Best Camping Gadgets | GPS | Solar Power | Expert reviews

The X-Mini might not be waterproof like the Eono, but at a fifth of the price, it’s still an awesome speaker. The capsule design makes it super easy to transport, and the sound radiates from this thing like crazy.

Super loud, very crisp and clear sound quality, the X-Mini is a fantastic addition to your camping kit. Buy a set (different colours, if you like) and really get the party started.

Features
Up to 11 hours of playtime on a single charge, the X-Mini comes with a USB charger and 3.5mm jack lead, in-built.

Comes in a wide range of colours, and is extremely well made. Probably best to keep water and dirt away from the X-Mini as much as possible, but it’s certainly durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble of a weekend camping trip.

For the money, this is one of our favourite capsule speakers nearly topping our list of camping bluetooth speakers, we’re certain you’ll love it, too.

Mattero 8 x 21 Compact Binoculars

‘Cheap and cheerful, x8 magnification.’

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They might not be the most powerful binoculars around, but when you’re in need of a vision boost, or you’ve finally got a decent view of the full moon, and you’re doing your very best to make out the flag on the moon, they’ll do nicely.

Features
These handy little binoculars feature an adjustable viewer, so that you can set them to whatever width you like. They’ll magnify up to 8 times, which is perfect for picking out particular landscape details, and for birdwatching.

Durable and compact enough to fit into your rucksack’s side pocket, we’re big fans of these little beasts.

GoPro HERO11 Action Camera

‘The adventure camera with voice control.’

We’re absolutely in love with the HERO11. Hands-free voice commands allow you to record and playback without having to take your hands away from what you’re doing. With full 4K video capabilities, the HERO11 is also GoPro’s most powerful, stunningly crisp and ultra-high-quality video recorder ever.

Record, play,trim and edit your footage, all from inside the GoPro. Easily syncs with your cloud account, too, so that the moments you capture, stay safe, as soon as you’ve got them.

Features

5.3K video and 24MP camera — Super crisp video and high-resolution photos make this GoPro’s most exciting offering to date.

Waterproof — Even without housing, the GoPro HERO11 is waterproof up to 10m.

Voice commands — Control the HERO11 with simple voice commands, leaving your hands free to climb, swim, clamber and clap.

The HERO11 mounts easily to your helmet, and has attachment options for all sorts of clothing and other surfaces. It’s one of our favourite camping and adventure gadgets, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.

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Best Camping Bluetooth Speakers

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The best Handheld GPS for Hiking and Trekking

Jim — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000

For serious explorers, a solid GPS Navigation system and 3-axis compass are essential pieces of kit for staying safe and on track. We’ve picked a few of our favourite navigation devices, which combine a high-quality compass, GPS, altitude and barometric pressure indicators. There’s something here to suit every budget, and as always at Camping Things, we combine quality and value, to ensure you get the best, whichever one you pick.

Garmin eTrex 32x Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit with 3-axis Compass and Barometric Altimeter

‘Intelligent navigation from the experts in GPS.’

The eTrex 32x handheld device comes preloaded with road-routable TopoActive maps that feature streets and trails so you can take the journey off the grid. Now you can know your surroundings — such as waterways, natural features as well as buildings, international boundaries and more. You can also find thousands of points of interests, including shops, restaurants, universities, car parks and accommodations.

Superb Build quality

With an array of compatible mounts, eTrex is designed as a handheld and for use on ATVs or bicycles or boats. Wherever you think you might take eTrex, it has the mapping and mounts to get you there.

Features

3-axis Compass and Barometric Altimeter
2.2” sunlight-readable colour display
Preloaded with TopoActive maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems
8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a microSD card slot
eTrex 32x adds a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
Battery life: up to 25 hours in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries

Best for
The technical trekker. If you already own any Garmin gear, you’ll know that this is one for accuracy nuts.

Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass

‘Official US military compass, used by the Marines.’

If total accuracy is what you’re after, and you’re not worried about add-ons like barometers and altitude meters, then the Cammenga Tritium is for you. This is the official compass used by the US military, and while other users have said that it takes a second or two for the needle to settle, that’s really not a concern, as once it does settle, you can trust that it’s totally accurate.

Build quality
Simply outstanding quality. The Tritium is built to accompany the Marines into the most extreme environments on Earth, so wherever you’re taking it, you’re assured a solid performance. The bezel, which used to be metal, is now plastic, which according to Cammenga, makes it easier to repair, should you manage to break it.

