Must Have Camping Gear
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Everything You Need For Tent Camping
Welcome to my guide to everything you need for camping, glamping, and enjoying the great outdoors. These are camping must-haves you’ll want to include when making your camping packing list.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a very indoorsy person. But I have on occasion been convinced to explore the great outdoors. I can safely say having a great camping trip depends heavily on having quality camping gear. What is must-have camping gear? I’m glad you asked. Below I’ve organized my camping gear list by item type along with my top recommendations in each category.
Full disclosure, I’ve enlisted the help of my fiance, an avid camper, in making this camping list. He’s been to most of our national parks, can set up a tent in under 5 minutes, and knows how to cook a delicious meal by campfire. He manages to make our camping trips a thoroughly enjoyable experience and taught me everything I know about must-have camping accessories. Something I’d long since forgotten since my days in the girl scouts.
Everything on this list is available on Amazon, and has glowing reviews. You’ll find most of the items are small, portable, and easy to pack. Because I’m not about breaking your back. Without further adieu, here are the top things you need for camping.
Tents
Everyone knows camping is in tents. Excuse the pun. But if you’re going camping the first thing you need is shelter. These quality tents top my what to bring camping list. They’re light, sturdy, and most importantly, they’re super easy to set up. Nobody wants to be fumbling around with tent poles or cursing out their partner when they could be sipping beer by the campfire.
There’s nothing better than an instant set up tent. It doesn’t get much more foolproof than this Coleman 4-person cabin tent. It’s perfect for family camping, or if you’re me, camping with your dog.
Another great option for easy set up. I mean, 3 second set up? Of course this tent deserves a spot in your camping essentials!
2. Sleeping Bags
A nice warm sleeping bag should be part of your camping must haves. Who doesn’t like to be cozy under the stars? I like the following two sleeping bags because they’re ultralight and super high quality.
This ultralight sleeping bag is perfect for camping up to 32 degrees. And really, if it’s below 32 degrees and you’re camping, you’re a better woman than I am. That said, it’s always important to check your sleeping bag’s rating to make sure it’s made for the conditions you’re heading to. The Naturehike Ultralight is filled with goose down, so it’s sure to keep you nice and toasty.
Some people prefer a hooded sleeping bag, for you, I recommend the Columbia 40 Degree Coalridge Hooded sleeping bag. It’s ultra-durable and even includes a camp pad sleeve. Which brings me to my next recommendation…
3. Sleeping Pads
You have to have a sleeping pad or you’ll be sleeping with rocks poking in your back. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Don’t spend your time in the great outdoors being uncomfortable. Pack a sleeping pad.
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing is self inflating and extra large. You’ll sleep like royalty, if royalty slept outdoors, with the Therma-a-Rest MondoKind. Measurements: 78.74"L x 25.2"W x 4.33"Th
If you’re looking for a sleeping pad with pressure mapping technology, try the Therm-a-rest LuxuryMap sleeping pad. After 3 spinal fusions, my back is a mess. I despise sleeping on uncomfortable surfaces. Pressure mapping technology is everything.
4. Headlamps
Free your hands and let your head lead the way with a good headlamp. It’s one of the best things to take camping and it’s super inexpensive. Forget the flashlight and embrace the headlamp.
The energizer LED headlamp is the gold standard of camping headlamps. It’s water resistant, super rugged, and perfect for any night time outdoor adventures, like wandering to the outhouse at 2 am.
In chillier temperatures some might prefer a nice beanie with head lamp. This lightweight warm knit hat provides some extra warmth along with its LED light.
5. Camping Chairs
You gotta have somewhere to sit. Unless you want to sit on a bumpy log, I recommend a good camping chair.
The Marchway lightweight folding chair holds up to 330 lbs and is perfect for any outdoor adventure. It zips up into its own carrying case making it the perfect camping chair.
If you’re looking for a chair with a bit more padded comfort, try the Alpha Camp oversized camping chair. It also comes with its own carry bag but provides a bit more cushion than the Marchway option. If you want to bring your living room outside, go with Alph Camp. It’s the next best thing to packing your barcalounger.
