We all know how hard it is to get outside and hit the trails post-Christmas and New Year – the depth of the sofa, the darkness of the mornings, the quality of that box-set you got from Aunt Minnie. But fear not folks, we’ve dredged the very bowels of the Internet to bring you six brilliant reasons that the very near future will be different, and leaving the house will be far easier than ever before. That’s right, the future is now. Or something.

KWIKSET KEVO DOORLOCK

Finally, the solution to the constant jingle of keys in the runner’s pocket, or worse, the problem of not having a pocket for them at all. The Jedi types at Kwikset have managed to create a door lock that opens when presented with your mobile phone, and can be programmed via an app to accept the other phones in your household as well. Finally keys are a thing of the past! Also, new for 2015 is integration with your Smart thermostat, so your chosen post-run home temperature settings are automatically applied once you arrive and open the door. Now that’s something to get excited about!

$199

TADO THERMOSTAT

There’s plenty of choice in the smart thermostat market, but Tado is the best for outdoors types as it senses when your phone has left the building and switches off the heating to compensate. Now you can pop out for a hike or a trail run without faffing with the boiler settings. What’s more, when you return home, you’ll find the house just as warm as you left it, as the system senses your return and fires up a warm welcome. It’s easy to setup on/off periods manually too, if a luddite household member doesn’t have a smartphone.

€249

NETATMO WEATHER STATION

Of course, leaving the house for a hike does expose one to those pesky elements (comes with the job), which can lead to coldness and dampness. One excellent way to avoid this issue and still enjoy the great outdoors is the Netatmo Weather Station. A considerable technical leap from the old-school combo of rain gauge and a used sock for windspeed, this pair of futuristic aluminium cylinders track both indoor and outdoor environment factors to give you a detailed picture of the weather situation. Importantly, as well as normal weather the system reports on indoor Co2 levels and outdoor pollution levels which can have an impact on health. Linked into a predictive weather app such as Weather Pro HD it’s a powerful combo.

£139

MERRELL ALL OUT DRIFT BOOTS

One sure-fire way to avoid cold and damp is to have the proper outdoor boots to hand, and these Polarand Rover Waterproof boots are particularly good candidates. With styling that’ll suit anywhere from the trail to the urban jungle, these rugged lace-up mid-height boots will do the business when the weather gets tough too. With 6mm lugs thanks to the M Select™ ICE GRIP and a natural fit complemented by the insulated footbed for added warmth, you’ll stay comfortable no matter what the terrain.

$160

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 4 UV SENSORS

Even in the depths of winter UV exposure is something to think about.  And in the summer, it’s of utmost importance. Samsung’s drive into health tech continues by installing UV sensors in several of their latest handsets, allowing runners to keep an eye on their UV exposure throughout the day.

$249-$749 depending upon network

YURBUDS EXPLORE PRO

Less futuristic than some of the above options, but still sporting pretty funky looks, these outdoor-focussed headphones will keep the tunes – and inspiration – flowing even in the worst weather. Flat Kevlar cords are tangle proof and almost indestructible, while a water-repelling coating means sweat and rain glide off. They’re IPX5 moisture resistance rated, incorporate a three button control & microphone and are specially designed to allow some ambient noise in, so you can hear traffic coming.

$90