Last Updated on 28/05/2024
7 Cool Backpacking Gadgets This Year
If you are struggling for gift ideas for someone who likes to travel and live a life of adventure, then get ready to take inspiration. These seven coolest backpacking gadgets are sure to put a smile on anyone who likes camping’s face.
So I will start off by saying that not all these gadgets have not just been released this year, and you almost certainly don’t need all 7 Cool Backpacking Gadgets to have a good time, but they all have their uses, and I bet you want at least one of them? Come on, admit it, it’s the slackline?
But in all seriousness, some of these clever Backpacking Gadgets will come in very handy when you are off trotting around the globe. Staying in campsites and backpacker hostels with little-to-no modern amenities can be an eye-opener for first-time travelers and gap year students. Having a few home comforts and utilities in your backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on the road and avoid the stress of not having what you need when you need it. It is also a great way to break the ice with other travelers who think ahead like you.
Hopefully, these seven cool backpacking gadgets will make your life a little bit easier this year, but here are some more ideas from That Sweet Gift!
Top 7 Cool Backpacking Gadgets
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Kitchen Sink
- WEIGHT: 1.7 oz / 49 g
- SIZE: 10 Liter / 2.6-gallon volume (pocket size stuff sack included)
- USES: Camping, Backpacking, Campervans, Horse Riding
The old saying, “packed everything but the kitchen sink”, may no longer apply to some backpackers with the super lightweight and portable Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Kitchen Sink. Whether you are camping in the Rocky Mountains or the deserts of Africa, catering for yourself often means you can’t escape the chore of washing the dishes.
This pack-away washing-up bowl can also be used for plenty of other things like washing the sand off your feet at the beach, giving your dogs or horse a drink of water, collecting rainwater, or foraging for berries. The handles make it perfect for filling up in a stream to take back to base camp, and it folds away into a pocket-size stuff sack when not in use.
Ka-Bar Tactical Spork (Spoon Fork Knife)
- WEIGHT: 1.6 oz / 45 g
- SIZE: 6.9″ total length, 2.5″ blade length
- USES: Camping, Backpacking, Picnic’s
The Ka-Bar Tactical Spork is your all-in-one eating utensil tool. As a backpacker, I am sure you will have heard of or owned a spork in the past. The problem with a premium spork is you can’t use the knife and fork at the same time, not to mention how easily they snap in half.
This all-in-one tactical spork has a 2.5″ Polymer serrated knife blade concealed in the handle, which will cut through steaks with ease. The spoon is nice and deep for soups and yogurts, while the fork is just ‘okay. The knife slots nicely into the handle of the fork/spoon with a secure locking action. What I like about the Ka-Bar spork is you really can use it every day – eating cereal in the office, munching a salad box on the train, or devouring a steak next to a campfire.
Lansky QuadSharp Multi-Angle Knife Sharpener
- WEIGHT: 4 oz / 115 g
- SIZE: L x W x H 10.7 cm x 3.6 cm x 1 cm (top stone length: 4.7 cm)
- USES: Tool/Blade Sharpening and Maintenance, EDC, Keychain, Backpacking, Camping
The Lansky QuadSharp Multi-Angle Knife Sharpener was new in 2016, but many people still don’t know about it. Now, anyone is able to get an exact angle on a variety of blades without the guesswork. With four sharpening angles of 17º, 20º, 25º, and 30º, it takes just a couple of strokes through the carbide slots to sharpen with a ceramic bench stone for the finishing touches.
View the full review here or check out more pocket knife sharpeners in our top 10 list.
Atitlan Leather Money Stash Belt
- MATERIALS: Full Grain Cowhide, Interchangeable Nickle Brushed Zinc Buckle, 19″ YKK Zip Pocket
- SIZE: 30 to 48 inch waist available
- USES: Travel, Backpacking, EDC, Emergencies
The Atitlan Leather Money Stash Belt is a great item to have with you at all times, and not just to keep your trouser up.
How many times have you been somewhere and forgotten your wallet or credit cards? Ever been stuck in the middle of nowhere without even so much as a phone? Having a copy of your passport/travel insurance and $50 – $100 wrapped around your waist gives you a little cushion in case you get into a spot of bother in another country. I received mine as a gift from a relative who also included a $20 bill inside, I thought this was a great gift idea for gap year students going on their first trip.
Wacaco MiniPresso GR Espresso Maker
- WEIGHT: 12.7 oz / 360 g
- SIZE: 6.89 x 2.75 x 2.36 in / 175 x 70 x 60 mm
- USES: Backpacking, Camping, Campervans, Replace another broken cafetiere
The Wacaco MiniPresso GR Espresso Maker is the perfect backpacking gadget for coffee lovers. With space in your backpack being so limited, you should avoid unnecessary items and stick with just what you need. Strong coffee is one of those needs. Luckily, this tiny coffee maker will tuck in your bag and makes authentic espressos that beat the pants of instant coffee any day of the week.
Add your ground coffee using the enclosed scoop, pour in some just-boiled water, pump the piston a few times to pressurize, and extract a quality espresso. Whip this out in a backpacking hostel, and you are sure to make a few friends before breakfast.
Check out these Top 10 Backpacking Coffee Makers for more coffee brewing options
Macaco Slackline 16 Metre and Booklet
- WEIGHT: Total kit weight of everything: 2 Kg
- SIZE: 16 meters
- USES: Backpacking, Outdoor Activities, Home and Garden
The Macaco 16 Meter Slackline is about as unnecessary as it comes when deciding what to take backpacking. It is, however, incredibly fun to practice and socialize, and it gives you a reason to spend lots of time outdoors in nature.
Much like a hammock, all you need is two trees or tie-off points to suspend the straps, and you are ready to go. A great way to meet like-minded backpackers in hostels if you are able to set one up in the garden. Everyone wants to try it!
If you do get one, it is common sense to use padding and start off low to the ground, then work your way up from there – read the booklet.
LuminAID Solar Inflatable Light Pillow
- WEIGHT: 2.9 oz / 82 g
- SIZE: Inflates to 8.5 x 0.2 x 12.2 inches / 5 x 3 x 0.25 inches when folded
- USES: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Travel, Fishing, Emergency
The LuminAID Solar Inflatable Light Pillow is one of those items you can spot from a distance and instantly want.
The LED light lasts up to 16 hours on a single charge and takes 6-7 hours of direct sunlight to fully recharge, which is more than enough time to see you through the night and be ready to go again before the sun goes down. Being completely waterproof and full of air means that this solar light floats as well as making a comfy pillow. Packing down almost completely flat, it is ideal for keeping in a side pocket of your backpack or first aid kit.
For an even smaller keychain pocket light, check out our review of the Photon Freedom here or here for some actual backpacking pillows.
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