Gadget guide: High-tech hiking

Gadget guide: High-tech hiking

High-tech outdoor gear has never been better and the market is flush with great new gadgets to suit everyone from casual weekend campers to experienced backcountry hikers. Regardless of your experience or goals, some of the latest cutting-edge gadgets will help make your next adventure the best one yet.

* Anker SOLIX Portable Solar Panel. This 100-watt solar panel boasts a durable waterproof build, folding design, and an adjustable stand that lets you adjust the angle to capture more sunlight. $209 on Amazon.

* SUUNTO Vertical adventure watch. Serious hikers will appreciate that this Finnish-made smartwatch connects with multiple satellite systems to continuously provide location data and record paths, plus extensive navigation options and downloadable maps. The Vertical can be charged with solar power, maintains battery life for up to 60 days, and includes downloadable maps that can be used even in offline mode. $499 at Suunto.com.

* GoPro Hero. A more budget-friendly version of the GoPro Hero 13 Black, the scaled-back Hero is still a rugged option for a tiny and lightweight camera that can document all your adventures. $200 at GoPro.com.

* LuminAID PackLite Tital 2-in-1 Power Lantern. Waterproof and collapsible, this packable solar charger does double duty as a lantern on dark nights. $105 at REI.com.