Tech and adventure: Innovations that reshape exploration
“Travel, like the greatest and most serious science, helps us rediscover ourselves.”
Albert Camus
Forests, mountains, rushing rivers, tranquil lakes, impassable trails, and miles of marches — a paradise for avid hikers. Outdoor enthusiasts heroically pave their way to unreachable peaks, chase snowstorms, revel in the sound of rustling sand, and fall asleep in tents to the steady chirping of crickets and the sounds of wildlife. “And the little path, and the forest, and in the field, every ear of wheat!”
But alongside these active nature lovers, there’s always someone who worries more about the forest mud that will inevitably get into their boots, the insect bites that will itch for at least a week, about hygiene and its absence, and about the cold, sore kidneys after a night spent on the damp ground.
Nature opens its arms to all, but sometimes this type of recreation becomes a burden, and even experienced travelers recommend serious preparation well in advance.
In this case, we’ve combined the old, reliable traditions of seasoned travelers with modern technologies that help you find the nearest beach and remind you when it’s time to restock on cheese and sausages. And here’s what we came up with.
“The fisherman started to pack for the city.
He took his fishing rod to catch fish,
He took his raincoat to cover himself,
He took his samovar to boil tea.”
Eduard Uspensky
The Hike Begins with Choosing a Backpack
Modern adventure enthusiasts have become true connoisseurs when it comes to selecting backpacks. They no longer chase after bulky “monsters” with a capacity of 80 kg, as they did in the past. Today, compact models are in fashion, designed to carry no more than 50 kg.
Backpack designs from the past offered only two options, both of which looked as if they were made from leftover post-war tarpaulin.
One backpack resembled a sack of potatoes — it was just as heavy and uncomfortable. All the weight in these backpacks rested on the hiker’s shoulders, and if there was a mountain ahead, the top was sure to greet the traveler with the silent sorrow of weary shoulders. There were no ergonomic solutions — just the traveler and their load, alone with nature!
Another backpack, with an aluminum frame, served to protect the wearer from injury. It attached to the back, distributing the weight and gently hugging the traveler in the right spots — across the shoulders and waist.
The third option — the “tube backpack,” created by ingenious hikers who didn’t want to trek with a potato sack. Without a frame, it had an elongated shape that resembled a case for carrying a musical instrument. The backpack became a true breakthrough in expedition gear. The “tube” cleverly supported the back and, in practice, proved to be a reliable companion both on slopes and on the ground.
Comfort? Not with a Tent Like This
Canvas veterans — the tents that have always been part of hiking life — would turn into heavy lumps on your shoulders when they got wet. To be fair, canvas tents had their advantages — they couldn’t be torn. Modern, ultra-light tents, on the other hand, sometimes fall apart immediately if they come into contact with a treacherous twig or sharp branch.
The main characters of past hikes were also the A-frame canvas tents, which brought a lot of discomfort to nature lovers. But there wasn’t much of a choice — if you love nature, you had to endure. During multi-day treks, they became true tests of endurance — the heat, the cold, the sudden appearance of the Yeti — the tent stood firm, but comfort was nowhere to be found.
A Primus, Sleeping Bag, and Canned Goods from Another World
An essential part of any hiker’s gear in the past was the Primus stove. Yes, it could explode at the most inopportune moment, adding unexpected adventures to a hiker’s journey, but seasoned adventurers claim that modern gas stoves can create just as much of a spectacle if handled carelessly.
The sleeping bag — a cotton blanket rolled into a cylinder. It would get wet, become heavy, and turn into a strange object, but it still performed its thermal-insulating function reliably.
Canned goods reigned supreme on the tables of hikers. Modern freeze-dried meals, weighing just 50-100g and capable of providing a full meal, seemed like pure science fiction back then.
In the past, preparing for a 7-10 day hike required packing around 25-30 kg of gear. Now that was the true joy of traveling! That heavy love for nature.
Blankets, Games, and Melodies
Hiking also has its express versions — picnics. No heavy sleeping bags or burdensome backpacks, just blankets, snacks, and good vibes. It’s a perfect opportunity to have a gastronomic celebration outdoors and a chance to have some fun and get moving.
Badminton or volleyball — the ideal way to stretch your legs and test how high your friends can jump. Cards or board games will help determine who the real “mafia” is, and who’s more into poker.
Mini-gate hunters, playing croquet, will test their precision in an epic battle. And, finally, by the campfire, there’s always room for songs. A guitar, around which everyone comes alive — even the mosquitoes. Campfire “karaoke,” when everyone asks the musician to play their favorite song.
