Amanda Ellis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Amanda is an outdoor junkie and digital nomad with an insatiable hunger for gear. Based out of Raleigh, NC she travels to rock climb in remote alpine destinations all over the world. As a full time freelance writer and outdoor brand manager, she relishes in all of the technology needed to take you there. Learn more about her at investinginadventure.net
The best hiking GPS devices of 2018
It's easy to get lost in the wilderness and often hard to find your way back. Make those trips a literal walk in the woods by packing along a GPS device capable of allowing you to leave a digital breadcrumb trail. To help sift through what's available, here are the best hiking GPS devices you can buy.
Fitbit Versa vs. Fitbit Ionic: A battle of the wearable maker’s flagships
Fitbit's latest smartwatch, the Versa, is an impressive wearable but without built-in GPS, does it have what it takes to supplant the Ionic as the brand's signature smart fitness tracker? Its updated operating system (for now), sleeker design, and cheaper price tag suggest it has what it takes.
The best hiking backpacks
If you don't want to jump into full-on backpacking but still enjoy getting out into nature, day hiking might be the perfect activity for you. Here are our picks for the best hiking backpacks available, capable of taking you from trailhead to summit without breaking the bank -- or your back.
Cruise the streets in style and comfort on Blix’s new Sol electric bike
Whether you're just testing out the ebike waters or getting back into riding, you want a bike that is simple, stylish, and comfortable. Blix's new Sol ebike is designed like a beach cruiser meant for your daily commute -- with a low step-through style that makes for easy mounting and dismounting.
Polartec’s recycled Power Fill insulation helps save the environment
Polartec leads the outdoor industry in the creation of sustainable fabrics with its introduction of 80 percent post-consumer recycled Power Fill insulation just last year. The company now unveils 100 percent recycled Power Fill insulation -- upcycling more than 1 billion post-consumer plastic bottles in the process.
Therm-a-Rest wants to save the world, one recycled foam scrap at a time
Known for designing and manufacturing some of the best sleeping pads and bags in the outdoor industry, Therm-a-Rest is more than just a gear company. Digital Trends went behind the scenes of the company's Seattle headquarters to learn more about its research, development, and sustainability practices.
Domio adds voice communication to its rad helmet audio system with the Pro
It's hard to jam out to tunes while playing in the outdoors, as helmets get in the way of headphones and traditional helmet audio systems block out other noises. The Domio Pro solves this problem, providing surround sound audio while allowing you to hear noises around you -- now with voice communication.
Have a BBQ and leave no trace behind with the biodegradable CasusGrill
Many people associate grilling food with the great outdoors. While traditional portable grills are made of aluminum, the CasusGrill is constructed of completely natural materials -- and can be tossed in a bonfire and burned after use. The grill makes for a delicious meal anytime, anyplace.
The best backpacking backpacks
Whether you're headed out on an overnighter or a month-long trip, a proper backpacking backpack helps you go the distance, offering comfort, support, and enough room for all your gear. To help narrow the available options, these are our picks for the best backpacking backpacks you can buy.
The MSR Impact Project accelerates global health and disaster relief efforts
Mountain Safety Research continues making strides in the outdoor industry -- but recently shifted its focus to global health efforts, outlined by the provision to safe drinking water to those in need. The MSR Impact Project aims to accelerate these efforts with various fundraising options.
Stay connected outdoors without cell signal or network access with GoHeart
Exploring the backcountry often leaves you without a cell phone signal or network connection, which can be detrimental in the event of an injury or if you lose your way. GoHeart Mesh solves this problem by providing for the ability to communicate among others without a signal or connection.
The Suunto 9 smartwatch lets you go the distance with 120 hours of GPS
Whether you're a serious athlete or a dedicated outdoor enthusiast on an extended expedition, most smartwatches fall short in terms of battery life while GPS tracking is enabled. The Suunto 9 is the ultimate answer providing for up to 120 hours of battery life with GPS tracking turned on.
Stay clean in the backcountry using just one gallon of water with Geyser System
Whether you're living out of a van, camping with friends, or traveling the world -- finding somewhere to take a hot shower can be a challenge. Geyser System allows you to get clean anywhere you are using just one gallon of water -- making for an environmentally friendly backcountry solution.
Train your brain and body with SmartFit’s gamified activities
If you're looking for a way to enhance both your cognitive and physical abilities using the latest gamified technology, SmartFit has a customizable program for you. Whether you're an an athlete, a child, an aging adult, or rehabbing from an injury, SmartFit has a range of products to meet your needs.
Explore our planet through an immersive AR experience with the Earth app
Learn more about the planet we live on with AstroReality's Earth -- a physical 3D globe combined with an AR/A.I. application featuring technology that allows you to explore our past, present, and future on Earth. With the globe in your hands you can speak to Gaea -- an immersive smart-voice technology.
Buying new outdoor gear? Rent it first with Gearo, the virtual rental site
Looking to try new outdoor gear and hate the hassle of renting? Try Gearo, the virtual outdoor gear rental site that connects outdoor enthusiasts to local rental shops in their area. You can search by activity, price, or availability. Spend less time shopping and more time playing in the outdoors.
The best climbing shoes
Whether you enjoy pulling on plastic or ascending granite faces in wild places, here are our picks for the best climbing shoes you can buy. We've included options for all different types of climbing, experience levels, and a wide variety of brands highlighted by La Sportiva, Evolv, and Five Ten.
The RF-1 is a versatile cycling computer equipped with LED lights and a video camera
With cycling growing in popularity, riders are opting for more and more accessories -- including computers, bike lights, and video cameras. All three things combined can make for a serious lack of handlebar space, so Refractor Fitness invented the RF-1 -- which combines all three accessories in one.
The Bitterroot dry bag is a sleeping pad pump, water filter, and dry bag all in one
Want to carry less gear on your camping or backpacking trip? The Bitteroot Dry Bag is an innovative outdoor product that serves for three purposes in one. The device lets you filter your water, protect your valuables from inclement weather, and blow up your sleeping pad with the same piece of gear.
Surfers can check the tide on their wrist with Nixon’s Base Tide Pro
Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the Base Tide Pro is designed to provide you with accurate tide height, tide time, sunrise, and sunset information so that you can spend less time searching for waves and more time out on the water. The watch includes information for 550 beaches around the world.
Turn any bike into an ebike in minutes with the lightweight Alizeti system
Transform any standard road bike into an ebike in just minutes with the Alizeti 300C conversion system. It's one of the lightest conversion kits on the market, fully featured, and easy to install -- no special tools required. The system boasts a 40-mile range and a top speed of 20 miles per hour.
