When you're planning a camping trip, it's easy to focus on the obvious stuff: your tent, sleeping bag and camping stove. But it’s less fun pitching up with a phone battery at 3% or spending half an hour groping around for a torch in the dark. The right camping tech can make a huge difference.
Modern camping technology isn't about turning your campsite into a second home. It's about making life outdoors more practical, safer and more enjoyable. From keeping food chilled to having a campsite movie night!
Whether you're camping at a weekend music fest or you’re doing a wild week in the middle of nowhere, here’s the essential camping tech well worth packing when you’re away from the mains.
What to take camping
Your quick camping checklist of essential tech:
Portable power station - Keeps larger devices running, including laptops, electric cool boxes and camping appliances.
Portable solar panel - Recharges your power station or devices when you're away from mains power.
Power bank - Handy for topping up phones, smartwatches and smaller gadgets on the move.
Camping torch or head torch - Essential for finding your way around after dark.
Camping fairy lights or string lights - Adds ambient lighting inside or outside your tent.
Portable Bluetooth speaker - Music, podcasts and radio wherever you're pitched.
Wireless headphones - Great for solo trips or bedtime listening without disturbing others.
Portable projector - Turns any campsite into an outdoor cinema.
GPS smartwatch - Useful for navigation and hiking routes.
Action camera - Captures hikes, bike rides and outdoor adventures.
Off-grid charging
Running out of power is one of the quickest ways to make any camping trip stressful. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to stay off-grid for days at a time. The key is choosing the right combination of power station, solar charging and portable battery backup.
If you're mainly charging phones and smaller devices, a large power bank for camping might be enough. But if you want to run a laptop, electric cool box or portable fan, you'll want to look at a dedicated power station.
Best portable power station for camping
A portable power station is effectively a giant rechargeable battery with multiple outputs built in. Most models include UK plug sockets, USB-A ports, USB-C charging and often a 12V car socket too.
For camping, a mid-capacity model typically gives you the best balance between portability and runtime. Something around 500Wh to 1000Wh can comfortably handle:
Phone charging for several days
Tablets and laptops
LED campsite lighting
Electric cool boxes
Portable fans
Many modern portable power stations can be recharged from mains electricity before you leave, from your car while travelling or through solar panels once you're on site.
When comparing options, focus on two things:
Battery capacity (Wh) - how much energy is stored.
Maximum output (W) - what devices it can power simultaneously.
If you're planning longer trips, choosing a power station with solar charging add-ons can significantly extend your off-grid time.
Recommended: Ecoflow RIVER 2 Pro 768 Wh Portable Power Station. With a 768Wh capacity, 800W output and support for solar charging, it's powerful enough to run everything from phones to laptops. You can also power cool boxes and small appliances while still being portable enough for camping trips.
Best portable solar panel for camping
Solar power for camping has become much more practical in recent years.
Foldable portable solar panels are lightweight and designed to connect directly to compatible power stations.
Realistically, UK weather might put a dampener on performance. A 100W solar panel won't consistently deliver 100W all day. On a bright summer afternoon, you may come close, while cloudy conditions will reduce output.
Even so, solar charging can provide a valuable trickle of power throughout the day, helping maintain battery levels on longer trips.
Look for:
Foldable designs for easy transport
Built-in kickstands
Weather-resistance
Compatibility with your power station
Solar charging works particularly well when paired with a larger camping power station rather than charging individual devices directly.
Recommended: Ecoflow Lightweight 110W Portable Solar Panel. Featuring a foldable design, IP68-rated weather protection and built-in adjustable stand. It’s a practical option for topping up compatible power stations.
Best power bank for camping
Not every trip needs a full power station. For shorter trips, a high-capacity power bank is still one of the most useful camping gadgets you can buy.
For weekends away, look for:
20,000mAh capacity or more
USB-C charging
Fast charging support
Multiple device outputs
A camping power bank can recharge a smartphone several times while taking up very little room in your bag. If you're hiking, cycling or travelling light, a durable power bank can be a smart choice.
