If you’re looking for gadgetry that can withstand the rigors of the outdoors or just the chaos of everyday life, there are some great options out there, from waterproof cameras to fireproof data protection.
Our selection of gadgets will take whatever you can throw at it (or in some cases throw it at) and keep on going, ideal for anyone who lives life to the fullest and expects their kit to keep up with them.
Have a look through our tough top 10 below and let us know in the comments which of these rugged, tough-tested gadgets you’d pack in your bag.
1. Olympus Stylus Tough-8010
Waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof to drops of up to 6.6 feet, freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius and crushproof up to 220 pounds of pressure, the Stylus Tough-8010 is built to endure. Along with all that durability you get a 14-megapixel, 5x zoom, 2.7-inch LCD display camera with the ability to capture all your adventures in 720p HD video.
Cost: $379.99
2. Motorola Defy
Most tough handsets offer very basic functionality, but not the Defy from Motorola, which is loaded withAndroid 2.1 and a full feature set. There’s a 5-megapixel camera with video capture, media playback, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth and GPS. The fact that it’s water resistant and dust proof is a bonus for anyone who doesn’t want to have to wrap their phone up in cotton wool.
Cost: Varies
3. Kodak Playsport Zx3
These teeny handheld camcorders can record 1080p video footage in up to 10 feet of water. Other outdoorsy features include an LCD Glare Shield to improve viewing the display in bright conditions and built-in electronic image stabilization to help cut out blur. Oh, and it knows how to survive a hit or a drop.
Cost: $149.95
4. LaCie XtremKey
This USB flash drive is “10-ton truck” resistant — as tested by a real truck driving over the key. If you want data storage that’s as hard as nails, this is a great option. The XtremKey’s “zamac” outer will help protect from up to 100 meters of water, 5-meter drops and temperature extremes.
Cost: From $49.99 to $249.99
5. Sony Heavy Duty CD Radio
Built for workshops and job sites, Sony’s heavy duty radio can take some punishment and keep pumping out the tunes. The radio is water and dust resistance thanks to rubber gaskets, bushings and waterproof seals. Other tough stuff includes a safe guard bar and protective speaker grills.
Cost: $129.95
6. Garmin Dakota 20
Anyone who likes to hit the trail on the weekend will know the importance of having a durable kit. The entry-level Dakota range from Garmin offers satellite navigation, a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis electronic compass in a durable shell designed to survive all that the elements can throw at it.
Cost: $349.99
7. BlueAnt T1 Rugged Bluetooth Headset
The beauty of a rugged headset is that it means you can keep your more delicate phone tucked away safely in your pocket. The T1 is highly durable — able to cope with knocks, drops, dust and moisture. BlueAnt’s “Wind Armour Technology” also boasts clear audio in winds of up to 35 kph, so you should be sure of being heard, even if it’s blowing a gale.
Cost: $79.99
8. ioSafe Solo
Described as a “virtual fortress for your data,” the ioSafe Solo is built to survive both fire and flood. Even if the worst happens to your home or office, your vital information and digital content will be saved. In addition, it can be bolted down to protect against theft.
Cost: From $149
9. Getac 9213
Designed to “survive all types of travel-related mishandlings,” the 9213 is not as toughed up as some fully rugged laptops, but it can take a few knocks and keep on going. It’s drop-safe to 45 cm, and the keyboard is water resistant too so its ideal for any clumsy computer users who need to accident-proof their portable PC.
Cost: Varies
10. Casio G-Shock Watches
There are tons of tough tech in Casio’s ever-popular G-Shock timepiece. The watches are waterproof, shockproof and can withstand icy temperatures. With a wide range of designs and colors, for men and women, if you’re a bit of an action hero in your spare time, you can’t go wrong with one of these strapped to your wrist.
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