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Camping essentials checklist: 5 outdoor must-haves for your next family trip

By Kim Komando, Komando.com
•
July 6, 2019

Who doesn’t have fond memories of camping as a kid? Who does have fond memories of camping as a kid?

Camping and generally hitting the great outdoors isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. But, adults who hated camping as kids might find they love it now. Anything is possible.

Of course, you need the usual camping accouterments: tents, sleeping bags, portable cooking items, bug repellent, etc. So we’ve put together this shopping guide of items you may not realize you need to keep you safe and connected. Get ready, some of them may be on sale soon on Amazon Prime Day.

1. Stay connected with everyone in your group

Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios (2-Pack)

Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios (2-Pack)

These are definitely not the walkie-talkies you and your friends used to keep in touch with during the pre-smartphone age. Whenever you're hiking, these high-tech devices will give you peace of mind. These off-network, two-way radio walkie-talkies let smartphone users operate and create a mesh network via satellite — even if there's no signal, no internet or Wi-Fi.

All you have to do is download the Talkabout App for Bluetooth functionality. Then you can share your location, send messages off-grid and more. Use these walkie-talkies to easily connect with anyone in your group, even if they're 35 miles away. The off-grid group messaging or broadcasting features can be life-saving.

You can even share your location and track other people when you're offline. Oh, and it comes with an emergency location feature as well as real-time weather updates. All in all, these little lifesavers are well worth the money.
Buy Now
$87.99 on Amazon.com

2. Keep your gadgets charged when you’re nowhere near an outlet

Portable Solar Power Bank External USB Battery Pack

Portable Solar Power Bank External USB Battery Pack

This portable solar charger is packed to the gills with helpful features. This waterproof gadget comes with an LED flashlight. It's compatible with cell phones and tablets. It has three USB ports, so you can charge three devices at the same time.

If you're exploring a sun-drenched area, this is the perfect charger for you. Just remember: It's a good idea to charge this power bank before your trip. After all, Mother Nature is a fickle mistress!
Buy Now
$26.38 on Amazon.com

RELATED: The 5 best weather apps for iPhone and Android

3. Don’t get lost in the dark again

Vont LED Camping Lanterns (2-Pack)

Vont LED Camping Lanterns (2-Pack)

Equipped with 30 LEDs lights, this compact lantern cuts through 360 degrees of darkness even on the stormiest nights. And it has a battery life of more than 30 hours.

You can reduce or increase the light as you collapse or expand the lantern. When fully collapsed, it’s as small as your phone.

Constructed with aircraft-grade materials this lantern is supposed to survive a 10-foot drop, being temporarily submerged under water and even tossed about by toddlers.
Buy Now
$14.31 on Amazon.com

4. Zoom in tight for the perfect smartphone pictures

High Power Prism Monocular and Quick Smartphone Holder

High Power Prism Monocular and Quick Smartphone Holder

How often have you used binoculars and witnessed a beautiful sight that was just too far away to get a photo? Problem solved. With the Gosky Titan monocular you can see 12 times closer with its 50mm objective wide lens.

It also comes with a smartphone holder that allows you to capture those beautiful up-close images. The quick alignment smartphone holder is compatible with almost all smartphones on the market.

The large BAK-4 Prism inside strengthens the key function of the monocular to make your view brighter, clearer and able to catch crisp images.
Buy Now
$85.99 on Amazon.com

RELATED: 11 Amazon Prime perks you’ll wish you knew sooner

5. Juice up your devices on the go

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer

This high-capacity generator comes with a rechargeable lithium power pack. You can charge it through an AC outlet, USB outputs, and solar panels. It can be used to charge smartphones 18 times and laptops four times.

This also comes in handy if your power goes out during a storm. The generator is very portable, weighing almost seven pounds, and has an easy-carry handle. It also generates zero emissions, so neither you, your family nor nature is harmed.

It can be recharged in around 10 hours with the 50W solar panel (sold separately) in full sun while living outdoors.
Buy Now
$239.00 on Amazon.com

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