Over the last five years, camping has become America’s newest obsession. According to a recent survey by camping app The Dyrt, nearly one in four Americans went camping over the last 12 months, and, overall, numbers have nearly doubled from a total of 42 million campers in 2019 to an estimated 83 million in 2023. That includes about 15 million people who camped for the first time last year.

During that time, developers, outdoor gear producers and innovators have unleashed new and old tech to help more people explore the wilderness, backroads and national parks that connect through the United States. Using satellite-linked campers, GPS mapping and e-bikes to off-the-grid lighting, solar-powered cooking, water filtration systems and outdoor shower stations, there have never been so many tools available to ensure a few comfortable nights out under the stars. Eco-friendly camping has also gained popularity, with companies producing biodegradable gear and promoting low-impact practices and campground management software has streamlined operations, optimizing processes like reservations and occupancy tracking.

Whether you’re a first-timer heading into the woods or a seasoned camper venturing into uncharted country, here’s Paste’s list of the best camping tech for 2024. 

Find and Book a Site

Founded in 2013, The Dyrt has grown exponentially using the power of its users to provide information on campgrounds across the United States. There you can find dozens of public and private locations and book a spot at the same time.

Another site, CampScanner has a database of 9,600+ campgrounds at National and State parks, where users can set up alerts and functions to book for them. The site was recently launched as part of Harvest Hosts, the largest RV camping network offering unique overnight stays at farms, wineries, breweries and other attractions.

The idea for Cinch Tents was born out of England’s festival season, creator Jake Jackson told Paste, when he first realized he wanted somewhere to keep “his beer and wellies” without sharing sleeping quarters with them. Finding none, he crafted one himself. Its debut at a festival garnered so much enthusiasm, he knew it had potential. With a background in fashion, Jackson said he endeavored to infuse tent design and accessories with a bit of that industry’s flair—everything from the instruction design to the functionality of the accessories received a makeover.

“I believe the integration of technology into camping has been relatively slow. When we first introduced solar integration in 2015, the concept was nearly nonexistent in camping gear,” he said. “Looking ahead, I envision a future where camping tech seamlessly incorporates solar power, adaptive materials like graphene, wireless technology, and AI.”

For now, Cinch offers several styles of tents, add-ons like solar power, wind-breakers, canopies and storage spaces. Most recently, the company debuted its Air Cruiser, a self-assembling, lightweight rooftop tent with “record-breaking cabin space and any-car compatibility.”

Whether you’ve got a flat tire on your e-bike, want to vacuum-pack your gear or just need to fill up rafts for a lake swim, you’ll eventually need an air pump. Flextail, which makes a wide range of camping gear, has been working on creating the world’s smallest air pump for a few years now. After the success of its Tiny Pump, the company released the Zero Pump this year. Weighing only 12 ounces, this little pump is wireless, rechargeable and can easily fill most sleeping pads 20 times over on a single charge silently. The Zero Pump is also drop-proof, abrasion-resistant and about the size of a lipstick. 

Creating water filters that remove microplastics, bacteria and parasites, Lifestraw has been using the technology to make filtration bottles, purifiers and straws for campers looking to go way off grid. If you’re looking for something small and easy, these Peak Series squeeze bottles are great for hiking trips or overnight stays. Looking for something smaller? Lifestraw just released their newest water straw, the Lifestraw Sip, which is slim and lightweight (less than 3 ounces) and easily stows away in any bag. LifeStraw is also a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand. 

Getting stuck or lost in the backcountry when you’re camping or exploring is a very real risk, but today’s tech has helped solve for a lack of cell phone signal when you’re up on the mountain, on the water or exploring a cave. onX Backcountry allows users to save offline maps, add waypoints like trailheads, your car’s location, water sources or campsites. The app also has a “Discover ” feature online, which allows users to zoom in to any point on the map, tap Discover, and find guidebook quality information for that area.

Arc’teryx Aerios 18 + Beta Jacket

Is there anything worse than a backpack that leaves you sweating and uncomfortable? Light, and made with durable materials that allow easy access and organization, The Arc’teryx Aerios 18 carries your day’s gear so you can move through the mountains with agility and comfort. Perfect for day hikes, biking or any other outdoor exercise, the Aerios 18 features an ultralight 210D Hadron LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) pack fabric that resists abrasion from granite and grit and leaves your back cool. Each of the bag’s side pockets can be secured, making it easy to grab your flask, smartphone or camera without stopping to unzip anything.

