WIRED highlights 14 new outdoor tools—from accessible three‑person tents and portable stoves to a high‑lumen flashlight and a compact collapsible cooler—designed to simplify summer adventures and reduce friction on backcountry trips and beach outings.
Volkswagen confirms the ID.Buzz will return for 2027 with two trims: Tourer 4Motion (camping-oriented, based on the European Good Night Package) featuring a fold-out mattress, blinds, ventilation panels, stowable table and chairs, plus Overnight Mode; Pro S 4Motion adds a retractable tow hitch, captain’s chairs, electrochromic roof glass and 20-inch wheels. Other updates include one-pedal driving, refreshed ID.S 6 software with a faster navigation and easier settings, a free one-year In-Vehicle Premium trial, a native NACS charging port, and simplified two-tone paint options. VW did not yet announce price or range changes.
A BBC Health piece reports that a weekend of camping can shift the circadian clock about two hours earlier by immersing people in natural daylight and reducing artificial light, helping align sleep with the day-night cycle and potentially lowering risks linked to late bedtimes. Based on Kenneth Wright’s research and campers’ experiences, the article notes outdoor sounds can aid sleep and offers tips for first-time campers to improve comfort while adapting to nature.
Yeti unveils the Trailhead Field Chair, a lighter (about 9.3 lb vs 13.3 lb), cheaper ($225 vs $300) version of its Trailhead Camp Chair that drops armrests, uses Twilite fabric, and supports up to 350 lb; it folds to 37 inches, comes in black or tan with a carry bag, lacks a cup holder (but a $20 add-on is available).
Old power banks can still be useful for various practical purposes such as powering portable speakers, emergency lights, camping gear, or even jump-starting cars, provided they are still in good condition. They should be safely disposed of if damaged or swollen, but otherwise can be repurposed or even rebuilt for extended use.
A man in New Mexico contracted the bubonic plague after camping near Santa Fe National Forest, marking the first human case in the state this year, likely transmitted via flea bite from infected rodents; similar cases have occurred in California.
The camp leader at Camp Mystic in Texas delayed evacuating despite a severe flood warning, leading to fatalities among children and counselors during the Hill Country floods. The leader received the warning at 1:14 am but only began evacuating at 2:30 am, after conferring with family. The incident highlights communication issues and delayed responses amid a chaotic emergency, with ongoing investigations into the response efforts and search for missing persons.
A severe storm in central Texas caused catastrophic flooding, resulting in over 100 deaths, extensive property damage, and highlighting the impact of climate change and drought conditions that worsened the flood's severity. The event was exacerbated by delayed warnings, night-time flooding, and the area's vulnerability, including flood-prone camps along the Guadalupe River.
Children’s camps in Texas, specifically Camp Mystic and Camp La Junta, were located in flood-prone areas along the Guadalupe River, which experienced a 1-in-100-year flood event on July 4th, leading to significant damage and missing persons. The increasing frequency of such extreme weather events is linked to climate change, and many camps are situated in zones known to flood, raising concerns about safety and preparedness.
The Anker Solix EverFrost 2, a portable electric cooler with dual-zone cooling and rechargeable batteries, is now available at a record low price of $800 for the 58L model, making it a convenient and versatile option for camping and outdoor activities, despite its weight and cost.
Severe flooding in Kerr County, Texas, caused by heavy rains, has resulted in 13 deaths and about 23 campers missing, with rescue efforts ongoing and residents advised to move to higher ground.
Day one of Glastonbury Festival 2025 saw thousands arrive under cloudy skies, with festival-goers setting up camp, enjoying the atmosphere, and preparing for the upcoming performances, including the first official opening since 1990 on the Pyramid Stage.
Two teenagers, Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark, were found shot to death at a remote camping site in Tonto National Forest, Arizona, with authorities treating their deaths as homicides and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A Canadian man, Sam Benastick, was found safe after being missing for over five weeks in the Northern Rockies. He was discovered by two people at Redfern Lake trail in Redfern-Keily Park and taken to a hospital. Benastick had been camping in various locations, including his car and a dry creek bed, before reaching the trail. His disappearance had prompted a large search effort involving multiple rescue teams and local volunteers. Authorities expressed relief at his safe recovery.