TECH TO WEATHER THE ELEMENTS

SURVIVAL GEAR FOR EXTREME ADVENTURES

- OLENA KAGUI

Living on a tropical island is a dream come true, but it comes at the price of regular power outages. What used to be an annual storm has become a lot more frequent here on Maui, an experience I think many across the country can relate to. Between the wildfires, flash floods, snowstorms, hurricanes, and power grid failures, it is getting more important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Not only are the devices in this article great for real emergency situations, but they can also be useful for anyone who enjoys the adrenaline rush of an extreme sport or adventure.

Schumacher Pro Automotive 12Volt 1200 Portable Power Station ($199)

I could not live a normal life on Maui without the Schumacher Pro Automotive. This power station is my go-to device whenever the power goes out. It has two regular outlets and four USB ports to power up multiple devices and accessories simultaneously. This portable power station is small but mighty, and while it takes a while to charge, it holds a lot of power without using fuel like a generator, which isn't safe or allowed inside certain places, like my condo unit. With this power station, I can power my router to get Wi-Fi, plug in the fridge or an AC unit, and charge my MacBook, iPhone, and other personal devices. Additionally, it can jump-start 4-to 8-cylinder vehicles and inflate tires. I check on my Schumacher power station about once a month, making sure it is fully charged and ready to come to the rescue next time I have an emergency.

RYOBI 18-Volt 120-Watt 12V Automotive Power Inverter with Dual USB Ports