A Complete Guide to Smart Camping Devices to Use in 2025

Last Updated on 3 May 2025

Today’s camping experience has been dramatically enhanced by the integration of smart technology!

Campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while benefiting from practical devices that solve real outdoor challenges. Modern smart camping devices focus on extending battery life, improving safety, and adding convenience such as outdoor charging solutions without detracting from the wilderness experience.

According to a 2016 report from Statista, 74% of Americans use a smartphone when camping. A handheld GPS was rated at 9% and a watch-based GPS was at 2%. Given the advances in hiking GPS watches, it’s expected that these figures would be significantly higher today.

Let’s explore the smart camping devices currently available to make your next trip more comfortable and connected!

Someone wearing a headtorch and looking up at the stars. Smart camping devices. Photo by Nick Fisher on Unsplash

Smart Camping Devices: Reliable Portable Power Solutions

I remember the first time I went on a week-long camping trip thinking my phone would last if I just kept it in airplane mode.

Boy, was I wrong!

By day two, I was completely disconnected from the world with no way to check trail maps or take photos of the incredible views. That mistake taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of portable power banks for camping when you’re off the grid.

Over the last few years, I’ve tested pretty much everything on the market. My garage has become a graveyard of off-grid battery solutions – some amazing, others not so much that couldn’t hold a charge to save their life (or my devices!).

The BioLite solar panels have been a game-changer for me. During a weekend trip to Wales last summer, I set up the Biolite camping technology SolarPanel 10+ against my backpack while hiking and returned to camp with enough power to charge my phone twice over. The integrated sundial makes positioning for optimal sunlight super easy, even for solar newbies.

For longer trips or if you’re bringing along the whole family (and all their devices), Goal Zero Yeti power stations are tough to beat. These come with multiple charging options – wall, car, or solar – and various battery capacities depending on your needs. I’ve used Goal Zero camping equipment to power a small cooler, charge several devices, and even run lights for three nights straight during a power outage at home!

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus. Source: Amazon

The Jackery Explorer series is another solid option I’ve had the opportunity to test. The Jackery power stations offer different capacities, so you’re not lugging around more battery than you need. Their Explorer 300 is perfect for weekend warriors who just need to keep phones and cameras charged, while the 1000 model can handle more serious power demands like laptops or small appliances.

I’ve got mention the Anker PowerHouse too. These compact stations punch above their weight class with surprisingly fast-charging capabilities. My PowerHouse 200 is now my go-to for overnight trips because it’s lightweight, but still packs enough power for my essential devices.

For those who want flexibility, the EcoFlow RIVER portable power stations are worth checking out. What sets them apart is their expandable battery options – you can actually add capacity as your needs grow. I started with the basic model and eventually added an extra battery pack when I started bringing my laptop on trips to edit photos on the go.

The key to choosing the right portable power banks for camping is honestly assessing what you’ll actually need to power. Make a list of all your devices, their power requirements, and how often you’ll need to charge them. Then add about 30% more capacity for unexpected needs or power-hungry friends who forgot their own chargers (there’s always one in every group!).

GPS and Communication Devices: What Smart Camping Devices Do You Need?

I learned the hard way that phone service and wilderness adventures don’t exactly go hand in hand. Three years ago, I got completely turned around on what should have been a simple day hike in the Peak District. My phone showed that dreaded “No Service” message, and the panic I felt when I realised I couldn’t call anyone or pull up a map was something I never want to experience again.

Since that less than perfect afternoon, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with smart camping devices such as reliable communication and GPS hiking devices.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 has become my non-negotiable piece of gear for any trip where I’m heading more than a few miles from civilisation. It’s tiny – about the size of a small walkie-talkie – but don’t let that fool you. The Garmin inReach satellite communicator packs serious functionality with two-way satellite messaging that works literally anywhere with a view of the sky. The SOS feature also gives me (and my mum) peace of mind knowing help is just a button-press away.

Spot X messenger tracking device. Source: Amazon

For those who prefer typing on an actual keyboard, the SPOT X is worth checking out. I borrowed one from a friend for a week-long backpacking trip in the Dolomites, and the physical keyboard made sending detailed messages much easier than the virtual keyboard on the inReach. The GPS tracking was spot-on too (no pun intended), allowing my family to follow my progress online.

Another dependable outdoor power solution to consider is the Garmin Montana 700 series. They’re bigger than the communication-focused devices, but the detailed topographical mapping more than makes up for the extra weight.

For those venturing into truly remote areas, the Zoleo satellite communicator offers global coverage that’s hard to beat. A friend used one during a hike in Austria and was able to maintain contact even during severe weather that knocked out other communication methods. The seamless transition between using phone data when available and satellite, when needed, makes it super user-friendly.

