How do we protect our electronic devices when we are outdoors?

If you're hiking in the mountains, or if you're going to spend several days trekking between huts, or if you're tackling a climbing route, your electronic devices may be at greater risk than usual.

• In some cases, these devices can save your life: mobile phones, GPS and walkie talkie radios are part of your safety equipment.

• In other cases, keeping your camera, audio player, etc. safe may not be such a matter of life and death, but you may not be too happy about having to buy another camera, for example.

Considers resistant devices (certifications)

How obviousPerhaps the most obvious recommendation, but one that you may want to reconsider due to the speed of technological advances, is to opt for more resilient devices.

Certified!If you like to go outdoors frequently, it will be useful to opt for devices with special protection, today there is a wide variety of certifications that accurately demonstrate the level of resistance; some devices may be dust resistant, or even waterproof, which will always be safer alternatives.

READ ALSO: The best all-round mobile phones". 

Look at the type of certification... Make no mistake though, if your audio player or smartwatch claims to be water resistant, don't forget that there are several types of certification, some will only protect you in the rain or even if you put it in the shower, but others offer a higher level of resistance that allows you to submerge it in the sea or a swimming pool, which is usually indicated by stating how many metres deep it can be submerged.

• First, don't confuse being resilient with being indestructible. The different Certifications define the different characteristics (IP68 or IP69, IK05, IK07, MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-810H, etc.), being tests carried out by laboratories external to the brand and factory, which then issue the corresponding certificate.
• In the case of IP certification (Ingress Protection) we always add a tag composed of two numbers, mainly IP68 or IP67 and, more recently, IP69. These are not just numbers. The first number represents the resistance to the ingress of powder on a scale of six. The second is the resistance to water on a scale of nine. The higher the number, the better. If you want to go deeper, you can read the international standard IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection -I'm sure it will be a very entertaining text ;)-.

Equipment for protection

Here are the different options available on the market.

Ziplocks

If extra robust devices are not an option, the cheapest and most readily available alternative are bags. ziplockof which you will find it useful to carry at least one for each electronic device. The big advantage is that most devices can also be manipulated to a large extent while inside; for example, if it's a smartphone, you can usually use the touchscreen.

This will allow you to protect your device from weather conditions and other possible accidentsYour backpack could roll down a hillside and fall into a lake, or your water bottle could spill into it; in these situations, the ziplock will be a timely salvation.

Watertight bags

A watertight bag ensures dry and clean storage of your items. Whether equipment, clothing or other valuables, everything that must not get wet is protected from water, sand and dust. For activities in a water environment (kayaking, rafting, canyoning) they are the only option along with watertight canisters. If properly closed, these bags float on the surface of the water, as the air inside does not escape and therefore does not allow water to seep in from the outside.

Soft cases for mobiles and small devices

Remember that ziplocks are actually designed to protect food from the elements, so if you want more complete and better adapted protection for electronic devices, soft cases are the best choice. waterproof fanny packs are a better option, as they have a greater capacity to prevent the ingress of liquids and moisture.

You can also have control of internal buttons and screens without having to remove the device, although this is still a limitation if you want to take videos or photos, so the more transparent the case, the more useful it will be for getting good images. Some of them even have special inputs - e.g. for headphones - for more freedom and connection to the outside world.

Waterproof backpacks

The watertight dry rucksacks are perfect for river tours, canyoning, kayaking, rafting, etc. A waterproof alternative to your usual outdoor backpack, backpack that is not waterproof. Compared to waterproof bags (not backpacks), the straps are comfortable and versatile, with the possibility to choose how to use them. The usual waterproof bags are uncomfortable to walk around in as they are not backpacks.

Smartphone cases

You can currently purchase protective cases for virtually any type of smartphoneThis, although at a higher cost, results in a more efficient alternative, as they are custom-designed for minimal obstruction of the device's lenses and buttons.

This, as well as protecting it from weather conditions, will also be a great help in cushioning impacts; one of the main reasons for damage to electronic devices, which is even more likely if it's an intrepid adventure where speed or rugged terrain may be involved, in which case it's a great idea to keep your devices protected through custom-made cases. In this regard, there are also some generic alternatives for cameras.

Hard cases

For other types of electronic devices that do not have special protective casings, you can also use hard casesThese are great to protect them from all kinds of weather conditions that we can find in the outdoors.

They are also a great alternative for added protection in case of impact; for example, if you want to protect devices for air travel, or if it will be a bumpy journey, this type of case can be a great advantage.

The disadvantage is that it will be difficult for you to use the devices while inside, being more of a secure form of storage and transport.

Tips for the protection and care of "electronics" outdoors

If you want to avoid damage, here are some basic recommendations to keep your devices safe and functional.

With a little care and forethought, you'll find that it's safe - and certainly useful, practical, and fun - to take your electronic devices on your outdoor adventures.

Beware of the sun

• It is not only from snow, dust and rain that you need to protect electronic devices in the outdoors, don't forget that the sun pointing directly, even if your items are inside a backpack, can generate high temperatures that can cause severe damage to your equipment.

• In this respect, it is useful to opaque casesIt is always advisable to try to keep such devices in the shade.

Store in a dry place

• Another reason why the aforementioned protection systems may be useful for you is due to humidity, so it is recommended that when resting or settling in, these types of devices remain in place for a long period of time. safe inside this type of protection if you are in open areas and outdoors.

• Consider also that very early in the morning or late in the evening, it may be possible to fall dew or higher humidityFor example, if you wanted to do a timelapse at night, it would be best to use some kind of protection for your camera, as it would be a bad idea to leave it outdoors for a long period of time under high humidity conditions.

• Dangerous humidity can also be generated for electronic devices if the following conditions are met sudden changes in temperatureFor example, if you are in your hotel room with the air conditioning on, and you suddenly go outside in the intense tropical heat, this can cause misting that can fog up your electronic devices, disrupting their operation.

What to do in case of damage

• If the damage is already done, and you gadget has fallen into the water, or has become excessively wet, do not check to see if it is still working, as you could burn out circuits and cause permanent damage. remove the battery and let it dry; if possible separate the pieces and place them inside rice grains or absorbent silica gel. for several hours, if necessary a whole day or more.

• In case the problem is due to the dust or sand, the alternative will be to use compressed air. to remove those little pimples, to prevent further damage to your electronic devices. This can be a big problem for camera lenses.