6. Lanterns
When you need more light than a campfire. Or you need to see what you’re doing to make a campfire, bring a lantern. It’s one of the best things to bring camping and it won’t cost you much.
Let there be light! The Coleman lantern provides 1000 lumens to keep your campsite bright. It’s extra sturdy and will last you years, making it a great addition to your camping gear.
7. Hammocks
After visiting Nicaragua, one of the world’s largest producers of hammocks (who knew) I fell in love with these comfy swaths of fabric. Sure, having a hammock isn’t a hundred percent necessary, but they’re comfy as all get out and I love them. If you’re looking for some fun stuff for camping, make sure to add a hammock to your list.
The ENO DoubleNest hammock is the perfect portable 1 to 2 person hammock. If you like to lay back and relax as much as I do then this is a must have camping item. It even comes in its own little carry sack.
8. Camping Kitchen Stuff
Get ready to cook with fire! These are all your cooking camping needs and important things to take camping if you want to eat a good meal by the fire. Honestly, cooking is my favorite part of camping so I’m really into these cool outdoor kitchen items.
Boil water in a lightning-fast 100 seconds with the Jetboil Flash Camping Stove. It’s great for preparing coffee, soup, or dehydrated meals. Mmmm dehydrated meals. The bottom cup doubles as a measuring cup or bowl making it the perfect multi-use product.
If you’re looking for a camping stove that offers a little bit more versatility, check out the Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove. This propane grill will allow you to cook any meal on the go. Works as a stove and a grill at the same time. It even offers temperature control for precise cooking on its 2 burners. If you’d like to cook more than a hotdog on a stick, this little gem will come in handy.
This delux stainless steel tableware set has everything you need to enjoy your well-prepared meals. It’s super durable, offers service for four, and comes in blue or green.
If you want to do some fancy cooking while you’re camping I recommend this GSI Hard Anodized Dutch Oven specifically made for the outdoors. Yes, you could buy a cast iron model, but it will be ridiculously heavy and a pain in the back to carry. Anodized aluminum is your friend. And so am I. You’re welcome.
You could use a stick, but for the more refined among us, the CORQUE Marshmallow Roasting sticks are the perfect tool for making everyone’s campfire favorite, smores.
9. Camping Multitool
Why bring all these things separately? A great camping multitool is compact and does it all. Save space and check off 19 items from your supplies list for camping with Leatherman. You’ll be the hero of any campsite.
It’s a fire starter, can opener, bottle opener, wire cutter, pliers, knife, saw, hammer, wire stripper, safety whistle, box wrench, and more! The Leatherman multitool is the perfect addition to any camping equipment list.
10. Trekking Poles
I find these super useful while camping. All that walking on uneven ground, up and down hills, and navigating the great outdoors takes its toll on my back and ankles. Trekking poles really help. I swear by these Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trek Poles. Below I’ve included both the men’s and women’s versions. Before you purchase a set, it’s important to know how to choose the perfect pair of trekking poles and how to properly use them.
These mens hiking poles are perfect for any camping trip.
The Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trek Poles for the ladies.
11. An Insulated Cooler
A great cooler is an absolute must-have while camping. One of my number one camping tips is to invest in a great insulated cooler that you’ll use over and over again. That’s why I recommend Yeti. It’s hands down the best brand on the market. Their coolers will last you a lifetime and keep all your food and beverages fresh and chilled. Whether you’re heading to a national park or your own backyard, you’re sure to get a lot of use out of this cooler.
12. Water Bottle
It’s important to have a great water bottle that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. The Santeco 24 insulated water bottle is the perfect water bottle for camping and hiking. It’s leakproof and comes with a wide-mouth spout and lanyard. It also comes in a variety of colors.
13. First Aid Kit
As an accident-prone camper, I cannot stress the importance of a great first aid kit enough. You do not want to be in the middle of nowhere with a bleeding cut or twisted ankle and nothing to help remedy the situation. I also recommend getting a pet first aid kit if you’re traveling with your dog.
