The hot summers are finally here and with it comes the camping season. Whether you like hiking into mountainous backcountry or pitching a tent somewhere in the wilderness, you need tough, weather-resistant gear you can rely upon. We have most bases covered here to help you make the best decision.
Here is a short list of the most basic camping equipment you will need to make your trip a success.
1. REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus (Two-Person Tent)
Half Dome 2 Plus is what you need for a comfortable night with a camping partner. It is light enough to be carried by a single person so you can enjoy a really spacious solo outing if you want. In fact, Half Dome can be easily used as a 3-person tent as well if you don’t mind a bit of squeeze. However, it only works as a 3-person tent with short people.
There is enough room to sleep comfortably during the night and sit up the next morning. The unique design has two doors, which means that nobody needs to climb on the other to enter or exit. The tent walls and roof have ten mesh pockets to protect your gear and keep the area tidy.
2. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating (Sleeping Pad)
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating sleeping pad is something you cannot do without when going camping on rocky terrain. The mat is made of polyurethane foam that is 3.1-inch thick. It has triangular chambers woven in the structure to reduce weight and bulk while offering adequate cushioning.
The best part is the non-slip grip pattern on the underside of the sleeping pad. You don’t have to worry about sliding around your single occupancy or 3-person tent during the night.
3. Klymit Drift (Pillow)
No camping gear is complete without a pillow. While nothing can rival the comfort and familiarity of your home pillow, the new Klymit Drift comes really close. It is made from shredded memory foam which gives you a 5.5 inch thick support to rest your head.
The pillow is supportive and surprisingly plush at the same time. The reversible has a ripstop polyester side that effectively repels dirt and water. The other side is made from jersey cotton and is really soft.
4. BioLite PowerLight Bundle (Lantern)
BioLite PowerLight Bundle is a combination of a powerful lantern and string light set that is enough to illuminate any campsite of any size. The rechargeable lantern offers 200 lm light making it highly versatile. It becomes 250 lm in torch mode.
You can even use it as a power bank to charge your phone or light up four 150 lm SiteLights. The kit comes complete with two dimmable string lights to set the mood in your camping site. The kit box also comes with locking magnets for easy storing and transport.
5. Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer (First Aid Kit)
You do not want to get caught in the countryside without the right first aid kit. There are enough moleskin, bandages, and medication in the Mountain Series Explorer to sustain a seven day excursion. It comes with a handy single-use thermometer.
The best part about the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer is its injury specific, labeled pockets that make finding supplies a breeze.
6. Hults Bruk Tarnaby (Axe)
The Hults Bruk Tarnaby comes with a 15-inch curved shaft made of hickory wood. It has enough strength to easily take care of light-duty camping tasks, such as driving stakes for a 3-person tent and making kindling.
The Swedish steel head weighs 1.25 pounds and is designed to retain its sharp edge with minimal maintenance. The axe comes with a convenient leather sheath for added protection when not in use.
7. MSR MiniWorks EX (Water Filter)
The MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter is quick acting with a one liter per minute flow rate. You can count on this filter to give you clean and safe drinking water when you most need it. There is a carbon and ceramic element in the filter which can remove up to 99.9% of protozoa and bacteria.
It comes with a functional indicator as well to let you know when the cartridge needs replacing, which is usually after 2,000 liters. Don’t forget to carry purification tablets in your gear if you are headed for the backcountry as a backup or for emergencies.
8. GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker (Coffee Mug)
You have got to appreciate the lightweight efficiency of Infinity even if you are not going to be more than 10 feet away from the camp. This low-cost polypropylene camping coffee mug can easily keep 17 ounces of cocoa or coffee warm for up to 4 hours.
That is almost the length of an entire morning when you don’t have to keep reheating water to make fresh coffee. There is a helpful seal on the mug built from neoprene insulation.
9. Aeropress Go Travel (Coffee Maker)
You need the Aeropress Go Travel if you can’t do without your caffeine fix on camping trips. This travel-size coffee maker makes use of a total immersion system which is quite similar to a French press. However, it doesn’t heat water to such high temperatures as the French press or use long steeping times.
You can easily brew 8 ounces of java in less than a minute, which equals to three shots of espresso. Plus, there is a handy 15-ounce mug and lid set which easily accommodates the brewing chamber and sundry supplies.
10. Bengku Outdoor 550-Pound (Paracord)
Paracords are highly versatile which makes them a worthwhile addition to any camping gear. You can use it as a clothesline, to create guy lines for tent fly on 3-person tents and even cut them for shoestring if yours wear out.
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