Features
This is really simple; you’re looking at a world-leading analogue compass, which is designed and built to tell you which direction you’re going in. That’s all it does, and it does it very well.

Best for
Ultra-reliable navigation under extreme conditions.

The Garmin GPSMAP 66s Navigator

‘Stay on track and connected.’

The Garmin GPSMAP 66s range is one of the first to receive and use multiple satellite navigation frequencies. Combined with up to 16 hours of battery life in GPS mode and active weather forecasts, you shouldn’t be traveling without Garmin’s rugged GPSMAP 66s.

Worrying about the unpredictable weather is a thing of the past with Live Weather Radar (WSR). You can go further with live weather forecast information directly on your compatible smartphone.

The GPSMAP 66s range receives and uses information from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS satellite systems, giving you greater accuracy no matter what challenging environment you’re in.

Build quality
The device has been through many environmental and climatic conditions using laboratory testing methods, it really can stand-up to the challenge

Features

Precise and fast positioning thanks to GPS, GLON and GALILEO
3-axis comp, barometric altimeter with auto calibration, Bluetooth and WiFi
Long battery life: up to 16 hours in GPS mode and one week in expedition mode
MicroSD slot allows you to download alternative maps for use on your device.
Connected Features – Smart Notifications, Active Weather, Live & GroupTrack,
Geocaching Live, Connectivity to Garmin Connect, Connect IQ and Explore App

Best for
Adventure trekking.

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with built-in GPS

‘Ultra-accurate portable GPS.’

Track more exercises than ever right from your wrist with 40+ exercise modes including strength training, HIIT, running and kayaking. Plus, never miss a beat with calls, texts and notifications right on your wrist. With built-in GPS and a battery life of 6+ days, Versa 4 is also compatible with Android and iOS. All of this from a thin, lightweight fitness smartwatch that’s designed for comfort during workouts, sleep and more.

Wirelessly connect to your smartphone, and get away from the beaten track with TracBack.

Features
See real-time pace & distance without your phone using built-in GPS during outdoor runs, rides, hikes and more.

The 64S also features:

Compatible with Android and iOS
6 days battery life
Water resistant & Swim-proof
Heart rate monitor & Pedometer
Distance & Accelerometer
Receive emails & social network notifications.

Best for
Fitness montoring

Garmin eTrex 10 Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit

‘Comprehensive and accurate navigation.’

Awesome for hiking, cycling and mountain climbing, the eTrex 10 takes one of the most popular and reliable GPS handhelds and makes it better.

Redesigned ergonomics, an easier-to-use interface, paperless geocaching, the addition of a worldwide basemap and long battery life add up to serious improvements for an already legendary GPS handheld.

eTrex 10 is versatile. It’s tough. And it’s built to handle whatever Mother Nature can dish out – and more.

Go Global
The new eTrex series is the first-ever consumer-grade receivers that can track both GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously. GLONASS is a system developed by the Russian Federation that will be fully operational in 2012. When using GLONASS satellites, the time it takes for the receiver to “lock on” to a position is (on average) approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS. And when using both GPS and GLONASS, the receiver has the ability to lock on to 24 more satellites than using GPS alone.

Features

High-sensitivity, Egnos-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix satellite prediction
Supports geocaching GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit
Easy to use interface
Durable and waterproof, eTrex® 10 is built to withstand the elements
2.2-Inch monochrome display that’s easy to read in any lighting situation

Lock onto 24 more satellites than GPS alone, making global navigation even more accurate and comprehensive. This is one serious upgrade, meant for serious trekkers who love to travel.

Best for
Technical trekkers in need of highly accurate European navigation.

Best GPS Navigation

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Best Camping Knife

Jim — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:49:21 +0000

It makes life a whole lot easier if you have the tools to take care of most jobs all in one, and at Camping Things we like to think we know a few things about getting the job done.

These are our picks of the best multi-knives and folding knives, which combine superb quality and value for money.

Rolson 62494 10-in-1 Campin Knife

‘Budget folding tool and knife set, great quality.’

At the budget end of the scale we’ve got the Rolson. We love Rolson, and have featured them on Camping Things before. They make great quality tools at bargain prices, and the 10-in-1 multi-knife is no exception. At under £10, you might expect something flimsy, but the Rolson is a superb piece of kit, and ideal for carrying with you as part of your setup.

Build quality
We’re always impressed by how solid and functional Rolson tools are for the price. We can’t fault the 10-in-1 for a second, and given the choice, if we only had £10 to spare, we’d go with this every time.

