When talking about backpacking gadgets, it's tempting to focus on the bigger, fancier items such tents, packs, and boots. I wanted to take a minute to hone in on some of the smaller tools and pieces of hiking tech that enhance my backcountry experience. From safety, to comfort, to added fun, these six items might fill a void you didn't even know existed.
Coros Vertix 2 Watch
GPS watches for backpacking
Historically, I have not been a techie guy when it comes to backpacking gadgets. When it comes to watches, I usually prefer something simple. A watch that could tell me the time and maybe point me in the right direction with a basic compass. After a season of using the Coros Vertix 2 smartwatch, I've come to appreciate its wide-ranging utility for a backpacker.
Vertix 2 has terrain elevation and ping my campsite
Some of my favorite features for the backcountry include the thermometer readings, the map with tracking functions, sunset and sunrise time, terrain elevation, heart rate, sleep data, and training data. One of the things I enjoy the most is the ability to “ping” my campsite location. I don't have to worry about finding my way back in the dark, should I decide to wander off for some reason. I can just ping my campsite location.
Coros Vertix 2 Battery Power
And best of all, the Vertix 2 has 60 days of battery power! That's pretty ridiculous.
Any drawbacks to the Coros Vertix 2?
One potential drawback is that the entirety of the watch's platform is a little complex. Be prepared to read the instructions if you want to explore beyond the standard stuff. Also, at $700 (USD), this is a big-ticket item. If you're an athletic-adventurer who is into geeking out on specs, then a feature-rich GPS watch is totally worth it for hiking.
Ledlenser Neo 1R Headlamp
Light headlamp for running
Ledlenser Neo 1R headlamp was made with long-distance trail runner's in mind. The lightweight headlamp also works beautifully for backpacking and casual camping. It weighs only 39 grams but still pumps out up to 250 lumens. The headlamp also has several softer settings. The headlamp also has the ever-so-important red light feature which preserves your night vision. The red light is great because it doesn't tip off the bugs and doesn't tick off your tent neighbors.
The stated runtime is 4 hours. I know it doesn't sound like much. That will easily get you through a 3 or 4 day backpacking trip. The runtime doesn't mean that after 4 hours the headlamp dies. Rather that the max output will start to fade.
Lower intensity and moderated bursts of use
If you use it in moderated bursts, and at lower intensities, you'll get tons of life out of this thing. When it does end up needing a boost, you can plug it into Ledlenser's specific charger.
Any drawbacks to the Neo 1R as backpacking headlamp?
It would be nice if it could accept a more universal charger. We all have so many of those chargers lying around these days. That's about my only knock on the Neo 1R.
Great pricepoint for this light headlamp
But to end on another positive note, this little guy is only $45 (USD)! This has it sitting pretty when compared to much of the performance headlamp market.
Vosteed Nightshade Camp Knife
Should you carry a knife backpacking?
Having a trustee pocket knife in the backcountry goes a long way. My personal favorite is the Vosteed Nightshade. I love the super slick shape of the 154cm blade.
The wide, curved design is great for cutting up vegetables, practicing your whittling skills around the campfire, slicing through paracord, etc.
It can even tag in as a basic screwdriver for when my camera gear needs some tweaking. This sucker goes for $69 (USD), which strikes me as a high-value price-point for a useful piece of backpacking gear.
Grand Trunk Stool for Camping
What are the lightest camping chairs?
I usually don't bother carrying chairs into the backcountry, but some of them are so light, it's hard to resist. The Compass 360 Stool by Grand Trunk is only 1 pound! That's significantly lighter than your standard foldable chair. The next closest one that I've seen would be the Big Agnes Skyline UL Stool, which clocks in at 1 pound, 3 ounces (but to be fair, it's bigger than the Compass 360).
Camp chair that is all about the swivel
What caught my eye about Grand Trunk's option (other than than the weight) is that it can swivel. This means that I can turn my attention from my camping stove, to my camera gear, to the lovely mountain views – all without ever getting up. Not too shabby for under $60 (USD), especially considering that most ultra-light chairs are in the $100+ range.
Weight max best under the recommended weight
After using it for a little while the only thing I would caution future owners on is that while the stated max capacity is 330 pounds, I think the Compass 360 Stool is best suited for people under 200 pounds. It doesn't crumble under the extra weight, but it does start to struggle a bit.
Zoleo Satellite Communicator
How do you communicate while hiking?
Given that cell-service is often dubious in the wild, I always bring my Zoleo Satellite Communicator in case of emergency (just hit the SOS button on your phone or the Zoleo unit), or for sending little updates to loved ones when I arrive at camp. I also check the weather religiously, which the Zoleo accurately provides by checking in with the nearest reporting station.
Satellite device pairs to phone
The pocket-sized rig pairs with my phone, making all of this super straight forward. There are other excellent options out there, but the Zoleo comes in a little cheaper than Garmin and Spot, both in terms of the unit ($199 USD) and then the corresponding subscription service.
No navigation function
The only drawback is that the Zoleo doesn't have any map or navigation functions (but that's what I use my smartwatch for).
Communication and weather
This is simply a communicator and a weather-checker. It is a worthy backpacking gadget to communicate with loved ones and to check the weather.
Pale Blue Rechargeable Batteries
Are Pale Blue batteries worth it?
The last piece of gadgetry that I wanted to talk about are Pale Blue rechargeable AAA batteries. I use these in my microphone while filming my BackpackingTV outings, in my tent's lighting system, and in a lot of electronics around the house. I'm not affiliated with Pale Blue at all, I just like using them and I think they can help cut down on the bagillions of batteries that we collectively throw away.
No affiliation with Pale Blue but like the product
They perform admirably and they are easy to charge (four can be plugged in at once to the micro-USB charger that Pale Blue provides). Sometimes I am supported by the brands I talk about, but in this case, even though I have no affiliation with Pale Blue, I just really like this product and want to spread the word.
Backpacking gear and gadgets reviews
Those are the little bits n' bobs that boost my backcountry experience. Make sure to check out their respective websites for more information, the links are in the article.
Come the spring, you may just find yourself extra teched-out, and all the happier and healthier for it.
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