Camping in this day and age has come very far since those carefree summer trips of youth! Back then, camping was a decidedly low-tech activity, and people ventured into the wilderness with hardly any electronic devices—if any at all.
Today’s hikers are more receptive to technology use combined with outdoor adventuring. Satellite messengers and personal locator beacons provide invaluable communication services in case of emergency. GPS trackers and digital maps help you find your way and perhaps even log your distance and hiking pace. Due to the increasing use of such devices, hikers have been seeking portable power solutions to deal with the energy needs.
Tactical pros and enthusiasts can also benefit from outdoor power technology solutions! They are especially useful for emergency situations and outdoor survival. Let’s look at the latest tactical energy innovations worth including in your prep kit.
The Latest Innovations in Portable Power Solutions
Energy is something we often take for granted. It’s always available, after all—until you go on a weeklong outdoor adventure or find yourself facing a harrowing tactical survival scenario. That’s when the value of having an energy source becomes impossible to deny.
With today’s advanced portable energy sources, no one has an excuse for being unprepared for a power loss. Let’s talk about some of the coolest tactical energy innovations you can find:
Portable Solar Panels: For a long time, solar panels have been too bulky and inconvenient to use on the go. But today, we now have solar panels that are lightweight and foldable! The more advanced models look like canvas screens that can be folded to fit in a backpack or spread wide to capture the sun’s energy. Besides being light, portable solar panels are ultra efficient, working very well even on cloudy days and carrying juice of up to 28 watts.
Wireless Charging Power Banks: Power banks have been around for years, and they’ve only been getting smaller and lighter while still packing a whole lotta juice. Now you can find power banks that don’t even require cable connectors for charging your devices! You just need to place them on the surface of the charger to power up their batteries.
Better Batteries: You can simply carry spare batteries to swap in when power gets low. These days, you won’t need to bring a lot of batteries. Innovations in the technology have led to the development of batteries that have longer lifespans, requiring less frequent replacement. Graphene batteries have very rapid charging capabilities and don’t generate excessive heat when properly deployed. Solid-state batteries offer high energy density and greater safety compared to lithium batteries—once the standard for long-life, high-powered battery technology.
Enhancing Tactical Gear Efficiency with Outdoor Power Technology
Technology moves fast. The tactical minded person needs to keep up with tech progress, as innovation inevitably impacts one’s planning for self-defense and survival. We’ve got to prepare ourselves to deal with weaponry innovation, for example—and think about the tactical gear we’ll need to face tomorrow’s dangers.
Tactical gear energy solutions have a lot to offer! These innovations will come in handy as we start integrating technology into our equipment and training. The right piece of tech can give you an edge in a tactical scenario. But such devices demand good support—you can’t expect them to perform at a high level if you neglect their maintenance and energy management.
So you’ve gotta start thinking about how to integrate advanced portable energy sources with your tactical gear. We highly recommend getting the best foldable solar panel you can afford. You can easily house the solar panel in your tactical backpack, and take it out whenever there is an opportunity to collect solar energy.
The problem with many tactical energy innovations is that they will eventually require connection with the power grid in some fashion. Portable solar panels don’t have such a weakness!
Tactical Gear Energy Solutions for Outdoor Adventures
Hiking is a fantastic pastime, it’s great for building fitness, improving mental health and experiencing nature at its finest. But it is not without its dangers. If you are going on a high-altitude trek, or exploring a remote area, or simply going on a solo hike, you could find yourself in big trouble in the case of a medical emergency or some other issue.
We’ve heard stories about hikers who got lost, dehydrated and fatigued, and succumbed to their ailments just before reaching a safe haven. That’s not something you want to happen! The first step in taking precautions is packing the right gear for your adventure, including an individual first aid kit. The next step is equipping yourself with good navigation tools, survival tools and a reliable means of communication.
Many of the tools you’ll rely on for outdoor survival run on battery power. While they will probably hold a charge throughout your hiking trip, you need to plan on what to do if these devices do lose power. That’s where tactical gear energy solutions come in. These lightweight power banks and solar panels provide the crucial backup system to ensure that your devices don’t die on you.
Selecting an Advanced Portable Energy Source
When deciding on which outdoor power technology items to get, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
- Compatibility with your devices
- Battery capacity (carrying more power)
- Lighter weight and portability (for convenience)
- Safety (not prone to overheating or blowing up)
Some portable power solutions are designed especially for hiking and camping. You can find power banks that double as LED flashlights. That can save you from having to pack a separate flashlight.
Durability is always a concern when relying on any kind of outdoor equipment. Power sources that are built for rugged use and offer water resistance can be the superior choice.
Consider what might happen in the event of a disaster scenario in your area. You can grab a bug out bag and survive outdoors for several days. But what if you get stuck outside for weeks? If that happens, you’ll be glad you’ve prepared for the eventuality by packing tactical gear energy solutions.