If you are one of the 40.5 million Americans who went camping in 2017 (according to Outdoor Industry Association stats), you will know that one of the most exciting moments before you leave for the campsite is looking online for cool camping gadgets.
There’s no doubt that shopping for the latest camping tech and outdoors-related gear is part of why we love to venture into the wild in the first place. Whether it ranges from the best bow sights for hunting practices or the most comfiest camping chair on the market.
Here are the top camping gadgets guaranteed to make your outdoor adventure fun.
Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit
Don’t let all the survivalist stories out there on the TV channels put you off camping, hiking, and kayaking. All you have to do is remember to pack a Bear Grylls Ultimate Kit. As far as camping gadgetry goes, this kit has it all:
- Ultimate penknife with multi-attachments
- Survival blanket
- Wire and cord
- Whistle
- Glow stick
- Wetproof matches
And that’s only some of the items you will find in this 16 piece kit for hardcore camping enthusiasts. If you are unsure how to use the gear, the kit comes with a survival pocket guidebook and land to air rescue tips included.
Don’t forget to pack in the most essential items before venturing into gadgets, it’s only beneficial to have the peace of mind that all your needs will be covered.
Solar-Heated Camp Shower
There’s nothing like the feeling of standing under a stream of warm water after a long day of hiking, and now you don’t need to hire a recreational vehicle to be able to do it. The solar-heated camp shower works by using solar energy to heat around 5 gallons of water to an agreeable temperature.
The PVC water storage bag is equipped with a strong handle and an on/off valve that’s connected to the shower head. The storage amount of water is enough for multiple shower uses, so there won’t be any campsite fighting over who gets to wash that evening. Two of the best models for this type of camping gadget is the Coleman Five Gallon Solar Power Shower and the Ivation.
Multi-Function Water Bottle
The essential camping kit must always prioritize water, and lots of it. But genius camping gear company Lunatec has created the Aquabot, which is so much more than just a water bottle. You can make your choice between 3 spray patterns: shower function; stream; mist. This means you can use it to hydrate your skin on a hike, spritz on muddy boots or mugs to clean them, and even clean the backsplash off your vehicle with the 25 foot/7.5 meters stream jet. This gadget makes drinking water fun.
Solar Lanterns
Never forgetting to pack a lantern for your camping trip just got a whole lot easier. The compact, solar powered, 75 lumens, LED PackLite Nova can illuminate your tent or campsite for up to 2 nights on its lowest setting. You can choose to recharge it in one or two hours with the micro USB input, or use the built-in solar panel to do the charging for you. If hiking is what your camping trip is for, only ten hours with the PackLite Nova attached to your backpack will be sufficient to recharge it completely.
Camping Cooking Gear Portable Kit
No more jangling cutlery in your backpack. There are some really cute camping gear cooking kits available that will make you feel like an outdoor master chef. The best cooking kits, like the GSI Outdoors Destination-Kitchen, contain 4 x complete cutlery sets, chopping board, a variety of essential utensils, multipurpose knife, and handy waterproof spice shakers; just what you need if you are hiking in humid conditions.
Portable Mosquito Repeller
Camping + mosquitoes = not such a good time. This is why one of the most popular gadgets to pop into your backpack has to be a portable mosquito repeller, such as the one made by Thermacell. It offers complete protection from pesky bugs up to a 15 foot/4.5 meters, and the kit includes enough refills to protect you for up to 12 hours extended sitting around the campfire. If you are a real camping pro, you might know which leaves or branches to place on the fire for the smoke to repel mozzies. Until then, a portable bug repellant will work just fine.
Dry Bag
If you are wondering what a dry bag is then 1) You don’t care if your device gets wet, and 2) You are hoping it doesn’t rain on your camping trip or your device doesn’t drop in the water. Dry bags are the must-have item on this list. And not just any old dry bag will do either. You need one that is at least IPX7 water immersion certified, and check it has a strap to make it easier to attach to your backpack.
Portable Loo
This being a bears and woods joke-free zone, the benefits of having a portable loo with you on a camping trip can’t be denied. The Reliance Portable Loo is portable only in the sense that it weighs only 3lb/1.3kg and is perfect for a longer term camping trip, where you still want to get back to nature without having to go to the bathroom in it. There are other makes and models on the market, although they are more geared toward the festival and weekend getaway camping niche.
Wood Burning Camp Stove/USB Charger
The world of campers and brainiacs came together to create the Biolite Wood-Burning and USB Charger all-in-one camp stove, and it’s the best camping gadget out there. It makes it possible to charge your device while having a meal cooking at the same time. It works by generating electricity from the heat using the same principles as a nuclear reactor, only without the uranium. There’s a power bank storage indicator and output port, with additional fan speeds for you to be able to control the heat intensity. It’s so lightweight and portable because the aluminum legs fold up underneath it.
LED Camping Lanterns (Solar Powered or USB Charged)
When your campfire burns low and you need a little bit of extra light to make your way back to your tent, an LED camping lantern really comes in handy. You need to buy one that is durable, budget-friendly, and portable enough to be able to carry without having thoughts about leaving it behind.
If you want more conventional looking camping lantern that will provide light for the entire campsite, not just one individual, you should look at the AYL Starlight. It has 600 lumens of power and will continue to bring the light for 6 consecutive days. It’s also shockproof and water resistant, in case you were wondering if you had to put it into your dry bag.
Solar Charged Tent Fans
How to stay fresh and cool outdoors when stuck inside a tent without having to resort to dreaming about AC? Then the Suaoki Tent Fan is a good fit for you. During the day, it will charge in the sunlight, and at night, it will blast you with gusts of cool air. There is the option to charge it using a USB port as well. It comes with a convenient 18 lumens of LED lighting option and is portable into the bargain. Two words: Gadget heaven.
Final Word on Camping Gadgets
You will notice there’s a lot of solar panel and solar charging options on this list. This is because most camping trips happen in the summertime, and these devices enable the happy camper to have their tent and enjoy it too. Solar power doesn’t have to be limited to a single gadget either.
Portable, foldable solar panels (enough to energize up to 6 campers devices and accessories) such as the ECEEN 13W, can be set up whenever you stop for a break or to make camp. So, make sure as many of your camping gadgets as possible have a USB port and solar power capabilities.
Another by-word in camping for 2019 into 2020 is EDC. Standing for EveryDay Carry, this tech has been developed to move beyond camping circles and into the broader everyday use spectrum. Having a portable solar powered tent fan for your next picnic in the park is suddenly beginning to sound like a good idea.
