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Never Go Camping Without an AirTag. This Is Why

While you may escape to the outdoors to get away from your tech, you still might want to consider packing an AirTag.

By Tanner Bowden and Jack Seemer

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An early commercial for the AirTag showed a man literally spelunking into the depths of his couch to locate his keys.

That’s likely the sort of mini mission upon which most people have deployed AirTags since their release in 2021. But Apple’s tiny little trackers carry a mountain of applications, partly because the Cupertino company inspires many third-party accessory makers to get creative.

Trail trackers

On Apple’s website, you’ll find a bevy of keychain and lanyard options that speak to the AirTag’s prowess as an everyday tracker worthy of your EDC, a pet’s collar or suitcase.

But dig a little deeper online and you’ll find hard-wearing mounts like the Pelican Protector AirTag Sticker Mount devised for outdoor recreating.

airtag in a pelican case attached to bottom of a bike seat
The durable Pelican Sticker Mount is small enough to fit on the underside of a bike seat.
Pelican

That’s right. While you may escape to the outdoors to get away from tech, you might want to consider bringing along an AirTag on your next walk through the wilderness.

With these mounts, you could stick trackers to the bottom of a bike seat or the inside lid of an expensive cooler. Stretchy variants, like the TagVault from Elevation Lab, attach onto fabric and open up the possibility to track a rain jacket or a rugged duffel.

Theft is rare at campgrounds and trailheads, where you might want to keep stuff in your car, but it happens. And the last thing you want to do is spend your entire weekend repitching your basecamp.

airtag mounted to the inside of a jacket
The TagVault can discreetly attach to the inside of a jacket.
ElevationLab

Still not convinced? Tracking your gear can also help you remember which family member or friend borrowed your tent last year and forget to return it. An innocent mistake …ย but frustrating, nonetheless.

The DIY option

If these third-party mounts are still too tech-y for your outdoor ethos, you can always opt for a decidedly low-tech option: tape.

No would-be bike thief will question a slightly bulgy electrical tape wrap on a top tube, and duct tape is a badge of honor when affixed to outerwear (at least in some circles).

At the very least, do Mother Earth a favor and slap one on your water bottle. They aren’t reusable if you keep losing them.

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