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Smart Camping Devices with Lighting Technology

I still laugh when I think about my first “serious” camping trip after college. I showed up with this massive old flashlight that weighed about two pounds and ate through batteries like they were candy. By night two, I was sitting in complete darkness while my more prepared friends enjoyed their evening around perfectly lit tents. Lesson learned!

Smart lighting technology has completely transformed how we experience the outdoors after sunset. Gone are the days of fumbling with clunky flashlights or lanterns that die right when you need them most.

The BioLite HeadLamp series has become one of my absolute go-to for any outdoor adventure. What sets these headlamps apart is their rechargeable batteries and incredibly thoughtful design. The slim profile means it doesn’t bounce around when you’re hiking, and the multiple lighting modes let you switch between a focused beam for trail finding and a floodlight for camp tasks. I used mine continuously during a three-day backpacking trip in Devon last summer, and it still had juice to spare!

The Goal Zero Lighthouse lanterns are one of those smart camping devices that have earned a permanent spot in my gear collection. These smart lanterns not only provide adjustable brightness settings, but also include USB charging ports so you can power up your phone while illuminating your campsite. Talk about multitasking!

One of my favourite discoveries, though, has been the Luminaid solar lanterns. These genius little lights collapse down flat for packing, but inflate into full-sized lanterns that throw surprisingly bright light. I clip one to my backpack during day hikes to charge via solar, then have a fully powered light source by evening.

The MPOWERD Luci lights have become my gift of choice for outdoorsy friends. These affordable little outdoor inflatable solar lights come in multiple colour options, which is great for creating ambience around camp or marking different areas (we use them to mark the path to the bathroom area at night!).

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What Water Purification and Cooking Tech Do You Need with Smart Camping Devices?

Water purification and cooking technology has come such a long way since my early outdoor adventures. I used to think my little iodine tablets were cutting-edge (despite the awful taste they left). Now there are options that would have seemed like science fiction just a decade ago.

The LARQ self-cleaning water bottles have honestly blown my mind. These bottles use UV-C LED technology to purify water and keep the bottle itself clean – which means no more of that funky smell that develops in regular water bottles on longer trips. I bring mine on day hikes where I know I’ll be crossing water sources, and it’s perfect for quick refills without the wait time of traditional filters. The battery lasts surprisingly long between charges too!

For more serious backcountry adventures, the LifeStraw personal water filters have become my non-negotiable camping water purifiers gear item. These lightweight straws let you drink directly from water sources, removing bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. They’re so compact I keep one in every pack I own as emergency backup.

Jetboil Genesis Basecamp. Source: Amazon

On the cooking front, the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp system has revolutionised how I approach outdoor meals. The regulated temperature control means no more burned oatmeal or undercooked meals. I can actually simmer things properly now! For a recent trip, I surprised myself with properly cooked mushrooms in the middle of nowhere – a far cry from the half-raw, half-burned meals of my early camping days.

The BioLite CampStove 2+ might be the coolest piece of gear I’ve tested recently. This innovative stove generates electricity while you cook, allowing you to charge devices from the heat of your cooking fire. Talk about efficiency! During an unexpected three-day weather delay around the Austrian alps, this stove kept our essential devices charged while also handling all our cooking needs. The futuristic feel of charging my phone from a cooking fire still makes me smile.

Smart Weather Monitoring Tools

My camping trip to Wales three years ago taught me a lesson I’ll never forget. We ignored the darkening sky because the morning forecast had promised clear conditions. Two hours later, we were huddled in our tents while hail pounded down, the wind was blowing a gale, and lightning struck way too close for comfort. That scary experience convinced me that relying solely on pre-trip weather forecasts was a recipe for disaster.

The Kestrel DROP wireless temperature and humidity monitor has become my companion on outdoor adventures. This tiny device provides surprisingly accurate microclimate data right where you are – which can be dramatically different from the general forecast for the region.

For those who like to explore a bit more remotely, the WeatherFlow Tempest weather station is worth every penny. This is one of those smart camping devices that measures everything – wind, rain, temperature, humidity, lightning strikes – and connects wirelessly to your phone. The solar-powered unit means no battery changes, and its accuracy rivals professional equipment.

The Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station with Wi-Fi connectivity has been a game-changer for my group camping trips. Its ability to connect to weather services means you get both your hyperlocal data AND regional forecasts in one interface. The historical data feature has helped me plan seasonal trips better by showing patterns from previous years.

The AcuRite portable weather stations have earned their place in my emergency kit. These affordable units provide decent forecasting capabilities that work independently of phone service or internet.

