1.2.5

Question 1

Technoligies used in the outdoors

Answer 1

These days, outdoor experiences and the use of various technologies go hand in hand. Examples
include:
* communication devices, such as radios, smartphones and EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating
radio beacons)
* navigational devices, such as GPS
* synthetic materials and clothing, such as fleece, Gore-Tex, polypropylene, Dri-FIT, nylon, plastics
and Smartwool
* specialised equipment, such as fibreglass canoes, lightweight mountain-bike frames, kernmantle
climbing ropes and autofocus cameras.
Technology has had an enormous impact on the way in which adventure activities have been undertaken
by relatively unskilled participants over the last 60 years. The creation of synthetic fibres paved the way
for development within adventure clothing and equipment, coupled with more efficient production
of these items and a decrease in the overall cost. Participants in the outdoors are now confronted with
a seemingly overwhelming range of equipment and clothing.