Pokémon GO Accessories And Gear For Today's Trainer
It's hard trying to catch an entire Pokédex's worth of wildlife but Pokémon GO is empowering today's Trainers to go out and Catch 'Em All! To be a world-renowned Trainer though you'll have to have the right gear. Is your battery running low?
To help this new generation of Pokémon Trainer go out into the big wide world and catch, train and battle their little pocket monsters, we've compiled our own gear and accessories list. Keeping those Gyms free of upstart punks is hard work. Don't be a Snorlax.
Nintendo's Pokémon GO Plus
Soon to be available, the Pokémon GO Plus is a specially designed smartwatch by Nintendo that means you won't have to look at your smartphone in order to play Pokémon GO. The device connects much like any other smartwatch through Bluetooth protocols and notifies of in-game events.
An LED and vibration in the Pokémon GO Plus watch keep Trainers on their toes with a simple button press able to catch wild Pokémon they've been alerted too.
"This portable device enables Pokémon GO players to enjoy the game even while they're not looking at their smartphones. The device connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and notifies the player about events in the game – such as the appearance of a Pokémon nearby – using an LED and vibration."
"In addition, players can catch Pokémon or perform other simple actions by pressing the button on the device. This accessory cannot be used without the Pokémon GO app and requires a compatible smartphone."
Since you won't been needing to keep an eye on your smartphone all the time, check out the phone holders and clips in the 'Hands-Free Phone Magic, Part II' section below for some sturdy options to keep those snug and secure.
Speaking of snug storage, why not consider something like the EVA Protective Hard Shell Case from DURAGADGET to keep the Pokémon GO Plus smartwatch safe from harm?
Pokémon GO Plus releases for both iOS and Android this month, and in late August for the UK. Supply is limited with the price set at around £34.99 / $34.99 from retail sources.
Your Phone Needs Battery
Perhaps the greatest trouble for Trainers is the constant ticking clock as Pokémon GO slurps down that chemical battery goodness to keep all its functions, well, functioning. It's an augmented reality (AR) game that uses GPS, and it'll be using up your phone's processing power too. That's a lot of juice.
How can you catch that elusive Mew if you're running on red? You need that ever-handy portable battery charger that perhaps you'd never considered before.
Here are some portable battery chargers that support Android and iOS phones:
• Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank - UK £6.99 - £10.99 / US $8.99 - $13.99.
• Anker Astro E1 5200mAh Ultra Compact Portable Charger - UK £14.99 - £15.99 / US $16.99 - $19.99.
• RAVPower 16750mAh Portable Charger External Battery Pack - UK £26.99 - £28.99 / US $33.99 - $40.99.
• Anker PowerCore 20100 (20000mAh) Ultra High Capacity Power Bank - UK £29.99 / US $42.99 - $46.99.
Depending on how long you're out and away from the nearest power outlet, taking a larger (more mAh) portable charger could keep you going for the entire day, especially if you're off in the wilderness, like in a major public park.
Don't forget that Pokémon GO device you're using is likely a phone too! Always make sure you have enough juice to make a call, especially if you're far from any place you're familiar with. There have been many strange happenings with the explosive rise of Pokémon GO.
You Need Water To Live
Shocking I know, but us fleshy human Trainers require a large amount of water to remain ready for our Pokébusiness at all times. We can't just retreat into a Pokéball and wait it out. While your phone slurps down battery juices, you need to gulp sweet H2O (not to be confused with H2O: Just Add Water the TV show with teenage mermaids).
Depending again on how long you plan to be away from home or civilisation itself to start completing your Pokédex, you might want a decent-sized water flask or bottle - preferably designed for the rugged outdoors.
Some water bottles including those maintaining hot or cold temperatures:
• MAIGG Best Sports Water Bottle - 500ml & 1L - UK £8.95 - £12.95 / US $9.95 - $19.59.
• Thermos Thermocafe 1L Stainless Steel Flask UK £9.99 / US $27.20.
• Double Walled Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Sport Water Bottle - UK £12.99 / US $21.95.
• Sigg Classic Traveller Bottle 1L - UK £16.26 / US $19.99.
We'd advise you take a water bottle out if you're off trekking and especially make sure its shock-resistant if the terrain is particularly rugged. Glorious sunshine is great weather to Catch 'Em All it but not so great for staying hydrated in over long periods of time. Failing that, apply peer pressure to a friend to take one with them and then leach of theirs.
No Hands, Except For Steering
WHAT?! Play Pokémon GO while hurtling down a road swerving around school kids and old ladies? No. NO. Do not do that. Seriously. Do. Not. Do. That.
Being a general menace on a bicycle however is practically a pastime. Naturally attempting to play Pokémon GO and ride your bike through a busy intersection, not so smart an idea. However it's fairly easy to pullover on a bike and irritate everyone around you.
