The Master List of Camping Gear: All The Things You Do (...and Don't) Need
camping gear—what you do (and don’t) need to buy
When people ask what my “happy place” is, I instantly picture camping with my hunny. Quiet days, reading by the water, hiking during the afternoon, cooking over the fire, playing cribbage in the tent…ahhhhhh. I can’t quite describe the feeling that being in the woods gives me, but to put it simply—it’s where I feel most free. Most me.
I’ve gone camping in the mountains of the Tetons, the peaks of Glacier, the mossy forests of Oregon, the blues + greens of Alaska, the tranquility of the Boundary Waters, and the grandeur of Banff National Park… and no matter where I go, I still get that feeling. That feeling of pause, intention, play, joy. My happy place isn’t a place—it’s a thing. Camping.
And it’s safe to say everyone has their own unique “happy place,” but I’d wager that most people’s involves being in nature in some way—on a beach, a mountain, a trail…nature has always been a refuge for humanity, but I believe especially now in our fast-paced, rushed world it is a necessity. A reset. A pause button. A place to put it all into perspective.
camping 101—
Soooooooo without further ado, camping 101: arguably THEEE most requested post I’ve ever had. Here’s the thing—camping feels simple once you’re out there (I promise!), but I won’t deny it can feel complicated when you are just starting out, looking at gear, packing, etc., and I want to help remedy that!
But here’s the thing—I kinda had some doubt. Like who am I to write this post??? It’s not like I am an expert camper or have explored the Arctic or have climbed Kilimanjaro or anything, hahaha. But! I have learned a few things. And I will always still be learning as long as I keep camping. I personally LOVE reading other people’s camping posts as it always gives me new ideas or validates the things I’m doing. Because here’s a secret with camping: no one has it ALL figured out. No one is the “perfect” camper. There is no such thing as one singular perfect item of [fill in blank here] gear. There are a LOT of ways to camp, a lot of gear that could work, and a lot of ways to go about it—and I just wanted to share my perspective. This is what I, a 26-year-old, average gal, use for simple tenting trips alllll the way to elaborate backcountry trips.
A simple guide to the gear you do need (and what you don’t need) to get outside this year! Let’s do this thaaaang so that you can have some moments like this >>>
how to read this post—
This guide is broken down into segments. First, the basic, absolute must-haves that you need for tenting—regardless of where or how you are pitching a tent. We’ll start with the barebones, then gradually get more + more advanced with optional add-ons that can make your experience much easier and more enjoyable. In these various segments, we’ll break into backpacking specifics and then finally the “luxury” items. Adam + I personally use every single item on this list (unless otherwise noted) so I can tell you that I love, approve, and recommend everything that we will cover.
Also note that I’ll cover two general types of tent camping in this post:
Car camping: Being able to drive right into a campsite, set up a tent, and keep gear/food in car (this is the most common type of camping). If you are just beginning to camp, this is a perfect place to start!
Backpacking: Carrying everything in your pack—all your gear, food, clothes, etc. in backpacks. This is more intense—but comes with more solitude in nature and better views. This is our favorite type of camping, but it warrants more prep/specific gear that can be is lightweight and can be easily packed down.
WHY THIS MATTERS WHEN BUYING GEAR:
NOTE: Not everything that you would buy for car camping would work for backpacking (size, heaviness, etc.). When Adam and I built our camping supply, we wanted gear that could work for BOTH car camping and backpacking so that we wouldn’t have to buy 2 sets of everything. You’ll see that reflected in this post! Most of the items are “backpacking” designated so that it could be used on backcountry, Boundary Waters, hiking trips but that it still could be used as a car camping item as well. I highly recommend shopping like this because no matter what type of camping trip you want to go on, you’ll have one set of gear that can do it all! Bang for your buck!
quality matters with gear (but you don’t have to spend a fortune…)
Here’s the thing about camping gear—it CAN BE an investment. Purchasing these things can definitely add up, and I definitely acknowledge that! (Broke college Kate would criiiiiiinge at the price of each piece she bought, ha!) But typically (if you buy quality items), you’ll buy it once and you’ll have it for a very, very long time. I can’t think of a single item that we have had to replace yet.
