Looking for simple, easy to use, portable and compact gear for your cell phone and camera equipment this summer? Here are 5 great, on-the-go options we recommend.
Stance by Kenu
The Stance by Kenu provides a portable, compact tripod for your IPhone 5 and later models. The tripod plugs securely into your IPhone’s lightening jack and providing an array of options to utilize your portable device. You can watch videos, do video calls, time-lapse photos or use the Stance as an upright phone charger with the provided adapter using this sturdy zinc-allow tripod with slip resistant feet. The added bonus feature we like; integrated bottle opener. The Stance retails for $24.95 and is available at Amazon .
Highline by Kenu
Going hiking in the great outdoors and want to tether your IPhone to your belt or backpack? Check out the Highline by Kenu. MD&S tested out the Highline for our IPhone 6 and 6S during a recent trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The Highline comes with an impact resistant case for your IPhone and integrated elastic leash. At the end of the leash is a versatile loop that can be attached to your belt loop, jacket zipper, back pack, etc. The Highline retails for $29.95 and is also available at Amazon.
olloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens
MD&S tested the olloclip 4-in-1 fisheye, wide-angle and macro 10x & 15x combo lens set on our IPhone 6 and 6S. We were amazed at the zoom boost the olloclip provided in both the macro and wide-angle options. The olloclip slips over the top end of your IPhone working with your existing camera lens. The only downside we see is you do have to remove your personal outer phone, protective case to use the olloclip. We did not experience any color degredation utilizing the lens options. The olloclip comes with its own protective clip and lens caps when not mounted on your phone and an attached lanyard if you want to swing it around your neck while not in use. The olloclip for IPhone 6 and 6S retails for $79.99 on Amazon.
Stakeout Tripod by pakpod
Looking for a versatile, rugged tripod for your GoPro camera or point and shoot camera while you’re out on the hiking trail or doing that versatile assent when rock climbing? If so, then we suggest the Stakeout tripod by pakpod. This all-purpose tripod weighs only 15.5 ounces, is less than 13” tall when the stakes are retracted, can support an 11 pound piece of camera equipment when the legs are retracted, comes with a ¼-20 thread mount and is made from high-impact ABS. Need some extra grip on your next adventure? Get the extra (sold separately) Quarter-20 aluminum stakes that come with two additional ¼-20 threaded holes for extra mounting locations. The coolest option; you can stack two Stakeout’s atop one another; using the bottom one as a tripod and the top one as extra holders for gear (i.e. flashes, viewing screens, microphones, etc.). The Stakeout retails for $124.00 on the company’s website: www.pakpod.com
Solartab
If you’re like the rest of us, when hiking or on the run, you need to constantly charge your cell phones, tablets and portable devices. Looking for an alternative energy option when you’re on-the-go? Check out the Solartab 5.5w Solar Charger with 13,000 mAh Power Bank for iPhone 6 / 6 Plus, Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge, iPad Air 2 / iPad Pro and other portable devices. The Solartab comes with two USB ports that detect the maximum charging speed, a Micro USB cable, 2A wall charger, Wiping Cloth and Quick Guide. We obtained five full charges in our IPhones before needing to recharge the tablet. The Solartab retails for $119.00 on Amazon.