30 Apps, Gadgets, and Items You Need For Your Backpacking Adventure

Backpacking can be one of the most fun and rewarding ways to travel. The key is to travel light, so it's essential that you know what you need to bring.

Here are some of the best gadgets and apps for your backpacking adventure.

1. Prey: Track and Lock Your Devices Remotely

A stolen phone or tablet can ruin your adventure pretty quickly. Thankfully, the Prey app allows you to track and find your stolen goods.

It's free to use and allows you to lock your device and wipe your data remotely. It logs important info for the police too, making it a must-have for a safe trip.

2. goTenna: Use GPS While You're Off the Grid

Never worry about bad coverage again! goTenna is a device that pairs with your phone and allows you to use text and GPS, even in the middle of nowhere.

It works by creating a mesh network to relay information. So the more people who use goTenna, the better connected you'll be. 

3. Hopper: Get the Best Deals On Your Flights

Don't pay top dollar for your airfare. The Hopper app will predict when flights will be at their cheapest, and inform you of the best time to buy.

You can book your flights directly through the app, and could potentially save as much as 40% off your next airfare. The app is free to download on both iOS and Android.

4. LifeStraw: Make Contaminated Water Safe to Drink

It's important to stay hydrated while you travel, and finding clean, drinkable water has never been easier. LifeStraw allows you to drink water anywhere, safely filtering out 99.9% of harmful bacteria.

You can filter over 1,050 gallons (4,000 liters) of water with one LifeStraw, and its compact design makes it perfect for backpackers.

5. AirHelp: Compensation For Delayed Or Canceled Flights

If your travel plans are interrupted by a canceled or delayed flight, you don't have to bear the financial burden. AirHelp is an app that checks your details, and can get you compensation for the inconvenience.

They handle the claim for you, and can get you up to $700 in compensation. The app is free to download on iOS and Android, and could save you a lot of money and grief.

6. LuminAID: Lightweight Solar Lanterns 

Lighting your campsite has never been simpler thanks to LuminAID. They create a variety of solar-powered, lightweight lanterns that you can pack with you on your journey.

Their specially designed lanterns fold away neatly when not in use, and even include USB jacks so you can charge your phone. At maximum charge, their batteries can last for 50 hours. Definitely a must for off-road travelers.

7. WiFi Map: Stay Connected While You Travel

Don't miss out on the latest news and events while you're on your adventure. WiFiMap is a free app that shows you the closest free WiFi locations, as well as their passwords.

All the information on the app has been submitted by users, and their database covers everything from major cities to small villages. It's free to download on iOS and Android, and is the easy way to stay online during your travels.

8. BioLite CampStove: Cook A Meal And Charge Your Devices

Keep yourself and your phone fully-charged on your journey with a BioLite CampStove. The stove allows you to cook food and boil water, while converting its fire's energy into electricity you can use to power your devices.

The stove can charge your devices in real time, or store the energy generated in its battery for use later on. All you need are some dry twigs to start cooking and charging!

9. Converter+: Convert Currencies, Measurements, and More

Keeping track of currency conversion rates while abroad can be difficult. Converter+ is a free-to-use app that allows you to check up-to-date currency conversion rates.

The app also lets you convert measurements, clothing sizes, and calculate fuel costs and daily expenses. It's a super easy way to keep track of your spending while on the go.

10. Seattle Sports Solar Camp Shower: No More Cold Camp Showers

Showering at a campsite can be a chilly, unpleasant experience. Luckily the Seattle Sports Solar Camp Shower can give you a hot shower, wherever you are.

Its collapsible bag warms water with solar power, so you don't need to shiver through another outdoor wash. Just hang it up and get cleaned up.

11. Hitlist: Get the Most From Your Trip

Hitlist is an app that not only gets you to your destination at the lowest price, but advises you on what to do and see once you get there. It compares hundreds of flights and fares so you can find the best fit.

Once you've booked your fares, it gives you tons of options on places of note and things to see at your destination. See as much as you can, for the lowest price.

12. Handpresso Pump: Perfect Espresso On the Go

Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you need to miss out on some creature comforts. The Handpresso Pump is a portable espresso machine that lets you get your caffeine fix anywhere.

It can be used with coffee grounds or pods to make perfect espresso. Just pump up the pressure with the hand pump and add hot water.

13. Powertraveller Solar Charger: The Ultimate Powerbank

You might not always have access to electricity on your travels. That's where Powertraveller's range of solar chargers step in.

Available in a variety of sizes and styles, Powertraveller's products allow you to harness the sun's power to keep your devices charged. They offer compact, travel-sized powerbanks that are ideal for camping and backpacking.

14. Trail Wallet: Helping You Budget Your Adventure

It's easy to lose track of how much money you're spending on the road. Trail Wallet is a handy app that tracks your spending, dividing your habits into easy-to-understand charts and categories.

Just input the costs as you go, and Trail Wallet does the rest. With its comprehensive data, you can better figure out daily budgets and where you can afford to cut back on your spending.

15. Sea to Summit Coolmax Insect Shield: Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite

Designed specifically for humid, bug-filled areas, the Coolmax Insect Shield is a bag liner that can be placed in your sleeping bag to keep you cool and protect you from creepy crawlies.

