Our family of 7 loves to camp, including the twins who first camped at 4 months…
Sections
2
Sleeping area
Hangout/Eating area
Sleeping area
The tent…and things inside it.
Last year, we upgraded from an 8-person tent to the Core Equipment 12 person Instant style tent and can't believe we did do so sooner. The instant style is extremely easy to set up and well, I'll never complain about more space in the tent…
12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
We got 3 of these almost brand new on Marketplace and so far have been impressed and the kids all love them…but there sure are a ton of options out there.
Coleman Trailhead II Large Folding Cot, Supports 300lbs
I use this and a weighted blanket on a sleeping pad. I'm passed the days of a budget sleeping since I'm tall and there's a good chance one of the kids will leave theirs and join me lol
Merino Wool MummyLiner
My bed at home is pretty great…but this makes sleeping in a tent almost as good
Exped LuxeMat Duo Sleeping Pad | REI Co-op
Hang it from a carabiner to keep air moving, light if needed with warm & cool range, and USB-C recharging.
Camping Fan with Light
Fortunately the first time we needed one, we were camping with friends and we're able to borrow theirs but for the price…just add one to your set up.
MonstaMallet Tent Hammer
We always have a spare in the car. You never know when a rain shower might come thru and the food or gear is exposed or the tent area is muddier than expected, etc etc.
All-purpose tarp
Always have one or two of these on hand or in the car…
HEROCLIP Medium Hanger | REI Co-op
More of a specific use/personal light but it recharges USB-C or solar and has a carabiner attachment.
Radiant Revolve Rechargeable + Solar Lantern
Great dopp kit but sometimes I just use it for waterproof peace of mind…like storing the matches in case a sudden rain shower comes through
RunOff Waterproof Toiletry/gear Bag
Super versatile waterproof rug. We usually lay it down at the tent door and take our shoes off outside the tent, but you can use it inside the tent, roll it up and use for a picnic, back porch on hot days, inside the van…
Waterproof tent mat/rug
Hangout/Eating area
Bought this for my car…and then my wife saw it and started using it for our camp cooking gear…and there it remains. Whatever you use it for though…super handy.
Kelty Chef Roll – Kitchen Tool Organizer
Pretty sure these are discontinued but they came in a bunch of colors and our kids love them for hot chocolate while camping and they are just the right size for them.
GSI Outdoors Doppio Kid Size Mini Mug
Usually we camp in defined spaces with at least one picnic table but this has been great to keep on hand. The gear shelf is also nice.
L.L.Bean Camp Table
Expensive but great. Bought them for myself and I regular take to the office and on all camping trips.
FULL WINDSOR MAGWARE Magnetic Camping Cutlery Set
My value pick for a lantern. USB-C rechargeable, high-med-low + red light and sos settings, IPX7 water resistance…this is the one that I don't have to worry about but is used in a lot of different settings (ie if it falls out of the trunk, the kids o...
Cabela's 1200-Lumen Rechargeable Lantern
Pleasantly surprised with this. We load up everything in gear boxes and then start unpacking things and this is really convenient for the hanging near the food table or sometimes the kids will take it into the tent and each kid has their own shelf.
Marmot Birdhouse 3-Shelf Hanging Tent Organizer
Made in the USA, buy at your local REI, sturdy, expandable…and camping essential
REI Roasting Forks - 2pk, Made in USA
Really impressed with the RTIC brand, good quality for price before premium/splurge range.
RTIC Outdoors 52qt Ultra-Light Hard Sided Cooler - Patriot
Full-size version of the REI champ chair. Highly recommend for almost any environment.
REI Co-op Campwell Chair | REI Co-op
REI makes a kids version of what is probably our favorite chairs. These are durable, fold up easily, not too heavy, and comfortable. These are the ones that usually are stored in the van and go to sports sidelines, picnics, and for camping, are carri...
REI Co-op Camp Chair - Kids' | REI Co-op
We love to set this up by the fire but usually doesn't move from that location than.
Alps Mountaineering King Kong Loveseat
Usually have at least one shelter with a table set up and another for down at the lake. Love the instant style.
10' x 10' Center Push Instant Canopy
Like the Barebones brand, if you can find this on sale should be a great buy.
Barebones Fire Pit - Hike & Camp
This has been a great buy. Wheeled storage and a nice heavy duty handle. No longer am I waiting for someone to help or breaking my back trying solo.
IRIS 42 gal. Storage Bin with wheels
As long as there is a place to hang it, it ends up getting used!
hammock at REI | REI Co-op
Stackable, lightweight, good color options.
Stackable cups
Excellent tumbler that I use daily. Lots of color options and the interior is ceramic lined instead of stainless steel.
Commuter Cup
I fill it every night and it comes camping with us. For a while, I rolled my eyes. Now I know better.
Big Berkey 2.25 Gal Stainless Steel Water Filter
Great value for ~$10. We use this camping, at the cabin, beach trips…just super convenient to be able to create your own line to hang up wet swim wear and clothes.