So while it can be a financial investment, don’t forget that it also an investment in adventure, joy, time in nature, quality time with loved ones, unplugging, reconnecting with yourself. So while you may feel a bit of sticker-shock when you look at gear, don’t forget the big picture!
Now here’s the thing—if you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll know that I am the world’s biggest bargain hunter. Like, ever. (My husband may or may not call me the “craigslist queen.”) I am allllllways looking for a good sale, a cheap swap, or a used deal. From used iPhones to thrifting clothes allllllll the way to used furniture and home decor…but honestly, with camping gear I am totally OK buying quality, built-to-last items…
but! that doesn’t mean I have to spend a fortune. PRO TIP: one of my favorite ways to get quality gear majorly discounted is to buy used + previously-loved camping equipment, annnnd I just can’t resist shouting out to Great Lakes Gear Exchange. This badass, lady-owned Duluth business is a consignment shop for gently used, great condition camping gear. I looooove their mission of reducing waste, empowering people to get outside, and making camping affordable and accessible for all people— annnnnd they were sweet enough to give foundation blog readers a discount in their online/in-person shop with the coupon KATE at checkout. Before I ever buy something brand new, I always try to find it used first— and Great Lakes Gear Exchange is personally the place i look for allll my used camping goodness first. Can’t wait for you to check them out!
how i approach buying camping gear (pssst: slow + steady)
I have found it SO WORTH IT to just invest in quality items from the get-go. Whether I find them used, buy them full price, or get them on black friday— i really do ALWAYS invest in quality with camping gear. They last forever, they get the job done, and quality items are just worth it. I think it’s just the nature of camping (pun intended). With being outdoors and being in the elements, you are quite rough on camping gear inherently and you want to buy gear that can stand up to this rough ‘n’ tough setting for the long haul! While I am still always keeping my eyes open for a good sale on camping gear and look at some used options, my biggest advice is to look for quality—read reviews, go to trusted brands, and be aware that you often do get what you pay for with camping gear!
So, all of this to say, think of your camping purchases as an investment and take it slow. As a couple, we started building our camping gear in college—starting with the barebones that I’ll outline below. Then one-by-one we slooooooowly bought each other gifts of camping gear for birthdays and Christmas. Little by little, over a few years, we created a small but mighty camping set-up with everything we could ever need. It took us a few years to build up to this point, but now we genuinely have evvvvverything we need for short trips, long-trips, car camping, backpacking…you name it! Hopefully this list will inspire you to build your own camping kit! Let’s do this thing!
the basics: start here
Ahhhhhh, the barebones. Whether you are pitching a tent in a formal campground, in your backyard, or deep in the woods, here are the nonnegotiables!
Sleeping bag: Okay, hear me out. If there is something to invest in—let it be your sleeping bag. Please. I cannot even express how much better I slept once I finally bought myself a nice sleeping bag and not a cheap leftover one that my parents lent me. QUALITY MATTERS WITH SLEEPING BAGS. We looooove this specific sleeping bag for men and women (it easily packs down for backpacking but it’s still soooo warm and cozy—rated down to 15 degrees F). I also got myself this warmer, heavy duty sleeping bag since I am a cold sleeper. I HIGHLY recommend this one if you are always freezing like I am—but it’s probably overkill for most people, and it is a bit thicker so I don’t backpack with it. We have been soooo impressed by the specific sleeping bags listed in this blurb. Hiiiiighly recommend putting your money where your mouth is with sleeping bags. You won’t regret it when you sleep like a lil baby, and they last foreverrrrrr.
