When the time comes to get away from it all, I like to be ready to go! The chance of possibly forgetting something integral to our trip is always in the back of my mind and I've learned to keep a running list of necessities.
So, here's some camping must haves that will hopefully help you enjoy an organized, relaxing time with loved ones.
*Disclosure: As an Amazon associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases if you'd like to use the links below, at no cost to you. All of the recommendations are products that I have personally purchased and continue to enjoy using.
1. One of the best purchases I've made in the past few years is this Nesco Vacuum Sealer. Not only useful in creating camp meals, but for everyday life as well. By vacuum sealing large quantities of food, we are saving money and making food prep easier! I stock up on meats and veggies then divvy them up to store neatly in bags of various sizes. Plus, they will stay fresh longer and keep your cooler cold.
2. Large Clear Tote Bins are the best option for quickly grabbing your gear and getting out the door for adventure! You can see the contents clearly, carry them easily, and stack when necessary. A great way to store kitchen items, linens, clothes, food, or miscellaneous supplies.
3. Save space with this Multi Spice Shaker! All your frequently used seasonings in one cute little container. I've even bought a few as stocking stuffers for family members. 🎁
4. Did you know Dock & Bay makes THE BEST TOWELS!?! Quick drying, amazing fabric, they fold up tightly, and there's so many styles/colors to choose from! Shower, beach, pool, camping, you can't go wrong with these amazing towels. I bought this 6 pack five years ago and they still look new even after being washed over and over! Also, a great gift or stocking stuffer!
5. Ever tried using your phone's flashlight while cooking dinner at camp in the evening and it keeps falling over or worse, you dropped it? Having your hands free is definitely preferred for most tasks, especially in the dark, so what’s a better accessory than a headlamp?! As soon as we get to camp, I put my headlamp in my pocket or around my neck. You'll thank me when you have go to the restroom in the middle of the night when it’s pitch black outside.
6. We always bring along an "Easy Up" as a base for camp, where everyone can gather to cook and enjoy the shade together.
7. Why not decorate the Easy Up or trees surrounding your camp with battery operated Christmas lights?! Makes everything festive and any extra lighting is a big help at night!
8. Gotta have shelter! This is our preferred waterproof tent because it's quick drying and easy to set up. We actually have three of varying sizes, depending on who's camping with us. There's multiple colors and sizes to choose from to suit the size of your group.
9. Everyone deserves a blow up mattress because you shouldn't have to completely rough it. In an effort to be kind to your back, one certainly can't go wrong with this affordable Coleman Airbed that will fit inside any tent.
10. For years, I put off getting quality camp chairs, just making do with cheap ones that kept falling apart and spilling drinks through the fraying cupholders. Once we finally decided to try out the Zero Gravity chairs, it was a whole new world of comfort! Easily adjustable and ready for your nap after a long day of fun!
11. A Shower Lanyard like this one, keeps your body wash/shampoo/conditioner convenient and ready to go! If there's no shelf space in the shower facilities, no problem! Just hang your lanyard from the shower head and everything is within reach. Very preferable to laying your products on the shower floor. 🥴
12. Use a portable cake carrier for napkins, plates, and anything you don’t want to blow away or get wet overnight. Also, good to have for bringing a dish to your neighbor's cookout. Easy to carry and versatile for other year round activities.
13. This Outdoor Mat is lightweight, easy to clean, lets sand/dirt fall through, and helps keep debris out of tents. I like that it feels good under bare feet too!
14. Can't go without our morning coffee, so we've been bringing this French Press with us the last 5 years. Just boil water and add your favorite course ground coffee. Fancy glampers.
15. An adjustable folding table for food prep and grilling is pro level camping.
16. Yeti Hopper 18 is the best cooler I've ever had. Durable, spacious, great shoulder strap, and neat color options, this sturdy cooler will certainly last.
17. What is a camping trip without hamburgers and hot dogs? Our Weber grill has hung in there with us through wind and rain, always providing delicious yummies.
18. Lastly, in my experience, sleeping bags are a matter of personal preference, from shape, to size, and of course the all important material. Sometimes if we have the space, I’ll bring our older sheets and a comforter, so it's nice and cozy, just like home. You can put them in large vacuum sealed bags to reduce the size for transport.
By making the effort to improve our camping organization, mostly through trial and error, we’ve curated a much simpler experience over time which conveniently makes cleanup a lot quicker as well, thank goodness!
Hopefully, these suggestions from our adventures will help ease some of your packing challenges too! For more information, check out my recipes for easy camp meal ideas. Be safe out there!
Cheers and happy camping!!
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