Are you planning a camping adventure? If this is your first time taking an extended camping vacation, you may be unsure as to what you should bring along with you. If that’s the case, you’re definitely not alone. Camping is a fantastic experience for the whole family. Camping vacations can be both fun and exciting, but planning them can be a stressful process. Whether you’re going for a weekend or for a couple of weeks, you’ll want to ensure that you have the best camping accessories. By adding the following items to your camping equipment your trip will be well equipped and ready for action.
When it comes to camping, you’re going to find that you need to bring multiple items with you. These items often include items referred to as camping supplies, and then items referred to as camping gear. In most cases, you will find that camping gear is used to describe equipment, while camping supplies is often used to describe food, health and beauty products, and so on. And all camping gear and camping supplies which you cannot miss are called camping essentials.
Whether you’re looking for a new tent, a camping stove, or an essential piece of camping equipment, you’ll need the best camping gear before setting out on your next adventure. Here’s our top pick of the best camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and essentials for campers.
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Table of Contents
Most important camping essentials you need to have with you
Tent
One of the most common pieces of camping gear you’ll need to bring with you on your next camping trip is a tent. You may even need to bring multiple camping tents with you, depending on who you are camping with. If you still need to purchase a camping tent, you’ll want to try and make sure you buy a tent or tent that’s strong, sturdy, reliable and waterproof. A good tent should last 5 years so it’s worth it to invest in a good one. Even if you’re planning to camp in an RV, you might want to look into getting a tent, just in case. Many motor home campers prefer to spend at least one night in the open wilderness, and you might as well.
– Tent Repair Kit
Be always prepared for the unknown and unexpected situations. A tent repair kit it’s an important essential in any camping trip.
Sleeping bag
A sleeping bag is another piece of camping gear that you’re going to want to make sure you bring along with you. If you’re camping with your family or your romantic partner, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got enough sleeping bags to get around. Although you may assume that a light sleeping bag is good in the summer, you may still want to think about a heavy sleeping bag. These types of sleeping bags are good if the weather suddenly turns cold.
Sleeping pad
Besides having a traditional sleeping bag with you, you might also want to think about bringing a sleeping pad or air mattress along. If you’re camping in a traditional tent, you might find it a little uncomfortable. Some campsites have even terrain, but not all do. If you’re concerned about how you’re going to be able to sleep on your next camping adventure, you might want to buy a sleeping pad or air mattress along with you, just to be on the safe side. With these items being relatively affordable, you don’t really have anything to lose by doing so.
Pillow
Although pillows can seem insignificant and are often ignored, they may mean the difference between sleeping good and turning all night. A good support for your neck makes all the difference the next morning when you want to wake up without any turned muscle. It is important when choosing a camping pillow to choose one light and with high compressibility not to take too much space when not in use and to be easy to carry.
Camping table and/or chairs
The most important thing when choosing a camping chair for camping is that it doesn’t take up any more room than you need. They’re usually lightweight, easy to transport and come with a weight limit to make sure you can actually fit them in your car or caravan. They are usually adjustable to sit the correct height for each individual, meaning it’s easy to find a camping chair that fits your body shape perfectly. If you don’t want to sit on a chair, then you’ll need a table to eat at or to wash up your food. Just like a camping chair, these must be lightweight, durable and transportable so they don’t take up any more room than they need to. A good idea is to find a camping table that has lots of storage space inside for cups, plates, cutlery and crockery.
Head Lamps
Camping headlamps are one of the most popular items to bring along on any camping trip. A camping headlamp helps you get around at night when camping, hiking or backpacking. In many cases, you need both hands free of equipment and gear to complete your tasks. For example, using a camping headlamp for cooking, cleaning up after dinner or setting up your tent for the night.
Extra Batteries
The best time to think about extra batteries is before you need them. Extra batteries are a crucial piece of your camping kit, because it’s always a smart idea to have a spare set of batteries handy when you’re in the middle of nowhere, and don’t have access to a drugstore.
Lighters or matches
The two classic methods of starting a campfire are with matches and a lighter. Which is better? Lighters are undeniably awesome. They’re simple, efficient, and easy to use. Matches are a little more involved, but they can be used in more ways than a lighter can. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of both methods so that you can make the best decision for your camping trip.
Optional camping essentials you might want to have with you
Camping Cot
If you want to make your time outdoors more comfortable, then you should consider buying a camping cot when you go camping. You will be amazed at how comfortable it is compared to the ground. A cot can be a mattress and a frame rolled into one piece of equipment. It is very easy to carry and to set up.
Camping storage
Whether you’re packing for a long trip, a short trip, or even a tiny overnight adventure, having a plan for what to bring is the first step in ensuring that you have everything you need and nothing you don’t. When it comes to camping, there are a lot of different things to pack — and a lot of different ways to pack them and to store them at the location. Here are our best picks of camping storages.
Camping fridge
Camping fridges are a great addition to any camper trailer or van. They come in a variety of sizes and can keep your food and beverages nice and cool. Camping fridges are used to keep food and drinks cool in a tent, caravan, or campervan. You can even use a camping fridge in your home on hot days, such as during a summer pool party. Camping fridges come in a large range of sizes and styles depending on your needs. There is a vast choice of brands and units to choose from.
