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Camping is one of my favorite things to do in the summer! But it requires a lot of camping gear. And whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner looking to embark on your first camping trip, having the right gear can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. That’s why I’ve compiled this “Ultimate Camping Gear Guide” for you!
I started camping many years ago with just a tent and a sleeping bag. Nowadays, I prefer a little more creature comforts on my camping trips. Every year I add something to my camping kit that makes my camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Why Go Camping
One of my favorite things about camping is that it allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Camping allows you to stay in some of the worlds most amazing places! Camping in National Parks is one of my favorite experiences. There’s something magical about waking up and being steps away from iconic sites like Old Faithful. Or sipping your morning coffee while staring at the Grand Tetons that you just can’t get any other way.
Not only does camping put you smack in the middle of these amazing places, it allows you to visit, and visit longer, for a fraction of the price. During the summer months prices for hotels in and around National Parks skyrocket. You’d be lucky to stay near Zion or Yellowstone for under $300 a night. That means for a week in the park your paying $2100! At the same parks, a campsite in the park borders will run you between $20-$40 a night. That’s means for a week, you’re paying less than one night at a hotel!
For families, the experience of camping can create great bonding opportunities and be one of the best parts of the whole park experience. What kid wouldn’t want to sleep outside and roast s’mores every night! And for adults, the time spent outdoors disconnected from electronics and immersed in nature is revitalizing for your mind and soul.
But before you get started, here are the things you’ll need to make your camping experience an enjoyable one!
Camping Gear
First Aid Kit
Safety should always be a priority. A well-stocked first aid kit equipped with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and insect repellent can help you address minor injuries and ailments. Luckily, ready made First Aid Kits are readily available. Check on this bestselling kit on Amazon.
Tent
A high-quality tent is the cornerstone of any camping trip. Look for a tent that is durable, weather-resistant, and easy to set up. Consider the size – it should comfortably accommodate the number of people in your group. I’ve had a lot of tents over the years, and my favorite by far is this Core 6-Person Instant Cabin Tent. It is so easy to set up and take down, you can stand up inside, and there is so much space to move around.
Sleeping Bag and Air Mattress or Cots
A warm and cozy sleeping bag, along with a comfortable sleeping pad, is essential for a good night’s sleep in the wilderness. Choose a sleeping bag with the appropriate temperature rating for the season and location of your camping trip. I’ve used Coleman sleeping bags since I was a kid and the ones I currently use are over 10 years old and still in perfect condition! I bought my sleeping bags at Bi-Mart, but you can find them at any outdoor store, or on Amazon.
If you’re not a fan of sleeping on the hard ground, I highly recommend picking up an air mattress, or at least a sleeping pad. It can make a huge difference in your sleep quality. I’ve tried sleeping on cots before, but I found that I still have to put my backpacking air mattress over the because they’re a bit too firm, so I’ve gone back to my good old air mattress – which I actually love! I recommend bringing sheets and pillows to make it more cozy too.
Camp Chairs
Easy to carry, light-weight camp chairs are a must for sitting around the fire at night. You can pick up really inexpensive ones from a local outdoor store, or get fancier ones from REI. I upgraded this year to these “director” chairs I found at Costco.
Camp Stove, Cookware and Kitchen Kit
Cooking over an open flame is part of the camping experience, but a reliable camp stove can make meal preparation more efficient and convenient. Something about food cooked outdoors just makes it taste better. I love making delicious meals on my Coleman Camp Stove every time we go camping. Don’t forget to check your propane canisters before heading out so you don’t run out of fuel.
In addition to my camp stove, I always bring my Jetboil Flash with me when camping or backpacking. I love using it heat up water for my coffee in the morning because it’s so fast! You can even get a french press attachment. It’s also great to heat up something small in my Stanley pot using the pot support. It’s honestly my favorite piece of gear.
I really love cooking on cast iron when I’m camping. This Lodge skillet is the one I have and it’s so easy to use on a camp stove, or over the fire (which saves you from bringing two). It’s also really easy to just wipe clean and it will last forever. I also use a lightweight stainless steel pot by Stanley for soups and chili.
Here’s everything else I keep in my camp kitchen kit:
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, ladle, large spoon)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Lighters and matches(I always have a backup)
- Tinfoil
- Dishwashing basins and dish soap
- Paper towels
- Hand soap
- Plates, bowls, cups (I keep reusable and disposable in case I don’t want to wash dishes or we’re in a hurry)
- Garbage and recycling bags
- Pot holders
- Marshmallow roasting sticks
- Bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew (or a multi-tool)
- Table cloth
Cooler
A cooler is how you keep drinks and food cold and safe while you’re away from electricity. I personally love my Yeti Tundra 45! It keeps ice for 3-5 days without having to replenish it. And Yeti is always coming out with fun limited edition colors. I bought this beautiful teal one a couple years ago. But there are a lot more affordable options available as well. Like this one from Coleman.
