Whether I'm packing for a quick weekend in the woods or a longer desert getaway, there are a handful of camping gear essentials that always end up in my Jeep. These are the items that make my camping trips smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable. In this post, I’m sharing ten must-have camping gear items that have proven themselves over and over. If you’re building your camping checklist or upgrading your gear, these outdoor essentials are absolutely worth adding to your setup.
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| My Alps Mountaineering Meramac 3 Tent |
1. A Reliable Tent for Any Camping Trip
A tent is the heart of any camping setup. I’m not brave enough to sleep on the bare ground with nothing between me and scorpions, donkeys, spiders, or other curious desert creatures. My favorite is the Alps Mountaineering Meramac, which has survived years of outdoor camping trips. I have the Meramac 3 right now, and it's actually the second one I’ve owned. When this one finally wears out, I’ll probably buy another.
It’s simple to set up solo, spacious inside, and the optional rainfly lets in a nice breeze on warm nights. The storage bag is roomy enough that packing up doesn’t feel like wrestling a wild animal.
Inside, I add a sleeping bag, a fuzzy blanket, a compressible travel pillow, and a foam sleeping pad if it’s cold. Battery-powered fairy lights give a soft glow and help prevent accidental stumbling over gear.
You will also definitely want a tarp for underneath to protect the tent and add a moisture barrier between you and the ground.
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| My trusty camp chair and table |
2. Comfortable Camping Chairs for Your Campsite
I’ve been eyeing nicer camping chairs for a few years, but my cheap Walmart chairs have been surprisingly reliable. They’re starting to show their age, though. Once one collapses by the fire, I’ll finally upgrade to sturdier camping chairs. If you’re looking for car camping essentials, chairs are definitely near the top of the list.
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| My campsite table set up at night |
3. A Folding Table for Organized Campsites
A 6-foot folding camp table keeps your gear, water jug, and cooking supplies off the ground. A smaller portable camping table is perfect next to the fire for drinks, snacks, and miscellaneous items that somehow appear during the evening. This is one of those items that might not seem exciting but is an essential piece of practical camping gear.
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| Best axe ever! |
4. A Trusty Camping Axe
If you’re chopping your own firewood, avoid logs with big knots. They make life harder than it has to be. I love everything Estwing makes, and their camping axe provides excellent leverage, making splitting logs much easier. It’s one of those must-have camping gear items that makes building a fire actually satisfying.
5. Stormproof Matches or a Bic Lighter
You can build the perfect fire, but it won’t do much without a reliable fire starter. Stormproof matches or a classic Bic lighter are essential, whether you’re cooking dinner or just enjoying the warmth on a chilly night. Even though I don’t smoke, I keep a lighter stashed in multiple places, and it has saved me more than once.
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| Trusty camping grate |
6. A Campfire Cooking Grate
If your campsite doesn’t have a grill grate, bring your own campfire cooking grate. It makes burgers, brats, toast, and basically any campfire meal much easier to cook. The storage bag for mine eventually wore out, so it now lives in an old pillowcase, which works just as well.
7. A Small Handled Shovel
A small shovel is an underrated camping tool. It’s perfect for putting out a fire, digging out rocks, patching uneven dirt roads, or even helping if you get stuck. A folding camping shovel is a great space-saving alternative for smaller packs.
8. A Multi Tool or Pocket Knife
A multi tool or pocket knife is a critical part of any outdoor gear essentials list. I bring my Leatherman Skeletool CX and a box cutter. Both see heavy use, even outside camping trips. If you prefer a simpler option, a pocket knife works just as well. One sharp, dependable tool is always worth packing.
I bring both my Leatherman Skeletool CX and my box cutter. I carry one like this everywhere, everyday, even when I'm not camping, because I use it for everything and would be completely lost and helpless without it! A pocket knife is another popular option for many people.
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| I love this lantern! |
9. Reliable Camping Lights
Lighting can make or break your campsite experience. The UST 30 Day Duro lantern has incredible battery life and lights up the entire area. For walking around camp, I use the Streamlight Microstream flashlight, which is small and easy to carry in your pocket. I also keep a headlamp handy for reading or as backup light. Including camping lights on your camping checklist is a must.10. A Durable Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial on any outdoor adventure, and my Fifty/Fifty stainless steel water bottle goes everywhere with me. The optional straw cap makes it easy to sip water on bumpy dirt roads or Jeep trails.
Additional Camping Items I Usually Pack
These items aren’t essential, but they’re extremely helpful when needed:
ant spray for table legs
duct tape for quick repairs
small trash bags or grocery bags
maps or guidebooks
extra stakes for the tent
Conclusion
These camping gear essentials have made every trip more comfortable and stress-free. Whether you’re car camping, heading out for a weekend adventure, or building your first camping checklist, these must-have camping gear items are reliable, practical, and worth packing every time. Keep them in your gear rotation, and your trips will be smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.
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