Taking the time to disconnect from our devices has become vital to our mental health and well-being. At the same time, tech plays a big part in our adventurous experiences. New approaches to camping have appeared over the past few years and many of them include technology.

Experiencing new spaces and places doesn’t mean you need to go without your favourite tech. Heading out on a hike can also mean grabbing your mobile device and go-pro so you can easily document the whole thing to post to your Instagram. Because #pics or it didn’t happen… right?

With a lot of Saskatchewan campsites already booked up for the summer, we’ve got you covered with some of the best backcountry spots to hit up. We’re here to help you take your camping adventures to the next level by sharing some of the best backcountry spots to check out with your adventure-proof tech.

Have you heard of Gem Lakes? Located in Narrow Hills Provincial Park,​ this beautiful group of lakes features a 5.5-km trail. Stunning views of the clear lakes make this a worthwhile trip, so you’ll want to make sure your mobile device is in tip-top shape for all the photos and memories to be captured. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still as relevant as ever to keep your phone safe in the wilderness with a durable case. We suggest an OtterBox Defender or Gear4 Crystal Palace Case. Keep your phone even safer by throwing it in your durable, yet oh-so Instagrammable Patagonia Hip Pack. Be sure to have a great weather app downloaded like The Weather Network to give yourself and your hiking buddies a heads up if the rain clouds decide to roll in.

The Meadow Lake Provincial Park Boreal Trail is another one of our favourites. This trail offers multi-day trips and backcountry camping, showcasing a close-up view of the lush forest and sparkling clear lakes surrounding the park. Whether you’re focusing on your fitness or curious how many steps the Boreal Trail hike was, a smartwatch is a must. Smartwatches are a great option that include a compass, tracker, and weather updates. They can also be a great option for downloading awesome adventure apps like AllTrails or Wikiloc. Be sure to also download your Geocaching app before hitting the trail for some extra fun!

Grasslands National Park is a must for your summer exploring. Find your very own exclusive spot to pitch your tent while catching an epic Saskatchewan sunset. While you’re backcountry camping, keeping your mobile devices charged is key. The Mophie Charge Force Powerstation is compatible with most devices and can be easily transported for all your adventurous activities. Or throw the ultra slick and portable iQ Blade Qi Wireless Charging Power Bank in your backpack or fanny pack. There are also waterproof options like this myCharge Adventure Powerbank.

After making sure your phone is all charged up, don’t forget to bring your portable speaker with you, like this JBL GO2 Waterproof Speaker. We also recommend having streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music loaded with your favourite tunes. Music is a sure way to lift the mood during your day hike or liven up a night around the campfire.

There are 15 backcountry campgrounds to check out in Prince Albert National Park. From short day hikes to multi-day paddling excursions, this Saskatchewan-based park has got it all. Check out over 3,800 kms of open wilderness and untouched land – minus the busy crowds. When you’re winding down for the evening, pop on your favourite tv show or movie. If you didn’t have time to pre-download the most recent episodes of Schitt’s Creek, no need to worry. SaskTel is offering unlimited data until June 30, so you can stream Netflix directly from your phone without the stress of going over your data limit.

Let us know of other great SK spots to hit up this summer!