Two-person sleeping bag: Okay, I haven’t bought this yet……. but I almost buy this double sleeping bag every single year and it’s only a matter of time before I just go for it. A double sleeping bag— designed to be cuddled + snuggled in with your honey! This one is a bit bigger and ideal for car camping and this one is ready for backpacking. daw, so cute! Real talk: on those cold camping nights, a lil body heat never hurt nobodaaay, am i right? :) I think it would be such a cute gift….. Okay, I really want it *adds to cart*
Tent: Ahhhh, the tent. If anything is a must-have it is this. Pretty hard to go tenting without a tent, no? :) Safe to say there are 93824029830248 options, but don’t get overwhelmed, sis! I’ll talk you through it! Honesty hour: I just looked up the exact tent we use and apparently the company and tent do not exist any more????? But here are some similar ones that I found on Amazon that are within the $75-$150 price range: option 1, option 2, and option 3.
My tent-buying advice:
I would spend anywhere from $75 to $150 on a tent to ensure you are getting good bang for your buck. We bought our tent for around $90 when we were starting out—we are 5+ years into using it and it has held up GREAT. You don’t have to jump right to the $250+ options! Unlike sleeping bags, I think you can get a really quality tent without paying a fortune.
I would get a backpacking tent as it is lightweight + packs up small, and if you ever want to go on a backpacking trip you’ll have the option! That said, it is SMALLER than a regular tent (less height, width, etc.) but we just decided to get a backpacking tent since we could use it for both car camping and backpacking, and a bigger tent would be limited to only car camping. Bang for your buck!
Another pro tip: get the backpacking tent size one person bigger than you plan for. For example, we only have two people sleep in our tent, but I bought a three-person tent in order to have room for our packs and whatnot.
Make sure you have a “footprint” for your tent. This is basically a tarp that goes under your tent in case of rain to make sure you stay nice and dry. They are super cheap. A lot of tents come with this, but many don’t so just make sure! Here are footprints on Amazon in case you need to buy one.
Mini propane stove: You can technically cook everything over campfire, but that option is a bit risky (if you have rain, high fire danger, etc.). To ensure that you can ALWAYS make a hot meal no matter what, get a propane stove. This one that we use is backpacking friendly and sooooo easy to use (make sure you get a mini propane and lighter to use it).
This cooking set: I could not recommend this exact set any more highly. It is the most versatile little pack that allows you to cook anything: a pot, a frying pan, a cover, mini bowls/cups. This specific set packs up very small and is lightweight so it’s perfect for either car camping or backpacking. I also think this other set looks really nice. I don’t personally own it, but I like the stainless steel (versus ours that has some plastic, yikes) and plates it has.
Bug spray and sunscreen: A must. Non-negotiable. Nothing ruins a camping trip like being ill-prepared for the buggies. I use Primally Pure’s nontoxic bug repellent. All-natural bug spray DOES exist, homies! And it works (save 10% with KATE10)! As for sunscreen, I’m not an expert on nontoxic sunscreen (drop me a comment on the bottom of this post if you have a favorite). I have been experimenting with different natural ones and this one is my favorite so far. I haven’t found one that I completely loooooove yet so please holla if you have any recommendations for me!
First aid kit: You don’t think you need it…until you need it. Just get it. I can’t even tell you how many times this little kit has come in handy.
trust me— investing in a nice sleeping bag is one of theeeeeee best things you can do when buying camping gear
the “i consider these to be must-haves, but technically they are optional” list:
Sleeping pads: Okay, maybe I shouldn’t say this is ABSOLUTELY necessary, but I pinkie promise it will transform how you sleep in your tent. Here is a bigger/thicker one with great reviews that would be amazing for car camping, but it might be a bit bulky for backpacking. I can’t find our specific mats (I just searched for like 40 minutes, ha!), but this one looks like a great option for a backpacking-capable sleeping pad. You want it to be small enough to be packed in a backpacking setting, but hearty enough that you won’t feel any rocks/twigs/hard ground under you. Similar to sleeping bags, this is where we INVESTED and got a good quality one that will last forever and keep us comfy. :)
Hammock: Best $30 you will ever spend. Ever. We lay here reading, bring it on hikes for a break, cuddle up on cold days…while maybe not a “necessity” to many campers, I genuinely can’t imagine camping without it. Amazing. (Pro tip: you can get these XXXXXXL straps so that you can always find a place to hang even if the trees are sparse!)
