The Weekend Camper's Packing List: 7 Gadgets That Actually Earn Their Weight

Camping gear is full of stuff that sounds amazing in the shop and then sits unused in your boot. Solar-powered this, multi-tool that, gadgets with seventeen functions when you really only need two.

After years of weekend trips, we've figured out what actually gets used versus what just adds weight. Here are seven gadgets that genuinely earn their spot in your camping kit.

1. A Light That Pulls Double Duty

Headlamps are great, but sometimes you want ambient light for the whole campsite or tent. Our Portable Camping Light & Power Bank does both jobs: it lights up your space and charges your phone when the battery inevitably dies from taking nature photos all day.

The power bank feature isn't a gimmick. When you're two days into a camping trip and your phone is at 12%, you'll be glad you brought a light that does more than just illuminate.

If you want even more versatility, the 2-in-1 Telescopic Camping Light & Torch switches between area lighting and a focussed beam for late-night trips to the toilet or finding that thing you dropped in the dark.

2. Something to Sit On (That Isn't a Log)

Camp chairs are bulky. Logs are uncomfortable. Our Portable Outdoor Pop Up Stool collapses down to basically nothing but gives you a proper place to sit around the fire.

It's one of those things you don't think you need until you're standing awkwardly whilst everyone else is seated, or trying to find a comfortable position on a rock that seemed fine for the first five minutes.

3. Bug Protection That Actually Works

Citronella candles are nice for ambience but let's be honest about their effectiveness. The Rechargeable Bug Zapper & Lamp handles mosquitoes and provides light at the same time.

Rechargeable means you're not buying batteries or dealing with propane canisters. Charge it before you leave, and you're good for the weekend.

4. A Way to Keep Your Stuff Clean

Camping means dirt. Dust in your tent, leaves on your gear, crumbs in your cooler. The Mini Jet Blower weighs almost nothing but makes cleanup so much easier.

Sounds specific, but once you've used a compact blower to clear out your tent before packing up or get sand off your equipment, you'll wonder how you managed without it. It's also great for inflating air mattresses if you forgot the pump.

For bigger jobs or if you're car camping with more space, the High-Power Handheld Blower has more oomph for clearing campsites or drying gear.

5. Power for the Essentials

Unless you're going full off-grid, you probably want to keep your phone charged for photos, maps, or emergencies. The Slim MagSafe Power Bank is perfect for iPhone users who want something that attaches magnetically and doesn't add bulk.

For multi-device charging (phone, watch, earbuds), the 3-in-1 MagSafe Power Bank with Charging Stand handles everything at once. It's especially useful for couples or if you've got multiple devices to manage.

6. Proper Charging Cables

This seems obvious, but having durable cables matters more when camping. You're plugging and unplugging in the dark, possibly in damp conditions, definitely with dirty hands.

Cheap cables that barely survive normal use won't make it through a camping season. Grab a braided cable in whatever configuration you need. They handle the abuse better and won't leave you stranded with a dead phone because your cable gave up.

7. A Decent Car Charger

Getting to the campsite drains your devices' batteries (navigation, music, looking up trail info). The 4-in-1 Retractable Fast Car Charger charges multiple devices on the drive and the retractable cables mean no tangled mess in your car.

The 200W USB-C/USB Car Charger is another solid option if you need serious charging power for laptops or other higher-draw devices.

What Didn't Make the List

Notice what's missing? Complicated multi-tools you'll never fully use. Solar panels that barely work unless conditions are perfect. Bluetooth speakers that die after four hours. Fancy cooking gadgets that are harder to clean than they're worth.

The best camping gear is stuff that solves a real problem without creating new ones. It's reliable, doesn't require babysitting, and you'll actually use it every trip.

Pack Smart, Camp Better

Weekend camping should be relaxing, not an equipment management seminar. Bring the gadgets that genuinely make your trip better, leave the rest at home, and spend more time enjoying the outdoors.

Planning your next trip? Check out our full Outdoor & Camping collection for gear that's actually worth packing.