There are some rather clever mobile device holders:
• WOTOW Cycling Frame Pannier Cell Phone Bag With Bike Tool - UK £10.99 / US $14.59.
• Gear Beast Secure Grip Universal Smartphone Bike Mount Holder - UK £12.99 / US $12.99.
• Odier Bike Carriage Mobile Phone Holder - UK £13.99 / US $11.99.
• TaoTronics Universal Cradle Clamp for iOS Android Smartphone GPS other Devices - UK £12.99 / US $13.99.
Handily most mobile device holders support the ability to swivel the phone 360 degrees without needing to refasten the whole apparatus, so you can use it just for GPS or keep your phone from Poké'ing out too much.
Who says these are just for sports bikes as they can easily fit strollers for mums on-the-Pokémon-GO. A nice stroll to put the little angel/savage to sleep while mum unleashes her Charizard to keep her iron grip on a Gym. What an age we live in.
Map View > Main Menu > Bag
You might be adventuring for a while and as any Trainer knows a Bag is essential for keeping all those Poké Balls, Potions and Berries. Sadly that Bag is virtual and not really ideal to store real-world stuff you might be needing. This calls for a backpack.
You don't need something too fancy but a generous amount of storage space for your day's egg hatching and Poké business might be a good idea.
Fashionable and actually useful Bag options for Trainers:
• LC Prime® Fanny Pack with Water Bottle Holder - UK £10.99 / US $14.99.
• LC Prime® Sling Bag - UK £10.99 / US $14.99.
• Bago Packable Backpack - Lightweight Foldable Rucksack - UK £14.50 / US $18.95.
• AmazonBasics Classic Backpack - UK £15.99 / US $13.99 - $15.99.
No Pokémon branded storage options? Well they're mostly schoolbags and not everyone is keen to expose themselves as egg-hatch-walking or bursting through shrubberies for a virtual monster that fits in your pocket. Also, they're quite pricey.
Hands-Free Phone Magic, Part II
Why not extend the hands-free nature of your smartphone/Pokémon GO hand-held device to when you're not on a bicycle? Just because you're walking and your hands aren't steering doesn't mean they have to be busy. Let them swing free!
If you happen to be trekking or taking in your surroundings, or perhaps you'd like to play down the fact you're on an urgent Pokémon life journey of fame and obvious fortune, then let a phone belt holder do the heavy lifting for you.
Every step you take is still registering and those eggs will still hatch for another Weedle surprise, so give the phone a break and let your eyes see the world themselves and not through a smartphone camera. Caution: If you still see Pokémon when NOT looking at your phone, consult the nearest trained medical professional.
Here are some mostly secure phone holders and clips:
• YSHDA High Quality Leisure Canvas Multifunctional Waist Pack - UK £6.99 / US $10.45.
• uFashion3C Running Belt Bag / Waist Pack with Zipper - UK £9.95 / US $9.95.
• OneTigris MOLLE Adjustable Tactical Smartphone Pouch - UK £11.98 / US $15.95.
• Kingsource Black Horizontal Leather Holster Pouch Case with Magnetic Closure Belt Clip and Belt Loops - UK £10.99 / US $20
Just some ways to keep that smartphone thoroughly attached to your personage, but please be aware at all times when it comes to dangling your expensive and fancy phones. There are numerous reports of opportunistic thieves preying on distracted Trainers.
Be sure to choose a holder or clip that securely fastens to prevent the ole snatch-and-grab. Try to avoid holders with weak clips as they'll easily give if tugged on hard.
Fire And Water, Not Just Pokémon Types
That fiery ball in the sky disappears during the night and that means it's harder to see things and for things to see you. If a Trainer is busy with Pokémon duties in an already poorly lit area and then the Sun does its disappearing act it can cause some problems.
Fortunately science has the answer as we continue to wrestle with the power of illumination. From high-visibility vests to darkness-begone-actuators, or more commonly referred to as a torchlight to the layman.
There's also a chance water will start falling from the sky in what experts call 'rain'. While cool and refreshing at times it can also soak you and your previously dry clothing. Disaster! Thankfully special shielding in the form of a rain poncho can defend you.
Here are a few helpful light-based and water-averse items to aid Trainers:
• Tuvizo Reflective Vest for High Visibility 24/7 - UK £7.99 - £9.99 / US $11.99.
• LE® Adjustable Focus CREE LED Flashlight - UK £7.50 / US $7.99.
• Splashmacs Unisex Adults Plastic Poncho / Rain Mac - UK £4.25 - £5.19 / US $7.29 - $7.99.
• Kids Hooded Jacket Rain Poncho - UK £7.99 / US $8.59.
Pokémon GO has released on Android and iOS marketplaces across the US, UK, and parts of continental Europe. It's a free-to-play title with microtransactions.
