MotionX GPS
If you're running, walking, skiing, driving or even sailing, this iPhone app records your route on a map, plots the GPS coordinates, records your fastest speed and total distance covered, and even lets you upload the resulting "track" as a playable Google Maps movie for others to see.
Use it to track your progress while you're training, or to share your progress and compare your stats against other people. There's also an inbuilt compass and music playback ability from within the app. There is a free version, which we mentioned in our November issue, but the number of tracks you can save is limited. Rating: 5/6 - Price: $4 via iPhone App Store
LaCie Rugged XL
Exactly what you'd be doing with 1TB of data in your pocket on a camping trip, or climbing a mountain, is something that we'll leave up to you. If you do have the need to combine extreme outdoor conditions with a massive MP3 collection, then this bright orange rubber and aluminium drive will protect your sensitive cargo from knocks and scrapes. Connect with mini-USB and eSATA, so you can transfer files blazingly quick to a similarly equipped laptop. Just don't leave it on the train - it stands out a mile. Rating: 5/6 - Price: $203
Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1
Professional surf photographers have been all over underwater cams for decades, but it's exciting to see that consumer-grade versions are gradually becoming more common. This Sanyo is waterproof to 10 metres, and the IPX8 rating means it's officially certified to be completely submersed "beyond 1m" - perhaps not ideal for scuba diving, but if you're a little closer to the surface, then you can be safe in the knowledge nothing inside is going to get wet. The camera also comes in bright yellow or aqua blue, records at 720p, and while we've found the image quality isn't perfect, it's a bargain compared to pro-level cams. Rating: 4/6 - Price: $699
Sennheiser CX 380 Sport
Here's a handy idea - a pair of washable earbuds. It's a great idea, because if you've ever used a pair of rubberized in-ear headphones, then you'll know just how gungy these little dirt accumulators can get. There's no active noise cancelling or any of the other fancy stuff you get with $100+ earbuds, but if all you need is quality music playback while you're jogging, then this pair will fit the bill. In our tests we found good bass and clear top end audio, and the extra long cable doesn't hurt either. A great choice, if you prefer not to use wraparound headphones. Rating: 5/6 - Price: $92
Panasonic Toughbook CF-19
This is possibly the toughest laptop we've ever reviewed at PC Authority. It's rated to a military spec standard and will withstand drops of 90cm, heavy rain, dust storms and sand, so you know it's good for those jaunts to the beach or desert. In the spirit of adventure, we tested these claims by dropping it (from a metre onto solid ground), pouring water over it, and - for the grand finale - jumping on it. The CF-19 took the abuse like it was a slab of wood, not a delicate piece of electronics engineering. It's expensive, but if you want extreme, this is it. Rating: 4/6 - Price: $6,572
Solargorilla
This could be one of the most useful gadgets for the connected adventurer who travels far from civilization. It's a portable solar panel with 5 USB ports for charging laptops or phones. The manufacturers claim it's been tested in Afghanistan, Africa and by the military. We've tested its little brother, the powermonkey-eXplorer, which has the advantage of holding a charge. The solargorilla doesn't hold a charge, but the 20v unit does have a bigger solar panel so it should be better capable of powering a laptop. Whip it out to add that James Bond feel to your camping trip. Rating: 5/6 - Price: $325
Olympus Tough 6010
This isn't the most advanced shockproof and waterproof camera in the Olympus catalogue, but at $399 it's also priced reasonably, which is why we like it. Great for the summer, you can play with the Tough 6010 around or even in the pool or at the beach, even to a depth of 3 metres. The camera will withstand being dropped from 1.5 metres, so you can put it in your pocket while you're riding, running or climbing. While the snow season is far off, it's good to know that skiers will be set for the slopes too: the Tough 6010 works at -10 Celsius, and it has Olympus "tap control" - which means it's easier to use when you're wearing gloves. Rating: 4/6 - Price: $399
VholdR ContourHD
Many dream of filming themselves risking danger while mountain bike, surfing or sky diving, and this is the tool for those wanting to make it a reality. There are two models available: one shoots in 720p (which is the one we've priced here), while the other is supposedly the world's first wearable action cam to shoot 1080p video. The camera is pricey, but it's also very light at 116 grams and the camera can be mounted to your goggles, helmet or handle bars. There's a rechargeable battery and video records to microSD. The entire camera weighs a measly 123 grams. Rating: 4/6 - Price: $549
DVBT-C30 Classic C30
We'd usually advocate not bringing the TV with you when you're on holiday, especially if you're meant to be communing with nature. But sometimes having a portable TV can be handy, such as when you're at the football, a picnic, or you need something to keep the kids entertained on a long journey. Portable TVs used to be a chunky affair, but not any more, with slim digital TV units like this one from Laser. This is the entry level unit, which has a 3.5in screen and a remote control, digital FM radio and an external battery pack. You could always use it as a second TV around the house too. Rating: 3/6 - Price: $150
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Garmin Forerunner 310XT
This GPS-enabled timer monitors your bike, run or swim, distance and pace, and transfers data to your PC. Waterproof to 50 metres. Price: $379
Olympus tough 8000
A bit more expensive than its sibling, this model is shockproof to 2 metres, and the only one on the market crushproof to 100Kg. Price: $499
Energizer Energi To Go XP4001
Think of this little device as a portable lifeline for your iPhone, MP3 player or digital camera. Once charged, it will power a phone for up to an extra 25 hours of talk. Price: From $99
