Handy gadgets when you're camping

Pat Mustard

Picked this up in Tesco a while back. The sound quality is good. I think it was €29.

Nice to have a few tunes when you're out and about. You can play the radio or spotify or whatever from your phone, or use your iPod, etc.

There are a few negative reviews on Amazon, but they seem to be associated with a different bluetooth product. This one doesn't use bluetooth. It's wired; 3.5mm jack stowed on the underside of the speaker.

It has a rechargeable battery. That is probably a good thing if you have a charger or some means of recharging it.

What other gadgets do people bring with them?

Tokyo

I try not to bring gadgets per se - I find that people rely more and more upon them, instead of learning basic survival methods and camping skills.

I suppose if I have one concession, it's that I always, ALWAYS carry a decent fully tanged knife with me, and a firesteel with me when camping. Matches get wet, lighters stop working or break completely, and other methods aren't always reliable, particularly if you are already wet or cold. Well worth carrying for those reasons IMHO

markc2951

I always bring my phone which has two back up batteries (s3mini)..and my gopro 3+

Orion

I always bring my phone but its either off or data is turned off. Gadgets are always non-powered apart from my head torch. Firesteel as above, my leatherman wave, trangia and meths, map of area, compass, 10ft rope - my paracord bracelet but also have a paracord belt holding up my trousers which has 100ft for extreme emergencies (but mainly because it looks cool ). Anything else is optional.

DEWF

Gadget wise I bring my:

Old I-pod (don't mind if it breaks)
Cheap neckband type headphones (they fit under a hat),
Head torch (Petzl)
Emergency matches in zip bag ,
2 lighters for normal use ,
Phone (Battery lasts a couple of weeks and stays off unless emergency),
Camera and spare battery,
Spare battery's in zip bag
I also bring a spare tac-torch but that doesn't get used unless the Petzl craps out(never really).

Smiles35

Like the op I like to bring an open speaker with me. Currently I'm bringing one of those Pringles ones that fit on the top of can. The sound is just alright but the can does be great for putting things in you don't want to get crushed in your pack.

Tec Diver

For me I don't bring electronics apart from a phone for emergencies. I keep it in flight mode. I bring a couple of compasses, a couple of headtorches and a stove, nothing more technical than them!

Tec Diver

For longer camps, can anyone recommend a solar charger? I've heard that they don't charge as much as you'd think, even with decent weather.
TIA,
Eoin

silverharp

Tec Diver wrote: »

For longer camps, can anyone recommend a solar charger? I've heard that they don't charge as much as you'd think, even with decent weather.
TIA,
Eoin

Given its Ireland, I'd do with backup rechargeable units, ~30euro will get you an X4 mobile charge , get 2 and you would have more than enough

iwillhtfu

Tec Diver wrote: »

For longer camps, can anyone recommend a solar charger? I've heard that they don't charge as much as you'd think, even with decent weather.
TIA,
Eoin

I've heard good things about this one but generally I get by with a battery bank, If I was away for several days I might consider getting one of them.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-PowerPort-2-Port-Charger-iPhone/dp/B012VL20GW/ref=sr_1_5?crid=6GTDQO7RLO1Q&keywords=anker+solar+charger&qid=1580322025&sprefix=anker+solar%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-5

A phone, Kindle, and a small powerbank. Sometimes a camera. Are binoculars a a gadget? My main priority is to keep pack weight as low as possible. Having said that have been tempted lately to get a small drone, would get some good views of the mountains with it.

Day Lewin

Hand-lens. Tiny and powerful. For looking at plants, mosses, spores, rocks, insects.
Can also be used for starting a fire, so they say.
I never, ever venture out without a hand-lens and a good knife.

Tabnabs

Sit mat; weighs nothing, takes up very little space and keeps your arse warm and knees dry.

Google maps in satellite mode on your phone is great for finding that mysterious clearing in the middle of a dense forest.