This is the perfect compact kit to solve all your first aid needs on the road. It’s great to have around for emergencies or small scrapes, cuts, burns, and other accidents.
Your pet needs some first aid love as well in the great outdoors. This kit has everything you’ll need to relax and know your dog is in good hands should anything happen.
11. Pet Camping Gear
Speaking of pets, I’m a huge fan of taking my dog camping. But you’ll need a few extra items to keep them safe on your camping adventures. This is what to take camping when you’re camping with your furry friend.
Always have eyes on your dog at night with this LED dog collar. It’s USB rechargeable and help you spot Spot in the dark.
Looking for an easy-to-pack dog bed? This super cute Lifeunion packable dog bed gives your dog their very own sleeping bag. It rolls up conveniently in a storage bag (included). It’s waterproof, warm, and thoroughly adorable.
Don’t give your pet free rein of the campground. Keep them safely tethered to your campsite and out of harm’s way with this dog tie out cable.
I love this dog water bottle and seriously take it everywhere. It flips out to provide a helpful bowl your pet can drink from. It’s leakproof, lightweight, and super portable.
People aren’t the only ones to be plagued by pesky insects in the outdoors. Protect your pet with this mosquito repellant made especially for dogs.
I love this all-in-one pet travel bag. It contains two collapsable bowls for food and water as well as a mat, food bags, and plenty of space for all your pet’s essentials. It really makes packing for any trip super easy.
Keep your pup safe and entertain everyone else by the water with this shark fin life vest. I know, not every dog needs a life vest, but if like me, you’re camping with your french bulldog or another nonswimming breed, you’ll know they sink like a bowling ball and desperately need protection from any body of water. Why not make that protection utterly adorable with a shark fin life vest?
12. Fun Things To Bring Camping
If you’re wondering what to do while camping and seeking to keep boredom at bay, these are some fun and funny things to bring camping. It’s important to have a good game or two, a little entertainment, and some fun things to do camping. Pass the hours with these fun camping things.
A classic game of bocce ball will keep campers entertained for hours. Don’t know how to play? No worries rules are included and it’s super easy to learn.
Looking for a relaxed, family-friendly game to bring camping? Try Basecamp Cards Conversation Starters. With questions like “What’s the most surprising item on your bucket list?” and “Who had the biggest influence on you as a child?” these cards are sure to spark a lively conversation at any campsite.
For a non-family-friendly card game, try These Cards Will Get You Drunk. Will 100 questions and challenges these cards will have you laughing yourself silly, whether you’re drunk or not.
If you have some kids on your camping trip that you need to keep busy, try these outdoor scavenger hunt cards. They’ll keep them occupied and busy exploring the great outdoors.
Camping by the water? Have hours of fun on the lake with this Goplus inflatable water trampoline. Admittedly, I’ve never given it a go for fear of rolling my ankle or breaking my back, but kids seem to love them. As well as kids at heart. If you happen to have more coordination than me, (which should be most people) an inflatable water trampoline is a great addition to the fun things to take camping list.
13. Miscellaneous Camping Gear
These are a few assorted sundries I like to bring on my camping trips that don’t fit into the other categories.
Keep mosquitos at bay with Off Botanicals Insect Repellent. Having grown up in New Jersey I know how mosquitos can ruin any outdoor experience. For some reason they love me, so I’m never without some bug spray when spending time outside.
Keep skin protected from harsh UVA/UVB rays with Sun Bum SPF 50 sunscreen. As someone who seems to burn just going outside to get the mail, I cannot stress the importance of good sunscreen enough. Keep your face from looking like a leathery old baseball mitt with broad-spectrum moisturizing sunscreen.
I Hope You’ve Enjoyed This Camping Essentials List
I really hope you’ve enjoyed my list of must have camping gear. Sure, not all of it is a “must have” per se, but each category is a definite must-have if you want to enjoy your trip and stay safe and comfortable. Have something I missed? Feel free to leave it in the comments below.
