It’s that time of year—temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter, and many people pack up their outdoor gear until spring. But the onset of winter doesn’t mean your camping adventures have to come to an end. All it takes is some preparation and the right gear. And with the latest innovations in clothing and winter camping gear, you can explore and enjoy the crisp days and snowy vistas in style and comfort.
From space-age camping stoves to clothes that heat themselves, here are 10 must-have outdoor gadgets to keep you outdoors and on the go all winter long.
1. MSR WindPro II Backpacking Stove
When it’s cold out, it’s important that you are able to get hot food and drinks in. For winter camping, you need a stove that is tough, reliable in the cold, and easy-to-use. Most lightweight stoves tend to come with either liquid fuel or canisters. Canisters are simple to use but don’t always work well in the cold. Liquid fuel works at any temperature but can be testy to get started. These cool outdoor gadgets combine the best of both worlds.
The MSR WindPro II Backpacking Stove takes winter cooking to a new level because now you don’t need to choose between canister or liquid. Flip the canister upside down and the stove switches to liquid fuel; turn it right side up for simmer control or highly efficient fuel usage. And with the fuel canister out of the way, you can use a windshield to increase its effectiveness in bad weather even more.
Not only does it look like it belongs on the space shuttle, but this efficient, compact, and lightweight stove (just 6.6 ounces) is also amazingly versatile. It supports pots up to 10 inches in diameter and is compatible with bake ovens too.
2. ThermaCELL Pocket Warmer Heat Pack
Keep your fingers toasty with the ThermaCELL Pocket Warmer Heat Pack, which leaves those disposable, air-activated hand warmer packets in the dust. Not only can you use it again and again since it’s rechargeable, but it’s durable enough to withstand the elements and gives you three heat settings to get just the right level of comfort. And hold onto your beanies, because Bluetooth compatibility means you can use your phone to switch between different temperature settings.
3. Ravean Heated Outerwear
A good, warm jacket is essential when it comes to camping in winter temps, but you’ll never go back to good after you experience the outdoor invention bliss of heated jackets. Down fill is a cold-weather classic, and Ravean Down X Heated Jacket for Men and Ravean Down X Heated Jacket for Women kicks it up a few notches.
You can control this jacket’s internal temperature with heated back, chest, and pockets that can keep you completely warm in temperatures from -10 degrees to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 degrees to 12 degrees Celsius). These lightweight jackets have removable and adjustable hoods and are made from 100% washable, water-resistant material. And the icing on the cake? They can simultaneously charge your mobile device too.
4. Ravean Heated Gloves
If you’re going high tech with the ultimate heated jacket, why not complete the set with a pair of Ravean Heated Gloves? Your fingers can comfortably handle the coldest temperatures with three heat settings and a battery charge that lasts up to six hours. These gloves also have elastic straps so you don’t have to worry about losing them as you venture across the backcountry.
Say goodbye to sacrificing the ability to grab things for warmth, because these gloves have goatskin leather palms, thumbs, and fingertips. And—wait for it—they’re also touchscreen compatible.
5. Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp
In the winter months, there aren’t as many hours of natural light for your adventures, so a good headlamp is a must. The ReVolt Headlamp has a sleek, low-profile design so it won’t get in the way as you trek back to camp after a day in the wilderness. Its LEDs provide 130-lumens of light, with both a dimming feature and red night-vision mode.
But the best part about these next generation outdoor inventions is the power options and longevity. The ReVolt Headlamp is USB chargeable, with the option of using AAA batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion. And you can fit in a ton of camping activities in low light with as much as 300 hours off a single charge.
6. North Face One Bag Sleeping Bag
Not much is worse when camping than being cold when you’re trying to sleep. The North Face One Bag Sleeping Bag takes care of that with an ingenious 3-in-1 sleeping system. Interchangeable layers allow you to configure the bag for temperatures of 5 degrees, 20 degrees, or 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees, -7 degrees, or 5 degrees Celsius). It’s versatile enough for taking out in the fall, winter, and spring.
The North Face wasn’t content with just giving you a sleeping bag for different temperature ranges, the mid-layer also converts to a shawl, and the bottom layer rolls up into a pillow. The One Bag is your ultimate Go, Go, Gadget winter camping sleeping bag.
7. Thermacell ProFlex Heated Insoles
Options and information are readily available on how to dress for winter camping, but sometimes we forget about our feet—until our toes ache and start to go numb. Don’t worry, Thermacell ProFlex Heated Insoles have your feet covered. Keep the cold temps at bay with these water-resistant insoles that will keep your feet warm for up to six hours. And once you get your insoles fitting just right, you can leave them because the rechargeable batteries can be taken out without removing the whole insole. Because the batteries charge via USB, you can use a portable charger to keep your feet warm for your entire camping trip.
8. Leatherman Stainless-Steel Tread Bracelet Multitool
Forget digging around with gloves in a pocket or bag when you need a tool on your winter campout. With this must-have outdoor gadget, all you need to do is pull up your sleeve.
The Leatherman Tread Bracelet gives you a whopping 29 tools around your wrist. That’s right, this tough yet strangely stylish bracelet contains a variety of items, including box wrenches, hex drives, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as a carbide glass breaker, cutting hook, socket drive adapter, sim card pick, and bottle opener. Just slip it on and you can be ready for anything. And if plane travel is part of your plans, the Tread LT version is also TSA compliant.
9. Chaheati Heated Camping Chair
Camping chairs are portable, versatile, and provide comfort on the go—until you have a cold breeze that freezes your entire backside (which is pretty much all winter). Stop the shivering and keep your buns warm with the Chaheati Heated Camping Chair. It looks and functions like a typical camping chair, but with four temperature settings, it feels a whole lot different. And the rechargeable battery lasts for hours, so you can sit and relax as long as you want. This heated chair is a toasty addition to your winter camping gear.
10. Ember Travel Mug
The easiest way to warm up is from the inside out, but keeping your beverages hot for long while camping can be tricky. No problem, says the Ember Travel Mug, a temperature controlled mug. You set your preferred drink temperature (120 - 145 degrees Fahrenheit, 49 - 63 degrees Celsius) and the mug does the rest, for up to two hours per battery charge. Pair with an app on your phone to set your temperature and customize presets, or set your temperature on the mug itself. An LED display on the mug itself shows the temperature and battery life so you’re never caught by surprise with a cooled beverage.
This mug is tough enough to go with you too, with a 360-degree push-to-open lid and fully submersible up to one meter deep. So a little snow isn’t going to phase this next-generation drink container.
Dominate Winter Camping
With these cool must-have winter camping gadgets, you can brave—and conquer—any cold weather camping destination. Get started with the Ravean Down X Heated Jacket and stop waiting for the perfect conditions. The world is yours to explore, no matter what the weather.