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🌵 Camping Better: Desert Must-Haves ☀️
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items Camping in the desert is not the same as camping anywhere else. You need more water, better sun protection, and gear that can handle wind and extreme temperature changes. This is everything I personally use to make desert camping easier and way more ...
Sections
6
💧 Hydration
🏕️ Shelter & Sleep
☀️ Sun & Heat Protection
🔥 Cooking & Food
💡 Lighting
🪑 Camp Comfort Essentials
💧 Hydration
This is the number one priority in the desert. You will go through way more water than you expect and dehydration can sneak up fast in dry heat.
I use this to keep my water cold all day, even when it’s brutally hot out
Insulated & Stainless Steel Water Bottles
I use this anytime I start feeling dehydrated especially in the desert where it sneaks up fast. White Peach is my favorite flavor but they are all good
Liquid I.V.
I use this when hiking so I can sip water without stopping. My husband and I usually switch off carrying it on day hikes
Hydration Packs | CamelBak®
Always bring more water than you think you will need because you will go through it fast
Water Container
I keep these as a backup for hydration. They are easy to pack and less sweet than powders.
Electrolyte Tablets
Cute, durable, and honestly one of the best water bottles for camping or everyday use. I love that you can either sip through the straw or drink normally
Owala 24fl oz Stainless Steel Special Edition FreeSip Water Bottle - Midnight Rodeo
🏕️ Shelter & Sleep
Desert camping is not just about shade. You are dealing with wind, big temperature swings, and rough ground so a solid setup makes a big difference.
I look for something sturdy with good airflow because wind and heat can get intense. If we are staying in one spot for a few days we bring our Bass Pro tunnel tent for comfort but if we are packing light we go with a smaller tent
Tunnel Tents | Bass Pro Shops
Lightweight, comfortable, and actually insulated from the cold ground
Static V™ Sleeping Pad - Klymit
I always bring a warm sleeping bag because it gets cold fast once the sun goes down
Lightweight Sleeping Bag
I use these because regular stakes do not hold well in sand or rocky ground and desert wind can be strong
Cabela's Angle-Iron Tent Stakes 6-Pack
I use this for extra shade, wind protection, or under the tent. It is one of the most versatile items I bring
Bass Pro Shops Heavy-Duty Tarp | Cabela's
I use this to keep sand out of the tent and have a clean place to sit
Bass Pro Shops Multi-Purpose Mat - Navy/Light Blue/Yellow Stripe
☀️ Sun & Heat Protection
The desert sun is intense even when it does not feel hot. Covering your skin and creating shade makes a huge difference.
I wear this for full sun coverage and it is not too hot for your head
Ascend Mountain Patch Boonie Hat | Cabela's
I use this daily when camping because the desert sun is no joke
Bestselling Sunscreen - Supergoop!
I bring this when there is no natural shade. It makes camp so much more comfortable
Bass Pro Shops 3-Pole Shade Shelter
I wear this instead of tank tops because it actually keeps me cooler and protects my skin
Ascend Evolve Performance Long-Sleeve Hoodie | Cabela's
I use this when it gets windy or dusty and it helps more than you would expect
DSG Outerwear Emery Neck Gaiter for Ladies | Cabela's
🔥 Cooking & Food
Campfire restrictions are common in the desert so having a reliable way to cook and store food is essential.
Campfires are often restricted so this becomes your main way to cook
Stansport Camp Stove with Carbon Steel Wok
I use a good cooler because ice melts fast and this makes a big difference
YETI Tundra 125 Cooler - White
I keep my cookware simple and compatible so I am not overpacking or dealing with extra pieces
Durable Camp Cookware for Cooking Over the Fire - Bass Pro Shops
Easy food when you don’t want to cook
Protein Bars and Snacks - Clif Bar
I use this to cook everything. Versatile items are key when you are trying to save space
Reversible Grill/Griddle
A simple upgrade that helps your cooler stay organized and less messy compared to loose ice everywhere
Fit & Fresh 4 Pack XL Slim Ice Packs
💡 Lighting
Once the sun goes down it gets very dark. Good lighting makes camp safer and much easier to manage.
Once the sun goes down it gets very dark. Good lighting makes camp safer and much easier to manage.
Solar Outdoor String Lights
I use this to keep my phone charged when I am off grid. Having a backup power source is huge for maps, photos, and emergencies and the built in flashlight is a nice bonus
Solar Charger Power Bank, Real Rated 10,000mAh Portable Wireless Charger USB C Input/Output for Cell Phones, External Battery Pack Flashlight
Hands-free light is essential
Black Diamond Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp - Black
I use this in the tent at night for both light and airflow. It helps so much when it is still hot after sunset and makes the space way more comfortable
Stansport Lantern and Fan Combo
🪑 Camp Comfort Essentials
These are not essential for survival but they make a huge difference in how you feel. When you are hot, dusty, and tired, small comforts go a long way.
Makes a huge difference when you can’t shower
DUDE Wipes Flushable Wipes, XL Wet Wipes for At Home Use, Unscented, 48 Count, 4 Pack
I use this to prevent chafing especially when it is hot and I am moving a lot
Body Glide® Original Anti Chafe Balm | No Chafing Stick | Prevent Arm, Chest, Butt, Thigh, Ball Chafing & Irritation | Trusted Skin Protection Since 1996 |1.28oz
I use this during peak heat. Just add water and it cools you down fast
Coghlan's Cooling Towel
📝 I use this to keep my hair feeling fresh when I do not have access to a shower
Odele Dry Shampoo Powder for Oil Control + Volume - 1oz: Volumizing, For Dry Hair, Cucumber and Ylang Ylang Scent
I use these for quick cleanups. They are gentle and super versatile
The Honest Company Clean Concious Sensitive Skin Baby Wipes - Geo Mood - 288ct
This is perfect for relaxing after a long day and way more comfortable than a basic chair
Bass Pro Shops Hammock Camp Chair
Desert sand gets everywhere. This helps keep your tent and gear much cleaner
Hand Broom with Dust Pan Set
Makes campground tables feel less rough and dusty while also making your whole campsite look nicer
LITO: Luxury in the Outdoors Outdoor Tablecloth | REI Co-op