Gadget of the Week – Your Camping Gadget Roundup

Published on August 10, 2017

While we’re city-dwellers here (we’ve got “Chicago” right in our name, after all), it can be fun to take some time away from the hustle and bustle and get out into nature.

Of course, getting away from the city doesn’t have to mean getting away from cutting edge tech! Here are a few of our favorite camping gadgets:

For Light and Shelter: The LED Tent

Looking for a durable, easy-to-use tent that also comes complete with a powerful lighting fixture? Then you’ll want to check out the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 mtnGLO Tent, which boasts powerful LED lighting capable of bathing the living space with ambient light, making it easier to eat, read, or sort gear without the need for draining a flashlight or lantern.

For When You’ve Just Gotta Dig: Foldable Spade

There’s no end to the usefulness of a spade or shovel when you’re camping: Whether you need to build a latrine, create a shelter, or, in a pinch, find some means of self-defense, it’s easy to see how having one could come in handy. While most shovels are bulky and hard to pack, the Gerber Folding Spade with Serrated Blade and Aluminum Shaft folds up into a light, compact bundle for easy transport, and its heavy-duty finish is great for getting the job done.

For Avoiding Bug Bites: Mosquito Repellant Wristbands

For your friend who hates mosquitoes – but hates the stench and sting of mosquito sprays even more – there’s finally a cheap, effective, and unbelievably Geeky solution: The Invisaband, the wearable mosquito repellant that boasts a 100% satisfaction guarantee and an endorsement from scientists at the University of Florida. How does it work? Over time, the microfiber band releases geraniol, helping repel unwanted invaders for up to 120 hours per strap.

For Eating “Green”: Solar Powered Grill

Want to cook up some campfire classics but don’t know how to strike a match? Looking to eat well, but pack light? The GoSun Sport Energy Efficient Solar Cooker Stove, available at Brookstone, harnesses the power of the sun, allowing you to cook a meal in 10 minutes or less, no gas required. Even better? This 3.5-pound device can support up to three pounds of cooking food, and folds up for easy transport.

For Cheap Entertainment: Mystical Fire Colorant

Of course, if you’re looking to totally disconnect from the outside world, it won’t do to have phones, watches, or portable DVD players on your camping trip. If that’s the case, you may find yourself turning to one of nature’s oldest sources of entertainment – gazing into a roaring fire! To add a little spark to your flames, try Mystical Fire Colorant, a powder that reacts when tossed into your campfire, causing the blaze to change colors.

Be sure to let us know about any other outdoorsy gadgets or tech we need to cover by reaching out on Facebook or Twitter. We’d love to hear from you!