Camping isn’t just for the adventurous among us. Those who prefer the indoors, or simply an actual bed, can learn to love it, too—as long as they bring the right gear.
“Accidents, issues, or annoyances on a camping trip usually occur or escalate because of the decisions you made at home,” said Marty Parichand, founder of Outdoor New England, a gear shop based in Franklin, NH. “Be sure to enjoy your downtime by packing gear like a water bottle, hiking boots, and bug spray. Missing any of these could result in a good day turned bad.”
Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to bring camping to ensure an enjoyable night in the great outdoors, even if you’d rather be staying in a hotel.
Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Starting at $269
Staying warm while sleeping is essential to any successful camping trip. To ensure comfort, invest in Sea to Summit’s mummy-style Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag, which is engineered to keep you warm at the lightest weight and smallest compressed size. Ultra-light doesn’t mean small, however—the bag is snug but still has plenty of wiggle room for active sleepers. It’s also made with ULTRA-Dry Down 850+ to protect from external moisture and internal condensation, making it suitable for all sorts of weather.
Don’t Bug Me! Bundle
Image: Courtesy of Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Co.
Don’t Bug Me! Bundle
Starting at $24
If not you, there’s guaranteed to be someone in your group who’s a magnet for mosquitos. Instead of hiding in your tent all night, come equipped with Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Company’s all-natural bug repellent, which uses essential oils rather than harsh chemicals to keep bugs away. The “Don’t Bug Me! Bundle” includes a non-oily body spray, a lotion bar, and a soap so you’ll have several ways to keep your skin safe—and you’ll smell great, too.
Biolite Headlamp 200
Starting at $40
Weighing only 50 grams, the Biolite Headlamp 200 offers a comfortable, easy way to see in the dark when you’re camping. You can even tilt down the front panel with a single hand to light the trail from your tent to the bathrooms in the middle of the night. Chargeable via micro USB, the light lasts up to 40 hours on low and three hours on high so you can count on it to last until sunrise, no batteries required.
Elsabet Throw
Starting at $30
Cooler nighttime temps don’t have to deter you from stargazing, especially if you pack Ikea’s Elsabet Throw for cozying up around the campfire. Handmade by skilled craftspeople at the social enterprise Rangsutra in India, each throw is unique but equally comfy. The classic checks and fringes remind us of traditional picnic blankets, and the soft, sustainable cotton fabric means you can toss it in the washing machine if it gets dirty while camping.
Starting $165
Every successful camping trip requires a reliable pair of hiking boots to get you to your site and back. Salomon’s popular X Ultra 3 Wide Mid Gore-Tex version offers the lightweight construction and foothold you need for safe ascents and descents, all with a wider fit for extra comfort. Plus the Gore-Tex material will ensure your feet stay dry no matter what kind of weather or water features you encounter on the trail. Find the women’s version here.
Starting at $35
You can plan all the fun activities you want while camping, but if you don’t stay hydrated, you won’t enjoy any of them. The Ashbury bottle from Avana makes it easy to always have cool water on hand, thanks to its triple-layer insulation and flexible carry loop. It also features a wide-mouth spout for swigging and a built-in straw for sipping, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Best of all, every purchase helps provide water to communities in need.
Two-Person Dome Tent
Starting at $24
For high-quality but low-cost shelter, turn to the two-person dome tent from Wakeman Outdoors. Lightweight and compact, it still has plenty of space for you and a camping partner thanks to its spacious interior with high center support. Other features include a dual-layer door for superior air flow, a removable rain fly, and an interior pocket to keep everything organized. With just two fiberglass poles, set-up and tear-down is quick and easy, and when you’re ready to head home, you can throw the tent components in the included carry bag for simple transport.
Adventure Chef 6-Piece Summit Set
Starting at $250
This cutlery set might be expensive, but it’s worth the price to guarantee good campsite cooking. With everything from chef’s and filet knives to a peeler and parer with a fish scaler, you’ll have the tools you need to whip up fresh, delicious meals no matter where you’re camping. Made from the same chef-grade materials as Messermeister’s regular kitchenware, each piece is full size but folds for portability and has an ergonomic handle for easy use outdoors. The set even comes with a waxed canvas case for simple packing.