Best Multi-Functional Gadgets for Traveling

Hello friends! Since I just came off of a trip, this post provided by Jessie Hughes is timely indeed. More commentary from me at the end. 

The best way to explore the world is to leave your home base behind. A week stay at a hotel or resort limits you to a certain area and prevents you from discovering the tucked away corners that tourists never see. Backpackers, hikers, campers and train hoppers all know what it's like to bounce around different countries, regions and continents to gain a unique perspective on travel.

But this type of exploring also comes with a new set of challenges. Leaving the hotel room behind also means ditching the three-piece luggage and all the gear it carries. When you travel on the go, you must also travel light and smart, only carrying the tools necessary to serve more than one purpose. If you feel like living your next vacation on the road, on the trail or from train to train, consider these multi-functional gadgets to make it a success.

Apple iPhone 6s

Your best tool will always be your smartphone. You never leave home without it, and apps make it useful for virtually every situation. Your iPhone serves as a communication device, GPS navigation, social sharing, information source and much more. But because there isn't always power at every corner, pick up an external battery case to stretch out your charge for a full day or more.

DeLorme InReach Communicator

The iPhone is perfect for every moment — assuming you have access to cell service. But hikers and backpackers will be the first to let you know that the most scenic spots in the middle of Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park are miles and miles away from the nearest signal. Even though you should always learn to read a map and use a compass before hitting the backcountry, a GPS satellite device is perfect for emergency situations when you need guidance or even to call for help. The DeLorme is costly at $300, but it has access to text messages, phone calls, Internet, GPS and SOS from any place on Earth. A device like this could be life or death in the gravest of circumstances.

GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition

The iPhone 6s rocks a beautiful 12-megapixel camera capable of shooting 4K video. So, in theory, there shouldn't be a need to take pictures or video with anything else. But, your smartphone is your lifeline, and if you want that perfect action shot, it's not worth the risk of wrecking your No. 1 tool. The GoPro Hero 4 Black takes stunning, high-resolution pictures and 4K video, and it is both durable and waterproof. It's tough to bust a GoPro, and even if you do, all you lose is the ability to shoot pics and video.

iPad Mini 4

Depending on your need for late night entertainment when everything is winding down, theiPad Mini 4 can be a lifesaver when movies and TV aren't available in your room or campsite. Sure, you can do all this on your iPhone, but the iPad is a nice compromise between a size and weight that doesn't fill your pack but still gives you a large screen to watch at night.

Goal Zero Solar Charger

You have all these great gadgets, but how are you going to keep them charged? Don't assume there will always be access to an outlet if you're exploring the more undeveloped areas of the world. The Goal Zero solar charger is a portable option that harnesses the sun's energy and keeps your device's batteries full every day (so long as it isn't cloudy).

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MFD just got a new iPhone 6 before we left, and his phone photos are about 2480384 times better than the ones I took with my iPhone 5. He also brought along his iPad, which was indispensable for reasons listed above. We also used the GoPro Hero 4, which was awesome for both video and photos. 

What are your tried and true travel gadgets?