USB-charging lantern: This little thing is amazing. You’ll definitely want a good lantern for getting settled in the tent and for nights under the stars. This specific one holds a charge soooo well, and the ability to charge it up before trips with the USB is so easy. It also has charging ports for your phone/kindle/anything that uses a USB.
This very packable towel set: A set of dish rags, hand towels, and body towels that are mega absorbent (kinda like a sham wow, ha!) and pack down super small. I bought 2 sets (one in blue and one in green so that Adam and I each have our own).
This backpack: Ahhhhhh, this backpack. You heard me rant about this specific bag in “How To Travel for Dirt-Cheap,” but here is the backpack “carry-on” suitcase of your dreams. We use this specific pack for everything from backpacking trips allll the way to traveling to a city. You can fit soooo much in here and it is so comfy (and it’s carry-on size approved so say buh-bye to baggage fees). Highly recommend.
Headlamp: This is soooo handy for late night walks, cooking in the dark, or walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night. We have these cheapies that we FOUND while hiking one time, ha! They work great, but there is definitely room for improvement. When we replace them, we will definitely be getting a set that is USB chargeable (instead of batteries), like this option.
……you’'ll definitely want to invest in rain gear :)
clothing: camping gear must-haves
It is a common Midwest saying that “there is no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothing.” If you want an adventure, you have to dress for it! That means clothes that are warm, waterproof when needed, open to air, and multi-use. The biggest tip is to pack in layers! Tank tops, t-shirts, long sleeves, puffer jackets, flannels…but despite all those layers, there are a few key pieces of gear that I bring on every trip no matter WHAT.
Here’s a general piece of advice for clothing camping gear (in my opinion): more so than with general items, you really do get what you pay for.
i reeeeeallly recommend investing in quality camping gear. My philosophy? I would rather own ONE semi-expensive jacket that is perfect than four cheaper but mediocre jackets. I recommend investing in one NICE version of each piece of your gear—it’ll last you sooooo much longer and it’ll truly get the job DONE. Boom, baby!
Patagonia puffer: A puffer jacket is a MUST, and I am very much biased to the Patagonia puffer. I think it is PERFECT from A to Z. Patagonia is a brand I believe in and their products last foreverrrrrr. The puffer provides the perrrrrfect amount of warmth and coverage no matter the weather, and it packs up super small. (PRO TIP: I am a woman’s Small/Medium, and I always buy the Patagonia boy’s XXL to save about $60 for the same thing.)
Rain pants: A must. Again, a you-don’t-need-it-until-you-NEED-it kind of thing. I recommend buying a matching pant and jacket suit so that you are covered from rain head-to-toe. I have a Patagonia set and Adam has one from The North Face. You can search alllllll the rain pant options here.
Rain jacket: ^^ Ditto. A rain jacket is crucial. Don’t let a rainy forecast ruin your fun! Click here for a bunch of solid choices.
Wool socks: I don’t care if your toes never get cold in real life—you will want wool socks when you camp. They’re perfect for chilly nights in the tent, keeping your ankles/toes safe from mosquitos, and they’re great for hiking. My absolute FAVORITE wool socks are these specific ones, but you can’t go wrong with any Smartwool variation. (Lifetime guarantee!) Again, buy a pair or three and you will LOVE them while camping.
Chacos: Chacos are the perfect shoe to “throw on” when you leave the tent—they allow you to hike, get in water, and keep your toes open to air. Throw ‘em on, throw ‘em off—they are the perfect camping shoes. Here are 2 versions of Chacos that I love (version 1 and version 2). They last foreverrrrrrrrr. I got my pair 7 years ago and they show no signs of needing to be replaced—a classic camping staple!
Hiking boots: I get asked a lot what hiking boots I use and honestly I’ve had them so long that the specific model doesn’t exist anymore! That’s the one struggle of investing in everything, they last for yeeeeeears so when people ask for links, they are typically long gone and outdated! But here is a similar pair. I also really like wearing Salomon hiking shoes for more casual jaunts where I don’t need the ankle support. I would just browse all of these options and find the best shoe for you! I think i spent $120ish on my pair, and I am 6 years into them and will be just now replacing them after this summer. I got soooo much good use out of them! Soooo comfy and built for muddy, watery, gravel-filled adventures!
