14 New Tools for Taking on the Great Outdoors Properly | WIREDSkip to main contentMenuSECURITYPOLITICSTHE BIG STORYBUSINESSSCIENCECULTUREREVIEWSMenuAccountAccountNewslettersBest Android TabletsBest Smart RingsDyson VacuumsSmart Home SecurityChoose the Right LaptopDeals DeliveredSecurityPoliticsThe Big StoryBusinessScienceCultureReviewsChevronMoreExpandThe Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED ConsultingNewslettersPodcastsVideoLivestreamsMerchSearchSearchChris HaslamJeremy WhiteGearMay 24, 2026 5:30 AM14 New Tools for Taking on the Great Outdoors ProperlyIt’s time to prep your kit ahead of the summer season. These tools will do the job.Photograph: Antosh SergiewCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyOutdoor plans are getting ambitious. With airfares on the rise, it's time to explore the unknown in your own backyard and further afield. But as we're generally carrying more kit, and staying away longer, your gear has to keep pace—after all, if anything fails in the great wide open, it's unlikely you'll have a spare to fall back on.The adventure market is full of noise: "Military-grade," "expedition-proven," "built for the harshest environments." Many of these claims mean very little. After all, a cooler that keeps ice for five days sounds great until you realize you're carrying an extra 15 pounds to achieve this goal. This guide not only cuts through the hype and focuses on the gear that will serve you well in a pinch, it also makes sure you have as much fun as possible while enjoying the open skies, tree-lined trails, and sandy beaches.Here's our selection of flashlights, tents, kites, and cookers, not to mention a few surprises (a wheelchair-friendly shelter and a frisbee game from a camping chair brand). Good gear doesn't make you a better outdoorsperson. It just gets out of your way. These picks do exactly that.A 3-Person TentCourtesy of THE NORTH FACESave to wishlistSave to wishlistThe North FaceUniversal Collection Wawona 3 Tent$435 The North FaceConsisting of an innovative magnetic-closure sleeping bag, a self-standing, easy-open daypack, and a stylish three-person tent, this laudable, inclusivity-focused collection from The North Face is designed to remove friction points that can prevent people with disabilities from enjoying life outdoors. The freestanding tent is a generous size for a three-person design and comes with equal-length poles for fast, mistake-free pitching. The zippers also have extremely sensible oversized pull tabs, while the low threshold and huge 68.2-square-foot vestibule is big enough to keep two mobility devices safe, dry, and close by.A Lightweight StoveCourtesy of Katadyn ProductsSave to wishlistSave to wishlistOptimusGemini II$199 EnwildTraditional compact camping stoves heat water with ease, but when you want to do more than survive on rehydrated meals and instant noodles, this twin 4,600-watt burner setup gives you the freedom to get creative in your camp kitchen. Weighing just 1 pound, 10 ounces, and measuring 12 x 2.76 x 4.14 inches when folded, it’s easy to carry, the Piezo ignition is highly adjustable, and thanks to the serious power, you can boil a liter of water in just four minutes, or get your gnocchi simmering and parmigiano reggiano and sage cream sauce reducing in seconds.A 3D-Knit WindbreakerCourtesy of UPPERVOIDSave to wishlistSave to wishlistUppervoidAegis S Jacket$145 UppervoidIn a sea of Arc’teryx shells and Salomon hiking shoes, Vancouver-based Uppervoid offers a timely new take on the gorpcore aesthetic. For something impressively original, check out the color grading on its new hardshell jackets, but for the warmer months, this ultra-lightweight windbreaker ticks our trail running boxes. Made from 3D-knitted Toray Airtastic 7D fabric, it is impossibly soft and thin, weighs just 2.8 ounces, yet feels reassuringly durable on the trails. Underarm venting helps heat escape when you start working hard, and it stuffs down so small you’ll forget it’s even in your pack.A Hard-Sided CoolerCourtesy of Newell BrandsSave to wishlistSave to wishlistColemanSnap 'N Go Collapsible Hard Cooler$199 ColemanAvailable in 35-, 45-, and 55-quart versions, Coleman’s ingenious collapsible hard-sided cooler expands or folds in seconds and brilliantly shrinks to one third its size for easy storage. Unlike most soft coolers, it still works properly, promising ice retention for up to 64 hours. Coleman also includes an antibacterial removable liner to keep your cooler stink-free, although be warned, without any wheels on the bottom, once the larger size is full of ice and drinks, it’s just as heavy as the competition to maneuver.A Mini TruckCourtesy of TELO TRUCKSSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTeloMT1 Electric Mini Truck$41,250 Telo TrucksBilled as having Toyota Tacoma capability, Tesla range, and a Mini Cooper footprint, this 5-seat EV truck designed by Yves Béhar goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds and carries a 2,000-pound payload. It has a towing capacity of up to 6,600 pounds, too, while the configurable mid-partition can increase the bed size to accommodate 4 x 8-foot plywood sheets (or, indeed, 8-foot surfboards when the swell calls). Dual-motor versions target 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds, while the largest battery option teases up to 350 miles of range.If you're concerned