head on the other side. The very best axe tools come with a folding knife and screwdriver as well. The mini knife swings out from the handle like it does on a Swiss army knife. With hammering, chopping and cutting capabilities, there’s little you can’t do – even out in the wild – with one of these gadgets.

Multi axe

10. Camping Hammock

They say you never go back to camping on the ground after you spend a night in a properly designed hammock. They’re certainly a lot more sophisticated than they were twenty years ago. Don’t be put off by images of palm trees and cocktails; modern camping hammocks are tough and can tolerate a great deal of wear and tear.

They also come with additional features such as mosquito nets and rain shelters. We love camping hammocks which zip closed all the way around. You want a nice, breathable fabric for comfort while sleeping, but you also want to shut out any bugs, critters, leaves or debris that might disturb your slumber.

We recommend a parachute style camping hammock with a mesh or cover which fastens all the way around. That way, there’s no chance anything can crawl inside overnight. These hammocks tend to be very lightweight and easy to carry. The high strength nylon is exceptionally tough but it’s thin and doesn’t weigh much. It’s great at moisture wicking and drying fast in damp climates.

Camping hammock

11. Handheld GPS Unit

You’ve got a satnav for the family car. Did you know you can get GPS for your legs as well? It’s not quite as silly as we’ve made it sound. Handheld GPS units have been available for some time and are commonly used by hikers and orienteers. They work in much the same way as the vehicular GPS systems we’re all used to. The only difference is they map established hiking trails, campsites and rural landmarks rather than highways.

We recommend a handheld GPS unit if you’re buying a gift for somebody who loves orienteering. Most are fully compatible with GPX files and users can download their geocaching data from a computer directly to the unit.

Even if your outdoor adventures are more relaxing than hair raising, it’s worth picking up a handheld GPS unit with waterproofing features. If your device is waterproofed, it’s probably dirt and dust resistant too. You might not plan to wade through any country streams, but outdoor trips and falls can still damage less sturdy handheld equipment.

GPS Unit

12. Kelly Kettle

The term ‘kelly kettle’ is a catch-all for a specific type of camping kettle originating from the 1800s. There are many different brands of kelly kettle. Each is shaped a little differently, but all share the same characteristic feature. Kelly kettles include a tall container for holding the water. This sits directly above a hollow base where a small fire can be started.

The user starts a fire in the base, then places the metal water container on top. The metal walls heat up quickly due to the fire. This heats the water and, voila, you have a full container of boiled (and bacteria free) water.

If you’re wondering why a person wouldn’t just use a gas stove, think about all the circumstances in which this wouldn’t be possible. Then, consider how convenient it is to transport spare gas canisters with you. Kelly kettles don’t need gas. They won’t ever run out of fuel or power. If there are twigs nearby, you’ve got hot water. That’s why these outdoor gadgets are among our favourite camping products.

Kelly kettle

13. Motion Sensor Camera

Motion sensor cameras are having a moment right now. Since the introduction of doorbell cameras, there’s been a huge surge in demand for motion sensor devices that can be used as home surveillance. It’s not their only function of course. Before homeowners saw their benefits for security, they were a common part of hunting kits.

There are some very high-quality wildlife cameras on the market. The majority are motion sensor-controlled to allow for covert filming. You may not be out hunting deer. Perhaps you just want to get a look at their nocturnal activities. In any case, you’ll need a covert filming device like a motion sensor camera to capture notoriously skittish animals.

Some essential features include waterproofing – your camera will be left outdoors for prolonged periods – a fast trigger speed, an infrared sensor for detecting movement in the dark and full HD capabilities (if possible). Ideally, the trigger speed of the central PIR sensor should be 0.4 seconds or less.

Stealth camera

14. Digital Weather Station

There are countless ways to use a digital weather station and as many good reasons to purchase one. Weather stations are valuable garden gadgets due to their ability to produce large amounts of detailed meteorological data.

This benefits people in different ways. For anybody with a high maintenance garden, precise information on humidity and outdoor temperatures can mean the difference between planting at the right and wrong times.

On the other hand, you don’t need to be looking for detailed insights to find a digital weather station useful. Many homeowners buy them to get regular weather updates as, being very sensitive, they’re capable of providing meteorological readings that are local to your neighbourhood, street and garden in some cases.

Weather station

15. Umbrella Hat

Now to what is, arguably, the least cool of all the gadgets on our countdown. However, it’s such a classic, we couldn’t help ourselves. When we say, ‘umbrella hat,’ you probably know exactly what we’re referencing.

These quirky hats have appeared in more comedy movies than we can count. You may scoff, but they do the job. If you want to stay bone dry while keeping your hands free for tasks, you could do far worse than an umbrella hat.

They happen to be very affordable too. You can pick these rain hats up for a few dollars in outdoor stores. We found our umbrella hats most helpful when trying to light a fire on a camping trip. Not only were we free to use our hands, wearing the umbrella hat aided our efforts to keep the flames safe from a deluge.

Umbrella hat

16. Outdoor Pizza Oven

Outdoor pizza ovens get our vote because they can turn simple backyard cookouts into something really special. We all envy the perfect pizza bases we get at our favourite Italian restaurants. They’re almost always stone baked over an open flame which is not normally possible in a standard kitchen oven.

It is why passionate foodies love outdoor pizza ovens. They can be pricey, but there’s no substitute for the taste. Traditional pizza ovens use wood as fuel. However, many modern devices now come with gas compatibility as well. It’s not always convenient to be chopping wood for a fire. Sometimes, you just want to gas your pizza oven up and cook a quick late night snack.

If you’re thinking about buying an outdoor oven, we recommend a gas-powered machine for this reason. Or, if you can afford to spend a little more, get one that can do both. Some premium ovens use wood for fuel, but they can be fitted with a detachable gas burner.

Outdoor pizza oven

17. Emergency Hand Crank Generator

Hand crank generators have been around for a long time, but they continue to be one of the cleverest outdoor gadgets on the market. With one of these boxes, you can produce electric energy from nothing but manual force. You don’t need a fire or any kind of fancy internal mechanism. This is old technology, but it works because it’s based on reliable science.

When you turn or rock the handle (different generators work in different ways), the kinetic energy produced by your moving muscles gets turned into electrical energy. The faster you turn, the more electric you get. When the crank generator is fully juiced, you can then plug electrical devices into its sockets.

It’s common for hand crank generators to come with integrated radios that can support communication and navigation efforts when a person is stranded outdoors. They’re very lightweight so they can be easily carried in a regular hiking bag. No matter how far you walk or bike from the nearest town, you’ll always have the ability to create power for your smartphones, rechargeable flashlights, GPS units and other gadgets.

Hand crank generator

18. Outside Hidden Spy Camera

There are many reasons why a homeowner might purchase a covert outdoor hidden spy camera. The most obvious is for home surveillance. Not everybody likes the aesthetic of larger, bulkier CCTV recording equipment. Full-sized cameras can make a property look intimidating in some cases and even cause disputes with neighbours.

The benefits of a hidden spy camera are discretion, ease of use and affordability. Most are compact enough to be placed (not necessarily installed) on a windowsill, shelf or another flat surface. They can also be clipped to the tops of fences, birdboxes and even your pet cat’s collar. Surveillance has never been so inconspicuous.

Outside hidden spy camera

15 outdoor gadgets & cool gear

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