Goal Zero Lighthouse 250 LED Lantern
Electronics are a part of everyday life. Now, bearing in mind that you wouldn’t be able to read this without your computer, tablet, or mobile device, that sentence may seem like nothing more than an obvious statement. As technology is constantly improving to bring us the fastest tools for productivity, it also seems as though we have forgotten what it feels like to enjoy the simplistic nature of the great outdoors. But what if there was a way to combine today’s 21st century technology, in order to enhance your experience of the great outdoors?
Experts at REI, a company specializing in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, running, climbing, and more, have identified trends that show how technology is now being used to enhance the “outdoor experience”, rather than diminish it. The pioneering of today’s technology gives individuals the capability of turning what was once an ordinary camping experience, into an engaging social event. And with these innovative devices, even the most inexperienced camper will want to stay outside for longer periods of time.
Casey Sherman, Sr. Category Merchandise Manager at REI explained to us how REI strives to provide an enhanced outdoor experience regardless of where someone is.
““We cater to the continuum of Outdoor adventures that span from a few feet from your car to the top of the peak. For those first time campers we might focus a bit more on comfort and ease of use, and a bit more on items that are socially engaging”, says Sherman. “Regardless of the degree of difficulty in the outdoor adventure, we have a commitment to quality and dependable products”
Let’s take a look at some of the innovative products developed to enhance the camping experience:
- The GoPro HERO4 Silver Camera allows campers to capture and relive all of the action and adventure of your experience, right at your fingertips. With an on-the-fly feature and a built-in touch display, you can experience your adventures at speeds up to 30 FPS.
- The Goal Zero Lighthouse 250 LED Lantern can be used not only to light up your campsite for up to 48 hours, but with a built-in USB port, it allows campers to charge their electronic devices. The lantern can be recharged using a USB power source, turning the built-in crank, or simply leaving it out in the sun for a solar charge.
- Why tell ghost stories around a campfire, when you can download and watch your favorite scary movies on an LED projector screen? Using the XSories X Project WiFi Pico Projector, you can watch HD videos and movies by simply connecting to a Wi-Fi network and using an SD card or USB. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and LED projector, campers can have the feel of a home theater while sitting around the campfire
Using the latest and most up-to-date technology, REI experts will continue to research and provide the most innovative products, with the goal of helping to deliver the best outdoor experience possible. Ranging anywhere from novice, to the more experienced camper, these products are geared towards creating memories in every outdoor situation.
“I think there are some very unique and cool collaborations on the horizon. Opportunities to leverage technology really is limitless, and with our goal to have folks spend more time outside, we want to find ways to enable their experience”, says Sherman. “If you can extend your trip for one more day because you have some happy campers, then it is a success,” said Sherman.
