Issue 10 / Backpacking Gadgets That Will Blow Your Mind

by Geeta Wahab

Backpacking Gadgets That Will Blow Your Mind

Aug 11, 2015

With backpacking becoming increasingly popular, here's our list of must-pack gadgets.

The major difference between hiking and backpacking, is that with hiking you usually go home at the end of the day and with backpacking you're in it for the long haul. So roll up your tents, grab some snacks and make sure to pick up some handy gadgets for your backpacking adventure. We've narrowed it down to a few must-hit retailers to stock up on your backpacking needs.

iStore

Today's paradise for the outdoor person, is bringing your gadgets with you. Sure we aren't talking all of your gadgets (you are backpacking after all) but these ones will definitely add some colour to your jaunt. The Canadian terminal retail favorite iStore is now expanding their space to the malls and have some pretty cool stuff. Feel the need for tunes? Braven Mira Portable Water-Resistant Speaker ($109.95 CDN and available in a variety of colours) can do the trick. Want to take the tunes while you bike the trails? Outdoor Tech Buckshot Bluetooth Speaker with Bicycle Mount ($49.95 CDN and available in a variety of colours) is perfect! Need to give your buddies some peace and quiet? Do just that with Skullcandy Knockout On-Ear Headphones ($99.95 CDN and available in a variety of colours) which comes with a stylish multi-purpose zipper wristlet. Don't be left out in the cold with no juice! Keep your essentials charged with WakaWaka Power+ Portable Solar Charger & Lamp ($99.95 CDN). Perfectly suited to charge your must-have gadgets, and serves as a pretty groovy light source all with solar power connection making it perfectly eco-friendly.

^{Braven Mira Portable Water-Resistant Speaker}
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of iStoreWorld

^{Outdoor Tech Buckshot Bluetooth Speaker with Bicycle Mount

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of iStoreWorld}

^{WakaWaka Power+ Portable Solar Charger & Lamp}
^{Photo Credit: Image courtesy of iStoreWorld}

^{Skullcandy Knockout On-Ear Headphones}
^{Photo Credit: Image courtesy of iStoreWorld}

Canadian Tire

You’ll find all sorts of camping, backpacking and hiking gear at Canadian Tire. The Wood Camouflage Camp Cot ($94.99 CDN) will help you get a full night’s rest even out in the wilderness and the Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater ($99.99 CDN) will help keep you cozy. The Tasco 16×32 Roof Prism Binoculars ($39.99 CDN) are perfect to scope out your camp site, trail or wildlife.

^{Tasco 16×32 Roof Prism Binoculars

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Canadian Tire}

^{Wood Camouflage Camp Cot}
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Canadian Tire

^{Mr.Heater Little Buddy Heater}
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Canadian Tire

Mountain Equipment Co-op

The name says it all. Carrying everything from packs, to the right clothes, to nifty gadgets, Mountain Equipment Co-op is a must-stop shop for backpacking, hiking and camping. Check out the Unisex Garmin Vivoactive Activity Tracker ($330 CDN). This watch is equipped with GPS, an activity tracker and sport-specific apps, and can be worn while you run, bike or swim. The Petzl Tikka Headlamp ($30.75 CDN) comes in a few different colours and will light up your hike, or if you’re daring, your cave diving experience. And to help ensure you always have fresh, clean drinking water, pick up a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter ($360 CDN).

^{Katadyn Pocket Water Filter}
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Mountain Equipment Co-Op

^{Petzl Tikka Headlamp}
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Mountain Equipment Co-Op

Geeta Wahab

Author

Cultivating a life she loves, Geeta (@geets.suites) is chasing all her passions, including her love for home décor. As a brand new home owner, her current journey has launched her further into that world - check out her Instagram @geets.suites for tidbits of her story and other decorating pieces. A...