Recommended: Anker Prime 26250 mAh 300 W Portable Power Bank. Unlike many power banks, this one has enough capacity and power output to charge laptops as well as phones and tablets. So, it’s great for longer camping trips. (Or bored teenagers!)
Campsites need camp lights!
From navigating dark trails to illuminating your tent, the right camping lights make life outdoors easier. Here’s our round up of the best and brightest headtorches, string lights and handheld torches.
Lumens explained
Think of lumens as a torch's brightness rating.
150 lumens: A bright light for reading, unpacking gear or moving around a tent.
300 lumens: Plenty for most camping tasks, including walking around the campsite after dark.
600 lumens: Powerful enough to light paths, fields and larger areas around camp.
1000+ lumens: Serious brightness for night hiking and outdoor adventures.
Best head torches for camping
Every camping checklist should include at least one torch. A head torch is particularly useful because it keeps both hands free when cooking, pitching tents or finding gear after sunset. And if you wake up in the middle of the night and need to find the facilities, a reliable headtorch is a godsend!
For hiking and walking, consider a model with:
Adjustable brightness
Rechargeable battery
Waterproof or water-resistant design
Red-light mode for preserving night vision
Recommended: LEPRO LED Head Torch (300 lumens)
These Lepro LED Head Torches give you a 300-lumen beam while keeping your hands free. Its battery is rechargeable and built to last, with its long-life LED rated for up to 50,000 hours!
Best handheld torches for camping
A head torch is great when you need both hands free, but a handheld torch can be the better choice when you need to see further or light up a larger area. They're ideal for navigating campsites after dark or leading the way on evening walks.
For camping, look for:
High lumen output for a brighter beam
A rechargeable battery or USB charging
Water-resistant construction
Multiple lighting modes to balance brightness and battery life
Recommended: Status LED Rechargeable Torch (600 lumens)
If you're looking for a dependable all-round camping torch, the Status LED Rechargeable Torch is a strong choice. Its 600-lumen output is bright enough for navigating dark paths and illuminating larger areas around camp. It even includes a USB charging port that can give your phone an emergency top-up when you're away from the mains. Part torch. Part power bank!
Best camping fairy lights for tents
There's a practical reason camping string lights have become so popular. A set of battery-powered or rechargeable fairy lights provides enough ambient light for reading, or finding essentials inside a tent (without the harsh brightness of a torch). Plus it makes everything super cosy!
Look for:
LED lighting
USB-powered charging
Weather-resistant construction
Warm white light for a snug feel
Recommended: LEPRO 4300024-WW Curtain Lights.
These warm white lights have 8 functions to match your mood. They also come with a remote, so no getting out of that warm sleeping bag when it’s lights out time.
Camp vibes with camping speakers and headphones
A campsite playlist, podcast or audiobook can be the perfect companion after a long day outdoors. The challenge is finding audio gear that can cope with dirt, rain and the occasional knock. That's where outdoor-focused speakers come into their own.
Best portable speaker for camping trips
The best camping speakers are lightweight, tough and have great battery life.
Many premium portable Bluetooth speakers now feature:
Waterproof construction
Dust resistance
12-20 hours of battery life
Built-in carry straps or carabiners
USB charging
Brands such as Sony, JBL and Anker are all excellent options that can handle campsite conditions while delivering surprisingly powerful sound. It's also worth checking out our guide to the best portable speakers if you're struggling to choose.
Just remember to be considerate of neighbouring campers and keep volume levels sensible.
Recommended: JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. The built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip onto a backpack. Plus, its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means it can handle typical campsite conditions without issue.
Best headphones for camping
Camping is great with friends and family. But sometimes you want entertainment without sharing it with everyone else. A pair of Bluetooth headphones can be ideal for solo camping trips, travelling or winding down in the evening.
Features worth looking for include:
Long battery life
Water resistance
Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
Transparency or ambient modes
These listening modes allow you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying music or podcasts, so they’re particularly useful outdoors.
Recommended: Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones. They're lightweight enough to wear for long periods and offer up to 35 hours of battery life with noise cancelling switched on.
