10 Absolute Must-Haves for Any Camping Trip
- Written by
- On Thursday, February 9, 2023
There are seemingly infinite camping accessories available, but if you’re new to camping and you don't want to invest in all kinds of bells and whistles for your campsite, then it can be tough to separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves. But that’s what we’re here for!
We created a list of items that are absolutely essential for any camping trip, so you can be sure you’re comfortable and prepared on your next camping adventure.
Shelter
Campros 6-Person Camping Tent
This one is a no-brainer, but it’s still important to consider the type of shelter you have, be it a basic tent or a luxury RV, and ensure that it can withstand anything the weather in your area throws at it. And even if the forecast for your trip is nice, the weather can always change on a dime, so it’s best to be prepared for the worst weather conditions when it comes to choosing your shelter.
Water
Vennerli Half-Gallon Water Bottle
Among the most important essentials, adequate water is paramount to a safe and successful camping trip. Many campsites provide access to drinking water, but it’s still a good idea to bring plenty of extra water with you in case of an emergency. One or two of these oversized water bottles will make it easy to ensure you have plenty to drink when you need it.
Firewood
Timbertote Firewood Bundle
From keeping you warm to cooking your food, fire is a critical component of any camping trip, and you need firewood to start one. Even if your campsite is supposed to have firewood on site, things like bad weather and low supply can mean it’s not available, so you should make sure to bring extra just in case.
First Aid Kit
M2 Basics Emergency First Aid Kit
No matter how short your camping trip is, you never want to venture out into the wilderness without a first aid kit. This kit provides the basics that you’d need to address minor injuries, aches, and pains.
Warm Sleeping Bag
Kelty Cosmic 20-Degree Sleeping Bag
Blankets are great, but nothing beats a sleeping bag that’s specially designed to keep you warm during cold nights in the wilderness. If you worry that the sleeping bag will be too warm, then bring along an extra blanket that you can use in case you get hot.
Rainproof Clothes
Northend Softshell Jacket
Like we said, even if the forecast says sunny skies, the weather is unpredictable and can blow a storm in at any time, so you’ll definitely want to have warm, rainproof clothes on hand. This parka is great because it’s lightweight but warm enough to get you through cold rains.
Bug Spray
OFF! Deep Woods Aerosol
Don’t let insects ruin your trip by feasting on your body the whole time. This heavy-duty bug spray will help protect you from pests so you don’t spend your entire trip itching and scratching.
High-Quality Knife
StatGear Bowie Knife
If you’re just heading out for an easy weekend camping trip, you might not think you need a knife. But you never know when you might need to cut a rope or slice through fabric to tend to a wound, so a quality survival knife should be on everyone’s camping list, regardless of how easy the trip is predicted to be.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
Dorcy Handheld Flashlight
Most of us have flashlights on our phones, but in the event that your phone dies or doesn’t turn on due to inclement weather, you don’t want to be without a light. A nice flashlight and extra batteries will ensure you’re never without adequate light when you need it.
Cooler
Coleman 48-Quart Cooler
A cooler may not seem like an absolute necessity, but in addition to keeping your food at optimal temperatures and preventing food poisoning, it can also protect your food from wildlife and the outdoor elements, making it a must-have for any camping trip.
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