The top 5 innovations in outdoor recreation
Cracking in the top five is GORE-TEX®. GORE-TEX® is the best-known product of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., and when it was first introduced in 1989 was touted as a fabric that was breathable, yet waterproof. It apparently caught on for there are many, many products out there that contain GORE-TEX® in one form or another.
Some even say you could stand under a waterfall in it and not get wet. For sure it's changed outdoor clothing.
- Cracking in the top five is GORE-TEX®. GORE-TEX® is the best-known product of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., and when it was first introduced in 1989 was touted as a fabric that was breathable, yet waterproof. It apparently caught on for there are many, many products out there that contain GORE-TEX® in one form or another.
Some even say you could stand under a waterfall in it and not get wet. For sure it's changed outdoor clothing.
- Number 4. Deet. Deet-the informal name for di-ethyl toluamide, was invented in 1946 and made public in 1958. This chemical, discovered by accident, works by making mosquitoes disoriented and unable to feed. This fact has enabled countless numbers of people to dare venturing into the outdoors without fear. Just remember to wear it, because the little insects will notice if you don't.
- Third on the list is GPS. The invention of GPS technology ocurred in the early 1970s, and was patented in 1974. It was used mostly for military purposes until a decade or so ago when handheld GPS units became available to the public. These little gizmos have been a godsend to helping people locate geocaches, important landmarks, and most of all, themselves. Just remember the extra batteries.
- Making the list at number 2 is the multi-tool gizmo, the Leatherman. Similar to its predecessor the Swiss Army knife, this little gadget might not have made the top five at all were it not for one fact: it saved the life of mountaineer Aron Ralston.
- Number 1 on this list is four-wheel drive. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche (yes, that Porsche) in 1900, and improved upon by Jacobus Spyker in 1902, the first US four wheel drive vehicle, was built 1911 by the Four Wheel Drive auto company (FWD) . FWD supplied four-wheel drive vehicles for both the British and U.S. in WWI. 4x4s replaced horses over time as a means to get us into the back country. It's been that way ever since.
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