in the field

Staying on track with high-tech gadgets.

By MERRIE LEININGER

Roughing it is that much more fun when you pack the latest high-tech toys. When in the field this fall, you’ll find these cutting-edge gadgets will keep you on track, UV free, and hydrated.

For example, follow your hunting dog with the Garmin Astro Dog Tracking System using global positioning technology. Hikers who take Fido on the trail also will find the Astro useful when a call or a whistle isn’t bringing him back. Every five seconds, the dog’s transmitter sends his position to your handheld with a pinpoint, showing the trail of how he got there. Switch to the dog tracker screen, and you’ll see if he’s running, sitting, or treeing quarry.

DOG TRACKER
The Garmin Astro Dog Tracking System includes a transmitter that attaches to the dog like a backpack and a 6.5-ounce handheld receiver with a full-color screen. The waterproof, high-sensitivity GPS receiver can track your dog in the densest cover. You can follow 10 dogs at one time up to five miles away. $535, garmin.com, 800-800-1020

INFLATABLE TENT
The Nemo Morpho inflatable two-person tent—designed by a NASA consultant—is virtually pop proof. The tent is inflated with a foot pump to give it a rigid structure without aluminum poles. Bonus: It can be erected in less than one minute and has eight more square feet than the usual two-person tent. $395, nemoequipment.com, 800-997-9301

UV WATCH
The German company Minox makes the Suntimer watch, perfect for Nevada outdoors enthusiasts who want protection from the desert sun. It estimates the amount of time your skin can be in the sun before dangerous UV rays cause damage by measuring the amount of ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight. You can program it with your skin type and the SPF level of your sunscreen. The Suntimer also has an alarm. $59, orvis.com, minox.com

WATER BOTTLE
This easy-to-hold CamelBak water bottle comes in 13 colors and three sizes. The handle also can be clipped onto a carabiner. Most importantly, it has the same bite valve as a regular CamelBak, which makes it easy to drink from—with the added benefit of being spill proof. It’s much easier to clean than a CamelBak backpack, however, and is dishwasher safe. $12.95, camelbak.com, 800-767-8725

NO-BUG APPAREL
Buzz Off Insect Shield’s technology provides invisible and odorless protection against irritating (and dangerous) creatures such as mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and no-see-ums. The company makes clothes for golfers, hunters, fishers, and equestrians, and also makes items for your horse. Women’s crew neck shirt, $59, buzzoff.com, 866-712-7110

HEADLAMP
The Black Diamond Icon headlamp is one of the brightest lamps on the market with a three-watt LED bulb. For an additional $30, you can get the more economical and environmentally friendly rechargeable battery that plugs into any outlet, one of the first of its kind. $59.95, bdel.com, 801-278-5552

WATER PURIFIER
SteriPEN Adventurer handheld water purifier is fast (48 seconds for 16 ounces) and lightweight. You can use two disposable batteries (or the solar charging case) and take it anywhere you might need to sterilize your water: from the backcountry to a hotel room. $129.95, steripen.com, 888-826-6234