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7 Tiny Camping Accessories That Can Make or Break Your Next Trip

From lights to knives to filters, this outdoor gear is easier to pack, lighter to carry and even, yes, more fun.

Snow Peak

By Hayley Helms

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In the 1960s, Mars, maker of fine treats such as Snickers, Milky Way and Twix, attempted to tradmark “fun” after selling mini versions of its popular candies with great success. Although the brand failed to stop other companies from using the pretty ubiquitous word, it did help popularize the idea of smaller being better — and the notion extends far beyond the bounds of sugary snacks.

In the outdoors, there can be no doubt that bigger isn’t always better. Some of our editors’ favorite gear is pint-sized. It’s easier to pack, lighter to carry on more challenging adventures and often, yes, more fun. With that in mind, here’s some of the best mini outdoor gear around.

A Tabletop Fire Pit

Want the glow of a campfire, without having to make kindling, tend to the flame and clean up the ashes afterward?

The Cinder Tabletop Bowl is a great addition to any campsite (or living room) and although it won’t roast marshmallows in the same melty way as a full-size blaze, its entertainment value is enough to overlook any s’mores shortcomings.

Weighing in at 5.62 pounds and standing 4.35 inches high, it’s small enough to tote along on pretty much any car camping adventure (though we wouldn’t recommend adding to your backpacking kit).

A Tiny LED Lantern

A miniaturized version of a beloved existing light, the Mini Hozuki is trademark Snow Peak — innovative, cool and useful. While it can rest on a flat surface, the magnetic fastener makes it easy to attach to or hang anywhere you need it.

The LED light is designed to be warm like a candle, not harsh, and 60 lumens provide just the right amount of illumination. Ideal as a reading light, among other things, the Mini Hozuki isn’t rechargeable; it takes AAA batteries, which feels like a throwback in and of itself.

A Lantern That Provides Warmth

Yeah, LEDs are cool, but when you’re snow camping, backpacking, mountaineering or exploring the backcountry, a little warmth is always welcome. UCO’s offering is a 6.4-ounce lantern that can fold down into a 4.25-inch package.

The aluminum canister can hold either UCO nine-hour or citronella candles, or 12-hour beeswax candles, it provides ample light and warmth and it can remove condensation from chilly tents and vestibules.

A Life-Saving Water Filter

Little package, lots of power: it’s an apt way to sum up the Peak Series Solo, which can fit in the palm of your hand and has the power to filter out viruses, bacteria and other nasties from your backcountry drinking water. Screw this GP100 honoree onto a standard plastic bottle, and fresh water is at your fingertips wherever you roam.

A Pocket Knife That Fits Anywhere

You can never have enough tiny blades, right? Keep WESN’s Microblade in your pocket, your pack, your glovebox … you could even keep it in the fold of your beanie, although we wouldn’t recommend that.

Measuring 3.75 inches open and weighing a single ounce, the Microblade boasts power beyond its size. The ceramic bearings, titanium scales and D2 tool-grade steel will take a beating and get the job done.

A Sling Pack to Expand Your EDC

Hands-free can be key, but sometimes you don’t need an entire 25-liter pack to have an adventure. This writer carries the 2-liter Refraction Sling every day, whether she’s running errands or hiking trails.

The weather-resistant 4-ounce bag fits all the essentials (besides a water bottle) including a phone, hydration packets, pocket knife and first aid. If you want just what you need on hand, and nothing more, it’s the ideal companion.

A Headlamp with a Long Battery Life

The slim and simple Headlamp 325 from Biolite has made our “best of” lists for some time now. It’s comfortable to the point of forgetting you have it on, easy to operate and has solid battery life.

The 325 can run on low for 40 hours, features four individual light modes, is rechargeable and sits flush against your head, with no bouncing.

This headlamp is comfortable for kids or adults, and at less than 50 bucks, is an affordable way to light the way for the whole family (besides maybe your dog).

Hit the (Dirt) Road

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