Even though warmer temperatures have arrived, you never know when you’ll need a jacket to stave off a windy boat ride, a quick downpour or any other unexpected weather. Just released, the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket is waterproof and windproof thanks to its GORE-TEX ePE membrane, which is strong and PFC-free. The Beta is also helmet-compatible, and features a  StormHood, which protects without compromising vision and a RECCO reflector that can aid in search situations.

Although sleeping bags and pads have been around for decades, they’ve received a huge upgrade over the last few years. The first time we ever went camping, the only advice we received was to set up your tent away from any rocks or large roots. Thankfully, campers today can avoid a rough night’s sleep with the help of a good sleeping pad and a bag that will keep you dry and warm. 

Designed for weather from early spring through late fall, the Parsec 20F/-6C sleeping bag is lightweight, filled with highly compressible 800-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down and made with an ultralight 20-denier GRS-certified recycled nylon shell that saves weight, maintains durability and is eco-friendly. The Parsec also comes with connectors to wrap around your sleeping pad to allow freedom of movement without shifting off the pad and losing warmth.

While Therm-a-Rest makes a full line of sleeping pads, the NeoAir XLite NXT is its newest and measures three inches thick, weighs in at 12.5 ounces and packs down as small as a one-liter water bottle. 

Sun Kettle

Sun kettles have gained in popularity over the past decade because they’re easy to use, don’t require any fuel and can be used for cooking or cleaning. Easily filled and set up, it can boil water for cooking, coffee or a quick clean up within 20 minutes. The 4Patriots Sun Kettle is the Utah-based company’s newest version, featuring an extra-large tank (33.8 ounces of water) and made with shatter-resistant, tempered glass. 

E-Bikes

You’ve finally made it to the campground, unpacked, set up your tent but, oh no! The nearest place to cliff dive is about 30 minutes up the road. Adventuring in Door County, Wisconsin last week, I had the opportunity to test out another e-bike, aside from my main cruiser, the Velotric Discover 2. My Discover, which has a 750W torque sensor motor, a waterproof battery that lasts up to 75 miles, integrated turn signals and a full-color 3.5 inch display with built-in GPS location, is perfect for cruising to the beach or around town, but we needed something a bit more rugged for the trails of Door County. 

Using a fat-tire bike equipped with a throttle allowed me to save my legs to explore more local favorites otherwise. Flush with hidden, pristine beaches, cliff diving, and natural formations only found along the Niagara Escarpment, the peninsula of Wisconsin is the perfect place to camp for a few nights or for a whole season. But, having the e-bike made the trip 1,000 times better as we were able to zip around and explore multiple historical and recreational spots, from Sturgeon Bay and Jackson Harbor all the way up to Washington Island.

Better First Aid

Oh no! Your kid just got stung by his first bee and he’s freaking out! This happened to us while hiking through a few local nature preserves last month and I was able to field test some Magic Molecule. Using hypochlorous acid as an antimicrobial, Magic Molecule works effectively to kill off bacteria, speed up wound healing, and repair damage to the skin. In our case, it was enough to help ease the pain of the sting and continue hiking. Since launching in early 2023, Magic Molecule has obtained FDA approval and sold out three times over. 

Another must-have for the first aid kit, DrySee Waterproof Bandages feature patented liquid intrusion technology that alerts that bandage-wearer when water (or sweat) has breached the seal so you can protect any cuts from possible exposure to contamination from liquids and bacteria. DrySee bandages are also breathable enough to promote fast healing. 

Buggy conditions call for the Beurer BR90 Insect Bite Healer, which works with a light for more accurate targeting. Utilizing ceramic hot plate technology, the Bite Healer can help stop the itch and reduce the swelling. 

Designed as an all-in-one utility headlamp and flashlight, the JordiLight is rechargeable, magnetic and waterproof in up to 164 feet of water. Perfect for camping, it also has a built-in e-compass, navigation and app that can detect if a user falls or needs help and sends a help signal via the app to a pre-saved contact in their phone.

For The Kids

If you’re heading out to the campsite with kids in tow we’ve also compiled a few suggestions to make it easier on them. Presently Goods, an online store specializing in inclusive, sustainable, handmade toys for kids, has a ton of great ideas, but the Let There Be Light Flashlight and Storybook Torch stood out for camping trips. With the Torch, kids can project bedtime stories on the wall from three different discs. The kids Flashlight is thoughtfully designed to fit small hands and to protect their eyes. Designed and built in Hungary, Let There Be Light is made from alder wood, plexiglass lens and cotton rope by individual craftsmen and in small workshops around Budapest.

Dana Forsythe is a freelance writer covering tech, comic books and culture. He lives in Massachusetts, enjoys photographing street art, collecting comics and can be followed via Twitter @danafour.