High-tech camping gear to make the outdoors more comfortable

Camping has always been a favorite American pastime, especially during the summer months. Thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, pitching a tent in the great outdoors is more popular than ever -- RV sales soared and campgrounds already started booking to capacity late in the spring of 2021. Some people go camping to disconnect from technology and go back-to-basics; to cook over a campfire, rely on candlelight to read; and use a manual compass to guide the way. For the rest of us, there's this guide.

Enter the rising trend of "glamping" -- all of the outdoor fun with none of the headaches, thanks to smart gear and extra-comfy mobile accommodations. Forget boiling water to decontaminate it. Forget sleeping on hard, uneven surfaces. Camping has evolved -- and now even a tenderfoot can rough it without feeling too rough. CBS Essentials has rounded up the lightest and most innovative gear, including an all-season tent, cooking equipment and other camping staples that will help make your outdoor adventure a little less wild.

Sawyer mini filtration system

Nothing can derail a camping trip like a stomach illness. The Sawyer mini filtration system is a portable gadget that, per the company, removes 99.99 percent of all bacteria (salmonella, cholera, and E. coli) and 99.99 percent of all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium) so you can drink water without worry. It easily attaches to a bottle, pouch, or hydration pack, but users can even drink directly from any fresh water source.

You can find the complete list of high tech camping gear, put together by Leah Groth here.