People love their electronics. They take them everywhere, even when trying to get away from it all. The problem is electronic devices have a tendency to run out of power at the worst possible moments.
That can be a headache when enjoying the outdoors, miles from the nearest plug-in.
Not anymore! Here are four gift ideas sure to give the outdoor enthusiast on your Christmas list a charge.
- The Anker PowerCore II 20,000 portable charger is ideal for people on the go and off the grid. It provides 20,100 milliampere hour of stored power that fits in a pocket. Dual USB ports allow charging two devices at once. It automatically senses the device to determine the most suitable charging option, including fast charging for the latest smartphones. Price range: $44 to $50.
- WaterLily USB harnesses the power of wind and water. Submerge it in a stream or suspend it from anchor points in the wind to generate up to 15 watts of power for smartphones or other small electronic devices. It can even be pulled behind a canoe or kayak in still-water situations. Price range: $159 to $189.
- There are scores of portable solar panels on the market, but the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel is one of the most popular. It has a power rating of 7 watts, and comes with USB and 12-volt plug-ins. The unit is durable, weather resistant and folds up to the size of a thin paperback book. Price range: $65 to $80.
- The multifunctional BioLite CampStove 2 weighs 2 pounds and is about the size of a Big Gulp cup (see photo above). It charges phones and small electronic devices, and can be used for cooking and heating. Price: $130.
First Aid: An Essential App for the Outdoors
The First Aid app provides quick-to-find, step-by-step instructions for how to treat everything from cuts and broken bones to shock and hypothermia. Because the information resides on the phone, it is accessible whenever and where ever needed. First Aid is free, and available for both iOS and Android devices.
Free Entry to National Parks on These 2020 Dates
- January 20, Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
- April 8, First Day of National Parks Week.
- August 25, National Park Service Birthday.
- September 26, National Public Lands Day.
- November 11, Veterans Day.
Catch of the Month
Here is a list of prime fishing opportunities around the state in December.
- The Keys: jack, bluefish, pompano, seatrout, grouper, drum, bonito, mackerel and snapper.
- Northwest: bass, seatrout, triggerfish, snapper, flounder and grouper.
- Central West: flounder, permit, bass, grouper, crappie and sheepshead.
- Southwest: bass, mackerel, bluegill, crappie, drum, ladyfish, sheepshead, grouper, pompano, amberjack and snapper