The Pack Hackers’ Guide to Really Useful Technology (Camping Packing List)
The Pack Hackers’ Guide to Really Useful Technology (Camping Packing List)
Grab your camping gear as autumn approaches, because who wants to go exploring if you don’t have the time? Here is a camping packing list with the actual helpful technology that really saves time (and headaches).
Are you interested in learning about camping? This collection of camping essentials has everything you need to make your first tent stay effortless.
Phone charger with string lights that are solar powered
Our favorite camping devices are multifunctional because after your first visit, you realize that you should pack less.
Despite all this, who says camping should not be glam?
This solar-powered charger is a great alternative to a string light fixture that creates a romantic atmosphere (and aids those who are afraid of the dark).
This charger can provide you with some ambience lighting all night and has a generous 18 feet cord.
Take Your Zippo to the next level with a USB lighter.
Even a Zippo can be USB-charged nowadays? Amaze even your old-school pals with this awesome twist on the classic that allows you to use it in cold weather.
This Zippo lighter insert starts more than fires. Thanks to its cool double plasma arc beam, we discovered it started many conversations as well.
One full battery charge does provide up to 300 uses, and let’s hope you get better weather than that!
Emergency Beacon Personal locator
This next item is expensive but well worth it even if you don’t travel very far from camp. The Bivy Stick emergency beacon personal locator gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.
This next item is expensive but well worth it if you want to go far. The Bivy Stick emergency beacon personal locator gives you and your loved ones peace of mind since it includes triple network coverage on cell, satellite or WiFi.
You can send and receive messages via satellite, view offline maps, and share your GPS location with loved ones or authorities. The best part? It has a built-in check-in button, so you can let friends and family know you’re okay.
The Bivy Stick is also compatible with all GoPro mounts, so you can have it handy wherever you go.
Flashlight-Powered Adventure Flask Kit
The finest camping gadgets are those that are multi-functional, because no one wants to have to haul around their whole house just to be comfortable in the moonlight.
The Adventure Flask is a must-have item in this camping packing list.
This flask includes two stainless steel collapsible shot glasses and a bottle opener for some good times, plus a LED flashlight and a compass to guide you back to the camp.
It’s a bit pricey, but it’s a sturdy camping item, an investment piece like a Leatherman knife.
BioLite USB-charging Camping Stove
Oh, and in the spirit of “I can’t believe this has USB,” there is a camp stove that has USB.
Meet the BioLite wood burning stove, which literally converts fire into electricity.
The BioLite (we discuss it more here) has a 3,200 mAh battery that charges when you burn wood to cook, which means you may power an essential gadget like your phone while you cook dinner.
The BioLite CampStove 2+ is a remarkable piece of engineering, coming with a portable grill, a light, and even a kettle that boils 1 liter of water in under five minutes.
Particularly if you travel solo, the BioLite can reduce your camping packing list in half.
It’s available for purchase here.
Showers for camping are rechargeable.
Even if you’re camping, is it possible to get shower pressure like in a hotel? It’s quite feasible, really. Just grab a big bucket and put it in this rechargeable camp shower, and you’ll have the greatest comfort of modern living, anywhere in the wilderness. It even has three spray functions, making it ideal for those with longer hair.
This rechargeable camp shower has a 5000 mAh battery that you could charge with a solar-powered charger, for example. The pump goes in a bucket and the handle has an adapter to attach it to your RV or vehicle, for example, if overhead showers are what you want to see while camping.
A Massive Power Bank
A massive power bank is the essential camping gadget for the true geek out and about.
This is one of the largest powerbanks available for purchase, with 36,000 mAh capacity and even wireless charging.
When you purchase a large powerbank, you sacrifice speed for capacity, but this one can charge a phone in about an hour and a half. If you are in no hurry, you can also charge up to six devices.
This massive powerbank charges in about 8 hours via cable, but don’t forget to keep it in the sun when you’re camping, since the solar panel will also help a lot.
LifeStraw
Since you should never drink warm, stagnant water (Legionnaires disease is no joke! ), most portable filters are capable of handling the majority of water you’ll encounter on a regular camping excursion.
The LifeStraw Personal is a great backpacking excursion or bug out bag, but it is also difficult to use for the elderly or children, since you have to suck on it very hard to get it to work.
If we were to purchase a LifeStraw again, we’d definitely go for the super versatile LifeStraw Flex. Since it works with most water bottles and filters up to 2000 liters of water, it would be useful in everyday life as well, not just when camping.
This purchase also doubles as a good deed, since for every LifeStraw you purchase, the company helps secure clean water for a school child in need.
It’s available to purchase here.
Grilles in a suitcase are portable.
What is the best pack hacker tip? While technology is always there to help out, you should always have a backup in case electricity or sunshine are unavailable.
On most trips, we use a portable suitcase grill as our primary camping grill because it’s not only super useful but also a great conversation starter.
This little suitcase is a camping essential, but it’s not just a gimmick. It’s also great for other camping items, such as eating utensils, tinder, and small gadgets, making it a great camping companion.
Plus, it leaves no trace of your activities. After all, there is no point in finding the perfect wild camping location and leaving charcoal or trash to ruin it for future adventurers!
The only drawback is that the fire is small, meaning it will go out quickly, so you should only light it when you’re ready to cook (no ambiance campfire here!).
Camping mess kit
The finest camping cookware is the one that is lightest, has the most functions, and, of course, is the easiest to clean. While there are a lot of plastic camping mess kits out there, we find that it gets easily messed up by things like tomato sauces.
Our choice is always stainless steel because it is lightweight, strong, and fire resistant. Unlike aluminum mess kits, it does not stain as easily, and corrosion isn’t something that will affect it. Surprisingly enough, we don’t believe in innovation for the sake of innovation.
So, in terms of cooking, we’re going back to basics with a WW2 style.
This military mess kit can be used as a pan, a plate, or, if you have leftovers, as a sturdy little bento box. It’s made of food grade 304 stainless steel, has a foldable wood handle, and comes with a decently sized spork that can act as a spatula.
Cooler for the Yeti Tundra
Do you want to sip cold beer for the whole weekend, without electricity? It’s not only possible, but it’s also quite feasible with a Yeti Tundra Cooler.
Yet is a cult brand when it comes to camping coolers, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a leak-proof, virtually indestructible cooler that can handle huge heat. Just add a bag of ice and it’ll last for at least three days, no matter the outside temperature.
We’ll probably update it after each trip, since camping gear is always on the lookout for. What’s your number 1 camping item on your packing list?
Share your experience in the comments!
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