During the past year, outdoor vacations have increased compared to stays in hotels. A report published by Pitchup – an instant booking platform specialized in campgrounds and resorts – confirms this trend, revealing that during the first four months of 2022, Italy recorded a +640 percent increase in bookings compared to 2021.
10 new tech designs making outdoor life easier
From wind turbines to water bottle sanitizing accessories, a selection of innovative proposals, almost all crowdfunded, designed for outdoor experiences.
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- Jader Liberatore
- 02 August 2022
However, this is a global trend. And across the planet, people who love to take breaks from work and urban chaos by immersing themselves completely in nature will find some proposals designed to facilitate outdoor life useful.
For example, the pocket gadget that when immersed in water bottles can sanitize them by removing 99.9999% of pathogens thanks to UV-C light technology. Also, the portable turbine that generates electricity by using currents and stores it in a 12,000 mAh battery allowing us to power our smartphone or, again, the innovatively designed grill that can be folded up taking up about an inch and stored even in very small spaces.
Despite the many proposals, here is a selection of 10 technology and design devices (almost all crowdfunded launches) useful for simplifying outdoor vacations. However, we remind you that since these are crowdfunding launched projects, you will officially be able to purchase them if the number of supporters required to successfully complete the campaign is achieved.
SunnySide is not just a mere lunchbox but much more. In fact, it keeps food heated thanks to the energy provided by its solar-powered power bank: even when we are away from home and do not have a connection to the power grid. It can reheat meals up to 7 times with just a single charge reaching a maximum temperature of 75°C (167°F). It has dividers to store multiple food items, controls to adjust settings, and a display that shows several information including its internal temperature. It is 23 x 11.7 x 8.6 cm in size. It will be available in five different colors from about 78 euros.
The ICEFOX has a patented ICICLE technology that allows you to enjoy a cool drink in mere minutes and keep it cold for hours: without using ice. From wine to beer and from water to orange juice, it can refresh any drink without requiring any kind of pre-cooling process: simply pour the liquid inside the portable drink cooler, which will then be placed inside the dedicated storage base that lowers the temperature to -1°C/minute, and the smart cap shows your drink’s temperature. It can be purchased from about 195 euros and the first units will be delivered in August 2022.
Pocket-sized, it weighs only 160 grams but is capable of performing four different functions: air pump, vacuum, light and power bank. Ideal for carrying anywhere without taking up too much space, it includes a 3600 mAh battery that can charge a smartphone or tablet via USB. Finally, it can be used as a light for 12 hours at 500 lumens of power. It can be purchased for 38 euros.
Moruta is a versatile tent designed for cyclists and conceived to take up little space in addition to being easily carried: in fact, it uses the bike as a frame to keep itself open. It has a 2-door entry and is made of waterproof material. It comes with 12 aluminum pegs, 2 camping poles and 2 disc brake supports. Internal dimensions depend on the size of the bike. It is scheduled for release in March 2023 but can already be pre-ordered on Kickstarter for about 300 euros.
It is a multifunctional camping table. In addition to being the perfect companion during meals it features on the surface a 200Wh solar panel and a built-in 310Wh battery useful for powering external devices: from a laptop to a camping refrigerator. This solar table can also charge compatible devices wirelessly and play music through internal speakers via Bluetooth. When unfolded, it is 72 x 50 x 56 cm in size and weighs 9 kg. It can be preordered from about 485 euros and first shipments are expected next September.
This portable turbine turns wind into expendable energy to power our devices: from a smartphone to a camping light. It features a 40W turbine with 60 cm diameter blades and a 12,000 mAh battery. Silent, it can be installed in minutes and operates in a temperature range of 0 to 40°C. It weighs about 1.3 kg and when closed takes up 35 x 10 cm. Available from about 577 euros, first deliveries are expected in October 2022.
Designed to fit into any water bottle, this small device – thanks to UV-C light technology – purifies the water and sanitizes the bottle by removing 99.9999% of pathogens. It uses a magnetic system involving an external anchor useful for attaching Nuvoe Pod to the walls of the bottle and allowing us to move the liquid while keeping it stable inside. It is 5 x 3.2 cm in size and has a rechargeable battery. It can also be ordered for 67 euros with a 620ml water bottle.
It is a true portable room that can accommodate up to 8 people and folds up to become a backpack. It weighs about 40 kg and sets up in 20 minutes. It resists water and mud, the interior is made of fireproof material, and is about 4 x 4 x 2.3 m in size, allowing guests to stay inside while also remaining standing. Suitable for year-round use, it has two windows and four doors. It can be ordered on Indiegogo from 1,645 euros.
This foldable and portable grill is ideal for those who love camping or would like to always have a small tool to cook a good roast at any time. With an original design, it folds up taking up little more than an inch in thickness and allows you to adjust the height of the cooking grill. The version designed for two people costs 147 euros and deliveries are expected in November.
It features four different devices that are useful for those who love outdoor life. In fact, it is not just a fan but also a mosquito repellent, a camping lantern and a power bank. You can adjust the power of the airflow reaching a speed of 5 meters per second and, when used as a lantern, it offers light up to 350 lumens. It can recharge an iPhone 13 more than twice and, when the repellent pad is inserted, it drives away insects for 8 hours covering a 6-meter-wide radius area. It is on Indiegogo from 59 euros.