Movie nights under the stars
A camping projector might sound like a luxury item. But once you've tried an outdoor movie night, it's surprisingly hard to go back. Plus, modern projectors are smaller, lighter and easier to power than ever before.
If you're choosing a projector for camping, think about:
Battery life
Brightness
Built-in speakers
Wi-Fi streaming support
Bluetooth connectivity
A compact unit paired with a power station can provide several hours of entertainment under the stars.
Best camping projector
A quality portable projector offers the best balance of portability and performance.
Many models now include:
Built-in batteries
Streaming apps
Bluetooth audio support
Auto-focus and keystone correction
Recommended: Anker Nebula Capsule III Smart Full HD Mini Projector. Lightweight and easy to carry, it combines Full HD picture quality, a built-in battery and Google TV in a compact unit weighing just 850g.
Best camping projector screen
If you're going all-in on campsite cinema, a portable projector screen is worth considering.
Look for a screen that's:
Lightweight
Foldable
Quick to assemble
Suitable for outdoor use
A proper screen usually delivers a brighter, sharper image than projecting onto tent fabric.
Recommended: Optoma DP-9046MWL 46" Portable Pull Up Projector Screen. Since you’re trying to fit everything into the back of a car, a cinema size projector screen is probably not what you want. But at 46 inches, this 16:9 Optoma screen is just about perfect. It freestanding and only weighs 2.8kg - around the same as a one-man tent.
Other camping gadgets worth packing
Once you’ve taken care of power, lighting and entertainment, here are a few other bits and pieces you won’t want to leave behind…
Cool boxes have come a long way – whether electric or not. For example, the NINJA FrostVault 47L Hard Cooler can fit 45 cans when loaded with ice – which can stay frosty for up to six days!
GPS smartwatches and fitness trackers help you navigate walking routes and track hikes without constantly checking your phone and draining its battery.
Tablets and eReaders can replace multiple books while taking up minimal space in your backpack.
Action cameras, including GoPro action cameras, are ideal for recording family adventures, like paddleboarding and mountain biking trips.
Tips for keeping tech safe and charged when camping
Fully charge everything before leaving home.
Store electronics in waterproof bags or dedicated protective cases.
Use airplane mode to extend phone battery life.
Bring every cable you may need, including USB-C and charging adapters.
Keep power banks and batteries away from excessive heat.
Avoid leaving electronics in direct sunlight for long periods.
Check weather ratings before taking devices outdoors.
Recharge whenever you get the chance.
Ready to upgrade your camping tech?
The best camping tech isn't about decanting your entire home outdoors. It's about solving common problems before they happen. A reliable power source, practical lighting and a few entertainment options can make camping more comfortable without taking away from getting back to basics!
Whether you're building a complete off-grid setup or simply want a better power bank for camping, you'll find plenty of options across our range of outdoor technology.
And if you've got more outdoor adventures planned, take a look at our festival tech survival kit for more ideas, alongside our range of travel accessories designed to keep you connected wherever you go.
FAQs
Can a portable power station run an electric cool box?
Yes. A portable power station can run an electric cool box provided its output and battery capacity meet the cool box's power requirements. As a simple example, a 500Wh power station powering a 50W cool box could theoretically run it for around 10 hours, although real-world performance will vary.
How do you charge devices when camping without electricity?
You can charge devices when camping without electricity using power banks, portable power stations, solar panels or a vehicle's 12V socket. Power banks are best for phones and smaller gadgets, while power stations are better suited to powering multiple devices and appliances.
Is it safe to leave a power station in a tent overnight?
Yes, provided you follow the manufacturer's guidance. Keep the power station dry, well-ventilated and away from bedding or other materials that could trap heat. Avoid blocking vents and always use charging cables designed for the device.
Do I need a campsite with electric hook-up?
No. Electric hook-up provides a convenient supply of mains electricity, but it's no longer essential for many campers. A portable power station combined with solar charging can provide enough power for lighting, device charging and small appliances.
