One of the most creative new uses for solar panel technology, a number of backpacks and bags have come on the market that not only look great, but will actually recharge cellular phones, MP3 players and other small electronic devices. The bags are outfitted with durable collection panels and batteries to store surplus energy, and are a perfect fit for long hikes or island vacations on less developed islands.

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When relaxing on an island, boring old plastic deck chairs simply won’t cut it. Combining the island-chic of a hammock with a collapsible and easily set up frame, and coming in a multitude of sizes and styles, swing chairs are the perfect low-maintenance vacation furniture. With all of the comfort of a traditional hammock, but without the potentially motion-sickness inducing swinging, the stationary 4-point hammock is a portable and easy option for relaxing and sunbathing:

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Another popular style is the swing chair, a comfy and fun seat that resembles a mini-hammock suspended on a chain from a sturdy metal frame. Very stable but with a wide range of motion, the swing chair is a great option for children who may not be ready for using traditional hammocks.

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Reminiscent of the tire swings many people enjoyed as kids, the rope-tree hanging chair is a widely woven seat that can hang from any sturdy tree branch. A perfect fit for a island hideaway.

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For many lucky island owners, worrying about what to cook for dinner is rarely a concern. The waters around their vacation homes teem with fresh salmon, bonefish and even delicacies like crabs and oysters. Often, the only thing standing between vacationers and eating like kings is the prospect of burning their catch of the day over a roaring fire. Finding camping-friendly accoutrements for creating spectacular dishes is a must.

Coleman is one of the world’s best-known specialists in rugged, outdoors stoves and grills. And while famous for their little propane-powered stoves that work great for heating soup or making coffee, the company also has a wide range of products for those with a taste for the finer side of camping. Throw your Ahi tuna and skewered pineapple on the RoadTrip Grill, a high-tech product designed for nature-loving gourmands. Portable and easy to set up, the RoadTrip has large cooking surfaces, push-button ignition and side tables for cutting and preparation.

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While on a remote, secluded island, it often strikes vacationers of how many tools are taken for granted back in the civilized world. We discover the weather and keep abreast of storms with a flick of the remote, simply pick up the phone and dial Emergency in case of accidents or other serious problems, and generally rely on an urban infrastructure supported by thousands of professionals when in need. Solitude and isolation may be a uniquely gratifying experience, but there are certain high-tech products that many wise vacationers won’t leave home without.

Thunderstorms, hurricanes and blizzards are all exceptionally dangerous for those in remote areas and cut off from support organizations. Offered through the Discovery Channel, the Weathertech Stormtracker is a portable electronic device that provides immediate information on the latest weather patterns in your area. Running on ordinary batteries, the Weathertech gives accurate forecasts, temperature and barometric readings, and helps ensure that if a storm is heading your way, you’ll have time to prepare or make it safely to the mainland.

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 Few outdoors accoutrements leave as little an impact on the environment as the traditional hammock, as these comfy seats don’t even touch the ground. And swaying in the breeze with a cool drink in hand, they are the epitome of splendid island idleness. The classic hammock has received renewed attention with the popularity of “leave no trace” camping, and there are now a wide range of styles and functions to choose from.

Perfectly suited to the adventure traveler, one of the most cutting-edge new products is the Hennessy Hammock, a revolutionary tent that is not only far more lightweight to carry than a conventional model, but extremely comfortable and earth-friendly, too. Coming in a variety of styles ranging from winter-ready to an inventive jungle design, these weather and bug-proof hammocks keep you off of the hard forest floor and have space to store all of your essential gear. No sign is left when you’re ready to pack up and leave, as even the webbing support straps are designed to prevent damage to your host trees. Hennessy has tested these hammocks in some of the most extreme conditions of the planet, and their intrepid guinea pigs report that they pass with flying colours.  

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