Features
The 10-in-1 features a knife, nail cleaner, nail file, two screw drivers, scissors, bottle opener, corkscrew and can opener. Some of the tools double-up, so you’ll need to use your imagination.

Main selling point
Price. The Rolson is a great little tool, excellent build quality and an absolute bargain. A superb camping knife for any adventure.

Bahco Sheath Serrated Camping Knife

‘Carbonised steel blade for durability and edge retention.’

The Bahco sports knife is a solid knife all on its own. With a long history of knife-making, Bahco knows how to make a sharp, functional knife. This one is folding knife, featuring a secure, push-pin release for safe locking and easy single-handed folding. Features a rubberised handle for secure grip when wet, and the serrated edge is perfect for cutting rope and touch branches.

Build quality
Bahco knives are legitimate pieces of equipment, backed up by years of expert knife-making. The Bahco knife features a solid rubberised handle, which is made to provide non-slip grip in wet conditions. The blade is carbonised, making it ultra-durable and blunt-resistant. We’re very impressed with how well the serrated edge cuts, too.

Features
As a folding knife, the Bahco is a winner. The push-pin latch flips open easily with a single hand, and locks away safely when not in use, so need to worry about stabbing yourself. The carbonised blade is sharp, and will stay sharp, even under extreme conditions.

We love this knife, and highly recommend it.

Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool with Leather Pouch

‘Serious toolage for home and on the trail.’

We’ll give you a full run-down of what’s included in the Leatherman charge in just a second, but know this: The Charge is serious business, intended for use in extreme conditions. There’s no job the Charge cannot handle for its size, and these are pro-level tools. If you’re in the market for one of the best, most comprehensive multi-tools around, you’ve found it.

Build quality
Not only does the Charge come in a sweet leather pouch, the tool itself is of fantastic quality. No loose parts or cheap-feeling components, every part of the Charge is built to perform. It isn’t cheap, but then it does look or feel cheap, either. This is as close to perfection as it gets.

Features
Let’s just run through what’s included in the Leatherman Charge multi-tool kit:

Hard Anodised Aluminium Handles
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
Wire Cutters
Hard-Wire Cutters
154cm Clip-Point Knife
Serrated Knife
Saw
Scissor
Wood/Metal File
Diamond-Coated File
Large Bit Driver
Small Bit Driver
Large Screwdriver
Ruler(8Inch/19cm)
Bottle/Can Opener
Wire Stripper
Fixed Lanyard Ring
Quick-Release Lanyard Ring
Removable Pocket Clip
8 Double-End Bits

And every one of those tools is of professional quality, meaning it’ll perform and last under even the harshest conditions.

Buy this tool now. You will not be disappointed.

Victorinox 1473372 Army Knife Fisherman

‘For the camper and adventurer who’s also a fisherman.’

The Victorinox is a classic multi-tool knife with a lot to offer, for not a lot of money. This is the Fisherman multi-tool, which features a descaler and hook remover, and the little fish logo on the body is pretty snazzy, too. As with all Victorinox multis, the Fisherman is of superb quality, and is built to last for years.

Build quality
If you’ve never experienced a Victorinox before, let us tell you, that you’re in for a treat. Few multi-tools can hold a candle to the Victorinox, which is made of hardened stainless steel, making it virtually indestructible against most extreme hiking trips.

Features
Alongside the usual folding knife and scissors, the Fisherman comes with a couple of fishing-specific tools, namely the hook remover and scaler, which can be extremely useful if you’re planning on catching and eating your food.

The scissors, while small, are perfect for cutting open food packets and dealing with small twigs. There are several blades on the Fisherman, too, so you can choose the right one for the task at hand.

LEATHERMAN Wave Plus – 18 multipurpose tools

‘25 year warranty guarantees life-long use.’

Leatherman goods really are built to last. Not just built to last either, but to perform. Each component on the multi-tool is there because it’s been tested and retested, and is guaranteed to withstand even the harshest conditions. The CS is so beautifully engineered, as well, offering endless uses in a tool which folds to fit inside your palm. If you can’t do it with the Leatherman, it probably doesn’t need doing. This is a great piece of kit.

Build quality
If we had to choose between the Leatherman and the Victorinox, we might go for the Leatherman, because it’s so damn finely built. This thing has no weaknesses, and Leatherman are so confident about that, that the Leatherman comes with a 25 warranty. Need we say more?

We will, because we have to tell you how solid each part of the Leatherman feels. You can use this multi-tool in pretty much any conditions, a great camping knife and it’s ideal for home use, as well.

