That's why action sport communications wearables like AWIRE have popped up. The all-new Bonx is another alternative, riding right on your ear and working with an accompanying app to streamline communications in the field, on the water, in the snow, and wherever else you and your buddies play.

Founded by Takahiro Miyasaka, an entrepreneur and avid snowboarder, Bonx aims to keep groups of skiers, snowboarders, bikers and others better connected than a smartphone alone can do. To do so, the company has developed the outdoor-specific Grip Bluetooth headset and accompanying group-talk app.

The app lets you set up groups of up to 10 people and automatically finds local users. Once you have your group set up, you remain in constant contact anywhere you have cellular reception.