Camping Stuff to Buy

Trying to figure out what kind of camping stuff to buy?

Camping is all about packing smart and packing light. If you're a beginning camper or just someone looking to go out into nature and enjoy our green earth, you'll need to first plan on some camping stuff to buy.

Depending on where and when you're going camping, what you're planning on doing, who you're going with and how many people, your camping list may look different than someone else's. But still, there are some bare bones essentials everyone needs when they go on their camping trip.

Here is a general list of the most basic and essential camping stuff to buy:

• Sleeping Gear: tent, ground sheet, fly sheet, hammer/mallet, sleeping bags, pillows
• Cooking Gear: cooker/stove, gas/wood/charcoal, matches, pots/pans, utensils, trash bags, food
• Personal Things: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, toilet paper
• Clothes: warm clothes, cool clothes, waterproof clothes, rain gear, hats, shoes, hiking boots
• First Aid: first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, band-aids, pain killers
• Miscellaneous: flashlight, camera, batteries, map

In a nutshell:

Stay dry, stay warm, stay safe, fill up and have fun!

Portable Camping Shower

Camping is one of the greatest activities you will ever do, but out in the wilderness, you often have to forego some basic amenities. Most people are not used to going for even a day without a shower, which is why camping altogether puts some people off. If you’re the type who wants to try out an adventure in the wild, but prefers a daily shower, it’d be a good idea to look into portable camping showers to complete your collection of camping gear.

There are two pieces of equipment to consider when it comes to getting your hands on your very own portable camping shower. The most important piece is the actual shower itself. Most models are solar showered and are built with a small panel that heats the water for you so that you don’t have to suffer a cold shower. Most out there have a four or five gallon capacity which you can expect to squeeze about five showers out of without hair washing, and two or three showers with hair washing. These portable camping showers are durable and light, making them a wise addition to your gear. Here's the one we've always used and it works perfectly for us:

Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower / Solar Shower

In addition to your bare bones portable camping shower, you might also consider getting a shower shelter or shower enclosure. This will give you an element of privacy that will let you enjoy your shower fully just as you would at home. A camp shower enclosure provides four walls around you to give you privacy, while a camp shower shelter also provides a roof for you to protect you from the elements. I like a full shelter because I like camping at all times of year and I also tend to gravitate towards campsites in areas where rain may always be right around the corner. Here's the one I've always counted on:

Wenzel 3- by 3-Foot Utility Tent

Whether you choose to bathe within the walls of a camp shower enclosure or under the roof of a camp shower shelter, a portable camping shower is an excellent piece of equipment to bring along on your camping trip. You’ll have the best of both worlds when you can feel adventuresome in the wild and still civilized with the conveniences you’re used to. Always, happy camping!

Folding Camping Tables

There is nothing in the camping rulebook that says you can’t be comfortable and make yourself at home out in nature. You know why? Because there is no camping rulebook! And if you want to carve yourself out a little space out there, then you’ll need what I feel is the centerpiece of any great camping trip: folding camping tables! When you set this thing out, you’ll feel like you have your own private dining room in the middle of the great outdoors!

Folding camping tables are portable and easy to assemble, which makes them perfect for your leisurely camping adventure. Folding camping tables can really help turn your campsite into your own little space for you and your friends and family to enjoy.

Folding camping tables are generally used for preparing food and eating, but they can also be used as a space for fun activities like playing cards or games. I’ve also found on my camping trips that folding camping tables help as a handy storage place to set your belongings down on when you’re just sitting around. You have to remember that you’re out in nature and you don’t have a place to just throw your things!

When you start shopping through the folding camping tables out there, you’ll need to look at several factors including weight, size (both folded and fully assembled) and material. Think about whether you will want features like storage space, drink compartments or grill attachments.

Folding camping tables come in a variety of materials including wood, aluminum, nylon and plastic. Depending on the material, folding camping tables come in different weights, durability levels and sturdiness. The material also affects the cost. You need to think most about the weather. If it’s possible you’ll hit a rainstorm, for example, you won’t benefit much from those cheap wooden folding camping tables that work fine in the spring sunshine!

My personal favorite? We bring it with us always. Here it is:

Foldable 3 Piece Portable Picnic Table & Benches Outdoor GREEN

Yes, I like the kind with the chairs attached. Having to bring separate little chairs is a pain, in my opinion and believe me or check the specs, this thing only ways five pounds!

Finding the right folding camping tables and setting up your dining room at your campsite can turn your trip into the greatest outdoors experience. Get out there and carve out your little piece of nature!

Camping Checklist

Before you head out on that camping adventure, the greatest favor you can do for yourself is to create a camping checklist that will help you organize your trip. Think about the types of activities you plan to do when drawing up your camping checklist. As you imagine these activities, work through what gear and belongings you’ll need to have with you. Remember, you’re going to want to take as little as absolutely necessary because anything you take, you’ll have to carry on your person or store in your tent. Camping is all about minimalism!

