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Camping essentials so your trip doesn't suck!
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items These are items I have picked up along the way. I would always think of something new to bring next time on a camping trip that would make the experience even better. Here are my recommendations and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Happy Campi...
Sections
4
Beginner Camping Kit
Comfort Upgrades
Camping snacks/food
Safety & Emergencies
Beginner Camping Kit
The essentials camping needs to ensure the first trip goes smoothly.
Variable sizes ranging 2-8 person tents. I have an 8 person tent and it can fit a queen sized air mattress in there with room left over.
Amazon Basics 3-Season Dome Camping Tent
This sleeping bag has kept me warm in 39°F weather. It has a pocket on the inside near the top of the bag to store gloves or other items to keep nearby.
Coleman Spider 20-Degree Cold Weather Mummy Big and Tall Sleeping Bag, Green, 84”x36”
For double the comfort. 3-Season rated. Plenty of room for two people to sleep comfortably. With the combined body heat, I was nice and warm on the cold nights.
Airopr Double Sleeping Bag Queen Size 2P
This pillow is comfortable to sleep on. It's not too firm and not too soft. It's compact enough to bring along and not take up too much room in the car.
Klymit Drift Camping Pillow, Reversible Cover
Perfect for when I'm cooking over the fire and need light shining from above, taking a trek looking for wood to keep the fire going, or for reading a book.
Black Diamond Spot 350 LED Waterproof Headlamp
I love the rustic style and simplicity of it. Comes in a variety of sizes as well. Comes with all the hardware and takes some time to assemble. Sturdy build. Compact when disassembled.
Camp Fire Ring Pit, Large Galvanized Steel
A variety to choose from. LED gave off no heat for the warmer nights. Illuminates a large area with all four lit up.
Lichamp LED Camping Lantern 4 Pack Gray
It is the perfect size to fit in a backpack and cook by a stream. Lightweight. Just make sure you have fuel to go with it!
MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping Stove
This is very handy and a must have. Everything packs nicely inside of the case and stores away easily.
GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set 24-Piece
Lightweight and easy to clean. Packs nicely inside of the mesh bag. Another must have.
Stainless Steel Camping Mess Kit - Plate, Bowl, Cup & Utensils
Large enough to store a few days worth of food! Different sizes to choose from.
Coleman Classic Series 100-Quart Rolling Cooler
Mosquitoes will stay far away with this on. Just don't touch your mouth if it's on your hands or your mouth will go numb from the deet!
Repel Sportsmen Max Formula Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray w/ 40% DEET, 8.125 Ounces
Smells great! Works if used as directed. Apply 15 minutes before going out and then reapply every 2 hours. I haven't gotten burned with this product.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50, 6.5 oz
I love this stuff. Aloe vera nourishes the skin and hydrates and the mint extract helps to cool down the burn. Less time peeling and faster healing.
Neutrogena Sun Rescue Rehydrating Lotion 6.7oz
Comfort Upgrades
For when you're ready to upgrade for the next adventure.
My go-to power bank when camping. Holds charge when not in use for long periods of time. Power output is powerful and charges steadily.
Griffin Reserve Power Bank 9000 mAh, Black
Great for starting fires.
72PCS Waterproof Fire Starters for Camping
Provides a spark for the fire starters to get a fire going. The outer black layer has to be scraped off before the sparks can fly.
FERROFIRE Heavy-Duty Ferro Rod Fire Starter
4-inch thick memory foam sleeping pad. Built in self-inflating pump. Comfort matters, don't skip this.
HEETA 4" Self Inflating Sleeping Pad w/ Pump
Perfect to put some space between you and the ground. Sleeping on a cot is nothing compared to this. It's great for side sleepers.
Exped MegaMat Duo Long Wide Plus - Self Inflating Sleeping Mat
Warm, soft, and comfortable! Draft can't get through this. It even has clips to latch together to wear around the neck so it doesn't fall off my shoulders.
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket 52x75 Alpenglow
I could sit in this chair all day if I could and swing life away. The drink holder on the side is a nice addition. The back is adjustable to sit more upright or to lean back and take a nap.
RIO Hammock Camping Chair, Steel, Adjustable Back
Compact size, comfortable, and quick setup.
Kootek Camping Hammock with Tree Straps & Carry Bag
Love this little table for camping. Folds easily and stores away without taking up too much room. Provides just enough surface space.
Anbte 3ft Folding Camping Table w/ Storage Net
Top of the line at keeping nourishment cold and fresh. The latches keep the lid on tight and prevent cold from getting out and heat from getting in.
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
This thing is awesome! It boils water in under 2 minutes. Perfect for making coffee in the morning.
Jetboil Flash 1.0L Fast Boil Stove 2025
Don't forget fuel!
Jetboil Jetpower Fuel 230g (2 Pack)
I love cooking on cast iron. There's something about cooking a nice steak in one of these. Heavy duty and can withstand high heat when placed on hot coals.
Lodge 12" Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Walmart.com
Adds a nice ambience.
MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights, 18’/44’, USB Rechargeable
Camping snacks/food
These foods are what I grab to make sure I'll be stocked for the trip. From keeping energy levels up, to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The start to homemade trail mix.
Great Value Whole Natural Almonds, 14 oz
Dried strawberries are one of my favorite fruits to put in trail mix. They're the perfect amount of sweet added to a salty mix.
Great Value Freeze Dried Strawberry Fruit Crisps, 1 oz
These banana chips add the right crunch. They're full of potassium which is good for muscle cramps. Perfect for when hiking.
