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5 gadgets I can't go off-grid without (and why they make such a big difference)
I've always loved spending time in the great outdoors -- walking, hiking, camping, flying my drones, and even being outside to review products like power stations and solar generators. But I'm no purist and I'm more than happy to turn to tech gadgets to help make my life easier, more comfortable, and also more fun.
And I now have a set of equipment that I turn to in order to enjoy the outdoors more. Here are my top seven picks of things that I wouldn't want to leave behind.
Also: The best drones you can buy
This portable power station provides enough energy to power small gadgets on the go. The EcoFlow River 2 Max weighs less than 15 pounds, which is far lighter and more portable than some of my other units.
I've had one of these power stations for well over a year now, and it's been out with me on countless adventures, quickly becoming a reliable gadget I don't go camping without. It has a maximum output of 1000W, and can power up to 11 devices simultaneously
The EcoFlow River 2 Max is the ultimate grab-and-go power station for my adventures -- and at under $300, it won't break the bank.
Also: I found the perfect portable power station for all my adventures
Also: The best portable power stations you can buy
While power banks are great for the odd adventure on foot, I find it useful to have something a bit bigger when I'm going off-grid or camping. Plus, you don't want to only bring one power bank along with you, especially if everyone is trying to connect and charge their phones at the same time.
The Anker Solix C300 is like a big power bank, but this also has the ability to output AC power, or long-distance electricity transmission, when you need it.
For total off-grid capability, it features an XT60 port capable of taking in 100W solar power, to which you'd connect a 100W solar panels.
Also: This ultra-portable station gives you AC power on the move
One of the cool things about being off-grid is having energy self-sufficiency, and one way to do that is to use solar panels. Now, they come in a lot of sizes, from big to bigger. But when you're hauling your necessities around, bigger isn't always better.
My go-to panel is the Jackery SolarSaga 40, a 40W panel that allows me to turn light into power while on the move. It's small, light -- at three pounds -- and effective, plus I can quickly latch it on to my backpack with no problem. The panel comes with a detachable power splitter with dual USB-A/C ports to charge your devices, as well as a separate DC8020 power cord for power stations.
It's portable and durable. Mine has been out and about with me, and used and abused on countless trips and it's still going strong.
Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
It's easy to take for granted constant communications -- cellular and Wi-Fi blanket a large amount of the world. But once you step outside of that coverage, you're on your own. While I love being away from it, the people around me appreciate a message or two. Also, if something goes bad -- I have a medical emergency, something happens to my vehicle, or I'm delayed -- having the ability to send a message is actually priceless.
I've tested a lot of satellite messengers, and the one that I find myself using the most is the Garmin InReach Messenger. It's a small, puck-sized unit that works both as a self-contained messenger device and when connected to a smartphone.
It sends and uploads your location every 10 minutes to Garmin's MapShare website, where you can give friends and family a special URL (and optional password) to see your location on a map in real-time. Yes, there is a subscription needed to access the satellite network, but you can pause this when you're not using it.
Also: This tiny satellite communicator impressed me during one off-grid adventure
A lot of the time, I'm going off-grid while doing some work. More often than not I need access to the internet. I've worked for years with multiple SIM cards and big external antennas for mobile hotspot devices. But all of that changed once I got myself a SpaceX Starlink Mini dish.
Lay this on the ground with a good view of the sky, and it connects to satellites orbiting 340 miles overhead, offering up super-fast internet access. I can even power the dish from a portable power bank or power station, giving me a total off-grid solution.
Also: I turned my Starlink Mini into a near-perfect off-grid internet solution
Why should you trust me?
I'm in a rather unique position—my job involves testing and reviewing gadgets and gear, I'm a drone operator with several high-level qualifications, and I love the outdoors. For me, combining my love of tech and the outdoors is a no-brainer, which is why I spend a significant amount of time testing and reviewing items that take me out into Mother Nature.
What this means is that I'm not just reviewing outdoor gear—I'm actually putting myself in situations where I rely on it. And if it's not good enough for me, there's no way I'm recommending it to anyone else.
What's the best way to keep tech dry when out and about?
Plastic trash bags. Plain and simple. I've tried all sort of things, from sheets made of high-tech materials like Tyvek sheets to old-school canvas tarp, and nothing beats a trash bag!
I find my smartphone burning through battery life while off-grid. Why?
It's searching for a Wi-Fi or cellular network to connect to, and that's causing it to work much harder than usual. You can do one of two things to help alleviate this issue:
- Turn the handset off
- Put it into airplane mode
Either of these will dramatically prolong your smartphone's battery life when out of signal coverage.
More off-grid friendly tech we think you'd love
I've found that a drone is a great off-grid tool. Not only does it allow me to capture great photos and video, but it's also a great way to scout the path ahead. This DJI Neo drone is lightweight and packs down super small, so it's perfect for hiking and backpacking.
This is the lightest, thinnest, most durable power bank I've tested for phones or smartwatches. It's a great power brick for those who want the most lightweight portable power option possible.