Buff: Ahhhhhhh, just putting this on makes me feel like I’m about to take off an adventure! Use these thick headband/scarf thingies to keep warm on chilly nights, wear as a scarf or headband, annnnnnnnd to cover up greasy camping hair. ;)
I recommend shopping at Great Lakes Gear Exchange (coupon code KATE) orrrr backcountry.com so you can look at various brands alllllll at once to compare different products, price points, etc. and get everything in one place. (Not to mention, they offer 15% off when you join their email list, hint hint.)
My favorite outdoor brands?
camping: food basics
Okay, this could easily be its own blog post—favorite camping recipes, campfire ideas, backpacking hacks, etc., but I’ll keep it REALLY brief here. In summary: how you pack food will be VERY different depending on if you are car camping or backpacking. If you are car camping you can pretty much bring anything that fits in your car/cooler! Mac ’n’ cheese, burgers, quesadillas…the options are limitless!
If you are backpacking and have to carry all of your own food, hang it in the trees from bears, etc., freeze-dried meals are where it is AT. You need to CARRY all of your food with you so lightweight, easy to pack food is crucial. Here is a general round-up of the very basics of eating while camping.
Main meals: Okay, freeze dried food is actually amazing. Especially this brand. Soooo easy, all real food, many are GF, so tasty, and SO EASY to pack. We use Mountain House freeze dried food 90% of the time and I can’t recommend this specific brand enough. (In fact we love it so much that we often use it when we car camp as well even though we don’t need to!)
BONUS: we always buy some freeze dried veggies in bulk and pack these in to add some extra vegetable nutrients to our pre-made meals. Totally optional, but if you are a veggie freak like me, this is a great idea! Here are a few I recommend: this veggie kit of alllllll sorts of veggies and buying spinach flakes in bulk for a lil extra green goodness in every meal!
Drinks: We will often pack in tea, some Four Sigmatic coffee and matcha (that way you don’t need any special equipment to make your morning cup o’ joe!) , and even sometimes a thing of bagged wine for a little camping happy hour. Cheers!
Snacks: We typically make bigger breakfasts and dinners and then just snack throughout the day—gluten-free PB & J, all-natural granola bars, apples, beef jerky, etc.
A propane stove: I covered this already, but this little portable stove REALLY is crucial. Make sure you can cook a meal no matter WHAT the weather or fire pit is like. Just add a mini propane tank and a lighter and you’re set! A must-have for warm meals.
This kit of pots and pans: Again, covered this already. But you will use this multiple times per day, every day while camping. AMAZING. A fry pan, a pot, cups, bowls, and a plate alllllllll in one backpack-friendly set.
Silverware: Again, keep it simple! I really recommend finding a multi-purpose set of a fork, spoon, and knife like this one. Not only is it super easy to use, but a full set of silverware is just one less thing you need to pack in.
Hydroflask: Gotta stay hydrated, homegirl! I love these water bottles for daily life, but especially for camping since they hold a lot of fluid, are durable, and can keep things hot or cold depending on what we use them for (water on a hike, morning coffee, etc.)!
my favorite type of kitchen in the whole world
the “these are crucial for backpacking and can also be used for car camping” list:
In addition to the jet boil, freeze dried meals, silverware, and pots ’n’ pans above, there are a few extras you need for backpacking. As we discussed earlier in this post, you carry alllll of your gear for backpacking so having it be small, light-weight, and still get-the-job-done-able is CRUCIAL. Here are a few key things you must have before a backpacking trip.
A quality backpack: Mentioning it again because it’s just THAT good. If you are going on a backpacking trip, I couldn’t recommend this specific pack more.
Water filter: Omg this thing is AMAZING. This filters your water a GALLON at a time. Please please please don’t get the “pump” water filters, they are EXHAUSTING. This little bad boy filters by using gravity—aka you don’t have to sit there pumping it for 20 minutes every time you want a drink.
