14 Essential Tools for the Great Outdoors—Frozen or Thawed

Before you know it, the winter freeze will thaw; snow birds will return from their warm retreat; bees will bumble; and flowers will flourish. Campers, fishermen, trail runners, hikers, and the like will emerge from hibernation to resume their outdoorsy activities. Elsewhere, the winter is just setting in, which means that skiers, mountaineers, ice fishermen, and hunters are gearing up for their outdoor recreation. Before hitting the dirt (or the frozen lake), this is an opportune time to add some essential gear to your travel bag or daypack.

To help equip yourself, or the nature-going person in your life, we’ve put together a list of essential tools and useful gadgets that are sure to be appreciated any time of the year.

GPS

Many of us enjoy diverting from the beaten path. But there is no sense in blazing a new trail if you don’t know where you are going—or your way back. Not every trail is clearly marked, and those National Parks maps have a way of leaving you puzzled. For these reasons, and many others, a handheld GPS is crucial, if not essential.

When purchasing a GPS, important aspects to consider include: waypoint markers, data storage, form factor, and computer compatibility. Garmin offers many user-friendly and budget-friendly GPS options in its eTrex line that feature all of the aforementioned functions.

The eTrex 10 and eTrex Touch 35t weigh a featherweight 5 ounces and feature a highly sensitive receiver that utilizes both GPS and GLONASS satellites for rapid signal acquisition. Each runs on two easy-to-find AA batteries. The eTrex 10 stores up to 1,000 waypoints and the Touch 35t can store up to 4,000, adding an extra layer of versatility over the Back-Track. At the end of your trip, select the stored location and the units will display the direction and distance to your destination. All data can be displayed in imperial or metric units, and stored data can be transferred via a USB port to your computer for later reference or integration with mapping software.

Using a familiar touch-screen interface, and adding a barometer and altimeter, the Touch 35t is optimized for the outdoors to provide crucial environmental data, useful for determining elevation change, dramatic weather changes, and even optimal hunting and fishing times. Sunrise/sunset and moon-phase information is also accessible to help plan your activities. The built-in compass will show you your heading, even when you are standing still. A microSD card slot lets you add maps to the worldwide base map for added versatility.

Illumination Tools

For campers, a good flashlight is a must. Period. A good flashlight is bright and reliable; a great one is also durable and useful. One of the most useful items a backpacker or camper can have with them is a headlamp—a hands-free flashlight.

One of the best options in the headlamp market for cold-weather use is the Fenix Flashlight HP30. This headlamp puts out up to a blinding 900 lumens, in five brightness modes. There is even a pre-programmed SOS mode for signaling in the event of an emergency. But what really makes this lamp shine for use out in the cold is its remote battery case. As you know, batteries and cold don’t mix—low temperatures limit the output, or keep them from working all together. By placing the batteries inside your jacket, where it is warm, you can enjoy the same performance you would get if it were 80 degrees out. While it runs on either two rechargeable 18650 batteries, or four disposable CR123A, the slight difficulty you might experience finding them is offset by the high outputs and long run times they offer. (Most drug or convenience stores don’t carry either of these batteries but, luckily enough, B&H has plenty of both 18650 and CR123A in stock.)

A waterproof housing makes this headlamp durable while still being lightweight. The HP30 LED Headlamp thrives in harsh conditions; it will resist water even in driving wind and rain. The housing also has a tilt range of 60 degrees, allowing you to put the light where you need it most. It's comfortable to wear, thanks to its no-chafe, fine-weave headband and remote battery case, that take most of the bulk from your head to limit neck strain.

The Fenix Flashlight HP05 LED Headlamp also has features that will satisfy the needs of most recreationalists, and runs off more commonly available AA batteries. The digitally regulated LED provides a consistent output intensity throughout the life of the battery, with up to 350 lumens of bright white light, as well as three other brightness settings and an SOS strobe mode. For nighttime illumination inside the tent or around the campsite, the HP05 has a red LED that won’t disrupt your dark-adapted vision—a great feature for reading and getting ready for bed, especially if the kids are already asleep. The aluminum housing is also IPX-6 waterproof compliant, allowing this headlamp to shrug off rain and snow with ease.

The Maglite Solitaire LED Flashlight is a classic keychain light. It fits everywhere and will last (almost) forever. On a single AAA battery, the Solitaire can produce up to 90 minutes of continuous illumination, and its 37-lumen LED light source has an adjustable beam width that’s visible up to 60 yards away. Like the other Maglites you know and love, this little one also has a weather-resistant aluminum housing that is anodized inside and out, for years of corrosion-free performance.  The solitaire comes with a keychain leash and is also available in Silver, Blue, Gray, and Red.

Multi-Tools

In terms of utility and potential, a Multi-Tool speaks for itself—and nobody makes them quite like Gerber. Who knew that a single handheld multi-tool could turn almost any guy or gal into a MacGyver reboot? Scissors, flat-head screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, bottle opener, blade, ruler, file… imagine the possibilities! Gerber makes products that last; we recommend the Multi-Plier 600 Multi-Tool and the Dime Multi-Tool. Both are form-meets-function icons that feature stainless-steel construction, spring-loaded tools, and a limited lifetime warranty.

The 14-tool Multi-Plier 600 measures less than 5" long when closed and it is outfitted with needle-nose pliers, wire cutters and crimpers, Remgrit saw, and serrated blade, four screwdrivers, bottle opener, and more. It features one-handed opening for ease of use, and the tools lock in place for safe handling.

A more compact option is the 10-tool Dime Multi-Tool, which measures a minuscule 2.75" long when closed; it is packed with scissors, a wire cutter, a non-serrated blade, and a tool especially for opening plastic retail packaging. Additionally, there is a flat-head screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver, as well as tweezers, and a built-in bottle opener can be used even when the tool is closed.

