Spending time outdoors is extremely important to us. Camping is among our preferred methods of doing so. There is no other activity that allows you to get dirty with your loved ones (or alone, if that’s your preference), engage in a colorful forest surrounded by changing leaves, sleep under the stars, wake up to a dewy tent on a chilly autumn morning, enjoy meals cooked over an open flame, roast marshmallows, and sing “Kumbaya”.
Some of our editors have a strong passion for camping. We have always enjoyed camping with our parents, and it has become a significant part of our lives. When it comes to waking up in a tent, fall is undoubtedly our preferred season. We frequently take short weekend getaways in Colorado and New York, and we also make it a point to organize at least one longer camping trip every year. These trips take us to various breathtaking locations, such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Moab, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Iceland, South America, and more. We believe that nothing revitalizes us like engaging in adventurous activities without electronics.
From the times of canvas tents, PVC folding chairs, and cooking canned beans over the fire, camping has evolved significantly. Regardless of whether you plan to backpack in the Adirondacks or go car-camping in Yosemite National Park, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist of essential camping items that we highly recommend.
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro
The Poseidon Pro, manufactured by Dark Energy, is a power bank designed to offer more than 30 hours of battery life for your smartphone. This particular survival gear is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently engage in outdoor activities, as it has the capability to be fully immersed for over 45 minutes. Constructed with a steel-like polymer, it can withstand drops from heights of 75 feet onto rocky surfaces, withstand the impact of a shotgun blast, and endure an explosion caused by one pound of Tannerite. It possesses the highest water and dustproof rating, being officially certified as IP68.
Whitewater Packable Rain jacket
Whitewater produces fishing apparel designed to instill confidence, enabling anglers to fish for longer durations, improve their performance, increase their frequency, and ultimately achieve greater success.
The new Whitewater Packable Rain Jacket and Pant are essential clothing items specifically designed for anglers. These apparel pieces incorporate the finest materials, technologies, and tailoring to provide versatile, comfortable, and highly packable protection against rain. Additionally, the jacket and pant can be easily stored in a provided pouch.
Canvas Cutter Summit Bedroll
The Canvas Cutter Summit Bedroll is designed to offer a lightweight and portable sleeping solution for those who want to travel lighter, go longer distances, and still have a comfortable night’s rest. Whether you are backpacking, hunting or fishing, the versatile and lightweight Summit Bedroll provides a combination of durability and extreme packability.
The Summit is constructed with a strong base layer of sturdy 210D ripstop nylon, along with sides and top made of 40D ripstop nylon. It has precise measurements of 84 inches in length and weighs a mere 2.3 pounds. Additionally, all seams have been taped and the entire exterior is coated with a breathable TPU film, which acts as a waterproof shield in order to ensure a comfortable and dry sleeping environment even in rough weather conditions.
The Summit is equipped with a mesh screen that acts as a barrier against mosquitos, flies, and other insects or reptiles. This screen ensures protection during warm nights or when maximum airflow or increased ventilation is preferred.
Initial Ascent Day Pack
The Initial Ascent Day Pack, proudly created in Idaho, is a day pack that will last you a lifetime. It is specifically designed for speed, agility, and the perfect fit. Over the course of three years and 17 generations, the backpack frames have been meticulously developed to create the highest quality suspension system, providing backcountry hunters with the ultimate survival gear experience.
The Initial Ascent packs are made with high-quality materials such as Triaxial Carbon Fiber, 500d Cordura, UV-resistant nylon webbing, waterproof YKK zippers, and Duraflex buckles. It has a weight of 4.23 pounds and offers 400 cubic inches of lid storage and 450 cubic inches of pocket storage. Additionally, it comes in four different color options.
Intex Prestige Downy Airbed Kit With Hand-Held Battery Pump
In order to have a good air mattress while camping, it is important to realize beforehand that there might not be electricity at the campsite. Luckily, this queen airbed includes a portable electric pump. However, it is essential to remember to bring six C batteries for the pump.
The Intex is available in both full and twin sizes, and comes at a price that is definitely worth it for a more comfortable sleep. Just make sure that your camping area is free from cacti.
Kelty Cosmic 20-Degree Down Sleeping Bag
If car camping is your primary choice but you also require a sleeping bag that can handle the occasional backpacking trip, then this Kelty option is suitable for you. Although it may not be the lightest or most compact sleeping bag available, it is reasonably priced and fulfills its necessary functions: it can be packed down to a small size, provides warmth, and ensures your sleeping pad stays in place to prevent any accidental rolling off.
The down sleeping bag has an ideal warmth-to-weight ratio for backpacking, especially during chilly nights. Additionally, it has a larger toe box that allows for more freedom of movement during the night when it is warm. This makes it the perfect bag for camping numerous nights from your trunk, and also gives you the option to venture off-grid if you desire.
Instafire Fire Starter Packs (22-Pack)
Are you feeling down because of damp wood? Don’t worry, these fire-starter packs will help you build a fire regardless of your location. Once lit, the fire starts burning in just two seconds. Moreover, it is suitable for use in challenging weather conditions such as wind and rain.
In total, there will be a sum of 88 fires as each pack will initiate four fires. This is a significant improvement compared to unconventional DIY methods like putting dryer lint inside a TP roll, which we found to be peculiar.
Stoic Hard Arm Chair
This folding camp chair will provide you with comfortable seating after a long day under the sun. Unlike most chairs, it is spacious enough to prevent any feelings of being confined. Additionally, it is designed with a slightly elevated seat, eliminating the need for any effort while getting up from it.
Replace your throw-away chair with a much more comfortable and durable one, as its aluminum frame weighs less than steel and its polyester fabric can withstand wear and tear for many years.
BioLite HeadLamp 425
Have you ever disliked how heavy a headlamp feels on your forehead? BioLite has addressed this issue by ensuring that this headlamp remains secure without bouncing, all thanks to its SlimFit Construction. The design ensures that the front section sits flush against your forehead, while the battery at the back evenly distributes the weight.
Despite its small size, weighing only 2.8 ounces, this baby provides an exceptional performance. The batteries can be recharged and it can operate for up to 60 hours (on the lowest setting). Additionally, it offers four adjustable lighting options to suit different situations, including a high beam that emits 425 lumens.
If you’re seeking something brighter, consider BioLite’s Headlamp 800 Pro, which surpasses the brightness of a lighthouse.