In making your camping checklist, you are actually planning your trip, so be thorough and take your time. You’ll only have to do this once and it can really make your camping adventure more exciting and safe. Are you ready? I’ll run you through my own sample camping checklist to get your gears turning.

Remember, though, this camping checklist is only a guide. Depending on the type of camping trip you’re planning, you’ll need to tailor your own camping checklist that accounts for all the different adventures you’re planning. And if you’re a novice camper, don’t worry. Sometimes the things you leave off your camping checklist become the highlight misadventure of your trip!

The Absolute Essentials

__ Tent
__ Sleeping Bag
__ Pillow
__ Food
__ Water
__ First Aid Kit
__ Matches, Lighters or Firestarters

The Basic Amenities

__ Rain Jacket
__ Flashlight or Lantern
__ Batteries
__ Camping Stove
__ Mattress/Pad for Bottom of Tent
__ Storage for Food and Equipment
__ Emergency Blanket
__ Folding camping tables and chairs
__ Small Axe
__ Towels and Washcloths
__ Toiletries
__ Camping Backpack
__ Rope or Twine
__ Tarp
__ Sunscreen
__ Insect Repellant

The Camp Chef’s Equipment

__ Kitchen Utensils
__ Cutlery
__ Cookware
__ Fuel for Grilling
__ Storage Containers
__ Paper Towels and Napkins
__ Trash Bags

The Explorer’s Gear

__ Compass
__ Travel Guide or Map
__ Boots
__ Many, Many, Many Pairs of Socks
__ Hat
__ Pocket Knife
__ Small Radio and Batteries
__ Basic Tools
__ Camera
__ Binoculars
__ Walking Stick or Trekking Pole

Camping Backpacks

When braving the wilderness on your outdoors trip, you’re going to need to sort through a multitude of camping backpacks to find just the right one.  Camping backpacks serve one main function: to provide you storage for your belongings when you’re out in nature taking on the elements.  What could be worse than being surprised by a storm and having no raincoat stored away or being without snacks when you feel that first hunger pang halfway up a mountain trail?

When searching through the many different camping backpacks out there, you need to look for three main aspects.  The first is size and weight.  Depending on what you plan to do on your camping trip, you should be looking for camping backpacks that will serve you best.  If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, you’ll need a lightweight camping backpack, which can be pricier, but will save you the sore back muscles.  If you’re planning a more leisurely camping trip, opt for the larger camping backpacks that can accommodate all the extra goodies you may want to bring with you.

The second thing that should feature in all camping backpacks is a whole lot of compartments.  The last thing you want is an enormous sack that you have to sift through to find what you need while you’re out hiking or climbing.  Find a camping backpack that has lots of different sizes of zippers on both the outside and the inside.  I can’t tell you how much smoother my hikes have been when I’ve organized my camping backpack in such a way that I can simply reach in and grab what I need without searching.

The last important thing you need to look for when shopping for camping backpacks is the construction.  Good camping backpacks utilize technologies in the design and fabrics that help them weather storms and last a lifetime.  Camping backpacks should not only be lightweight and comfortable on your shoulders and back, but should be durable enough to withstand the most extreme weather and handling.  Decide what type of camping you are going to be doing and then get diving into all those camping backpacks out there to find the one that’s going to work for you.  Believe me, on the long hike, it’s going to become your best friend!

Camping Tent Reviews

I have read lots of camping tent reviews and have spent the greater part of my life going through countless different makes and models in the search for the best camping tent. In the end, there are a few that come out on top, but it’s up to you to decide what you need out of your camping tent. Check out my own camping tent reviews below and then decide which might be right for your needs. I’ve given a review of the best I’ve encountered out of different categories of tents, so go ahead and jump through the camping tent reviews to the one you are looking for.

If you’re planning on doing some leisurely camping with a group, the best family dome tent I’ve come across is the Columbia Bugaboo II 12-Foot-by-9-Foot 4-Pole 5-Person Dome Tent. This bad boy is sturdy enough to keep five people safe and dry inside during a storm but well ventilated as well. The color-coded poles make it a breeze to set up. At the time I wrote these camping tent reviews, this tent is going for $149.88, which in my opinion is much more than worth it.

If you're planning a group camping trip, which I highly recommend, it will be infinitely more comfortable with a multi-room tent and the two room cabin tent I’ve recently fallen in love with is Eureka! Copper Canyon 1312 Eight-Person 13-Foot by 12-Foot Family Tent. It has that killer combination of great ventilation but full rain and weather protection. It’s easy to pitch and pack up and has lots of extra space for your equipment. You’ll generally find this tent for just under $300, but I feel it’s a very worthy investment as large family and group camping trips are just the stuff of life.

