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I go camping every summer, sometimes in a big group, sometimes just me and a friend. Either way, I usually end up out in the middle of nowhere hours from the nearest town. So I like to make sure my gear is going to hold up. The last thing you want is to get out to the site and realize something is broken, or end up in a wet tent! This list is all gear I have used, researched the heck out of, or came highly recommended. Here is my list of camping gear that saved my butt!
#1 – The Tent
First item on the list of camping gear that saved my butt! This thing is awesome! By far and away my favorite piece of gear I’ve purchased. I spent hours agonizing over choices, researching, and comparing before I bought this. I wanted a 2 person tent that I could take backpacking. So I wanted under 5lbs, with a bit of headspace, and very high quality. Boy did this tent exceed expectations! The Mountainsmith Morrison 2 person tent has gone backpacking and camping with me for the last two years. I’ve gotten rained on everytime. I’ve been dry and comfy in my tent everytime. Super easy to set up, with clever pockets, and a hammock in the top for stashing important items, this is a very well thought out tent for a reasonable price! The link is for the exact tent I bought.
#2 – The Sleeping Bag
I bought this sleeping bag on sale. It was a slight impulse purchase, as I had done lots of research and knew what criteria I wanted my sleeping bag to meet. So when I was out shopping with a friend at an outdoor retailer and saw this on sale I knew it was a good deal. My Marmot womens Trestles 30 sleeping bag has a comfort rating down to -1 celsius, meaning you won’t freeze. I can say that if you are sharing a two person tent and wearing a warm baselayer, you will be comfy down to 0 celsius.
However if you are sleeping in a two person tent by yourself in the same base layer when it gets down to 0 celsius you are going to want an extra blanket or maybe a sleeping bag liner. It weighs 3lbs and packs down relatively small. This is by no means an ultra light sleeping bag, however in Canada in August in the mountains, it can go down to freezing at night. So worth the extra weight considering the price. The linked version is actually warmer than mine, but about 1lb heavier. Better for camping, not as good for backpacking I think.
#4 – The Sleeping Pad
I have used the same Thermarest sleeping pad since I was a child. Seriously, I can’t remember how long I have had this thing. It self inflates, rolls down to a small tube, and is comfy at night. I use this camping, and I sleep like a baby. It’s a bit too heavy for backpacking so for next year I want a lighter weight one for my trips. I’ve never had an issue using this pad, and when my friends are waking up at night to deflated air mattresses and trying to patch holes, I’m sleeping the best sleep of my life. I’m pretty sure I sleep better camping than I do at home! (I’ve also dragged mine out to a rocky mountain lake to sun myself on the “beach”) The one linked above is a signifigantly newer version of my pad!
#3 – The Stove
When I go camping I love to cook over the fire. That being said, I like hot coffee and an easy breakfast in the AM. So when I inherited a Coleman 2 burner camp stove I was thrilled. These things are bomb proof, and so easy to use. I can have boiling hot water within 10 minutes for my coffee, making me the favorite camp cook! I love using a griddle on the stove to make hash browns, bacon, and eggs. Super tasty, hot and fast. And it cleans up and packs up neat and easy. I can see myself using the same campstove in 10 years! The link is for the closest version to what I have, which is several years old already.
#5 – The Storage
Ok don’t look at me funny. You need somewhere to keep all your camping gear right? And I happen to be super smart! I keep most of my gear in this one huge bin. It has wheels and a handle for easy transport, and slides right into the back of my SUV. I don’t really have to do much packing, I just throw a couple bins and a duffle bag into my SUV and drive away. And when we get to camp and set up the kitchen area, I have a built in table to cook on that animals can’t get into. (To be clear no food gets stored here, and this is not bear proof, simply a safe waterproof place to keep the stove, dishes, and accessories for cooking!) Super simple, super smart, right?
#6 – The Cast Iron Skillet
Aside from breakfast, all our meals usually get cooked on the fire. Usually in a cast iron skillet. Nachos? Check! Potatoes? Check! Salmon in foil? Use the skillet to keep it out of the coals! This thing is awesome. And the best part is to clean it, I simply stick it right back in the fire after dinner! I bring this and an old pot, and between the two I’m usually set!
#7 – The Rain Coat
Don’t go camping without a good raincoat. Seriously just don’t. I guarantee that as soon as you do it will rain, hail, and maybe thunder. Lol see the #1 again if you don’t believe me. So I love my raincoat. For camping I’m going to show you Christy’s as hers is a bit heavier, warmer, and more durable. Mine is lighter for backpacking and I wouldn’t wear it around a campfire. She got a Helly Hansen coat, with sealed seams, waterproof fabric (Don’t buy anything with a waterproof coating, it doesn’t last worth a damn!), and a really adjustable hood. We’ve gone hiking in the pouring rain and stayed dry and toasty no problem. Here is a link to our Wilcox Pass adventure, where you can see what I’m talking about! A good rain coat is worth every penny! Here is the coat Christy wears.
#8 – The Coffee
I know this isn’t strictly gear, but it is necessary. You don’t want to deal with Alex before coffee. I’ve already made a concession in that I’m not making french press espresso in the campsite. I make do with deliciously flavored instant coffee, and since its single serving it’s also awesome for backpacking. Now when I say it saves my butt, I’m not just referring to the caffeine. I had a friend wander out of his tent in the morning, shivering like a leaf. Enough to cause some concern, so I made hot coffee. Sometimes hot liquid with lots of sugar and caffeine is more than just a tasty treat. (This is also a note to always pack according to the weather, and be prepared!)
#9 – The Pillow
Best $20 I’ve spent! This pillow came recommended by several backpacking youtubers! I used it on my last camping trip and hot damn! So much easier than a full pillow. Hear me out, I have a mummy style sleeping bag, meaning that the hood is small so this pillow fits perfectly. This means I can zip my bag all the way up and even pull my hood down if it’s chilly. It packs down to about the size of my fist, and is super light. Also easy to clean which is a bonus! Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference!
#10 – First Aid Kit
Last but not least on the list of camping gear that saved my butt! Never go hiking or camping without a first aid kit ok? Even if it’s a simple kit with bandaids, gauze, medical tape, and a sling. It’s better to be safe than sorry. My kit also includes some tylenol and electrolytes. I’ve been using the same kit for years, so some things have been replaced, some taken out, and items added. I also carry vet wrap, moleskin, and duct tape in case of blisters. Honestly I use gauze and duct tape over bandaids if I’m outside all day. It holds up better!
Hopefully these suggestions have helped you prepare for your next camping trip. This list of camping gear that saved my butt was very seriously thought out, and I only included items that I use every trip. I highly recommend every item on this list, and trust my gear fully. What would go on your list of camping gear that saved my butt? Happy camping!