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Water- and dust-resistant gadgets to go the distance

Don't destroy your existing tech by exposing it to the elements. Here are some gadgets ready-made for aquatic and summer adventures.

Lexy Savvides
Lexy is an on-air presenter and award-winning producer who covers consumer tech, including the latest smartphones, wearables and emerging trends like assistive robotics. She's won two Gold Telly Awards for her video series Beta Test. Prior to her career at CNET, she was a magazine editor, radio announcer and DJ. Lexy is based in San Francisco.
Lexy Savvides
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Logitech UE Boom

This Bluetooth speaker is built for summer fun. It has a water-resistant coating that means you can splash around it and not worry about breaking anything inside. Pair two of the speakers together via the UE Boom app to make a complete stereo experience.

Designed to withstand splashes, the UE Boom is IPX4 rated. To understand how IP ratings work in relation to water and dust resistance, click here.

Battery life is rated at 15 hours, which held up in CNET testing.

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Otterbox Preserver

Unless you want to buy a brand new smartphone, a protective case like the Otterbox Preserver can help minimize the damage done to your existing device.

Available for selected iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S devices, the Preserver is rated IP68 which means it's dustproof and waterproof. It can be fully submerged underwater up to 2 metres/6.6ft for 30 minutes.

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Olympus Tough TG-3

Whether you're keen on summer soirees or more of a snow bunny, the TG-3 has you covered. This is a dedicated tough camera designed to withstand the rough and tumble of travel adventures.

The TG-3 is the third generation of the toughest of the tough cameras from Olympus, waterproof to 15m/50ft, shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf, and freezeproof to -10C/+14F.

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Beats Powerbeats2

These wireless Bluetooth headphones are rated IPX4 and are sweat- and water-resistant. The battery lasts for 6 hours and offers a secure fit, which makes them ideal for travel.

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Fujifilm X-T1

With over 75 seals, the X-T1 is designed for the serious photographer who also requires rugged capabilities. It's not waterproof like the Olympus, but it offers the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

It's freezeproof to -10°C/+14°F and features a die-cast magnesium body. The body and selected lenses are water and dust-resistant but not designed for immersing in water -- just a few splashes and rainfall.

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Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet

Can't bear to be away from a big screen? The Z2 tablet can withstand almost everything from your summer vacation. It's completely waterproof and ports are sealed with rubber flaps so you know it can take a dunking.

It is rated IP55/58, so it's protected against low pressure jets of water and can withstand 1.5m/4.9ft of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

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Eton Rugged Rukus solar charger

Summer trips usually involve time away from wall outlets and traditional electricity sources. This is where a solar charger can come in handy, such as the Rugged Rukus. It takes less than 5 hours in direct sunlight for it to charge completely, or 2.5 hours via microUSB.

It also acts as a Bluetooth speaker and can charge a smartphone via 1A USB. It is IPX4 rated, which means it can withstand water splashes.

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Samsung Galaxy S5

Rated IP67, the Galaxy S5 is a smartphone that can withstand some rough treatment, though only in terms of dust and water. If you drop it, well, you're on your own.

The S5 can withstand up to 1m/3.2ft of fresh water for 30 minutes, but needs to be wiped down and dried according to Samsung's instructions after submerging.

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