A hike is an active form of relaxation and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life to reconnect with nature. But leaving behind all the usual comforts of modern life and settling for only the essentials is no easy task.
Fortunately, there are many clever gadgets that can make a hiking adventure more comfortable. Get ready, nature! In the technological version of a hiking challenge, there will be plenty of adventures that will turn any hike into the most memorable experience.
If any of you have ever dreamed of sitting comfortably by a fireplace, even when a blizzard rages outside, the miracle has happened. The Orland Camp Stove — a portable and compact stove — can easily turn any tent into a real oasis of warmth and coziness, even high in the mountains at a temperature of -10°C. Small but powerful, it’s capable of warming not only your body but your soul.
The Orland Camp Stove is easy to assemble. Simply unpack it, and soon the firewood starts crackling, the smoke exits the tent through a special pipe, and all the inhabitants of any camping tent feel completely safe and warm. The unit weighs only 14 kg, lighter than a bag of hiking food, so there’s plenty of room in the car trunk for the Orland Camp Stove.
Hand Luggage with a Bed and Sofa Inside
A bad tourist is one who doesn’t long for their cozy bed while traveling the world. The Disc-O-Bed — a special wonder-bag — transforms, with the right skill, into a full-fledged bunk bed. If you want a simple evening with a book, it easily turns into a sofa. There are size options too, perfect for adults who love space or kids who just can’t sit still.
But that’s not all. Each bunk can support up to 220 kg. The masterpiece weighs 27 kg, and when folded, the camping transformer bag doesn’t take up much space.
Floating Tents and Solar Energy
If someone had told seasoned travelers just a few years ago that gadgets could be charged right from within the tent, they would hardly have believed it. Now, that’s a possibility for today’s adventurers. Panels integrated into the tent charge gadgets and provide light inside. And they’re as durable as oak, easily withstanding any weather conditions. Camping in the rain? No problem for these travelers.
The world of Treetents — a world where tents no longer sit on the ground, but float among the branches like real birds. Instead of boring rectangular tents on the ground, pear-shaped tents can be easily suspended from trees. Comfortable and incredibly stylish.
Right in the air, you can have a family picnic, settle in with your children, and even your dog. There’s enough space for everyone.
The idea for Treetents was born more than 20 years ago when a Dutch artist and sculptor decided to combine art with an active lifestyle. He created the project for a group of bold activists who climbed trees to protest against deforestation. It’s heartening to see that Treetents is gaining popularity and becoming an alternative, revolutionary form of housing.
Experienced travelers know that when heading out on a trip, you should always bring an eco-stove to cook food without harming the environment. Eco-stoves weigh only 6 kg, but despite their compact size, they can feed a whole group of friends. And if the clouds decide to hide the sun’s rays, you can connect the eco-stove to external batteries and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Secrets of Intimate Comfort on Any Trip
The Toilet. In the wilderness, it’s often even more essential than a comfortable bed. The Bumper Dumper is a portable device that attaches directly to a car. It even comes with a holder for toilet paper. Instead of a car, you can use a bucket or tank; simply set it up in a secluded spot in nature, and your very own outdoor restroom is ready. This invention allows you to attach regular plastic bags, ensuring that you leave no trace of your presence in nature.
Travelers can now take a shower with them too. The portable shower unit, when collapsed, fits in the palm of your hand, measuring just 14 cm high and 20 cm wide. But once you unfold it, it grows to an impressive 43 cm, like an elegant lotus unfolding its petals. Its compact size doesn’t limit its capabilities. The portable shower holds 11 liters of water. Not much, but a refreshing shower for 5-7 minutes will please cleanliness enthusiasts. For convenience, portable shower stalls come with a pedal and pump, which easily pump water up and adjust the pressure.
Light and Protection in One Device
Matches and flashlights are classic outdoor gear, but in situations where civilization quickly disappears beyond the horizon, they may let you down. Packlite is a compact lantern and a reliable companion in the wild. It can work for up to 4 days without fatigue. Four brightness modes adjust the light to match your mood—from a romantic “quiet dinner by candlelight” to “I urgently need to find where I left my keys.” In situations that require help or attention, the emergency mode will activate—the Packlite will start flashing, drawing attention to itself.
In your backpack, this compact light won’t take up much space. It’s resistant to rain and dirt, and it also allows you to charge your gadgets. Its power is enough to fully charge a smartphone three times over.
Smart Expedition Participants: They’ll Feed You, Guide You, and Save You
What can I say! Going on hikes has become much easier, as smart gadgets are always there to lend a helping hand. For instance, while your fridge keeps your drinks cool, it can also play your favorite tune. With it, you don’t have to worry about forgetting food—the smart fridge remembers everything.
