Summer Essentials: Necessary Camping Equipment (Plus a Few Non-Essential Items You'll Cherish)
Embrace Your Summah Queen! Get ready to make the most of this sunlit season – whether it's seeking unforgettable adventures or cherishing lazy days! It's time to turn your dreams into reality – remember, the best summer doesn't just happen, you've gotta make it happen!
Sick of roughing it? No worries! I'm all about comfort, and I've put together a gear guide to help you make your next camping trip as cozy as a day in bed. I recently had a luxurious camping adventure, testing all the suggested products below. Trust me – you'll definitely want to spend more time in the wilderness with this equipment!
The Ultimate Camping Essentials
Choosing the Perfect Tent:
Backpackers and adventurers have their survival-style tents – I, on the other hand, adore as much space as I can get! After testing a spacious 12' Teton Sports Canvas tent that sleeps 10, I'm never settling for cramped tents again. This portable mansion is ideal for car trips or festivals – just remember, it's a bit heavy for backpacking. Want easy construction? Check out the Gazelle T4, which can be set up with record-breaking speed! Another option to consider is the Skydome Tent from Coleman. This tent is 6 feet tall, easy to put together, and offers reasonable pricing.
Pads, Cots, and Air Mattresses:
I despise discomfort when sleeping! I dislike air mattresses, so a frame with support is essential for me. I was thrilled to test out this Teton Cot, paired with a foam sleeping pad, which offers comfort that rivals my actual bed and shields me from the ground's chill. My camping buddy, David, swears by the Exped MegaMat. Although it's pricey, it's reportedly ridiculously comfy, even when laid directly on the tent floor.
The Ultimate Slumber:
Skip those tight, hot sleeping bags during summer camping! For car trips, forget the sleeping bag altogether and pack some old blankets from home. Personally, I prefer enjoying layers I can control to avoid feeling trapped.
Culinary Camping:
Forget cooking over an open fire! Pack a camp stove instead. Give the UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill or my trusty, battered Coleman campstove a try. In need of a faster cooking solution? Go for the Jetboil Flash Camping Stove – it boils water in under two minutes!
Bugs Be Gone:
Toss out those citronella candles and coil bug repellents. Invest in a Thermacell diffuser for top-notch mosquito protection. Want a DEET-free insect repellent spray? Try the Tongo brand. Personally, I found it effective, and the green tea-mint and citrus-sandalwood scents are amazing!
Medical Necessities:
Don't forget a basic first aid kit. The Coleman Portable First Aid kit is compact, waterproof, and well-equipped for minor injuries and emergencies.
Almost Essential Camping Gear:
While the gear above is crucial for basic survival, who wants to settle for just "basic"? Here are some additional "extras" that can add a bit of luxury to your camping experience:
- Body Cleansing Spray: Stay fresh even in the wilderness! Spray yourself down with some Pristine body cleansing spray, or try their toilet paper spray. Just remember, the Sharks on Shark Tank weren't impressed…
- Trail shoes: For hiking, consider trail shoes like those from Hoka. They're a perfect choice for those wanting something lighter than hiking boots but with more support than running shoes.
- An e-bike: Strap a Lectric Peak X 2 e-bike on the back of your SUV and explore the campground in style! Elevate your outdoor adventure with this futuristic ride.
Over-the-Top Camping Goodies:
You've got the basics covered, and you can clean and feed yourself. But do you want your camping trip to be just adequate? Unleash your inner glamper with these indulgent gear items:
- Espresso maker: Start your day right with a quality cup of coffee! The Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker delivers barista-quality espresso that will kick-start your morning adventure.
- Air conditioner/heater: Control the temperature inside your tent! The Ecoflow Wave 3 air conditioner/heater, along with the add-on battery, provides cool relief during the day and warmth at night.
- Karaoke machine: Turn your camping trip into a sing-along extravaganza! The Ikarao Break X2 karaoke machine comes with a portable speaker and hookups for DJ-like performance.
- Musical Instruments: Want something more melodic? Plug a Roland AIRA T-8 Beat Machine, a Yamaha FGDP-50 finger drums, and a Fender bass into your karaoke machine, and create a stunning techno soundscape to serenade the stars by night.
Unexpected Camping Must-Haves:
- Fire-starting Tools: Keep a fire going with a Bear Grylls Fire Starter. Its ferrocerium rod, SOS instructions, and emergency whistle make it a handy addition to your camping gear.
- Welding Gloves: Bring a pair of welding gloves for those hot-log maneuvers around the campfire.
- Flashlight Gloves: Consider LED-powered gloves for a brighter, hands-free way to light up the dark.
- Headlamp: For lighting up the dark spaces without having to hold a flashlight, go for a headlamp.
- Booze: Stock up on Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock & Rye, a whiskey-based cocktail that'll warm you right up.
- Toilet Paper Tablets: Make sure to stay clean and fresh with individual moist towelettes like Toilet Paper To-Go.
- Guyline Cord Adjusters: Cord adjusters are essential for setting up tents and hammocks swiftly and securely.
- To elevate your camping experience, consider investing in a Teton Sports Canvas tent for ample space, or a Gazelle T4 for quick setup, ensuring a more comfortable stay during your summer escapades.
- For culinary camping, forget cooking over an open fire and opt for a compact, portable, and efficient camp stove like the UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill or Coleman campstove.
- To maintain your fashion-and-beauty lifestyle during camping trips, don't forget to pack essentials such as Pristine body cleansing spray for staying fresh, Hoka trail shoes for comfortable hiking, and a Bluetooth speaker for setting the camping mood.
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