Best Backpacking Gadgets for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
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Backpacking trips are a fantastic way to explore the beauty of nature. But sometimes we forget that backpacking gadgets have evolved with the years, and our outdoor adventures are more rustic than they need to be.
Seriously, why lug a heavy bag around when you can swap everything in it for ultralight backpacking gear? Why not replace those old sleeping bags from your childhood camping trips with backpacking sleeping bags that are far more convenient and lightweight? And while we’re on the topic of sleeping systems, have you discovered sleeping pads yet? You’ll thank us later.
If you’re ready to upgrade your next backpacking trip with modern innovations, here are our top backpacking gadgets to bring along for the hike.
1. TheFitLife Nordic Trekking Poles
When you’re planning to hike long distances, it’s a good idea to have a sturdy set of trekking poles with you. We love this set from TheFitLife, thanks to its lightweight design, anti-shock mechanism, and one-size-fits-all adjustable length.
We also like that these trekking poles come with various tips for different hiking scenarios, have two grips, and their telescoping design makes them easy to pack.
2. TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Don’t let your sleeping bag weigh down your next adventure. These ultralight sleeping bags from TETON weigh less than four pounds and roll up into a convenient 8″ x 13″ bundle for easy transportation. They’re specifically designed as backpacking sleeping bags, and they’re easy to pack with the rest of your hiking gear.
The Mummy bag style is guaranteed to keep you warm during winter hiking with its water-resistant shell, draft-resistant padding, and puffer hood. It even has interior pockets to keep your wallet and keys close by all night long.
3. Salomon Quest 4 Gore-TEX Hiking Boots
When your outdoor adventure includes long hikes in tough conditions, these men’s hiking boots from Salomon Quest are a great go-to. They’re completely waterproof, have a superior grip on the soles, and feature an updated chassis that’s designed for sensitive articulation and extra support.
We like that these hiking boots combine trail runner technology with the sturdiness of a hiking boot to reduce foot fatigue during long hikes. They’re also super light compared to most hiking boots, weight in at just 1.46 pounds, which is the equivalent of running shoes.
4. Hydrapak Flux – Collapsible Water Bottles
These collapsible water bottles from Hydrapak are made for your next backpacking adventure, and take up next to no room or weight in your backpacking kit.
They’re incredibly light and fold down smaller than a pack of cards! How’s that for convenient?But our favorite feature of these water bottles is that they’re compatible with several different water filters, so you can safely drink water wherever you are. They function with the water filters inside the bottle, or you can use the top like a straw to drink straight from a stream. We also like that they’re spill-and leak-proof and made with durable, dishwasher-safe materials.
5. Knixmax Unisex Hiking Shoes
When the weather doesn’t call for hiking boots, a sturdy pair of hiking shoes is a much more comfortable choice. We like these unisex hiking shoes from Knixmax, which come in a variety of fun colors.
Each hiking shoe features a breathable suede leather and mesh upper with a non-slip outsole. They also have two removable insoles, so you can find the perfect fit for your foot. A final thing we like is the quick-tightening design, so you can save time and get on the move.
6. Helly-Hansen Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket
A dependable rain jacket might just be the most important outdoor gear to throw in your stuff sack, and we’re big fans of this one by Helly-Hansen. This sturdy rain jacket is ready for all sorts of adventures, thanks to its completely waterproof and windproof construction. We like that the jacket is still breathable and has a storm flap and adjustable hood.
7. Winterial Three-Person Backpacking Tent
Some of the most important backpacking equipment to bring with you is a good tent. And we love this line of backpacking tents from Winterial, featuring 3-season accommodations for up to three people.
The ultralight tent design only weighs 4.4 pounds, including tent stakes, poles, and guylines. It even has a removable rainfly that you can take off to improve ventilation and is made with waterproof materials for improved weather protection. We also like that it’s spacious enough to fit 3 sleeping bags inside yet light enough to take on solo trips without feeling like you overpacked.
8. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Another of our favorite cold weather essentials for backpacking is the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. This ultralight gear is perfect for staying warm on winter hikes or when the weather drops, thanks to technology that keeps you warm even when it’s wet!
This jacket only weighs 10 ounces, has a windproof and moisture-resistant shell, and is made with 100% recycled materials. It gives you all the perks of a down jacket without the bulk!
9. 24-in-1 Multi-Tool
We’re big fans of backpacking gadgets that can do more than one thing. That’s why we’re super-impressed by the functionality of this 24-in-1 multi-tool! It has just about everything you could need for a backpacking trip, including a can and bottle opener, a large serrated knife, a screwdriver with bits, a metal file, and more.
We also like that this multi tool is more geared toward outdoor adventures than some, yet can easily be carried around at home for on-the-go projects.
10. Sea to Summit Sleeping Pad
Wishing for a few extra comforts on your backpacking adventure? We’re right there with you. Grab one of these sleeping pads from Sea to Summit for your next trip and enjoy a little extra luxury while you snooze.
The Seat to Summit 4-inch-thick air mattress provides full body support to your sleep system, along with 3-season warmth, thanks to the insulated pad. It’s the perfect size to pop underneath your sleeping bag yet folds down to nearly the size of a water bottle! The sleeping pad set also includes a stuff sack, repair kit, and pump without taking up too much space in your bag.
11. I GO 85-Piece Hard Shell Mini First Aid Kit
You should never go on a backpacking trip with a first aid kit in your pack. Unfortunately, we often run into the issue of kits being too big or so small that they don’t have the right items. This first aid kit from I GO seems to hit the right balance with great portability and all the right bandages, pads, and extras. It even has an emergency whistle and extra carabiner since you never know what type of situation you’ll find yourself in.
12. AIRE 16 Piece Cookware Set
If your backpacking trip includes an overnight stay, don’t forget about food prep! A backpacking kit is a convenient way to bring all your cooking essentials with you without weighing you down. We like this set from Aire because it includes 16 cooking essentials yet only weighs 1.65 lbs!
The set is made with a lightweight aluminum alloy that’s easy to clean and stands up to wear. It includes items like a pot and frying pan, foldable utensils, a mini stove top, bowls, and more! It makes it easy to boil water and cook meals on all your backpacking trips! It’s some of the best backpacking gear in our arsenal, and the most important, too.
13. Solar Power Bank with 2 LED Flashlight
Even if you plan to disconnect during your hiking trip, it’s important to keep a solar bank with you in case of emergencies. Our choice is this waterproof solar power bank with dual USB ports and built-in flashlight.
It has several other great features, like LED indicators, a micro USB port, compass, and protective charging port cover. We also like that this easily slips into all backpacking packs without taking up too much space.
14. Deuter Streamer Hydration Bladder
If you prefer to bring a large hydration bladder over a water bottle, this option from Deuter is a great choice. It comes in several different sizes, and has some great features like an easy-clean and easy-fill streamer clip. We also like the Grunge Guard technology, which keeps your hydration bladder more hygienic, plus the taste-free coating and leak-proof mouthpiece.
15. Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel
One of our favorite tips for ultralight backpacking is to bring quick-drying towels. After all, no one wants to lug around a musty, damp towel for the whole trip. We like these microfiber towels from Youpohria, which come with a convenient carry-bag and hanging loop.
They dry ten times faster than a normal towel, so you can ditch the water weight faster after bad weather or a refreshing swim. And since they weigh less than 4 ounces each, you’ll notice that they’re quite a bit lighter than carrying around your old towel. They also come in several different sizes and a bunch of fun colors, so you can show some personality along with your practicality.
