Most campgrounds have bathroom facilities, but it’s best to bring your own toiletries just in case. Soap, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer are essentials.
A headlamp is another camping essential. Look for one with various beam settings to illuminate campsites and other areas. This one from Rumpl is also packable. Visit Website for more information.
A head lamp is a must-have for anyone camping at night or hiking on trails after dark. Headlamps not only provide hands-free light but also allow users to see obstacles, flora, and fauna that may be difficult to spot in the darkness. The best headlamps offer a variety of lighting modes and adjustable brightness settings, allowing users to customize their lights depending on the activity at hand. For example, a headlamp with a focussed beam of light is ideal for reading maps or navigating trails but a wide flood mode would be more appropriate for illuminating campsites and tents or for use in emergency situations such as signalling for help.
For climbers setting out on long routes, a headlamp with high lumens and both a spot beam and a flood light setting will be ideal for illuminating the route and terrain ahead. Climbers also want to consider battery life, especially if they are planning on camping out for several days. A rechargeable battery pack is a good option, while some models, like the Black Diamond Spot 400, are hybrid and can run off both AAA alkaline batteries or a separate BD 1,500mAh rechargeable battery pack (for added backcountry reliability).
Other features to look for in a headlamp include locking modes to prevent accidental activation (which could drain the battery), and easy-to-use buttons that can be operated with gloves on. Some headlamps also come with spare batteries and O-rings which should be stored in a safe place, and users should always make sure to dispose of spent batteries correctly, following local recycling guidelines.
For those looking for a simple, budget-friendly headlamp that is suitable for most outdoor adventures, we recommend Petzl’s Tikkina. This model was recently upgraded to improve its brightness and performance, making it an excellent choice for setting up camp at night or keeping in your day pack as a backup in case of emergencies. This lightweight and easy-to-use headlamp is just $25, making it an affordable addition to any camping gear collection.
Hammock
If you love camping but hate the thought of sleeping on the ground, then a hammock is perfect for you. These portable structures provide a comfy place to rest, read, watch the stars or talk with friends while on a camping trip. Besides being a relaxing spot to spend time, hammocks are great for reducing the impact your camp has on the environment.
Hammocks are more comfortable than tents and allow you to sleep in a variety of positions. They also offer protection from bugs and the rain with built-in mosquito netting and tarp attachments. However, hammocks require trees of adequate height and strength for setup and some campgrounds and parks limit their use.
Most hammocks are made from either nylon or cotton. Cotton is more fade-resistant than nylon, but it is heavier and less durable. Nylon is lighter and stronger, but it can stretch under stress. Whether you choose nylon or cotton, make sure your hammock is made with high-quality materials and has good construction.
The best hammocks feature spreader bars and ridgelines that keep fabric taut. They are typically secured with a number of attachment points at each end of the spreader bar and at one of the non-spreader bar ends, making them nearly untippable. Some hammocks also have a third attachment point at the non-spreader bar end to increase stability and reduce the chances of slipping out of bed.
A ridgeline hammock with two attachment points, also called a two-person hammock, is ideal for couples or friends who want to share a sleeping space. It also offers more stability than a single-spreader bar hammock because there are more anchor points. Another option is a three-person hammock, which can accommodate three people comfortably and provides more room for movement.
A hammock allows you to immerse yourself in nature like never before, as long as you have adequate trees for setup. They’re also more environmentally friendly than tents because they don’t leave a footprint when properly set up. Plus, they can be used over rocky areas and in other places where tents are restricted, such as on steep slopes.
Rain Jacket
The key piece of gear for rainy, windy conditions is a rain jacket. You want a waterproof jacket that will also keep you warm, dry and comfortable.
When it comes to waterproof/breathable technology, most brands have their own unique approach. Some use a membrane that is sandwiched between a face fabric and liner to provide full weather protection while still being very breathable. Others, such as Black Diamond’s Liquid Point rain jacket, are designed to be more versatile with features like a helmet-compatible hood and pit zips for ventilation when you’re working up a sweat. Still other brands use proprietary fabrics that are lightweight, highly breathable and durable such as Marmot’s H2No or Patagonia’s Pertex Shield +.
Generally, these fabrics will work for the majority of outdoor adventures and activities. However, if you plan on doing any alpine climbing or backcountry hiking, you should consider a hard shell, which is much more durable than a softshell but still lightweight and packable.
Many outdoors enthusiasts prefer to bring a hard shell as a backup in case they get stuck outside in heavy rain or snow, when a softshell won’t be enough. These types of jackets have more substantial, tougher outer fabrics and fancier weatherproof membranes, but they usually weigh more than a soft shell and may not be as packable.
If you’re a serious outdoors athlete or adventurer, you may prefer the durability of a 3-layer design, which is found on high-end jackets meant for backcountry use. This type of jacket is made with a rugged, waterproof face fabric that’s then laminated to a soft, breathable inner layer. It’s typically more expensive than a 2.5-layer jacket but it provides the most durable and breathable combination for extreme conditions.
Whatever style of jacket you choose, be sure to follow the care instructions (see the Care section of this Guide). Regular washing and reapplication of the DWR coating will help it last longer and continue performing at its best. In addition, using a special, specialized rain-repelling detergent can improve performance and make it last even longer.
Sunscreen
A passion for camping and the outdoors is usually one in the same, but this outdoor lifestyle leaves your skin vulnerable to burns and long-term damage unless you plan ahead with a sun strategy. Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or a car camping excursion, packing the best camping shirts, hats, and sunscreen will ensure that your adventure is a fun and safe one.
Sunscreen is an essential piece of camping gear for any trip, but it’s particularly important to reapply sunscreen regularly while camping, even on cloudy days. This simple routine will help prevent overexposure to UV rays and subsequent skin damage, which can be especially dangerous for young campers.
Invest in a quality sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Then, set the ground rules early for your campers to apply sunscreen as part of their daily morning routine, just like brushing their teeth. This will help them get into the habit of protecting their skin before they start their camping adventures and will also give them a good understanding of how often they should reapply their sunscreen throughout the day.
If you’re camping in cool weather, consider a sleeping bag liner. This add-on can cut the chill of a cold night and make your sleeping bag feel even more cozy. Plus, the liner is insulated with post-consumer recycled synthetic fibers and compresses down to almost nothing.
Another great addition to your camping gear is a pair of comfy camp chairs. They’re perfect for roasting s’mores or napping after a long day of exploring. Plus, they’re easy to bring along when you’re headed to a remote campsite where a bench isn’t available.
The best camping gear is versatile, lightweight, and durable. And when it comes to camping, a good pair of durable and comfortable camp shoes is always a good idea. Whether you’re heading out for an overnighter or an extended backcountry camping expedition, investing in the right footwear will protect your feet and allow you to enjoy your camping experience to the fullest.