High-tech and innovative gear for your next camping vacation
For some people, childhood camping memories of camping involve spending a half-hour pitching a tent, cooking hot dogs over a fire made with branches, and taking bathroom breaks in the forest. But thanks to innovations in technology and top-of-the-line gear -- including these great products we selected -- camping in 2022 doesn't have to involve roughing it.
Top products in this article:
Otterbox Venture 25 cooler, $196 (reduced from $280)
Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 0 sleeping bag, $420
66 North x Hemiplanet The Cave XL 4-Season Tent, $1,200
From weatherproof tents that inflate in under a minute, and GPS systems that help you navigate terrain, to coolers that can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days, this high tech and innovative gear simplifies camping. With all that time and energy saved, you can focus on the more important stuff: Making memories in the great outdoors with your family and friends.
Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal combines 19 useful tools into a compact, 4.5-inch size. This multi-tool keeps you prepared for the unexpected with a fire-starting rod, emergency whistle, combo blade and even a built-in hammer to help anchor your tent.
LifeStraw Go filtered water bottle
Access to fresh, clean water is a must, no matter where you're hiking or camping. A great tool for emergencies, the LifeStraw Go water bottle features a long-lasting membrane microfilter and active carbon filter that traps bacteria, parasites and microplastics. Simply fill the bottle in the nearest lake or stream -- even puddles -- and enjoy up to 4,000 liters of fresh, safe drinking water.
LifeStraw GO filtered water bottle, $40 (reduced from $50)
Otterbox Venture
Otterbox, the same company responsible for those super rugged iPhone cases, has engineered one of the most advanced coolers on the market. Each Otterbox cooler has a modular system built in, so you can clip on accessories such as pouches, cupholders and bottle openers.
The Venture, available in three sizes, keeps ice frozen for up to 10 days. Don't forget to shop for accessories, including all-terrain wheels to help haul the cooler.
Otterbox Venture 25 cooler, $196 (reduced from $280)
Tushy travel bidet
Don't feel like hauling toilet paper on your bathroom break? Discrete and collapsible, the Tushy is a bidet in a bottle. Fill this much-needed invention with water and use a clean stream of it after you do your business.
Anker Power Station
Keeping a reliable power station on hand ensures you won't get lose power when you need it. Keep all your gear -- including smartphones, tablets, electric grills and even a coffee makers -- charged with Anker 757 Power Station, a powerful device with six AC ports, four USB-A ports, two USB-C ports and a car outlet. It's designed with a 1229Wh capacity and 1500 W.
Anker 757 Power Station, $1,399
Don't need that much power? The Anker 521 Power Station offers two AC ports, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port and a car outlet with 256Wh capacity and 200 W.
Anker 521 Power Station, $210 (reduced from $250 with coupon)
Kovea Mini Stove
If campfire cooking doesn't appeal to you, this butane-fueled, portable, all-in-one cooking system brings the kitchen to your campsite. Equipped with a ceramic nonstick frying pan and a lid that doubles as a plate, you can cook and serve your favorite meals with minimal cleanup. Added bonus: the retro-cute design.
Thermacell Backpacker
Bug bites don't have to ruin your camping trip. The Thermacell Backpacker, a compact version of the brand's other popular anti-bug products, keeps the creepy crawlers at bay. Activated by heat, the odorless, invisible repellent creates a 15-foot zone of protection from mosquitoes and other annoying insects, without the pungent bug-spray smell.
Big Agnes three-in-one sleeping bags
This collection of three-in-one sleeping bags by Big Agnes features three, lightweight down layers, which can be used a la carte or together for three-season camping. The system also secures to your sleeping pad, so there's no need to worry about slipping off in the middle of the night.
Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 0 sleeping bag, $420
Big Agnes Women's Roxy Ann 3N1 30 sleeping bag, $330
Garmin Montana
If the concept of navigating with just a compass frightens you, invest in a portable GPS. Garmin Montana, a favorite GPS system of many campers, boasts a touchscreen navigator equipped with United States and Canada maps, complete with terrain contours, elevations, water bodies (because we all need hydration) and geographical points of interest.
66° North x Hemiplanet The Cave XL 4-Season Tent
Looking like something out of a sci-fi movie, the Heimplanet x 66° North collaboration inflates in less than a minute and offers refuge for three people. Weatherproof and durable, the tent is designed to withstand the harshest conditions.
66° North x Hemiplanet The Cave XL 4-Season Tent, $1,200
Hest Sleep System
Just because you sleep outdoors doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort. The Hest Sleep System, a durable, temperature-resilient, 7-inch memory foam mattress available in two widths, brings at-home comfort to the road. The set includes the rollable mattress, a carry case and pump.
Matador NanoDry Towel
Don't feel like carrying around sopping-wet towels in your backpack? This lightweight alternative, available as a hand towel or full-sized shower towel, dries much faster than conventional towels.
Matador NanoDry Towel, $15 and up
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