Whether you're heading out for a weekend camping trip, exploring a hiking trail, taking a road trip or simply spending more time outdoors, having the right accessories can make the experience safer, easier and more enjoyable.
Your smartphone is often one of the most useful devices to take outdoors. It can provide navigation, weather updates, communication, photography and access to important information when you're away from home. But outdoor environments can also expose your devices to water, dust, drops, scratches and battery drain.
Choosing the right outdoor accessories can help protect your technology and keep it powered throughout your adventure.
1. Protect Your Smartphone from Drops and Scratches
Your phone can be particularly vulnerable when you're hiking, cycling, camping or travelling. A moment of carelessness can result in a cracked screen or damaged casing.
A good protective phone case can provide an additional layer of protection against everyday bumps, scratches and accidental drops.
For outdoor activities, consider a case with:
- Shock-absorbing materials
- Raised edges around the screen
- Camera protection
- A secure grip
- A design suitable for your phone model
If you're planning activities around water, beaches or unpredictable weather, a waterproof phone case or protective bag can provide additional peace of mind.
Choosing the right protection depends on where you're going and how your phone will be used.
2. Add a Screen Protector
A phone case protects much of the outside of your device, but your display can still be exposed to scratches and impact.
A quality screen protector can help protect your screen from everyday scratches caused by keys, dust, equipment and other objects in your backpack or pocket.
For outdoor adventures, consider:
- Tempered glass for everyday protection
- Anti-glare protectors for bright environments
- Privacy protectors when travelling
- Model-specific protectors for accurate fit
It is also important to make sure your screen protector is compatible with your phone model before purchasing.
For more information, explore the range of phone screen protectors available from 9eight5.
3. Take a Reliable Charging Cable
Battery life becomes much more important when you're away from home.
Using your phone for GPS navigation, taking photographs, checking maps, streaming music and staying connected can drain the battery faster than normal.
A reliable charging cable should therefore be an essential part of your outdoor kit.
When choosing a cable, check:
- Connector type
- Charging speed
- Power requirements
- Cable length
- Durability
- Compatibility with your charger and device
USB-C to USB-C cables is increasingly useful for modern devices, while USB-C to Lightning cables may still be required for compatible Apple devices.
A durable cable with reinforced connectors can also be useful when travelling because it is likely to withstand more frequent packing, bending and handling.
You can explore charging cables and adapters at 9eight5 to find an option suitable for your device.
Know About: Cables & Chargers: The Hidden Essentials for Everyday Mobile Life
4. Carry a Portable Power Bank
Even with a fully charged phone, long outdoor activities can leave you searching for a power outlet that simply isn't available.
A portable power bank can provide backup power when you're hiking, camping, travelling or spending a long day away from home.
When choosing one, consider:
- Battery capacity
- Size and weight
- USB-C compatibility
- Fast-charging support
- Number of charging ports
- Your typical trip length
For a short-day trip, a compact power bank may be enough. Longer camping or travel adventures may require a higher-capacity option.
It's also a good idea to charge your power bank before leaving and keep it safely stored in your backpack.
5. Keep Your Phone Accessible
When you're using your phone for navigation, photography or communication, constantly taking it in and out of your backpack can become inconvenient.
A secure phone holder can make your device easier to access while driving, cycling or performing other suitable activities.
For hiking, however, avoid using a phone holder in situations where it could distract you or interfere with safe movement.
The right accessory should make your phone more convenient to use without compromising safety.
6. Don't Forget Your Smartwatch
For many outdoor enthusiasts, a smartwatch has become just as useful as a smartphone.
A smartwatch can help you track activity, monitor workouts, check notifications, follow certain navigation features and keep an eye on useful fitness information.
If you use a smartwatch during outdoor activities, protecting it and keeping it charged should be part of your preparation.
Depending on your device, useful accessories may include:
- Protective cases
- Screen protectors
- Replacement watch bands
- Charging cables
- Charging docks
- Portable charging accessories
Different smartwatch brands and models use different charging systems, so always check compatibility before buying an accessory.
For example, if you're using a Garmin, Apple Watch, Fitbit or Samsung Galaxy Watch, choosing a compatible charger can help ensure your watch is ready before you leave and can be recharged when needed.
For smartwatch users who spend considerable time outdoors, you can also explore dedicated smartwatch chargers and accessories from specialist watch-accessory retailers such as That Watch Shop.
Read About: Watch Accessories Explained: Straps, Cases, Chargers & Their Benefits
7. Consider Water and Weather Protection
Outdoor conditions can change quickly.
Rain, splashes, mud, dust and humidity can all create problems for electronic devices. Even if your phone has some level of water resistance, additional protection may be useful depending on the environment.
Consider carrying:
- Waterproof phone pouches
- Protective bags
- Zip-lock or dry bags for additional storage
- Protective cases
- Microfibre cleaning cloths
Avoid assuming that a device is completely waterproof simply because it has a water-resistance rating. Always check the manufacturer's specifications before exposing it to water.
8. Pack the Right Accessories for Your Activity
The ideal outdoor technology setup depends on what you're doing.
For hiking
Consider:
- Protective phone case
- Screen protector
- Power bank
- Charging cable
- Smartwatch charger
- Waterproof storage
For camping
Consider:
- Durable phone case
- Waterproof phone protection
- Power bank
- Multiple charging cables
- Smartwatch charger
- Portable lighting
For road trips
Consider:
- Car charger
- Charging cable
- Phone holder
- Power bank
- Protective phone case
- Navigation accessories
For beach or water-based activities
Consider:
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Protective case
- Screen protector
- Portable power bank
- Dry storage bag
Building your accessory kit around the activity helps prevent you from carrying unnecessary items while ensuring that important equipment is available when you need it.
9. Choose Accessories Based on Your Devices
One of the most important things to check before purchasing an accessory is compatibility.
A charging cable designed for one connector may not work with another device. Similarly, a screen protector or protective case needs to match the exact phone or smartwatch model.
Before purchasing, check:
- Device brand
- Exact model
- Connector type
- Charging requirements
- Accessory compatibility
- Dimensions and fit
This is particularly important when you own several devices.
For example, your outdoor setup might include an iPhone, iPad, power bank and smartwatch. Each device may have different charging or protection requirements.
Also Know: How the Right Phone Accessories Can Improve Your Productivity
10. Build a Compact Outdoor Tech Kit
You don't need to carry every accessory you own.
A simple outdoor tech kit could include:
Essential
- Phone case
- Screen protector
- Charging cable
- Power bank
For longer trips
- Spare charging cable
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Car charger
- Smartwatch charger
For camping or remote locations
- Higher-capacity power bank
- Waterproof storage
- Portable lighting
- Backup charging solution
Keeping these items together in a small pouch can make packing easier and reduce the chance of forgetting an important accessory.
Final Thoughts
The right technology accessories can make a big difference when you're travelling, hiking, camping or simply spending more time outdoors.
Start with the essentials: protect your phone, keep it charged and make sure your accessories are compatible with your devices. If you use a smartwatch, remember to include its charger and protective accessories in your preparation as well.
At 9eight5, you can find a range of phone cases, screen protectors, charging cables, power banks and other mobile accessories designed to help keep your devices protected and powered wherever your adventures take you.
And if your outdoor setup includes a smartwatch, don't forget to check that you have the right compatible charger and protection before heading out. A little preparation can help ensure your phone and wearable devices are ready when you need them most.