Robust external hard drives for outdoor use 2023

Hard disks are not only used for storing data, but also for transporting data - and not always just protected in the briefcase. Some hard drives also have to withstand completely different conditions.

This is often the case, for example, when photos or videos of an action-packed trip are to be saved on an external hard drive while on the move, or the hard drive is used in work environments that demand more of it than everyday office life - such as when you used in industry kommen.

What all these circumstances have in common is that a hard drive that is supposed to withstand these conditions has to withstand a lot - and of course there are a number of models that are designed exactly for this purpose.

Preview	Products
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	ADATA HD710 Pro - 4...	Takes hits like a real warrior with military toughness:... The drive has a clever groove that runs around the shell and... With three primary layers (hard silicone, a shock-absorbing...	Buy now "
	Transcend 2TB...	Durable, shock and non-slip silicone housing with ... Data backup at the push of a button (auto backup) LED status light indicates operation and data transfer, power supply...	Buy now "
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	Silicon Power 2TB...	Must Read* [For Windows User] The A60 is pre-formatted as NTFS, so you... [PS4 / XBOX COMPATIBLE] Ideal for gaming enthusiasts Xbox One, Xbox... [ALL-ROUND DATA PROTECTION] Military-grade shockproof and IPX4 ...	Buy now "
	SanDisk Old Version...	The Sandisk SSD Portable is one external hard drive to the... Let your creativity run free, because thanks to the fast... With a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, you can rest easy...	Buy now "
	Transcend TS2TSJ25M3...	Durable, shock and non-slip silicone housing with ... Data backup at the push of a button (auto backup) (Transcend elite software... LED status light indicates operation and data transfer; Power supply...	Buy now "
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External hard drives for outdoor use - or just a robust model?

If you take a look around, you will notice that even among the external hard drives that you can call "robust" would describe, clear differences can be seen again - between plates that are simply built a little more stable and those that really withstand any challenge.

This goes so far that some hard drives survive a rain shower or fall from a small height - this is of course particularly important if you often want to use the drive outdoors.

What influences does a robust hard disk have to withstand?

Many hard drives feel high-quality and robust in the hand, but they give up the ghost at the first touch of moisture or don't even survive a fall Desk – there is a whole range of external influences against which one really robust external hard drive must be protected:

• bumps. Of course, especially with a mechanical HDD, it is important that it is properly protected in the event of a fall from a small height, so that the components inside still work properly even after a shock and the data is not lost.
• Dust. That's a point that many people forget - but of course it's usually not good for an external hard drive if it's used in dusty environments. Therefore a suitably protected Housing first choice for outdoor use.
• Humidity. An external hard drive for outdoor use should be able to cope with high humidity and a few drops of rain - if there is a risk of diving, however, even the most robust hard drive must also be stowed away so that it is watertight.

Basically, these are the crucial points for most users. Although extreme temperature fluctuations can also become a problem for a hard disk, a hard disk (without a fan) can only be prepared for particularly high or low temperatures, not for both - temperature fluctuations should be avoided as much as possible anyway if a mechanical hard drive is used.

How can you tell that an external hard drive is suitable for outdoor use?

A rubberized housing always quickly gives the impression of a particularly resistant record - and in fact that is of course a good basis in terms of impacts. Of course, that's not the only thing that matters.

The best way to assess how well an external hard drive is suitable for outdoor use is to look at an IPS certification if one is available - because it is immediately clear against which external influences the drive is protected and what it can withstand must.

Of course, a correspondingly certified hard drive also has the advantage that damage caused by outdoor use is partially covered by the guarantee - after all, one can assume that external influences will be survived unscathed, at least up to the level of certification.

Which external hard drive is the best for outdoor use?

A difficult question that cannot be answered across the board - because of course it makes a difference whether the hard drive is to be taken on an expedition into the jungle or simply used in a production hall.

Basically, you prefer a something more robust plate should choose than you actually need - because that way you are less likely to lose important data.

However, one should always be aware of this danger: Of course, if you use your external hard drive outdoors, you are more likely to lose data.

In the end, the "perfect" external hard drive is an SSD with an IPS-certified housing. This is how shock-resistant technology is combined with a housing that reliably protects against external influences - and so the data is ultimately safe even when used outdoors.