When you head into the great outdoors, the general expectation is that you will leave the world’s troubles behind and enjoy Mother Nature’s simple splendor. But then you get hungry or thirsty, need to figure out where you are, or may even need to check your email inbox.
Whenever life happens at the most inopportune times, you don’t have to get caught unprepared. Check out these handy-dandy outdoor gadgets, and feel free to figure out what you need to make your outdoor adventures easier to handle.
1. BioLite Charge 80 PD
It sucks when you’re out on a hike—especially if it’s part of a longer camping trip—and you realize your smartphone’s battery is near death. What are you supposed to do? Fortunately, this BioLite portable charger is very handy for such situations.
It has a USB-C outlet for easy charging, and you can also use it to charge notebook computers, tablets, and other electronic devices with USB ports. It’s powerful enough to fully charge a smartphone up to five times yet compact enough to slide into any backpack.
2. Waterdrop Steel Thermo Bottle
In recent years, many reusable water bottles have flooded the market. None are better than this Waterdrop bottle. It’s made of double-walled stainless steel and vacuum-sealing and equipped with an air-tight cap, so you can rest assured that it will keep your beverage hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 24 hours, all while avoiding spills.
3. BioLite CampStove 2+
Perhaps you like the concept of BioLite’s portable charger, but you need something heftier to do more. Fortunately, BioLite also makes this incredible stove that doubles as a generator to charge your electronic devices. Not only can you use it to cook the ultimate al fresco dinner, but you can also power up your phone.
4. Garmin inReach Mini 2
Sometimes, outdoor adventures take you into uncharted territory with no cell signal. But whenever you end up on that kind of hardcore camping trip, bring this handy-dandy, keychain-attachable satellite communicator from Garmin. You can use it to send and receive messages and call for emergency aid if needed.
5. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Whether you forgot to fill your water bottle before leaving your place or are on an extended camping trip and need a safe refill, this filter from LifeStraw can be a real lifesaver. Not only is it equipped to make your water taste better, but it also removes dangerous bacteria and parasites. It’s also very portable, as you can easily slip it into or attach it to your backpack.
6. Harrison Bamboo Pocket Multi-Tool
Maybe you’re the type who likes Swiss Army knives, but you also want something you can actually use in the wilderness (as opposed to collecting another showpiece). Fortunately, this Harrison Pocket Multi-Tool covers all your bases. It has everything from a knife blade and a Phillips head screwdriver to a saw blade and a bottle opener, making it very versatile. And with its bamboo and stainless steel construction, this multi-tool is also lightweight and durable.
7. ENO DoubleNest Hammock
Sometimes, you simply need a break and want off the ground ASAP. That’s when ENO’s DoubleNest Hammock certainly comes in handy. It’s very lightweight and compact for a hammock, yet its triple-stitched seam construction ensures durability. It’s also made with FreeWave® fabric that’s comfortable and fast-drying.
8. Black Diamond Deploy 325 Headlamp
Are you afraid of the dark? Did someone rope you into a late-night hike? Do you just need to head out of your tent at night to “take care of business”? Whatever the reason, this headlamp can help you light the way forward. It has a powerful LED light and adjustable brightness settings, so Black Diamond’s headlamp can help you navigate your way out of any potential nighttime trouble.
9. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack
If you need a portable backpack that slides into any suitcase, purse, or messenger bag, Sea to Summit has you covered. When fully rolled and stuffed into its carrying case, this backpack fits in the palm of your hand. When unrolled, it’s waterproof, durable, and can carry up to 22 liters.
10. Sea to Summit Trek Down Sleeping Bag
When you need a good night’s sleep after a long day of trekking through the wilderness, Sea to Summit can come to your rescue with their Trek Down Sleeping Bag. They have models to fit campers over six feet tall, and these bags can keep you warm when outside temperatures get as cold as 0° Fahrenheit. The shell is also water-resistant, so you can also use it to stay dry on misty nights.
11. Thermacell E55 Mosquito Repeller
If you’re camping and need to keep those pesky bugs away, Thermacell has a great option for spray-free, citronella-free, and DEET-free mosquito relief. Just turn this unit on, and you’ll have a 20-foot dome of protection with 12 hours of battery life or longer if it’s plugged in via AC. Since it weighs under one pound, it’s quite portable as well.
12. Palmpress Portable Coffee Maker
You’re in the wilderness with no coffee shop nearby, and your fancy espresso machine is at home. What do you do? Pack this wonderfully compact portable coffee maker to mitigate any coffee withdrawal. It’s an all-in-one French Press-style gadget that brews up to eight ounces of hot coffee in just three minutes.
13. Pentax 4X20 3-in-1 Binoculars
From expert wildlife spotting to spectacular stargazing, these Pentax binoculars open your eyes to a new world of wonders. With up to four times (4X) magnification and a 20-millimeter front lens diameter, they are so powerful that you’ll want to share their sights with a loved one.
14. Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Smart Heated Gloves
Whenever you can use a nice warm-up, slip on these Eddie Bauer gloves to heat your hands. You can use their clim8® integration (via your smartphone) to set hand temperature from 68° to 95° Fahrenheit for up to four and a half hours. Additionally, they’re made with WeatherEdge® Plus 10k/10k waterproofing to keep your hands dry. After using, you can simply recharge the gloves’ batteries to get them ready the next time you need them.
15. Zero Breeze Mark 2 Air Conditioner
To transform your basic camping trip into a deluxe glamping experience, this Zero Breeze air conditioner is the perfectly cool addition. It’s certainly not cheap, but if you can afford it, it’s surprisingly portable (weighing under 17 pounds) and can provide up to five hours of cooling with one single charge.