Great Value Sweetened Banana Chips, 12 oz
I add these two-in-one to trail mix.
Great Value Freeze Dried Banana & Strawberry Fruit Crisps, 1.3 oz.
Another one of my favorites to add to trail mix. Just the right amount of sweetness.
Great Value Sweetened Dried Cherries, 5 oz
Good to have as a snack.
Great Value Pitted Prunes Reclosable Pouch, 8 oz (226g)
These pineapple bits are a soft chewy texture and good to add into trail mix.
Great Value Sweetened Dried Pineapple, 6 oz
DIY Trail Mix addition.
Great Value Dried Apricots, 16 oz
This one's good for when I'm in a time crunch. A different variety of dried fruits in one pouch.
bettergoods Organic Dried Fruit Medley, 6 oz
DIY Trail Mix addition.
Great Value Sweetened Dried Mango, Philippine Grown, 6 oz
These are good to put in cereal or oatmeal.
Great Value Sweetened Dried Blueberries, 3.5 oz
Good in cereal, oatmeal, or trail mix.
Great Value Dried Berries & Golden Raisins, 20 oz
For when the sweet tooth hits and I need a break from all those nuts and fruits.
M&M's Milk Chocolate Summer Candy, Sharing Size - 10 oz Resealable Bag
DIY Trail Mix addition.
M&M's Peanut Milk Chocolate Candy Sharing Size - 10.05 oz Bag
DIY Trail Mix addition.
M&M's Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Candy, Sharing Size - 9 oz Bag
Perfect for on the go. Quick protein fix. I love the different variety of flavors these come in and the texture.
Jack Link's Original Beef Jerky, 10 ounce
These are good to have as a snack on the way to the campground and with lunches. The compact size makes them easy to store.
Doritos Tortilla Chips 5 Flavor Variety Pack Snack Chips, 1 oz Bags, 18 Count
Tasty snack for on the go.
SunChips 100% Whole Grain Snacks, 4 Flavor Variety Pack, 1 oz, 18 Count
Can't go wrong with Ruffles!
Ruffles Variety Pack Potato Chips 1 oz Bags, 18 Count
Good snack, good flavors, good for on the go and with lunches.
PopCorners Popped Corn Snack Chips, 3 Flavor Variety Pack, 15 Count Multipack
There aren't many protein bars I have come across that don't have that lingering aftertaste. With all the different flavors to choose from, these protein bars are worth my while.
KIND Breakfast Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Cocoa Protein Snack Bars, 1.76 oz, 12 Count
Good for an energy boost while hiking trails.
KIND Breakfast Peanut Butter Banana Dark Chocolate Gluten Free Protein Snack Bars, 1.76 oz, 12 Count One box
Good flavor and for an energy boost.
KIND, Gluten Free, Apple Cinnamon, Breakfast Protein Bars, 6-Count, 1 Cardboard Box
I don't usually buy these because most protein bars have that after taste. But for me, these weren't bad.
Quest Protein Bar, White Chocolate Raspberry, 20g Protein, Gluten Free, 4 Ct
TRUBAR Protein Bar, Smother Fudger Peanut Butter, Plant Based Protein, Vegan, Gluten Free, Kosher, 5 Count
Perfect size for travel.
SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter Squeeze Pack, 7g Protein per Serving, Shelf-Stable, 6 oz Plastic Pouch
These are also the perfect size for travel.
Jif To Go Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread, 8- 1.5 Ounce Cups, Smooth and Creamy Texture, Snack Size Packs
Perfect for extra protein in the morning. Adding fruit to this provides additional sweetness and energy. My go-to grab from the store.
Kodiak Protein-Packed Classic Rolled Oats, 16 oz Canister
Good addition to the trail mix or to have as a cereal.
Great Value Oats & Honey Granola, 11 oz
A few of these small bottles take up less space in the cooler than a gallon/half gallon. 1 bottle is perfect for two bowls of cereal. Good for oatmeal or adding to the granola mix.
Customer reviews for Borden Whole Vitamin D Milk, 1 Half ...
Love these bagels as a breakfast sandwich.
Thomas' Everything Bagels, 6 count, 10g Protein, Kosher Bagels, 20 oz Bag
These bagels are really good with peanut butter or Nutella.
Great Value Pre-Sliced Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, Rte, 20 oz, 6 Count
Perfect size to bring along for the trip.
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee, 3 oz Jar
Refreshing! Nothing beats a hot day than an ice cold cup of tea. I make this before setting out on my trip and having it ready to go. I have an extra bag of ice in the cooler to go with it.
Luzianne, Black Iced Tea, Tea Bags, 24 ct.
Safety & Emergencies
Perfect to use for DIY first aid kit. I just grabbed what I have at home and filled this up. All the pockets hold everything in place. Three different sizes to choose from and a ton of colors!
FYY Travel Cable Organizer Bag, Waterproof
For a starter first aid kit, this has the basics.
RHINO RESCUE Small Ultralight Waterproof First Aid Kit 114pc
Essentials for injuries.
Mini 150-Piece Waterproof First Aid Kit
These matches are windproof and waterproof. They're a good back up to have if lighters run out of fuel.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Case & Strikers
Just the right amount of hydration.
Hydration Bladder 1.5-3L BPA-Free Leak Proof
Just in case. Pair with a bivy sack (emergency sleeping bag.)
Go Time Gear 2-Person Mylar Survival Tent
Pair with the emergency tent. Emergency sleeping bag.
Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Survival Bag