about performance off the asphalt, the MT1 has 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of ground clearance and independent suspension, which means this compact EV carrier should have genuine off-road capability.A Field WatchCourtesy of VAER WATCHESSave to wishlistSave to wishlistVaerC3 Korean Field Watch$299 VaerWith origins as rugged, “no-frills” military timepieces, field watches are ideal for the outdoors. This US-made 36-mm Vaer is rated for 100-meter water resistance, and with a durable single-dome sapphire crystal and 316L stainless steel casing, it’s properly durable, rather than being just military-inspired. It's also available in 40 mm, and if you don't like this khaki NATO, there's a solid collection of straps, including rubber, stainless steel, and leather, that can transition it easily from backcountry to boardroom. Its outdoor credentials are sealed by the fact that this watch is solar: Just six hours of sunlight will provide six months of power reserve, and it draws power from any light source (even candlelight).Outdoor GamesCourtesy of HELINOXSave to wishlistSave to wishlistHelinoxHeliDisc$99 HelinoxHelinox has taken the same lightweight aluminum engineering that made its camping chairs famous and applied it to a series of fun and portable outdoor games. Packed into a small, transportable case, you’ll find two upright poles with stable, fold-out bases, two targets, and a flying disc. It’s simple, addictive campground fun built using premium materials. Other games in the Play collection include beanbag target game HeliDrop and StringTrees—Helinox’s backcountry twist on shuffleboard that gets suspended between tree trunks.A Pocket KnifeCourtesy of VICTORINOXSave to wishlistSave to wishlistVictorinoxEvoke Alox$140 VictorinoxIn a limited-edition color said to evoke the “serene power of an Alpine glacier,” this 6.3-ounce, classically styled but pared-back Swiss-made knife does away with dozens of tools, including the thingamajig for getting stuff out of a horse’s hooves. Instead, it focuses on a single, lockable 3.9-inch martensitic (highly magnetic and ultra-hard) stainless steel blade. You can open the blade easily with one hand, and the handle is made from ribbed aluminum for better grip, while a practical belt clip adds to the simple functionality.The paracord pendant is a real outdoor boon: It can be taken off and used to rig up anything from animal snares to shelters, lash rafts, or, in a pinch, a tourniquet. When further unwound, the thin nylon strands also make good fishing line, sewing thread—even dental floss.A Powerful FlashlightCourtesy of ACEBEAMSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAcebeamX25$390 AcebeamWhen you’ve eaten all the carrots but still want to see better at night, you need this absurdly powerful flashlight with a staggering 23,000-lumen output from 16 LED emitters. With a range of almost one mile (1,553 meters), it’s a flashlight better suited for search-and-rescue teams than casual dog walks, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say we want one just for the outdoor fun of it all. An OLED display offers detailed battery and output information, while USB-C charging and IP68 water resistance make it more practical than many.A Fun KiteCourtesy of PRISM DESIGNSSave to wishlistSave to wishlistPrismSynthesis Kite$300 PrismImagine the look on Peggy Jean’s face if Charlie Brown had rocked up at the park with this high-performance, dual-line stunt kite. Designed for precision and speed rather than simple flying, it has a lightweight carbon-fiber frame and highly responsive sail geometry, capable of fast turns, controlled tricks, and impressive stability in winds ranging from 3 to 25 mph. At 93 inches wide, it’s a statement in the sky, but rest assured, no matter the quality of Charlie’s aerial showboating, Snoopy will remain wholly indifferent.The Right ShoesCourtesy of KEEN FOOTWEARSave to wishlistSave to wishlistKeenJasper Zionic$150 KeenPositioned somewhere between an approach shoe, a lightweight hiker, and a lifestyle sneaker, the Jasper Zionic is having a moment. Cool collaborations with Gramicci, Snow Peak, and most recently, Pilgrim Surf + Supply have given it a fashion boost. But in truth, it’s just a hugely dependable, extremely comfortable design, whether you’re in the wilderness or popping out to Whole Foods. Sustainable credentials are also on point, with PFAS-free water repellency, ethically sourced suede uppers, and an outsole made from post-consumer plastic and agricultural waste.A Hiking PackCourtesy of Mountain HardwareSave to wishlistSave to wishlistMountain HardwearAlakazam 45 Litre Backpack$575 Mountain HardwearThis is one of the first mainstream hiking packs to use Aluula, an ultralight waterproof material better known in niche thru-hiking circles than major outdoor brands. Weighing under 2 pounds, it’s a superb roll-top bag for those who want to travel light, and thanks to the V-shaped aluminum frame and padded hip straps, weight is distributed evenly for comfort. The waterproof bonded construction eliminates the need for a rain cover, while the GiddyUp compression system lets you cinch different sections down when not needed, even while wearing it.An Electric WagonCourtesy of EllavateWagonSave to wishlistSave to wishlistEllavateElectric Wagon$1,500 EllavateDon’t let young kids or a mountain of gear stop you from exploring