For the backpacker’s camping experience, you’re going to need a lightweight backpacking tent that won’t weigh you down as you’re out trekking. My favorite tent in this category by far is the Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2 Two-Person Ultralight Tent. It’s an ultra lightweight camping tent with lots of space that actually manages to keep you completely dry even in extreme conditions which is rare for the backpacking tents out there. It’s easy to set up and is only about three pounds, which is the main reason this tent is so expensive. It runs for about $329 but if you can afford it, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re light on your feet while backpacking.

The last of my camping tent reviews goes out to those backpackers who are on a tighter budget and are need of a lightweight camping tent. The Eureka Timberline 2 Adventure 7-Foot by 5-Foot Two-Person Tentis a two-person backpacking tent that’s extremely sturdy but easy to set up. It has some nice storage inside and a vestibule for extra space. It weighs about six pounds which is manageable and a great deal for the price, which is generally about $110. Small price to pay for a fantastic camping experience!

Camping Ideas

If you’re like most people who’ve never been camping before, you’re probably wondering what on earth you’re even going to do out there in the wilderness for all those days without television and internet and all those things we normally fill our time with. Well, let me say, you’re in for a treat, and don’t worry, I have lots of camping ideas that will help you have the greatest trip of your life!

First of all, any leisurely recreational activities you can think of to do outdoors, you can do camping, so let’s skip things like bicycling, canoeing, fishing, hunting and hiking and go straight to the slightly less conventional camping ideas. There are some things that are just tradition and these camping ideas have made for some of the best camping stories!

Camping is all about relaxing and exploring. Try taking a camera with you and seeing what you can find. I often find I get lost in the searching and come back with few pictures to show for my own blissful contentment. But on the rare occasions that I’ve gotten lucky, I’ve accumulated some great shots of animals, insects and gorgeous scenery.

When thinking up camping ideas of your own, you can surely put the least energy into planning your nights. If you ask any camper their greatest camping memories, you’re likely to hear lots of stories about exciting nights camping under the stars. You’re sure to have a great time even with no pre-planned camping ideas, but here are a few suggestions to get you going.

Have a BBQ and share some great conversation over your delicious grilled meal. Sit and do some star-gazing. See if you can't pick out some constellations or invent ones of your own! If you or someone on your trip plays guitar, have a campfire sing-along. Sounds cheesy, I know, but I promise you it’s a great time. Bring along joke books or ghost stories to tell around the fire. Play silly games like truth or dare or twenty-one questions. Go on a midnight walk and explore in the dark – be careful with this one! Of course some of these camping ideas have a known association with the consumption of a few drinks, but the twinkling night sky and the crackling campfire can be just as intoxicating on its own.

To top up this quick camping ideas list, I have to end with one of my favorite camping activities. Get out there and go for a midnight lake swim. Clothing optional!

Camping Clothes

So your trip is set and you’re thinking about what kinds of camping clothes to bring? Very smart of you! Camping clothes are one of those key elements that can make or break your trip. There is nothing worse than being cold and wet or having camping clothes that are uncomfortable and hard to move in. The general rule to follow is that the camping clothes you choose should work for you – you shouldn’t have to think about them! Now, let’s get into some of the types of things you will need to get your hands on before you set out on your camping trip!

You need to think about where you’re going, what the weather will be like, and what you’re planning on doing when preparing for your camping trip. Obviously if you’re camping in the mountains in the snow, you’ll need very different camping clothes than if you’re camping in the desert in the summer! No matter where you’re going and what you’re planning on doing, you need to find the camping clothing that will offer you protection from the elements you’ll be facing.

You’ll need to find clothing that’s more sturdy and durable than your average everyday wear. Out in the wilderness, it’s inevitable that you’ll get yourself the random scrape, sunburn or insect bite. If you’re going to be in an area where this is likely, make sure to cover your skin wisely. A quick encounter with a poisonous plant can often turn your trip into something of a nightmare, but if you’re smart, your camping clothes can prevent such mishaps.

If you’re going to be camping in cold weather, find yourself thick yet breathable clothes. You want to stay as light as possible, and camping clothes made from breathable materials allow any moisture to escape but still keep you warm inside.

If you’ll be camping in warmer weather, look for loose camping clothes that help to keep a lot of air circulating. Make sure you find out what you’ll be up against in the area you’ll be. Don’t make the mistake of wearing shorts just because it’s hot if you’re planning on trekking through a wooded area.

If you’re not positive what the weather will be like, the smartest thing you can do is to layer. You just need to make sure you find camping clothes that are lightweight so that they don’t become a burden. Choose wisely, and you could have the greatest camping trip of your life!