Windbreak
A windbreak is a barrier to the wind. It is used in camping, gardening, and other outdoor activities. Windbreaks are used to provide some shelter from the wind, either as a windbreak or as a screen to add additional shelter from the sun.
Camping toilet
One of the things you should consider when planning your next camping trip is which toilet you will use. But before we get into the types of toilets, let’s discuss why a toilet is even necessary in the first place. You see, Mother Nature doesn’t provide you with a bathroom when you venture into the wilderness, so you are responsible for creating one.
Tent Carpet
A tent carpet is a carpet which is usually attached over the top of a tent floor to provide a comfortable and soft surface for sitting or laying down. A tent carpet can also be used as a blanket or to cover the surface of a tent floor for protection against dirt or other material.
Cooking & Utensils
Camping cooking utensils make for a great addition to your camping gear. When you go camping there are a lot of items that you need to bring, and you will want to bring items that are going to make your life easier while you are camping. Cooking is a big part of camping and you will want to make sure that you are able to prepare your food the way that you like it. The best camping cookware should be compact and lightweight. You don’t want to feel like you are carrying around the kitchen sink, but you also want to ensure that you have the right cooking equipment in order to prepare delicious campfire meals.
Camping stove
Whether you’re in a tent, cabin, or RV, you need a camping stove for cooking. A portable camping stove will give you the ability to cook food and beverages whether you’re in the backcountry or in your backyard. If you’re an avid camper, then portable camping stoves are a must have for your next trip.
Camping cookware
Camping cookware is only as good as its weakest link. By assembling the right combination of pots, pans, utensils, and spatulas, you’ll be able to perform even the most complex meal without so much as breaking a sweat. The best way is to purchase a set of cooking utensils and pan which include all the necessary items. It’s a lot better than buying it by piece.
Chopping board
There is a lot of cutting and chopping involved in the process of preparing food, so you want to make sure you have the right tool for the job. Chopping boards are a versatile piece of equipment. They don’t have to be used solely for chopping vegetables or fruit. With a little imagination, they can be used in place of a plate.
Bottle/Can opener
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a homebody, a can opener is an essential tool to have on hand. These openers are designed to provide a safe and sanitary way to remove the lids from any can or bottle. Some openers are sharp and cut through the metal while others use leverage to pry the top off.
Plates and cups
There are many options when it comes to plates and cups, such as paper plates and plastic cups. Here you’ll find a collection of camping plates and cups to make your life easier when camping. With products like these you’ll enjoy eating and drinking outside, without the hassle of finding a way to clean the dishes afterwards. You can chose everything from aluminum camping plates and camping cups to collapsible, reusable camping plates and cups that you can take with you on your next adventure.
Water bottle
Water is absolutely vital for survival. No matter how long you can go without food, you will only last a few days without water. During prolonged camping trips, water can become the most important resource, and it’s crucial to have an effective way to transport water into the wilderness.
Dishwasher soap and sponge
Camping dishwashing is a chore most of us prefer to avoid for as long as possible, but, it can be a necessity. To make the whole process a little easier, you can make use a a foldable sink, kitchen brush and biodegradable soap products.
Trash bags
If you are setting off for a weekend at the campsite then you will need to take some camping trash bags to dispose of your rubbish. It’s easy to forget this, but if you don’t take some trash bags with you then you will return to a campsite that looks more like a tip.
Tea/coffee maker and kettle
Any outdoor enthusiast will tell you that a good camping coffee maker is a must for an enjoyable trip. There is nothing like waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The aroma from the freshly ground beans is enough to wake you from your slumber. While some people prefer to make their coffee on the stove, there are others who are looking for a product that is portable. If you hate brewing your coffee over an open flame, the best camping coffee maker and kettle will help you avoid any mishaps.
Extras
Insect repellent and citronella candles
No one wants to be buzzing with mosquitoes, so using insect repellent is a must. Mosquitoes are the most annoying insects when it comes to the outdoors. Insect bites are a nuisance for many of us, especially in the summer when bugs are more prevalent. As a result, companies have created numerous products to help protect us from insects. There are many different ways to repel these pests such as different insect repellents and citronella candles.
Many people do not realize that citronella candles are actually a popular insect repellent. Citronella candles are effective at keeping mosquitoes away from your home but they aren’t the only way to repel insects.
Gaffer & Duct tape
Gaffer tape is a strong and durable adhesive tape that has many uses. The cloth backing allows gaffer tape to be removed and reapplied multiple times without leaving a sticky residue on the surface or damaging it. It can be used on your shelter, shoes or anything what needs a quick fix. It is not waterproof, such as duct tape, but is moist proof.
First aid kit
No matter where you go camping, there will always be the chance of an emergency that requires first aid. Whether you’re on your own in the wilderness or out with a group, you should always take the time to prepare a first aid kit for camping. Out in the wild, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find a hospital or medical professional without having to hike or kayak to get back to the car.
Download camping checklist
Download & Print camping checklist