Features:

18 multipurpose tools with lockable blades for camping
Flat/Phillips Screwdriver
420HC Knife
Tweezers
Carabiner/Bottle Opener
Nail File
Spring-action scissors

The tweezers, by the way, are detachable, so you can really get into those tight spots without the rest of the tool getting in the way. The carabiner is a nice touch, too, and it’s strong.

This camping knife is sharp and solid, and overall, the Leatherman feels like something which will indeed last a lifetime. Never be without a nail file again!

Best Camping Knife

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Survival Kit Bracelet

Jim — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:06:25 +0000

Something to make your outdoor adventure just that little bit easier, safer or more fun. We’ve gathered a selection of our top 5 best camping gadgets (really this is our favourite must-haves) and given them the Camping Things once-over, so that you’re assured a quality product, whichever one you choose.

SpartaCord Fish & Fire Survival Kit Bracelet

‘Start a fire, catch a fish, live like a king or queen of the wild.’

If you’ve never seen a bracelet that doubles as both a fishing line and a firestarter, you’re not alone. We were bowled over when we discovered the SpartaCord Survival Kit Bracelet, and now we’re in love. This handy bracelet looks great on its own, but unravel it, and you’ll find a strong fishing line, and a strand of fire-starting jute.

Made from genuine military-grade paracord for added strength and durability.

Check out our top 5 best camping gadgets

Quality and materials
As mentioned, the SpartaCord Survival Kit Bracelet is made from military-grade paracord, so it’s incredibly tough and hard-wearing. The metal clasp that shuts the bracelet is strong and sturdy, so no need to worry about losing it on the trail. We were suitably impressed by how well the fishing line performed, too, and by how effective the jute fire cord is.

Features
As well as being a fishing line and a fire-starting jute cord, the SpartaCord Survival Kit Bracelet is also suitable for tying up your shelter, or securing the splint around an injured limb (we didn’t try this, but it makes sense.)

The fishing line is a #8 variety, so it’s heavy and strong enough to handle most small fish, and the jute fire-starting cord is simple, yet effective.

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TUT Fire Kit with Compass & whistle

Jim — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:52:19 +0000

TUT Fire Kit with Compass & whistle

‘Superb multi-tool for weekend adventurers.’

The TUT Fire Kit with Compass and whistle features a ferro rod for reliable fire-starting, and comes with a waterproof capsule to help keep the thing dry and safe on long treks. Also features a reflective signal and compass, for added safety when you’re out on the trail.

This is a high-quality piece of kit, and we recommend, since it doesn’t come with a lanyard attachment, keeping it a zipped compartment on your rucksack.

Check out our top 5 best camping gadgets

Quality and materials
The TUT Fire Kit with Compass and whistle is made from durable steel, making it an incredibly hard-wearing piece of kit. There’s a length of paracord inside for tying and securing your kit and other bits and pieces, and the ferro rod is a reliable and safe way to start a fire on camp.

Features
The TUT is pretty simple once you strip it down, featuring little more than a ferro rod, a paracord and a reflective signaller. It’s all really high quality, however, and if you’re looking for something reliable, this is the must-have for you. Would also make a great gift.

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UCO 8 Hour Micro Candle Lantern

Jim — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:45:50 +0000

UCO 8 Hour Micro Candle Lantern

‘Lovely little tealight lantern for bedtime reading.’

If you’re on the lookout for a simple tealight lantern to turn night-time camping trips into cozy adventures, might we suggest the UCO? With a single tealight, the UCO 8 Hour Micro Candle Lantern will provide 8 hours of gentle candlelight for reading and ambience.

Available in a range of colours, these little beauties make great gifts, and because you can store extra candles in the base, the whole things is super portable and convenient.

Quality and materials
The UCO 8 Hour Micro Candle Lantern is made from high grade, durable aluminium, so it’s lightweight and strong. It takes up barely any space at all, and can be collapsed to just 2.5 inches in height.

Features
Comes with a hanging hook, and is available in a range of attractive colours. The UCO is a lovely addition to your family or weekend getaway camping kit. Simply pop the tealight in the top and light, and the ventilation system underneath keeps the flame strong and steady for hours.

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GoPro HERO11 Action Camera

Jim — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:47:12 +0000

GoPro HERO11 Action Camera

‘The adventure camera with voice control.’

We’re absolutely in love with the HERO11. Hands-free voice commands allow you to record and playback without having to take your hands away from what you’re doing. With full 4K video capabilities, the HERO5 is also GoPro’s most powerful, stunningly crisp and ultra-high-quality video recorder ever.