Smartwatches track your pulse, location, and provide weather forecasts on demand. Forgetting about water on a hike is a bad idea, as any traveler will tell you. That’s why you can trust your health to a smart bottle. It’ll monitor how much water you’ve drunk and remind you when it’s time to replenish your supplies. Some smart models even come with filters in case there are no clean water sources nearby. You can keep track of your hydration levels even in the wilderness.
Let’s not forget about safety. A wireless emergency button should always be within reach to send distress signals to a friend’s phone—or to your own, in case you’ve decided to disconnect from civilization. This portable button already exists; it’s compact, doesn’t take up much space in your backpack, and is reliable in any difficult situation.
How about such travels?
Every year, thousands of restless tourists fill the Giza Plateau in Egypt, gazing up in awe at the majestic structures. But it’s one thing to admire the pyramids from the ground, and quite another to view them from a bird’s-eye perspective, with the ability to touch their peaks.
The jetpack from the New Zealand company Martin Aircraft is a true personal flying device. It can lift a person into the air up to 915 meters—no lines and with a breeze. With the Martin Jetpack, you can take off vertically and enjoy flying for a full 30 minutes.
This device differs from its jet-powered cousins in that, instead of a jet stream, it uses small air propellers enclosed in ringed channels. The JB-9 backpacks from JetPack Aviation operate on gas turbine engines and have a launch mode like that of a real spacecraft. Soon, the Martin Jetpack will become the first mass-produced personal flying device, allowing you to fly over the Grand Canyon, glide past Niagara Falls, feel like Indiana Jones, and even kiss the Statue of Liberty.
Why Raft Down a Raging River When There Are More Exciting Adventures?
Many resorts around the world now offer underwater cruises. In the Caribbean, Hawaii, Cyprus, Egypt’s Hurghada, and Spain, you can explore the beauty of underwater flora and fauna and even descend to sunken ships aboard small-class submarines.
The main manufacturers of such submarines are the Canadian company Atlantis Submarines and the Finnish Mobimar. For a close-knit group, the small-class submarines from U-Boat Worx are an excellent choice. Their latest development, the Cruise Sub, features large transparent spheres that provide a panoramic view, allowing passengers to take in the surroundings completely. The seats rotate inside the sphere, giving each traveler the perfect viewing position.
For romantics and solitude seekers, the DeepFlight Super Falcon submarines, designed by engineer Graham Hawkes, offer a unique experience. These two-seater subs are intended for mid-depth dives. Although they are only being produced in limited batches for now, the inventor has kept a few for himself, understanding that many would love to rent one for a breathtaking underwater adventure.
Sending Your Twin on an Expedition
It turns out you can go on an adventure without ever leaving your home. A telepresence drone can travel to uncharted locations on your behalf. No need to worry about getting stuck in an impassable area or encountering a predator—the drone will handle all the tough work without any risk to you. Just set the direction, and off it goes.
Unlike the virtual panoramas of Google Maps, traveling with a drone lets you explore places in real time, interacting with people you meet along the way—or rather, the people your high-tech twin meets. Your personal avatar can be anywhere in the world and may soon be as easy to rent as a car.
A Weekend Getaway to Mars
Sometimes, long-distance hikers get lucky and find shelter under a real roof, surrounded by solid walls instead of a flimsy tent. Soon, die-hard adventurers may be able to take their breaks in orbit. This was the vision of Barron Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotel chain, and space researcher Kraft Ehricke back in 1967. Their dream is now being carried forward by another hotel mogul, Robert Bigelow, who plans to build a space hotel using NASA’s inflatable modules. The first guests will get to enjoy comfort in microgravity, although space will be a bit tight—just 330 cubic meters for four people.
Soon, travelers will be able to book a room with a view of Earth and take a walk around the Moon—no visas required, just a ticket to the stars and a good mood. However, bringing along a tent and some gear might still be a good idea—after all, space has plenty of uncharted peaks, plains, mountains, and forests waiting to be conquered.
Nature will always test our limits—whether it’s friendship, love, or personal resilience, true strength is revealed only in extreme conditions. And this challenge is no small feat, especially for those accustomed to modern comforts.
So, what should you bring on your next expedition? Dust off your old gear for a nostalgic adventure, or team up with cutting-edge technology—the choice is yours. The most important thing is having a reliable companion by your side. With great company and a strong team, no peak, forest, or unknown land will be out of reach.
A navigator determines the current location of a person on Earth. We’re mapping new routes in your consciousness.
Thank you!