Portable Power

To keep your devices, camp light, and bug zapper juiced while in the great outdoors, a portable power unit is a must. Today’s systems are lighter and more efficient, making them much easier to bring along than previous portable power options. Keep your digital gear powered and ready for action, thanks to these compact solar panels and power packs.

Brunton’s Power Essentials Kit is an all-in-one solar power kit that includes a solar panel and rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. The Power Essentials Kit was specifically designed for charging USB-powered devices, such as a camera, GPS, or tablet. The included solar array is water resistant and has a rubberized protective shell. The solar array has five panels that output 5V, 1A. This kit also comes with one of Brunton’s Inspire rechargeable batteries, which has a capacity of 3200 mA and also outputs 5V, 1A. The entire kit folds down to a mere 4.5 x 9 x 1" and weighs less than 21 oz.

Brunton’s Hydrogen Reactor Portable Power Pack is a relatively new addition to the portable power landscape. It requires no electricity, instead relying on a solid-state, eco-friendly power pack. Simply replace the rechargeable Hydrogen Core Cell (included) and keep on charging.

Since it generates power through a chemical process using naturally occurring elements, there are no harmful chemicals or byproducts. Because it doesn’t require conventional charging, this is an ideal option for emergencies and extended stints away from AC and DC power sources. This innovative power pack outputs 5V, 2A via standard USB cable. The Hydrogen Reactor is also relatively lightweight and compact, weighing only 8.5 oz with a 5 x 3 x 1" footprint. The Hydrogen Reactor is also available in Orange and Yellow. The Cores are reusable, but you’ll need to pick up the Recharge Station separately by clicking here.

GoalZero has made an impressive splash in the portable power market, thanks in part to its lineup of portable power options and compact solar panel arrays.

The Sherpa 50 Portable Power Pack and the Sherpa 100 Power Pack offer a Li-NMC rechargeable battery, multi-voltage charging, simultaneous charging and power output, fused circuitry that helps protect high-current devices like a laptop, as well as a battery gauge that displays the input/output of the power pack. Each of the power packs can be fully recharged in three hours.

One of the standout features of the Sherpa series power packs is that they can be chained to other Sherpa power packs to increase the battery capacity for extended run time. Included with each power pack is a 110V AC power adapter; they can be recharged via AC power, 12V DC power, or solar panels.

The Sherpa 50 Portable Power Pack has a 5200mA battery capacity, four power outputs, dual-USB output, and weighs 1.2 pounds. Alternatively, the Sherpa 100 Power Pack features an 11V, 8800 mA rechargeable battery, five power outputs, dual USB, and weighs 1.9 lb.

To complement the rechargeable batteries mentioned above, we recommend the Boulder 15 v2 Solar Panel and the Boulder 30 Solar Panel. The Boulder series solar panel is available in 15W and 30W configurations; both are compatible with all Goal Zero rechargers and power stations. Several of these solar panels can be connected in series using an included chaining cable, maximizing your ability to soak up the sun. The Boulder 15 v2 and Boulder 30 are both built on a weather-resistant aluminum frame and have scratch-resistant tempered glass protecting the solar cells.

A helpful accessory for your portable power rig is a tripod that will enable you to position the solar panels toward the sun. This is especially clutch early and late in the day when the sun is close to the horizon. GoalZero’s folding tripod is specially designed for this purpose; it is compact, height adjustable, weather resistant, and capable of accommodating up to four Boulder 30 Solar Panels.

The tripod head rotates 360 degrees and has an adjustable pitch angle that furthers the precise alignment of the panels. Spiked feet help anchor the tripod to firm footing, and tie-down points on each leg let you attach straps (included) for additional stability in windy conditions.

Waterproof Digital Camera

Most of us will end up bringing a digital camera along on our outdoor adventures. Chances are that your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera isn’t the least bit weather resistant, which is why a waterproof point-and-shoot camera can be a valuable addition to your backpack. A valuable addition to B&H’s waterproof camera stable is the new Ricoh WG-5 GPS Digital Camera. This tough little camera combines durability and image quality in a compact body.

In addition to its waterproof seals (rated to a depth of 45 feet), the WG-5 is also cold resistant, dustproof, crushproof and shockproof. Complementing the rugged construction is a built-in GPS module that automatically records location data useful for geo-tagging and travel logging. GPS data can be viewed in real time on the camera’s 3.0" LCD screen. Additionally, an array of built-in sensors provides a digital compass; barometric pressure, altitude, and water-depth gauges.

On the technical side, the WG-5 features a 16MP 1/2.3" backlit CMOS sensor capable of capturing high-resolution photos as well as 1080p Full HD video. Ricoh paired the sensor with its latest image processor, which allows continuous full-resolution shooting at 1.5 fps and an impressive 12-14 fps burst shooting at lower-resolution settings. An especially noteworthy feature is the camera’s high-speed video setting, capable of recording at 120 fps in 720p HD resolution.

The WG-5 has an f/2-4.9 4x optical zoom lens that captures 25-100mm equivalent focal lengths—suitable for wide-angle landscapes and telephoto shots. An ISO 6400 sensitivity setting and ISO Shake Reduction also make the WG-4 well-suited for low-light photography and shooting at a telephoto focal-length range. A ring of six LED lights surrounding the lens enables bright close-ups and balanced lighting for macro imaging. The WG-5 digital camera is available in gunmetal and orange finishes.

Conclusion

All of the outdoor gear mentioned above will be thoughtful and useful gifts for your nature-loving friends and family members—or yourself. Day or night, rain or shine, summer or winter, these outdoor tools have the potential to make good times great—without weighing you down too much. For more options and specifications, check out these categories on the B&H site: GPS, flashlights, portable power, multi-tools, waterproof cameras.