The Best Gadgets for Your Basecamp Setup

There is something primal about setting up a basecamp. Whether it’s high up in the ridge with the Pacific Ocean in front of you as it rolls into the coastline along Big Sur or nestled among the redwood grove, your basecamp means a whole lot more than just having someplace to lie down to sleep. It’s the mobile headquarters for the adventure. That’s where the mud gets rinsed off, and the tales of mileage achieved get told.

The definition of ‘roughing it’ has evolved in recent years. The outdoor recreation industry has grown to an industry worth over $1 trillion worldwide, and the products we take with us into the outdoors have become much smarter, much lighter, and much more thoughtful. It isn’t just about surviving anymore; it’s about the experience itself.

Starting from high-power solution kits to specialized tools for recovering, the following are the must-have gadgets to upgrade your basecamp this season:

• The High-Capacity Power Hub: Anker Solix C800 Plus

The days of “going dark” are behind us, particularly when considering remote work and trail excursions. A good power station is the pulse in today’s basecamp operation. The Anker Solix C800 Plus has leveled up in popularity because it brings portability and power in a well-balanced package.

It’s 768Wh of storage, which means you’ll be able to charge all your laptops, cameras, and drones to last a weekend. Its most innovative feature for hikers will be the LED camping light accessory that clips off to serve as a camping area light if placed atop a tripod. It is not just a battery bank; it is your whole camp’s lighting system.

• Off-Grid Recovery: Portable Dry Herb Vaporizers

After a hike of 15 miles with a heavily laden backpack, recovery becomes the number one priority. Many day hikers have replaced heavy glass pipes or cumbersome rolls of rolling tobacco with state-of-the-art dry herbal vaporizers. Vaporizers enable one to enjoy botanicals without inhaling harsh smoke and instead conserve precious terpenes found in botanicals that provide a relaxing high after a grueling hike up a mountain. 

Because the market is flooded with options, savvy hikers often look for a vaporizer buying guide to navigate the tech. In a backcountry setting, you want a device with a swappable battery so you aren’t tethered to a charger. Look for hybrid heating systems that combine conduction and convection; they provide the consistent vapor density you need when the temperature drops at night.

• Satellite Safety: Garmin inReach Mini 2

A cell signal in the canyons of Big Sur is pure legend. Garmin inReach Mini 2 sets the bar for messaging in the backcountry. This device, which weighs a mere 3.5 ounces, can send two-way messages via the Iridium satellite system.

There have been recent improvements to the battery life, which now lasts for as long as 14 days in the 10-minute track mode. It’s the peace of mind device for the adventurous person who wants to send an SOS or simply an “I made it to camp” report back to the family.

• Gourmet on the Go: AeroPress Go Plus

Basecamp coffee shouldn’t taste like dirt. The AeroPress Go Plus has refined the ritual of the morning brew. It’s an all-in-one system where the press, filter, and stirrer all nest inside a shatterproof travel mug.

Recent data from specialty coffee associations indicates that travelers are increasingly prioritizing pressure-brewed coffee over instant options. The AeroPress delivers a clean, espresso-style cup in under two minutes, giving you that necessary caffeine kick before you lace up your boots.

• Smart Hydration: Grayl Ultrapress Ti

Water safety is the one area where you cannot compromise or cut corners. Water purification is a matter that requires attention to detail. The Grayl Ultrapress Ti (Titanium) Water Purification System is a revolutionary device because it is a French press purification system. You merely need to fill the device from a stream using the outer casing. Press the inner purification filter down and in 10 seconds, you will be able to dispense 16.9 oz of clean drinking water.

Its titanium construction goes beyond weight reduction and enables you to use one half of it for boiling water in a camp stove setup, giving it a dual purpose. It also filters out viruses, bacteria, and protozoa at a percentage of 99.9%, making it a lifesaver for any basecamp.

Pro Tip: The Basecamp “Flow”

Setting up a successful basecamp is more than owning gadgets; rather, it’s about organization.

• Power Zone: Keep your Solix C800 near the middle of the tent and away from damp ground.
• The Ritual Station: Group your AeroPress and recovery tools, together with things like your vaporizer, so you aren’t rummaging through dry bags in the dark.
• The Safety Check: Clip your Garmin to the outside of your pack so the antenna has a clear view of the sky at all times.

So, what gadgets do you prefer bringing along with you during your adventures?