This is a list of essential camping items that I always take on every trip.
Sections
2
Essential
For fun
Essential
Can’t go without it.
After 10 years of active camping in Ontario and using 4 different tents during that time, I can honestly say — this is the best one for the price.
It really sets up in 2–3 seconds (takes a bit longer to pack up, about 2–3 minutes).
A tent from anothe...
Quechua Pop up tent 2 seconds Decathlon
A camping must-have. I have 6 tarps — I lay one under the tent, stretch one over the tent, you can hang one over a site during rain, or cover your car during a storm to protect it from hail and branches.
Tarps: Heavy Duty, Waterproof & Plastic
Great, affordable sleeping bags that do their job well. We used them at +5 to +10°C at night and didn’t get cold. They’re easy to wash and dry.
Outbound Sleeping Bag
Comfortable, lightweight chairs. Easy to fold and unfold. Sturdy and reliable.
Outbound Wide Back Folding Camping Quad Chair w/ Cup Holder & Carry ...
My reliable helper at the campsite. I use it to go to the beach, and I don’t have to carry drinks, chairs, or an umbrella on my back. In the evening, I can seat a tired child in it and take them to the shower station.
Outbound Compact Outdoor Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon w
Everyone in my family loves the hammock! The first thing we do at the campsite is look for trees to hang it between. It’s the perfect thing for rest and relaxation in nature. Lightweight and reliable. Made from a parachute silk, and the hooks from a ...
Parachute & Mesh Camping Hammocks
The first thing we bought for our outdoor trips. Back then we were 4 people, and we fit perfectly in this tent. Easy to set up and take down. Good quality for a decent price.
The best fire starter I have ever tried. It really works!
Zip Original Fast-Lighting Solid Firestarter Cubes, 13-Minute Burn ...
The only thing keeps me alive at the Forrest. Any other devise, spray, cream didn’t work for me and I came back home with tens of mosquito bites. Therms cell works like a charm - turn the light, put it close to you and enjoy nature.
Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller
Easy to carry, easy to install, easy to use, easy to clean. Great stove for a small family.
Outbound Single-Burner Butane Camp Stove
Always have a few butane refills on my camping trips. Compact and affordable, easy to install.
Shell
You need them if you bought Thermacell unit. Work amazing- zero mosquito bite since I have Thermacell.
Refills - thermacell.ca.
What’s a camping trip without a reliable, bright lantern?
The Energizer 500 lumens can shine for up to 650 hours.
It’s convenient that it has multiple brightness modes.
Energizer LED Camping Lantern, Battery Powered ...
Handy and reliable bulb-shaped lanterns. You can hang them in each tent, under a canopy, or decorate the trees. My kids love walking with them in the dark at night.
5-Pack Portable LED Camping Lantern Bulbs
A must-have for camping is a set of bungee cords. They make it quick and easy to secure a tarp over the tent or campsite, and you can stretch them between trees to hang towels and wet clothes.
Cartman 32 Pc Bungee Cords Assortment Jar
A picnic blanket is a camping essential. Large, warm, soft to the touch, and waterproof — what more could you need?
Portable Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Waterproof
I always take Eddie Bauer down blankets with me on outdoor trips. They’re featherlight but super warm. It feels so cozy to throw one over your legs while sitting by the campfire in the evening or to wrap up in it during a morning hike. They’ve saved ...
Eddie Bauer Oversized Down Throw
Good mattresses that are comfortable to sleep on and don’t take up much space in the trunk. Easy and quick to inflate.
Gear Doctor Camping Mattress 500g
This set has everything you might need for cooking outdoors.
Convenient foldable handles, non-stick coating, and a compact design.
OVERMONT 14 PCS Camping Cookware Set
Convenient and reliable cooler. Keeps drinks and food cold for several days. Big enough for a family of five.
Outdoor Coolers & Durable Drinkware
Must have things for barbecue. Use it for fish, chicken, meat or vegetables.
BBQ Baskets & Pans(134 products)
I always bring After Bite on my trips. Insect bites, mosquitoe bites, poison ivy - it helps and gives relief from itching and pain.
After Bite Insect Bite Relief - After Bite
As a mom of 2 wild boys I don’t step outside without Band Aid in my purse. I pack family pack for outdoor trips.
BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages & First Aid Supplies
Grab at least one for camping trip,
Ozark Trail Multipurpose Bbq Lighter, Blue, 1 Unit
I trust Neutrogena sun screen spray and always take a bottle for trips.
Good for kids and adults.
Spray-on Sunscreen Products | NEUTROGENA®
It’s convenient that the handle is telescopic. You can sit farther away without risking straining your arms.
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
It can hold up to 20 liters of water. Thanks to its dark color, the water warms up well in the sun, so by evening you’ll have 20 liters of warm water. You can wash your hands from sand or rinse your feet after the beach right on-site.
Portable Showers
If, like me, you don’t want to get sunburned and need some shelter on the hottest days to hide your things and at least your head, you need to take a sun shelter to the beach. It’s easy to set up, lightweight, and convenient to carry.
Beach Tent | Walmart Canada
If you’re lucky enough to book an electric campsite, you’ll most likely need an extension cord. It’s best to choose a long and durable one so that wheels, water, or feet don’t damage it. Make sure it’s a bright color.
Extension Cords
For fun
Things for fun or keeping kids busy
On a rainy day in the tent, or in the evening by the campfire or on the beach, my kids play Uno. I’m so happy that instead of screen time, they’re playing a board game. Great for all ages.
UNO Game
How to keep kids entertained while camping? I challenge them to beat me at badminton. This set has everything you need, including a net. It’s easy to set up and take down (the kids love doing it themselves). It takes up little space in the car and at...
FBSPORT Portable Badminton & Volleyball Set
A touch of luxury in the outdoors: an inflatable lounger.
To inflate it, just catch the wind and it does the rest for you. When I lie on it, I feel like I’m on a cloud.
Shwaggins Inflatable Lounger – Chillbo
every outdoor trip.
I call it “my treasure.” I’ve tried a few boards from other brands — none of them come close in speed, balance, stability, or reliability. In terms of quality, this is the Ferrari of paddle boards. Every detail and every seam is m...