In this article we will introduce you to the best camping gadgets that will keep you safe or make your trip just a little bit more enjoyable.
The Best Gadgets For Camping
Backpacking Water Filter
MiniWell Gravity Water Filter
Water filters are extremely important safety gear for any backpacker or long distance hiking. They enable you to utilize water sources that could otherwise get you sick or kill you. Check out our complete guide to choosing a backpacking water filter.
On of our favorites is high quality, and less expensive than some alternatives:
Portable Waterproof Battery Pack
myCharge portable charger
You’ll want to be able to charge your devices on the trail or in the backcountry. Not only is it convenient, but it could save your life in an emergency. On overnight trips, we almost always carry a battery pack for safety reasons.
Battery packs are available in large sizes, small sizes, and even waterproof designs. When in the backcountry, we recommend bringing a small, compact, and waterproof battery packs to ensure it stays working.
One of our favorites is the myCharge Portable Charger.
Backpacking Stove
Biolite Campstove
Stoves allow you to boil water, cook food, add some warmth, and make the outdoors a lot more comfortable. Nutrition is key when hiking or backpacking, and without a stove, that process becomes a lot more difficult. Check out our guide to choosing backpacking or camping stoves.
You’ll find lightweight options that are super cool, unique options, and some crazy cool options like the biolite camp stove.
See On Amazon | See On BIolite
A Pocket Torch
SOTO Pocket Torch
A lighter, magnesium stick or matches is one thing, but this article is about gadgets. A pocket torch will enable things to light up a lot quicker and they are just cool. Consider something like the SOTO Pocket Torch which takes your average lighter and turns it into a beast.
It will increase your lighter’s lifespan, and power. A cool gift for anyone, or just a great item to have for yourself.
Folding Hand 8 Inch Camping Saw
Folding Hand Saw
No matter how wild your camping adventure is, a camping saw will give you a perfect pruning/wood cutting solution. These are extremely useful in survival situations or emergencies. The versatility gives you a lot of extra safety, and can also allow for much easier collection of firewood.
Getting a folding version makes it packable, and a bit safer to avoid injuries.
Fire Retardant Blanket
A fire retardent blanket adds a little extra protection if you plan on camping near a fire. Not only do you get the comfort and warmth of a blanket, but you can feel a bit safer about staying close to your fire.
They make fire retardant versions that are small, packable, and warm. This makes them great for car camping, or even short backpacking trips.
In addition, they are often very reasonably priced and affordable.
Portable Insect Repellent Device
During certain seasons, and in certain locations, mosquitos can be nasty. They can turn an amazing trip into a miserable experience, and having a gadget to help out with these pests can be a game changer. Given you’d be using it camping or backpacking, having something small is essential.
While of course, you can go with any basic bug repellent, why not try a cool gadget like the Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller.
It can fit within a pocket, or slide into a bag pretty easily.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
It eliminates 99.99% waterborne bacteria and also parasites. Also, it is safe to use due to its rigorous testing by US, EPA, NSF, etc. You can pretty much insure any water you drink is safe with this, so it is always a good survival protection tool to keep in your car or backpack.
Camping Pillow
Trust us, you don’t want to go camping without a pillow. If your a backpacker, they make extremely small and comfortable options that are way better than utilizing clothing or your backpack. This is a must have item if you want to be more comfortable at night.
There are countless options available that are all affordable. We recommend getting one that is a bit more comfortable than the cheapest options.
Sleeping Pad
You really should never go camping or backpacking without a sleeping pad. They are essential to keeping you warm, and getting a better night’s sleep.
Sleep is important to your performance, so be sure to find a solution that is comfortable and durable. We’ve done reviews of awesome affordable options like the Outdoorsman Lab sleeping pad, or you can check out our article on the guide to choosing the best sleeping pad.
Camping Lantern
Camping lanterns allow you to light up your whole tent at night, which is great for reading, games, or just hanging out. When backpacking or camping, night comes around, and having enough light to do things in the night is a luxury.
Backpacking options are very lightweight, packable, and even come with features like a battery pack for charging your devices. Check out the LuminAID option below.
Camping Hammock
There are too many options to choose from when it comes to hammock camping. The truth is, most of them will suit your needs just fine. You can choose from two person or one person lightweight options. Options that have a rain fly, bug nets and more.
For some, hammocks are the most comfortable sleeping option while also allowing for some really great mid day nap or chill spots with views. You should definitely be bringing hammocks along with you.
Never hammocked before? Check out our complete guide to hammock camping.
See One Of The Many Options On Amazon
Portable Compact First Aid Kit
Surviveware Small Waterproof First Aid Kit
First aid kits are available in various sizes. If you are car camping, we recommend getting a compact, but slightly larger kit that can handle tons of different situations. If backpacking, you still should bring a small kit with you.
One of our favorites to strap and always keep in our car for camping or hiking trips is the Surviveware small waterproof first aid kit. It carries just about everything you need, is durable, waterproof and has straps to easily store or place where you need it.
You can even strap it onto the outside of a backpack for a camping trip.
Portable Waterproof Speaker
Many people love to have music or podcasts playing while in the backcountry. Again, there are tons of options out there, but if you plan on hiking into the backcountry, you should be taking a small, lightweight, durable, and waterproof speaker. You’ll find bigger options from companies like JBL, but one of our recent favorites is the iLive Waterproof Fabric Wireless Speaker.
This option is super lightweight, waterproof, is easy to strap on a bag, and gets plenty loud enough for the backcountry.
Garmin InReach
The ultimate safety and emergency gadget, the Garmin InReach is extremely common among all types of adventurers. This device enables individuals to message from anywhere in the world with satellite coverage. It also has the ability to hold maps for navigation purposes.
Being fully waterproof and durable, this device is one that should be in every adventurers wheelhouse.
Hopefully some of these gadgets interest you. Have any other gadgets you’d like to see added? Let us know!
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about