Practical Wearable Technology with Smart Camping Devices

I never thought I’d be the type of outdoor enthusiast who relied on wearable tech until I got hopelessly lost on what should have been a simple trail run. My phone battery died, and I spent two extra hours trying to find my way back. That scary experience completely changed my perspective on wearable technology for outdoor adventures.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar watch has become one of my favourite smart camping devices for any outdoor activity. What makes this watch exceptional is its solar charging technology combined with robust GPS navigation. During a week-long hiking trip in Europe last summer, my watch maintained a charge the entire time despite heavy GPS usage because the solar feature kept topping it up during daylight hours.

For longer expeditions where battery life is critical, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro has proven incredibly reliable. Its battery management options let you customise power usage based on your needs, and the tracking features are impressively detailed. I wore mine during a hiking trip in South America, and it captured everything from elevation profiles to heart rate zones.

For those curious about how altitude and outdoor sleeping conditions affect recovery, the Oura Ring is something to consider. I wore mine during a high-altitude camping trip in Peru and could clearly see how the elevation affected my sleep quality and recovery metrics. The battery life is impressive too – up to seven days between charges.

Not all practical wearable tech requires batteries or charging. Columbia’s Omni-Heat thermal reflective clothing has become my go-to for cold weather adventures. The Columbia heat-reflective gear use tiny reflective dots to bounce your body heat back to you, providing significant warmth without the bulk of traditional insulation. During my snowboarding trips in Austria, my heat-reflective gear has kept me comfortable despite temperatures dropping well below what I’d expected.

Smart Camping Apps

I can still remember the days when my “camping technology” consisted of a paper map and asking locals for directions. Fast forward to one particularly memorable trip in Scotland where I found myself at a completely full campground with no backup plan.

Over the past few years, I’ve downloaded, tested, and either kept or deleted dozens of camping apps. Some were total game-changers, while others were basically digital paperweights taking up space on my phone. Through this trial-and-error process, I’ve found several that have genuinely transformed how I plan and execute outdoor adventures.

The Dyrt PRO has absolutely saved me multiple times. Last summer, I was driving through Wales with spotty phone service when my original campground plans fell through. Thanks to The Dyrt’s offline access feature, I was able to find three alternative campgrounds within a 20-mile radius. The ability to filter campgrounds by amenities like shower access or pet-friendly policies makes it super easy to find exactly what you need.

For hiking enthusiasts, AllTrails+ is worth every penny of the subscription. The detailed trail information goes way beyond what most free resources provide, including real-time crowdsourced updates about trail conditions. During a spring hike along the South West Coast Path, AllTrails users had reported a washed-out bridge that wasn’t mentioned on the official website. The AllTrails mapping application allowed me to plan an alternative route instead of discovering the problem five miles into the hike.

The Gaia GPS premium features are ideal for any serious backcountry trip planning. The topographical mapping is incredibly detailed, and the route planning features let you calculate distance and elevation gain, and even estimate hiking times based on terrain.

For those who prefer dispersed camping away from established campgrounds, iOverlander has been a revelation. This community-sourced app shows free camping locations on public lands that often don’t appear on standard maps. During a cross-country road trip last year, I saved hundreds of pounds by finding beautiful, legal dispersed camping spots instead of paying for campgrounds. The user reviews help separate the truly scenic spots from the less desirable ones.

Smart Safety and Security Devices

When it comes to smart camping devices, nothing is more important than ensuring you have the best emergency satellite communication and safety tools on hand. These days, modern technology can provide peace of mind without detracting from the wilderness experience.

The Surviveware advanced first aid kit has completely upgraded my emergency preparedness. What sets this kit apart from standard first aid supplies is the QR-coded instructions that link to detailed first aid videos and guides. When a friend badly sprained her ankle on a remote trail, the QR code linked us to specific instructions for proper wrapping and stabilisation. The QR features various on models.

For true backcountry emergency situations, the SPOT Gen4 one-touch S.O.S. satellite messenger gives incredible peace of mind. This device lets you call for emergency help from virtually anywhere, even without phone service. The simplicity of the one-touch system means you can send your GPS location to emergency responders when you need it the most.

The Garmin fenix series watches have evolved far beyond simple GPS devices. Their incident detection capabilities can automatically alert emergency contacts if they detect a fall or unusual activity. While hiking in Wales a few years ago, a hiker in our group took a bad fall on a technical section. Her fenix watch detected the impact and asked if she needed assistance. Had she been unconscious, it would have automatically sent an alert with her location to her emergency contacts after a short countdown.

Final Thoughts About Smart Camping Devices

Today’s smart camping devices offer practical solutions to real outdoor challenges while maintaining the authentic camping experience we all cherish.

From reliable power sources that keep essential devices running to communication tools that ensure safety in remote locations, these technologies enhance rather than replace our connection with nature.

As you plan your next outdoor adventure, consider which of these devices might address your specific needs and concerns. Remember that the best camping technology serves as a helpful companion to your outdoor experience—reliable when needed, but never a distraction from the natural world around you.

What smart camping devices will you take on your next adventure?

Happy travels!