Are you curious about what to bring for your first camping experience? Do you want to know the key essentials to bring while camping, especially if you’re a beginner?
We understand that you may have a lot of questions, whether you’re searching for summer camping essentials or gear for year-round camping, and it’s understandable!
Don’t worry if your first camping experience feels overwhelming! We offer a helpful guide containing camping gear suggestions for beginners, useful camping tips, and a downloadable camping gear checklist available at the end of this guide, all for free!
We are excited to assist you in getting ready for your upcoming camping adventure, whether it’s your first time or you haven’t camped in a while. Rest assured, we have all your needs covered.
Camping For Beginners Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive
To begin with, focus on starting with smaller and simpler items. There is no need to believe that you must purchase brand-new and costly camping equipment of the highest quality.
Before we do all that, let’s ensure that you actually enjoy camping. Does that sound agreeable to you?
If you are new to camping, a simple way to get started is by borrowing camping gear from friends or family. Moreover, borrowing gear is an extremely affordable option to test it out and, most importantly, determine if you enjoy it.
If your friends and family are not into camping, you have the option of renting camping gear from REI or browsing through their collection of used camping gear to discover any discounted deals that you can find!
Renting and purchasing second-hand may not offer the same cost-effectiveness as borrowing camping gear for free, but it serves as an excellent starting point to explore and gain knowledge about various types of camping gear and brands.
The hobby or vacation of camping can be affordable and cost should never be a hindrance to enjoying the beauty of nature.
Tent
If you’re not actually planning to sleep outside under the stars, the first thing you will probably buy is a tent. We invested in a Coleman 3-person dome tent more than a decade ago. This tent has endured a severe thunderstorm in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, a particularly windy night in the dazzling sand dunes at White Sands National Monument, and many usual summer camping trips. It’s not fancy, but we have never experienced any issues with leaks, and the dome structure can be set up swiftly and effortlessly.
Coleman does not currently offer this specific model for sale, however, the Flatwoods II and Sundome tents are quite similar, with the only difference being that they are slightly larger as they are designed for four people.
If you want a tent with more space or a lighter option for backpacking, the cost increases rapidly. The Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent, which can accommodate 4 people, weighs 7 lbs and is a good choice if you plan on backpacking in the future. It is priced at $170, which is not overly expensive.
Sleeping bag
When searching for a sleeping bag, you must make a few fundamental decisions.
When compared, rectangular and mummy sleeping bags differ in size and insulation. Rectangular sleeping bags offer more space, while mummy sleeping bags provide warmth without excessive bulkiness.
If you’re on a tight budget and just getting started, a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation is a great choice. It is equally effective as down insulation but more affordable.
When going on a summer camping trip, it is important to consider the temperature ratings. As you ascend further into the mountains, the nights can still be chilly. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a 3-season sleeping bag that can provide warmth in temperatures as low as 30°F. These sleeping bags are not only cost-effective but also suitable until you decide to go camping in winter.
The common advice I often hear regarding purchasing a sleeping bag is to invest in the highest quality and warmest bag that fits within your budget. Although you may be capable of gathering all your money and indulging in a $500 bag, it may not necessarily be the ideal choice for you. If you are a beginner and only anticipate camping once per summer, a lower-priced sleeping bag will suffice.
I have utilized the Coleman North Rim Mummy Bag, a budget sleeping bag capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 0°F and suitable for individuals up to 6 ft 2 in. Despite being heavier and bulkier compared to other sleeping bags, it stands out with its affordable price of $40. Nevertheless, if you are participating in car camping, the weight and size of the bag may not be significant concerns.
Camping Pillow
Although people often use the phrase “roughing it” to describe camping, it is essential to have a comfortable sleep to fully appreciate the stunning environment. It is advisable to bring a pillow for your own benefit. While you might be tempted to take the one from your bed for occasional camping trips, consider the potential consequences of bringing dust, dirt, and insects back into your bed.
We have utilized some Eddie Bauer stuffable camping pillows that are currently unavailable for purchase, however the TETON Sport Camp Pillow is comparable and reasonably priced. The Nemo Fillo Inflatable Travel Pillow is consistently favored by campers for its ideal balance of comfort and weight, and it is the next item we desire to add to our camping gear collection.
Water bottle
If you do not already have a water bottle that you use regularly and enjoy, a camping trip provides a perfect opportunity to purchase a high-quality one.
When it comes to lightweight bottles, the Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle stands out as a basic yet leakproof option that comes with a lifetime guarantee. For those in search of a stainless-steel vacuum insulated water bottle, both the RTIC and Hydro Flask brands are highly recommended due to their excellent performance and affordability. Personally, I enjoy filling my insulated bottle with hot water in the evening, as it provides a comforting warmth before entering my sleeping bag.
Headlamp
I can’t understand the reason behind the delay in getting a headlamp, but I really enjoy using it. The convenience of moving around without the need to hold a flashlight in the dark is remarkable. Moreover, a majority of headlamps offer various settings such as a red-light mode, which proves useful during late-night bathroom trips as it prevents disturbing others with a bright beam.
Priced at approximately $20, the Black Diamond Astro 250 is a superb choice for those on a budget. Powered by 3 AAA batteries, this lamp provides over 4 hours of usage on high and up to 200 hours on low mode.
If you frequently use your headlamp, the UST Brila LED Headlamp is an excellent choice due to its rechargeable battery. This headlamp charges quickly and can last for approximately 3 hours on high, over 5 hours on medium, and 18 hours on low. In addition, it can be used with 3 AAA batteries as a backup option. Furthermore, this headlamp offers the convenience of zooming in the light for a concentrated beam and includes a separate red light, enhancing its overall functionality.
First aid kit
If you engage in shenanigans while camping in the woods or desert, it is likely that someone will experience an incident. Therefore, it is wise to bring a first aid kit. You have the option to create your own kit or purchase a pre-made one such as this REI kit, which conveniently includes a nylon bag. In addition to basic supplies, we have included sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and a gentle antiseptic spray for children.