It can be used within a sleeping bag, or on its own in hot weather. The ultimate sleeping aid for keeping you cool, dry, and bug bite-free.

16. Cardsharp2: The Most Compact Utility Tool You'll Ever Use

Backpacking is all about keeping your belongings light and compact. The Cardsharp2 is the ideal utility tool for backpackers. With its ability to fold to about the size of a credit card, it can fit right in your wallet.

It's sharp enough to cut through a seatbelt in case of emergency, and long enough to cut ingredients while cooking. It's one simple, useful gadget that you won't want to travel without.

17. VAGO Vacuum: Saving Valuable Space in Your Backpack

VAGO is a portable vacuum compressor that takes the pain out of packing. Just place your clothes in a vacuum bag, and let VAGO compress them.

VAGO can save you up to 50% of space in your backpack, meaning you have more room for souvenirs! 

18. CaliCase: Protecting Your Phone From the Elements

Go swimming, surfing, and diving without worrying about your phone. The CaliCase is a fully-waterproof floating phone case that protects your phone whatever the weather.

No leaks, no sinking - just peace of mind. The CaliCase comes in a variety of colors, and is perfect for beach-filled backpacking trips.

19. Maps.me: Helping You Navigate Offline

Never worry about getting lost on your great adventure. Maps.me is an app that allows you to access hundreds of detailed maps, all of which are fully available offline.

The app is free to use, and allows you to bookmark specific points of interest to visit later. It also allows you to book taxis directly, and check up-to-the-minute traffic information.

20. Firebox Nano: The Ultimate Backpacking Stove

Whether you're building a campfire or rustling up some food, the Firebox Nano is the perfect option for backpackers who like to travel light.

This tiny stove neatly folds away, and can be used to burn wood or connect to gas burner. Setting up camp has never been easier!

21. CamelBak All Clear: Purifying Water With UV Light

Drink from any river or lake with a CamelBak All Clear UV Water Purifier. This genius waterbottle comes with a built-in UV bulb to eradicate any contaminants in the water.

Just fill with water and wait 60 seconds while the CamelBak's UV technology kills any dangerous bacteria and viruses. Fast, safe, and essential for anyone traveling in the great outdoors.

22. Scrubba Wash Bag: Keeping Your Clothes Fresh 

Laundry is the last thing you want to do on vacation, but sometimes you really need to scrub up. The Scrubba Wash Bag is a compact, portable bag that lets you wash your clothes anywhere.

Just add water, detergent, and your dirty clothes. Seal the bag, deflate it with the air valve, and start scrubbing! Rinse with clean water and voila! Perfectly clean clothes, no matter how far you are from a laundromat.

23. Townske: Take the Path Less Traveled

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Want to find a city's hidden gems or experience your surroundings like a local? Townske is an app that clues you into everything you need to know about your destination, written by the locals themselves.

Find the best cafés and restaurants off the beaten track, along with landmarks and points of interest you won't find in a travel guide. 

24. ThermaCELL Heated Insoles: Stay Cozy Every Step of the Way

There's nothing worse than hiking around with cold, wet feet. Protect yourself with some ThermaCELL heated insoles.

The insoles are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and are fully insulted to stop heat from escaping. Their water-resistant liner will also keep your feet nice and dry.

25. VSSL Flask Light: A Space-saving Combo

Save space in your backpack by picking up this ingenious combination - a flashlight and a flask all in one! The VSSL flask light is perfect for late night drinks around the campfire.

It's made from glass-infused aluminum, to best preserve the flavor of your drink while remaining lightweight. Its batteries can last for 40 hours, meaning you can enjoy long nights of fun on your trip.

26. Roadtrippers: Never Miss An Attraction

Get the most out of your adventure with the Roadtrippers app. This free-to-use app for iOS and Android shows you the best routes for hitting up must-see sights and attractions.

It will even tell you about hidden treasures along your route that might be of interest as you're passing through. An absolute must for road-trips and cross-country travels. 

27. Sea to Summit Ultralight Sleeping Mat: Making Every Night Comfortable

If you're spending your days hiking in the wilderness, you'll need to get a good night's sleep to recharge. Sea to Summit's Ultralight Sleeping Mat is a super compact mat that will ensure absolute comfort.

Just inflate the mat at your campsite, and settle down for some quality shut-eye. Light, compact, and perfect for backpacking and camping.

28. Steamfast Mini Iron: Stay Looking Sharp 

Sometimes you want to look your best, even if you're living out of a backpack. The Steamfast Mini Iron is one of the world's smallest steam irons, letting you get rid of unsightly creases on your trip.

It heats in one minute and weighs less than a pound. A lightweight accessory to bring with you in case you need to look smart in a hurry.

29. Insect Shield Outdoor Blanket: Protecting Against Bites and Diseases

Keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs at bay with the Insect Shield Outdoor Blanket. This polyester blanket repels nasty critters, protecting you from bites and risks of malaria.

Carry it with you on your outdoor adventures, and stay healthy and bug-free.

30. Snap Spectacles: Capture Your Favorite Moments In A Snap

Enjoy the moment while capturing it, thanks to Snap Spectacles. These super cool sunglasses let you take photos and videos which wirelessly sync to your Snapchat account.

No need to bury your face in your phone - stream directly from your glasses! Now your friends at home can experience your journey with you!