Portable Entertainment for Camp

When the hike is over, the fire is lit, and your boots are off - what do you do next? In this episode of Shawn & Mike Take A Hike, we’re diving into the world of portable entertainment for hikers and backpackers. Whether you're heading out for a weekend backpacking trip or a long thru-hike, it’s important to think about how you’ll pass the time once you’ve made it to camp or need a break on trail.

We’ll share some of our favorite lightweight, trail-friendly entertainment options, from compact games and trail journals to downloaded podcasts and music (yes, including a few of our own!). We also explore options like travel-sized card games, e-readers loaded with your favorite books, and even creative pastimes like sketching or storytelling under the stars. For solo hikers and group backpackers alike, having something fun and relaxing to do at the end of the day can make all the difference.

Plus, we’ll talk about how to balance digital entertainment and screen-free relaxation, how to keep things light (in both weight and energy), and why the little things you bring can have a big impact on morale. If you’re a beginner hiker wondering what to pack for fun - or a seasoned backpacker looking to freshen up your gear list - this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover practical, packable entertainment ideas for backpacking, and learn how to make your time off the trail just as memorable as the miles you log on it.