Camp suds: For all of your dish washing, body washing, hair washing needs. This specific brand is biodegradable and better for the environment. A few suds diluted in water makes a big soapy quantity. A tiny swap that is good for Mother Earth!
Rope: Rope is needed to tie up all of your food from bears. Just fling this over a high branch and create a pulley system to raise your food up safe from the critters! Here is a cheap rope that’ll get the job done.
Toilet paper (and hand sanitizer): In the backpacking world this is NOT provided. There aren’t any formal bathrooms. Make sure you bring these or you are in for a nasty trip. Just a roll of toilet paper will do (I recommend putting it in a baggie so that it doesn’t get wet/soggy in rain). Further, I use this all-natural hand sanitizer. Super easy to pack and effective! (Made with 63% grape alcohol so it meets CDC standards!)
Garbage bag: A simple thing to pack, but really easy to forget so I wanted to include it. I hiiiiighly recommend brining along a garbage bag or two! Make sure you pack this—you WILL use it. Use this to collect your garbage throughout the trip, collect dirty laundry, keep things dry, pick up litter, etc.
Hiking poles: A muuuuuust for backpacking on long hikes. We went so many years without having hiking poles because technically we didn’t need them, but wow they make long hikes so. much. easier! (And you feel way more secure on uneven landscapes.) Definitely recommend!
mmmm, capturing memories via polaroid. MY FAV. every so often, I will sketch alongside it to remember exactly everything about that moment. frozen in time!
the “these are totally optional but will MAJORLY improve your experience” list:
Yeti cooler: is this necessary? no. but if you are in the market for a NICE cooler that will keep things cool for literal days and last forever— look no further. The Yeti cooler is 3840928309% worth it. I am so thankful we got this as a wedding gift because I don’t think I ever would’ve bought it for myself—but it really is that good. Super durable and keeps things cold for DAYS.
Screen tent: Oooooh, screen tents. Another “splurge” that we love and treasure. again, not necessary, but this is perfect for car camping—screen tents allow you to cover the picnic table in case of rain, which keeps you free of bugs and lets you cook, play cards, and hang out somewhere outside of the tent! Highly recommend!
Battery chargers: This thing is CLUTCH. Charges up phones for looking at maps, taking pictures, or playing a little music. We also buy all sorts of things that charge via USB: our lantern, our maps, etc.
Polaroid + film: I mean how many times can I rant about this thing until you grab one? My absolute FAVORITE way to capture a trip and authentic, beautiful memories. Pleeeeeease get a Polaroid camera + film! Best. Keepsakes. Ever.
Kindle: at risk of sounding dramatic, I can’t even imagine camping before I had my Kindle— on my last trip to the Boundary Waters, I read three full books. In three days. While I used to pack in and carry physical books, that adds a lot of unnecessary weight and takes up valuable space in teh pack—the Kindle allows me to have HUNDREDS of books ready on every trip and doesn’t require any light/lamp to read, which I am especially grateful for during late nights reading in the tent. :)
Cribbage board: Calling all Midwest people! Perfect for the rainy days stuck in the tent—this specific backpacking cribbage board version is made for camping and is durable, packable, and very lightweight!
the happiest camper there ever was!
to sum it up—
Like I said, buying camping gear can feel like a big financial investment. Purchasing these things can definitely add up! But find peace in the fact that you are investing in adventures. In travel. In time in nature. In quality time with friends. These are products that you will buy once and keep for a verrrrrrry long time. I encourage you to start one purchase at a time—start with the tent or the sleeping bag and build from there. You don’t have to get everything at once, but I encourage you to start. In the words of Russell from UP, adventure is ouuuuut there!
So. There you have it, camping gear 101—arguably THEEE most requested post I’ve ever had. I know there are 7588393483 things to cover with camping (more specific recipes, planning a trip, etc.), but I thought gear was a perfect place to start.
My heartbeat behind this post is to encourage someone who is a bit intimidated by camping to try it! I believe that if you opened this post, something inside you is craving a camping session—and I want to help you (yes, you) to get outside + start campin’! Let me know if you have any questions—and enjoy, you happy camper, you!
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