Ask any professional photographer or filmmaker and they will likely tell you just how important it is to make regular backups of their work, even while still in the field. This is especially true for outdoor and adventure photographers who often find themselves in remote places where dust, rain, snow, and other dangers are a constant threat to their delicate electronic equipment. Fortunately those individuals, who sometimes go to the ends of the Earth in order to get the perfect shot, now have a rugged new option for keeping their data safe, even when they are working far off the grid in the most demanding environments imaginable.
The SanDisk Extreme SSD line of storage products was built specifically with adventure photographers and filmmakers in mind. They feature an IP55 rating in terms of dust, shock, and water protection, which means while these drives shouldn’t be immersed completely in water, they should have no trouble shrugging off unexpected rainstorms or the occasional splashing with water. They are also built to survive accidental drops thanks to a lightweight, yet sturdy outer shell designed to absorb impacts and keep the internal components safe.
In terms of technical performance, SanDisk says the drives are capable of read speeds of up to 550 MB per second, which should translate to fast transfers even when moving large files around. The solid-state storage devices also offer compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, ensuring plug-and-play compatibility no matter which operating system you prefer. The SSDs are equipped with an onboard USB-C port, and ship with the appropriate cable, as well as a USB-C to USB-A adapter to ensure that they work equally well with legacy laptops as they do newer models.
Portability is always a concern when carrying extra equipment into the backcountry, but SanDisk went to great lengths to make these SSD drives as small and light as possible. The result is a backup drive that is smaller than a smartphone, yet still offers plenty of capacity at a reasonable price. The Extreme SSD is currently available in 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB terabyte, and 2 TB sizes. Those drives sell for $100, $150, $315, and $640 respectively.
The limited-edition Current LTD comes loaded with premium upgrades, powerful motor assistance, and features designed for serious trail riding.
Aventon is taking things up a notch with its latest electric mountain bike. The new Current LTD is a full-suspension eMTB packed with high-end components, plenty of power, and some impressive technology. There's one catch, though. Only 99 are being made, and each comes with a $7,999 price tag.
INIU has launched the Rugged 10000, a $54.99 power bank with 45W fast charging and IP67 dust and water protection. Its 10,000mAh battery supplies power through two USB-C ports for phones and outdoor gear.
It’s the first product from the company’s new INIU Outdoor division. Weighing roughly 196g, the silicone-armored battery is designed for hikers who need backup power but want to keep their pack light.
Keeping devices charged and a campsite lit takes a little planning once wall outlets disappear. These four Amazon offers cover portable solar power, satellite communication, and two different approaches to camp lighting. The BigBlue, BioLite, and LuminAID prices require Prime membership.
BigBlue 28W solar charger - $50.97 (15% off)