Water Filtration System
Access to clean drinking water is crucial while camping. If you’re staying in a campground, you likely won’t need to worry about this. But if you do decided to do some wild camping, or even if you’re back country hiking, a portable water filtration system or water purifier will allow you to source water from natural sources like streams and rivers without worrying about contaminants. I use a few different systems depending on my activities.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter – This is great if you’re just needing a quick drink while hiking. You can drink directly from a water source, and it takes up no room in a pack.
LifeStraw Go Series Water Bottle – I use mine all the time! I never buy bottled water, and I love knowing that I’m filtering out so many harmful chemicals and particles when I use this. I recommend it for every day use.
Sawyer Squeeze Filtration – I love this system because you can filter as much water as you need into a larger container.
Headlamp/Flashlight and Lanterns
When the sun sets, a reliable source of light becomes essential. A headlamp or flashlight with adjustable brightness levels will help you navigate your campsite, read, and attend to tasks after dark. I love my Petzl head lamp because it has a tilting light (I can direct towards the ground and not blind my friends lol), it’s super bright, and it comes in so many colors!
Having a couple lanterns around camp can also be really handy. I like to hang one from the top of the tent while I’m getting ready for bed. And I often have one sitting on the table while I make s’mores at night.
Multi-Tool or Knife
A versatile multi-tool or camping knife is invaluable for various tasks, from preparing food to fixing gear. Look for a tool with a range of functions like cutting, opening cans, and screwing.
Bug Spray and Candles
Mosquitos and ticks are unfortunately something you have to deal with in the outdoors. I always put a couple citronella candles in my kitchen kit. I light them and put them on the table in the evenings to keep the mosquitos at bay.
And you don’t want to head out into the thick of it without some good but spray to prevent ticks. I use Off Deep Woods with Deet (it’s what we used when I was in the army and I’ve just stuck with it because it works). I know deet is a little controversial, but it does it’s job keeping the ticks away.
Sun Protection
Being outside for so long means you need to protect your skin from the sun. Don’t forget a good SPF, a UV hat, and I love taking a long sleeve UV shirt like this one from REI. If you know your campsite doesn’t have good shade, it’s a great idea to bring a canopy! These are also helpful in the rain.
Hammock
Bringing a hammock along on a camping trip can elevate your outdoor experience to new heights of relaxation and enjoyment. Setting up a hammock amidst the serene backdrop of nature offers a comfortable and suspended oasis that provides respite from the rugged terrain. It’s not just a place to rest, but a cocoon of tranquility that sways gently with the breeze, offering a unique and soothing connection to the environment. Whether you’re reading a book, stargazing, or simply unwinding, a hammock provides a peaceful retreat that traditional camping setups can’t match.
I started bringing a hammock with me a few years ago and now I can’t do without it – it’s my favorite place to relax at camp! You can pick up this best selling hammock from Amazon in several different colors!
Jackery Portable Power Station
I love my Jackery Explorer 240 and I bring it with me on every camping trip. I know some people may think it’s unnecessary to have a power source, but I use it to charge my phone, my camera batteries, and even my laptop if I need to work while I’m camping. It’s become an essential part of my camping kit.
Portable Shower
Again, taking a shower while camping isn’t “roughing it,” but I like to be clean and comfortable while camping. Though many campsites have showers, many don’t. And this year when we camped in the Olympic National Park, where NONE of the campgrounds have showers, I gave in.
There are several options for having a portable shower, from high end electric shower pumps like the Geyser, to hanging solar showers, to, my personal favorite, a bucket, there’s plenty to choose from. My set up was simple. I purchased this pop up privacy tent on Amazon, I chose this over the cheaper ones because it has a small tarp that covers the ground, and a 5-gallon bucket from Lowe’s. I filled the bucket with water, heated a couple pots to boil on my camp stove, and used a cup to dip and rinse – easy! And it worked perfectly!
Investing in the right camping gear can greatly enhance your outdoor experience, ensuring that you’re well-prepared and comfortable throughout your adventure. While this list covers the essential camping gear, feel free to customize it based on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your trip. Remember, the goal is to strike a balance between enjoying nature’s beauty and ensuring your safety, well-being and comfort. So, gather your gear, embrace the wilderness, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy camping!
