Gadgets don't like the great outdoors. Your iPhone and digital camera were designed for a quiet life in the city, not the crash and splash of a kayak ride through the rapids. But if you're planning a wilderness adventure this summer, no need to leave the hi-tech world behind. Here's a roundup of rugged gizmos built to survive even the most hard-core holiday destinations.
Panasonic Toughbook CF-30
What's the point in climbing Everest if you can't blog from the summit? An ordinary laptop would freeze up in the extreme cold, but the Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 ($3,200) can operate in temperatures ranging from -4F to 140F (-20C to 60C). Bashed around by scientists to ensure that it meets U.S. military standards, it's also guaranteed to work after a fall from up to 3 ft. (0.9 m). www.panasonic.com
Sonim XP1
If you want a cell phone that can double as a mallet, pick up the $500 Sonim XP1. Coated in a layer of hardened rubber, this shockproof phone will keep on ringing even after a 5.4-ft. (1.65 m) drop onto concrete. That tough casing also keeps out dust, sand and water — perfect for when your speedboat runs aground on a desert island. www.sonimtech.com
Olympus MJU 1030
The Olympus MJU 1030 ($500) is crushproof up to 220 lbs. (100 kg), so even if a baby elephant stands on it, your safari snaps may still be safe. It can also endure more everyday dangers, including submergence in 32.8 ft. (10 m) of water. www.olympus-global.com