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Looking to add some fun gadgets and practical gear to your camping equipment? Look no further! Besides packing the Ten Essentials, like a hands-free LED headlamp, here are 15 things to bring on your next camping trip.
#1 Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Got too much camp gear or have friends tagging along? Make the most of your car’s interior space and get yourself a rooftop cargo carrier. A rooftop carrier can hold tons of gear and equipment and offers a watertight seal to keep it all dry and dust-free on dirty, rugged roads. Stuff it with sleeping pads, sleeping bags, your tent and more!
#2 Photography Equipment Case
If you love capturing the beauty of nature on film, a camera is a must for any camping trip. However, with all the dirt and moisture that can ruin an expensive DSLR, you want to ensure it stays protected and secure. Before you head out on your next trip into the great outdoors, be sure to get yourself a camera hard case to protect your investment.
#3 Inflatable Furniture
Forget the folding camp chairs! Go ultra plush with some inflatable furniture. From lounge chairs to sofas and air mattresses, you can find inflatable furniture in any shade and design. Pump it up and set it near the fire (but not close!) or take it inside a spacious tent to create a lounge area.
#4 Silicone Wine Glasses
Packed the cooler with chilled vino? Then you’ll need some wine glasses! Instead of bringing your finest stemware, pack a few silicone wine glasses. You can even find some that feature camp-themed designs and offer glow-in-the-dark materials so you can find your glass on the picnic table in the dark.
#5 Solar Power Energy Bank
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Whenever you’re off the grid, like at a campground, be sure to bring a solar-powered energy bank. While you’re out for a day hike, charge the energy bank back at the sunny site or strap it to your backpack and carry it along. Either way, once it’s good and charged, it can give your electronics the power they need to continue until you reach civilization.
#6 Pop-Up Trash Bin/Kitchen Sink
Struggling to find a place to keep your trash or wash dishes? Get yourself a pop-up trash bin or kitchen sink. Collapse it down flat when not in use and store it away in your camp gear storage bins. When you arrive at the site, pop it open and add a trash bag. Alternatively, you could also use it to carry dishes to the communal sink or fill it with water and wash at the site.
#7 Collapsible Dog Bowl
If you plan to bring Fido, make sure to bring along pet-related camping gear to keep them comfortable and happy. One way to keep your pet comfortable (and safe!) is to make sure they have plenty of water — with a collapsible bowl. Plus, with a carabiner, you can attach the collapsed bowl to your backpack when you feel like hitting the trail with your faithful companion. Just pop the bowl in place and fill it with water from your bottle.
#8 Heavy-Duty Cooler
Don’t ruin a good camping day by hunting down a bag of ice at a convenience store miles away. Instead, invest in a heavy-duty cooler designed to keep ice (and perishables) chilled for days. Choose a cooler with wheels for extra portability and latches for keeping out the critters, too.
#9 A Loveseat Camp Chair
Camping with a special someone? Snuggle up together by the fire with a loveseat camp chair. These double-sized camp chairs lack a middle arm rest, allowing you and your honey to share a blanket and watch the stars late into the night.
#10 A LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
LifeStraw makes amazing products, plain and simple. For backcountry hikers, you can get water bottles and gravity-fed water filtration systems that can purify water straight from a running stream. But even if you’re car camping, they can come in handy in an emergency. If you plan to do any hiking while you camp, be sure to bring plenty of water and a LifeStraw personal water filter just in case you run out of clean water.
#11 Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
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Tired or using your grandparents’ rusting, heavy percolator to make so-so coffee? If you’re a bit of a coffee snob, get yourself a lightweight Aeropress. The Aeropress can make both coffee and espresso and can fit in a backpack effortlessly. All you need is your favorite beans!
#12 Portable Coffee Grinder
Speaking of beans, if you love a fresh grind, a portable coffee grinder is a must! While there are several camp-specific grinders available on the market, you don’t need to invest in something too fancy. The only requirements are that it needs to be compact and durable. Look for a coffee grinder that offers multiple grind setting, too, allowing you to do super-fine for an espresso or coarse for a pour-over coffee.
#13 Binoculars
Ever wish you could take a closer look at wildlife? Zoom in on the local flora and fauna to enjoy the beauty of nature. If you plan to take them paddling or fishing on a boat, make sure to get floating, waterproof binoculars.
#14 Solar-Powered Lanterns
Illuminate the campsite with a solar-powered lantern or two. During the day, each lantern charges up via the sun’s rays, meaning you don’t have to recharge anything. It beats carrying a delicate glass lantern, at the very least. Many lanterns compress down, too, making them easy to pack in your camp gear or backpack. For a fun and festive look, choose a lantern with additional colored light settings.
#15 Hanging Lantern and Fan Combo
If your tent gets a little stuffy at night, you bring a portable fan. Better yet, bring a fan with a built-in light that you can hang inside the tent. As you nod off, you can use it to cool off and read or play cards with your camping buddy. It’s not the same as AC, but it beats sweating all night long in your sleeping bag.
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