further down the beach. This 110-pound capacity twin-motor electric buggy has a range of up to 8 miles, a top speed of a more-than-sprightly 4 mph, plus the reassurance of downhill braking to avoid potential dune-related disasters. Controls are all handlebar-mounted, and thankfully, given its bulk, the front wheels are removable, and it folds down to 37 x 27 x 17 inches for easier transportation.A Water BottleCourtesy of HydrapakSave to wishlistSave to wishlistHydrapakPacflask$42 HydrapakThis is a clever hybrid bottle designed for people who want hydration-pack convenience without committing to a full hydration vest every time they leave the house. This clip-on sleeve holds a soft 17-fluid-ounce flask but has been engineered to attach easily to your backpack straps for hands-free drinking on the move. At 2.8 ounces when empty, it adds barely any weight, while the neat compressible design shrinks as you drink to reduce liquids from sloshing.CommentsBack to topTriangleYou Might Also LikeHow to find us: Add WIRED.com to your preferred sources in GoogleHow the Canvas hack threatened thousands of schoolsBig Story: I've covered robots for years—this one is eerily lifelikeOrbs, saucers, and flashes on the moon—here’s what’s in the UFO filesTake our survey: What does “home” mean to you?Chris Haslam is an award-winning consumer technology journalist with over 20 years’ experience. As contributing editor for WIRED he specializes in audio, smart home, sustainability, and all things outdoors. Testing tents in McLaren’s Monsoon chamber remains a career highlight, while pitching reviews of exercise bikes a week before lockdown 1.0 was ... Read MoreXJeremy White is senior innovation editor at WIRED, overseeing gear coverage, with a focus on EVs and luxury. He also edits gear for the US and UK print editions. Prior to WIRED, he was a digital editor at the Financial Times and tech editor at Esquire in the UK. And ... Read MoreSenior innovation editorInstagramTopicsoutdoorsTravelapparelOutdoor ActivitiesShoppingbuying guidesRead MoreThe 13 Best Coolers for Day and Night DrinkingWe tested coolers on camping trips, road trips, beach days, and at parties to bring you our favorite models for every situation. 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The article provides a curated selection of new tools and gear intended to help individuals properly engage in outdoor activities by moving beyond marketing hype often associated with terms like military-grade or expedition-proven. The author argues that effective outdoor gear must prioritize practical utility, allowing users to enjoy activities like exploring nature without being burdened by unnecessary weight, thereby focusing on gear that performs reliably in challenging situations.

The recommendations cover a wide spectrum of items, including shelter, cooking, apparel, transport, and leisure. For shelter, the North Face offers a three-person tent designed with magnetic closures and features a low threshold and spacious vestibule to accommodate mobility devices. In terms of camp cooking, the Optimus Gemini II stove is highlighted for its high output, which enables creative cooking beyond basic sustenance, such as rapidly boiling water or simmering complex sauces. Apparel features the Uppervoid Aegis S Jacket, a lightweight windbreaker made from 3D-knitted fabric, which offers superior softness and thinness while providing necessary ventilation. For maintaining provisions, the Coleman Snap 'N Go Collapsible Hard Cooler is recommended for its ability to expand and fold quickly while still offering effective ice retention, though the text notes its weight when fully loaded.

For transport and utility, the list includes the Telo MT1 Electric Mini Truck, an electric vehicle designed with Toyota Tacoma capability and on-road performance, offering significant payload and towing capacity along with ground clearance suitable for off-road use. A Field Watch from Vaer, such as the C3 Korean Field Watch, is suggested for its rugged durability, water resistance, and solar-powered capability, making it suitable for backcountry use. Hiking gear is addressed with the Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 45 Litre Backpack, which utilizes ultralight waterproof material and an aluminum frame to distribute weight evenly. Furthermore, items designed for outdoor recreation include the Helinox HeliDisc for portable games and the HeliDrop and StringTrees for unique backcountry activities.

Tools and accessories are also highlighted, such as the Victorinox Evoke Alox pocket knife, which focuses on a single, ultra-hard blade and utility rather than a collection of miscellaneous tools, alongside paracord used for various outdoor applications. For illumination, the Acebeam X25 flashlight is recommended for its powerful output and practical features like an OLED display and IP68 water resistance. Leisure items include the Prism Synthesis Kite, a high-performance stunt kite, and the Keen Jasper Zionic shoes, praised for balancing comfort, dependability, and sustainable materials. For hydration management, the Hydrapak Pacflask is presented as a hybrid solution allowing hands-free drinking while moving. Finally, the selection includes the Ellavate Electric Wagon, an electric buggy designed to handle heavy loads efficiently, addressing the challenge of moving gear while exploring.