Record, play,trim and edit your footage, all from inside the GoPro. Easily syncs with your cloud account, too, so that the moments you capture, stay safe, as soon as you’ve got them.

Features

5.3K video and 24MP camera — Super crisp video and high-resolution photos make this GoPro’s most exciting offering to date.

Waterproof — Even without housing, the GoPro HERO11 is waterproof up to 10m.

Voice commands — Control the GoPro HERO11 Action Camera with simple voice commands, leaving your hands free to climb, swim, clamber and clap.

Check out our top 5 best Camping Bluetooth Speakers and Photography

The GoPro HERO11 Action Camera mounts easily to your helmet, and has attachment options for all sorts of clothing and other surfaces. It’s one of our favourite camping and adventure gadgets, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.

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ECEEN Foldable Solar Panel Backpack – 33L

Jim — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:59:31 +0000

But sometimes it’s just necessary to have certain devices charged and ready to go. And for that, you need some serious portable power; reliable energy packs that’ll keep your equipment charged and ready. We’ve picked a few of our favourite portable power packs, including solar-powered energy cells, which you can charge and use again and again, without harming the environment.

As always at Camping Things, you’ll find a lovely balance between quality and value for money, so you’re assured a great piece of kit, whichever one of these power packs you choose.

ECEEN Foldable Solar Panel Backpack – 33L

‘Sizeable backpack with built-in solar panel for charging devices.’

For the tech-loving traveller who likes to make every gram count, the ECEEN foldable backpack is a gem of a find. With a 33L capacity, it’s a sizeable backpack in its own right, but it doesn’t stop there — the ECEEN Solar Panel Backpack folds away into its own handy travel pouch, so that you can pack it away into your suitcase, or keep it in the car for later trips.

The folding solar panel on the front of the front of the ECEEN Solar Panel Backpack is extremely energy-efficient, and collects enough power in just a few hours to power most standard phones and devices.

Build quality
The ECEEN is really well-made. A lot of these folding backpacks can be somewhat of a novelty, but the ECEEN Solar Panel Backpack is a solid bag all-round, regardless of the solar panel.

The solar panel
The panel itself attaches to the front of the backpack and acts as a holding pad when charging devices. It’s energy-efficient, meaning it charges quickly, and comes with a USB adapter so that you can plug devices directly into it.

Check out our guide to top 5 best portable power

Best for
The ECEEN is great for hiking trips and longer holidays. Perfect as a standalone backpack, and for folding away for when you need it.

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Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight

Jim — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:50:47 +0000

As always at Camping Things, you’ll find a lovely balance between quality and value for money, so you’re assured a great piece of kit, whichever one of these power packs you choose.

Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight

‘Solar charger plus built-in flashlight, also rainproof.’

The Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight is a lot like the Innoo in that its durable and made for the extreme outdoors, only the Hiluckey comes with a powerful built-in LED torch, too. It’s around the same size as an iPhone, and with the orange rubber grips on the side, the Hiluckey is actually a pretty good-looking piece of kit in its own right.

Build quality
We can’t fault the Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight on quality or performance. It charges quickly and delivers a solid charge to most power-hungry devices in no time at all. The rubberised outer and ribbed grips make it extremely easy to keep hold of and clip onto your backpack, and the panel itself is tough and hard-wearing.

Features
We love the torch on the back of the Hiluckey. It’s not on all the time, so no need to worry about it draining the power you’ve collected, but when it is on, it’s powerful enough to provide a decent amount of light inside your tent.

Check out our guide to top 5 best portable power

Best for
Regular camping trips, hiking holidays.

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Explore Electric Plasma Lighter

Jim — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:28:51 +0000

What you’re looking at here is a piece of genuine human intuition, the lighter can be charged with the included USB cable in about 2 hours. The multi-functional lanyard consists of an emergency whistle and a paratinder lanyard for lighting a fire quickly.

Build quality
The 3-in-1 thing can be a bit of a novelty, offering devices which don’t really excel at anything, but the Suaoki is different, it performs. It’s well-built and compact, it feels sturdy enough to last on most regular camping trips.

Explore Electric Plasma Lighter

Features
The Explore fire starter element performs well, even in windy conditions, and you should have no problem getting the heat going with just one or two clicks.

Waterproof Arc Lighter
Windproof
Emergency Whistle
No gas required environmentally clean and convenient
High-quality ABS and Zinc Alloy material,durable
1 year guarantee