From fitness trackers to burly batteries, the outdoors will be more technologically advanced than ever in 2020.
While TVs, automotive tech, and drones dominated the headlines at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year, there was some interesting adventure tech on offer as well. We searched high and low to uncover some really cool adventure gadgets coming out this year.
Connected devices, more sensors, and the electrification of everything sum up most of the new technology around CES this year. It was no different for the adventure tech we discovered.
Pelican Go G40 Charge Case
Pelican has combined its rugged waterproof Go case with a 10,000mAh rechargeable battery. The brand designed the setup for easy wireless charging of your cellphone. You can also use it to charge up other devices through a USB charge port while on the go.
The Pelican Go G40 Charge Case will set you back $100. It measures 10.63 inches long, 5.39 inches wide, and 2.42 inches deep, and it weighs about 1.8 pounds.
Vuzix Labs Smart Swim
Take your swim workouts to new heights of analysis and high-tech entertainment. The Vuzix Labs Smart Swim is a wearable computer that integrates with your swim goggles to provide a heads-up display.
The system integrates an Android operating system, GPS sensor, nine-axis motion sensors, Bluetooth audio, Wi-Fi, and a full-color display.
Not only does the system give you real-time training feedback and coaching, but it can also keep you entertained with music or videos while you swim. Vuzix Labs designed the Smart Swim for both pool lap swimming and open-water swimming.
The Vuzix Labs Smart Swim wearable computer runs $500 and will be available in the next few months. The built-in battery is good for 7-plus hours of use.
Altec Lansing EVP Speakers
Altec Lansing has updated its entire line of Everything-Proof (EVP) speakers. These speakers float, are IP67-rated for waterproofness, and have a wireless range of 100 feet, fun-colored LED lighting, and a carabineer clip or carry strap so you can easily take them anywhere. Most even have Qi wireless charging to easily charge your cellphone from the speaker’s battery.
There will be five sizes of the EVP speakers on offer in spring 2020. The two new larger units offer Play Your Way technology, allowing for vertical-orientation, 360-degree omnidirectional sound or horizontal-orientation, front-facing stereo sound. Pricing ranges from $40 to $200.
Brizo Dive Tracker
Brizo is a wearable 3D dive position tracker. It has a host of internal measurement sensors — accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, pressure, temperature, and water electrical conductivity — that, along with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module, provide a ton of information about your dives.
The device connects to a custom app for both iOS and Android that processes the data into easy-to-digest 3D maps and charts. The dive tracker has an internal rechargeable battery good for about six dives.
The Brizo Dive Tracker is on Kickstarter now. You can get your own for as low as $432.67. (Retail is expected to be about $665.) Early Kickstarter buyers will start getting their devices in September.
Boost Surfing Fin
The Boost Surfing Fin is a surfboard fin with integrated propulsion. The fin can be mounted — through a variety of adapters — to all types of surf craft. It’s best for longboards and SUPs, however, as the drag and weight are noticeable on shortboards. The fin is designed to help you get out through the surf and also more easily catch waves.
The 10.5 x 9 x 3.5-inch powered fin weighs 1.7 pounds. An electric motor with 20 pounds of thrust and a top speed of 11 mph pushes a small propeller at the back of the fin.
A rechargeable battery, good for 4 hours of thrust, powers the motor. And a small controller mounts on top of your surfboard to activate either 8 or 20 seconds of boost per button push. The Boost Fin can be customized through a smartphone app.
You can preorder a Boost Fin on Kickstarter today for $199. Early orders are expected to start shipping in May. Retail pricing is expected to be $299.
Waydoo Flyer E-Foil
Foiling is hot right now, and electric hydro-foiling, or e-foiling, is catching on quick. Who doesn’t want to float above the water in any water conditions? Waydoo brought its Flyer e-foil board to market this past summer but is already releasing the second version with some big upgrades and refinements.
The new Waydoo Flyer has a 28mph top speed, 75-minute runtime, and quick 2-hour recharge with its 6,000W battery. The carbon construction keeps it lightweight, stiff, and strong. A wireless Bluetooth handheld controller offers five speeds and proficiency modes, from beginner to advanced. The Waydoo Flyer costs $6,495, which is much less than most of the competitors out there.
Waydoo will also offer a few new models of e-foil board later this year. The most interesting is the Flyer One, which has similar specs to the Flyer, but is made of fiberglass instead of carbon and has a super beginner-friendly board and foil design. The Flyer One will also be quite a bit less expensive at around $4,000.
Segway SSV Villain UTV
The first hybrid-powertrain side-by-side will hit the market this summer. It won’t be from the expected powersports companies, but instead by Segway. Segway is going big with a ton of new products this year. And the one we’re most excited about is the Segway SSV Villain hybrid UTV.
The hybrid powertrain offers up 181 horsepower. This is achieved by combining a 1,000CC four-stroke, parallel-twin gas engine and a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor. Automatic differential locks and 4WD ensure this fun machine can tackle serious off-road terrain.
The Villian offers lots of ground clearance (14.2 inches) and big suspension travel with high-end remote reservoir shocks. A big 10.6-gallon fuel tank ensures long-range off-road fun.
There’s a ton of interesting connected tech and what look to be high-quality features in the Segway SSV Villain. We’ll have to wait to get behind the wheel of this go-anywhere fun machine (and see what it’s going to cost) before offering up any real opinions. But we’re excited to test it out!
Goal Zero Yeti X
Goal Zero has been a market leader in portable electric power solutions since the beginning. For 2020, the brand is expanding and greatly refining/upgrading its line of Yeti lithium power stations.
The upgrades include integrated MPPT (maximum power point tracking) and USB-C power delivery ports. MPPT offers up 30% faster solar charging, and USB-C ports offer fast charging of USB-C devices like power-hungry laptops. Upgraded regulated 12V posts on the Yeti X will improve compatibly with portable fridges. The three largest Yeti X models will also get 2,000W AC inverters built in.
The new Goal Zero Yeti X line has started shipping with the smallest 200X model ($300), and the rest of the models will come out throughout 2020. Along with the new Yeti X models comes the Goal Zero Yeti App 3.0. The app gives even more control to these new high-tech, super-efficient portable power stations.
RAM Quick-Grip Wireless Charger
RAM Mount continues to innovate and offer impressive, durable products for a wide range of applications. The brand’s latest is a powered wireless phone charger cradle. The RAM Quick-Grip Wireless Charger is waterproof and offers an inline power switch, so it doesn’t draw down your battery when not in use.
This wireless charging cradle is perfect for use in your car, on your motorcycle, on your powerboat, and even on your electrified fishing kayak or e-bike. The RAM Quick-Grip Wireless Charger cradle will be available online in February and at retailers starting in March.
Furrion eRove
Take your car camping and beach picnics to the next level of powered fun! The Furrion eRove is a battery-powered refrigerator that looks like a beach cooler.
The eRove is also a portable power station, with USB outlets and a wireless charging dock. The built-in battery can power the fridge for up to 7 days, or you can plug it into your vehicle, home outlet, or solar panels for even longer use.
The Furrion eRove will be available later in 2020. Furrion hasn’t announced pricing just yet.
