Living out of a backpack for any length of time is, at once, exhilarating and highly inconvenient. Whether you’re hiking the High Sierras or trekking your way across South America, the desire for the basic comforts we become accustomed to at home is often at war with the desire to travel light and sustainably.
You should enjoy every second of your next trip, but you should do so sustainably and responsibly (and without lugging around too much dead weight!) So, before you hit the open road, consider these high-tech, sustainable, and all-around cool gadgets to make living out of a pack more convenient and enjoyable.
1. Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Recharger
This lightweight, portable power supply will keep your laptop and tablet charged up wherever you may go. The Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Recharger quickly recharges from wall, car or sun. It's easy to pack and light to carry, so your gear can last as long as you do.
2. Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is as functional as it is convenient. It helps keep you hydrated and healthy by removing 99.99999% of all bacteria, like salmonella, cholera, and E.coli, and 99.9999% of all protozoa, like giardia and cryptosporidium. And, unlike other water filters, it can be squeezed into other dishes, like a cooking pot or a water bottle. It's lightweight, and should last for 100,000 gallons.
3. Petzl E+LITE Emergency Headlamp
Not only will this headlamp keep you safe, it will do so without taking up valuable pack space. The compact Petzl E+LITE Emergency Headlamp can be stored with its batteries for ten years or used as a backup headlamp. Its white or red, continuous 50-lumen light or strobe light helps you to be seen, and the built-in whistle allows you to easily and quickly signal an emergency. Plus, it weighs in at only 26 grams.
4. Scrubba Wash Bag
This small, portable washing machine will make your journey easier, cheaper and more eco-friendly. The Scrubba Wash Bag weighs less than five ounces and saves water while cleaning your clothes with hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules. Think of it as a smaller, lighter and more efficient washing board. Bonus: It also works as a dry bag.
5. Goal Zero Flip 10 Recharger
Your phone serves many purposes when you travel, so you'll need to keep it fully charged. The Goal Zero Flip 10 Recharger is a solar-powered phone charger, as well as a charger for fitness trackers and other small devices. It's USB rechargeable and solar ready for all of your off-grid adventures.
6. Handpresso Pump
Who says you have to give up some of the finer aspects of home life while you backpack? The Handpresso Pump gives you the luxury of a hot caffeine kick wherever you are — even if it's miles away from a neighborhood coffee shop. And the best part? All you need is your favorite ground beans — no batteries or electricity — so it's good for the environment, too.
7. Sony Digital Recording Binoculars
Take your journey with you wherever you go with a pair of binoculars that record what you see. The Sony Digital Recording Binoculars are capable of 25x zoom, image stabilization and video recording in HD, 4K, and 3D. Bird watching never sounded so cool.