Warm, sunny and tropical are some of the first impressions that come to mind when one thinks of a private island, and these qualities can certainly make for a dream vacation- but there are serious hazards involved in getting too much of a good thing. Heat stroke, also known in a milder form as heat exhaustion, can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, particularly for children, the ill and the elderly. Resulting from an inability to generate enough cooling sweat to stabilize body temperatures, symptoms of heat-induced illnesses include faintness, nausea and headaches, and in extreme cases the afflicted may vomit, be unable to adequately breath, and become unconscious.
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.
There are regions of the world where weather isn’t just a topic for polite conversation, but a life or death matter. Hurricanes, tropical storms or blizzards can be serious concerns for island owners in remote areas, as they are both likely to be more affected, and possibly hours away from any emergency support systems. Designed for small-plane airstrips, private weather stations are the most accurate way of keeping track of your local weather when it matters most.
Created by the meteorological engineering firm Belfort Instrumental, the DigiWx Digital Weather station is an automated and cost-effective solution for at-risk areas, ideal for remote resorts or private islands. A 15ft aluminium tower outfitted with sensors designed to accurately pinpoint local wind speed, temperature, and barometric pressure, DigiWx data is transmitted up to 10 nautical miles from the station and can be read using a handheld device or computer, or voice-activated Unicom broadcast from a plane’s cockpit. The simple design allows the DigiWx to be installed in less than a day, and the lightweight aluminium makes for ease of transportation. Also very ecologically friendly, the weather station is solar-powered with a 12 volt D-cell battery for backup.
For the Melanesian people of Vanuatu, a small island country located in the South Pacific Ocean, their dramatic volcanic mountains and lush forests are not only beautiful scenery, but an important source for healing and skincare products. The indigenous tribes of this exotic, isolated island nation have had centuries to make the most out of their abundant environment, and have developed organic and all-natural solutions to afflictions such as bug bites, sunburns and cuts.
A popular option for many nature-loving island owners is to keep their island in pristine, undeveloped condition, using it as a peaceful place to camp in the wilderness. Spending a few days or weeks on your little piece of untouched paradise may pose a barrier to maintaining personal hygiene, however. Particularly in temperate zones or in chilly weather, grabbing a bar of soap and taking a cleansing swim may not be an option. Here are a few products that may be helpful in smelling great while camping out.
The SunShower is a great little eco-friendly invention that uses solar heat to give a warm, although brief, shower. Manufactured by Stearns, the exterior plastic of the reusable container is designed to quickly heat up to 4 gallons of water within an hour, providing enough water for up to three quick showers. A special nozzle creates enough water pressure to easily shampoo and rinse, a particularly difficult task with many other portable showers. Stearns also offers a collapsible curtained enclosure for privacy:
For those who prefer to avoid showering on their campouts altogether, the No Rinse company has you covered. Used on NASA missions by astronauts, No Rinse offers a variety of bathing wipes, body washes and shampoos that will not only keep you hygienic without a drop of water, but are designed to “leave no trace” in the natural environment. All No Rinse products are hospital tested and approved:
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.
There are regions of the world where weather isn’t just a topic for polite conversation, but a life or death matter. Hurricanes, tropical storms or blizzards can be serious concerns for island owners in remote areas, as they are both likely to be more affected, and possibly hours away from any emergency support systems. Designed for small-plane airstrips, private weather stations are the most accurate way of keeping track of your local weather when it matters most.
For the Melanesian people of Vanuatu, a small island country located in the South Pacific Ocean, their dramatic volcanic mountains and lush forests are not only beautiful scenery, but an important source for healing and skincare products. The indigenous tribes of this exotic, isolated island nation have had centuries to make the most out of their abundant environment, and have developed organic and all-natural solutions to afflictions such as bug bites, sunburns and cuts.
A popular option for many nature-loving island owners is to keep their island in pristine, undeveloped condition, using it as a peaceful place to camp in the wilderness. Spending a few days or weeks on your little piece of untouched paradise may pose a barrier to maintaining personal hygiene, however. Particularly in temperate zones or in chilly weather, grabbing a bar of soap and taking a cleansing swim may not be an option. Here are a few products that may be helpful in smelling great while camping out.