Five Types of Tools You’ll Need for Offline Adventures
If you’re planning on going on an adventure this season, having the right gear can make all the difference. In remote locations, having a good light source, ways to navigate, gadgets to make housework easier, and the right emergency equipment can make the difference between a great trip and disaster. Plus, some of them simply make your time more fun—and you can have fun while you explore.
Sources of light
It’s always smart to have a light source handy when you’re off the beaten path, but without access to traditional chargers it can be difficult. A handheld flashlight like this 600-lumen flashlight from Goal Zero will allow you to have a light source even without access to sunlight for charging. You can charge the battery by plugging it into the mains, or using a portable solar charger if you choose. For a less bright but slightly more versatile option, you can use a flashlight that combines solar charging and push-pull charging and can be used as a cell phone charger, like this 200-lumen flashlight from Mesqool. For a simpler option, you can choose a compact, solar-chargeable, hand-cranked flashlight, like this two-piece flashlight set from Simpeak. Although flashlights have a more limited beam of light than flashlights, they can serve as a more portable option for camping trips or emergency kits.
Firewood tools
If you’re in a place where you can cut your own wood, a battery-powered chainsaw can be a big help. Ryobi makes an 18V cordless chainsaw that will help you quickly collect branches for firewood. To split wood, you can use an ax if you have a good wood splitter, such as one from Speed Force. It’s relatively small, but not portable enough for long hikes. If you plan to be in a remote location for an extended period of time, you can choose a Ryobi 40V log splitter that will mechanically split the wood for you. This machine and battery can cost around $1,000, so it’s not a tool for weekend warriors, but if you have a longer off-grid adventure planned, it could save you valuable time and energy.
Portable solar chargers
For charging your cordless tools on the go , the Ryobi Six-Pound Folding Solar Panel is a good choice because it’s compact, lightweight, and versatile. You’ll need a power source to charge your tools, but you can charge cell phones and other devices right from the panel. The foldable 10W FlexSolar panel can be useful for charging devices due to its compact size and resistance to dust and moisture. Your cell phone and other small devices can be plugged directly into this solar panel or use a power bank to store charge for when it’s dark outside.
Hand tools
For off-grid adventures, it’s important to have a good knife to cut up food and other unexpected items. This folding combo knife and rope/seatbelt cutter from Good Worker is a lightweight option that’s small and multi-functional. It has a smooth and serrated blade surface for different types of cuts. For camping cooking, a good option is a simple blade Gerber Gear Quadrant knife ; it folds flat for safety and space saving and comes with a lifetime warranty. If you don’t take your car with you on a trip, this ax from 7th Science Gear is a good alternative to cordless saws for collecting firewood. It’s small enough to be carried around, but large enough (15 inches) to give you room for healthy movement when you’re chopping wood.
Emergency equipment
When going on a trip, you should always be prepared for the worst. Having a well-stocked emergency kit will give you peace of mind and could save your life. Kits like these from the American Red Cross are a good choice for adventures and have plenty of room for a backpack. For those traveling outside cell phone reception or outside normal first responder boundaries, it is recommended to have hand warmers, emergency blankets, first aid supplies, and a noisemaker in case you become lost or stranded. If you can’t carry a bag that big, you can opt for a well-stocked first aid kit like this one from Protect Life, but you should supplement it with some other essentials, like a whistle and an emergency blanket .