Camping Recipes

If you’re looking for a true outdoors camping experience, there is no better way to find it than by sleeping in a camping tent.  Staying in an RV or finding a lodge on a campground is great fun too, don’t get me wrong.  There’s just something about braving the elements in a tent.  Before you set out on your adventure, you’ll need to sift through the multitude of camping tents out there to choose the best one for you.

Camping tents are made to provide protection from wind, rain and other unpleasant weather conditions so it’s important to choose your tent wisely.  The first thing you need to choose between is a camping tent with an internal frame and one with an external frame.  Camping tents with internal frames tend to be a bit easier to pitch where camping tents with external frames are usually sturdier and therefore more wind-resistant.  Decide first what type of camping you’re going to be doing before shopping for camping tents.

If you’re planning on doing any serious camping, when shopping for camping tents, make sure you choose a fully enclosed one with zippered entries and roofs.  You do not want rain water seeping into your tent because if the temperature drops, you could be in serious danger.  And of course, if the temperature doesn’t drop, you could be in serious danger… of becoming very annoyed at your leaky roof!

One mistake I made when I was a beginning camper was buying camping tents according to the number of people it advertised fitting.  In other words, I bought a four-person tent for me and my three friends.  When we managed to stuff all our belongings inside the tent to keep it dry, there was barely room for two of us!  It’s a good rule to almost double the amount of space you think you need.  Your equipment can really add up and the last thing you need is to be cramped inside and sleeping on top of your backpack!  But choose the right camping tents and your trip can be unforgettable!

Camping Tents

If you’re looking for a true outdoors camping experience, there is no better way to find it than by sleeping in a camping tent. Staying in an RV or finding a lodge on a campground is great fun too, don’t get me wrong. There’s just something about braving the elements in a tent. Before you set out on your adventure, you’ll need to sift through the multitude of camping tents out there to choose the best one for you.

Camping tents are made to provide protection from wind, rain and other unpleasant weather conditions so it’s important to choose your tent wisely. The first thing you need to choose between is a camping tent with an internal frame and one with an external frame. Camping tents with internal frames tend to be a bit easier to pitch where camping tents with external frames are usually sturdier and therefore more wind-resistant. Decide first what type of camping you’re going to be doing before shopping for camping tents.

If you’re planning on doing any serious camping, when shopping for camping tents, make sure you choose a fully enclosed one with zippered entries and roofs. You do not want rain water seeping into your tent because if the temperature drops, you could be in serious danger. And of course, if the temperature doesn’t drop, you could be in serious danger… of becoming very annoyed at your leaky roof!

One mistake I made when I was a beginning camper was buying camping tents according to the number of people it advertised fitting. In other words, I bought a four-person tent for me and my three friends. When we managed to stuff all our belongings inside the tent to keep it dry, there was barely room for two of us! It’s a good rule to almost double the amount of space you think you need. Your equipment can really add up and the last thing you need is to be cramped inside and sleeping on top of your backpack! But choose the right camping tents and your trip can be unforgettable!

Big Sur Camping: Know Before You Go!

So you’re planning a Big Sur camping trip? Great choice! Big Sur camping is some of the best I’ve ever experienced. If you’re there at the right time and plan your trip wisely, you’ll see some of the most astounding beauty nature has to offer and a great variety of it.

When planning for Big Sur camping, you need to decide what you want to do and see depending on how long your trip will be. If you can spend a few days, I recommend trying to do both some streamside camping as well as some ocean-side bluff camping. Big Sur is so beautiful and it’d be a shame not to see all sides of it.

As someone who has done a lot of Big Sur camping, I can tell you that there is nothing like spending the day deep within the forests, surrounded by towering redwood trees and enjoying a swim in the crisp, cool river before hiking down to the beach to soak up some sun and listen to the waves.

If your legs are up for it, Big Sur offers some of the best hiking out there. Check out Andrew Molera State Park for meadows, mountain ridge tops with ocean views, and gorgeous beaches. Try Pfeiffer State Park for gorgeous redwood forests and a view of the Big Sur valley. Or go to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for the spectacular 60-foot waterfall that falls down onto the beach.

There's so much to see, so many sites to camp, so many trails to hike that Big Sur always remains one of the places on earth I find myself returning to again and again. I try to hit two new trails each time I go in addition to my favorite standbys. It's a good idea to take a guide book with you so that you don't have to reinvent the wheel and blaze old trails anew, so to speak. I like to use this one, which I've now worn nearly to dust:

Hiking & Backpacking Big Sur: A Complete Guide to the Trails of Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, and Silver Peak Wilderness (Hiking and Backpacking)

One thing that’s great about Big Sur camping is that you don’t have to worry about bears. You’re likely only to come across raccoons, squirrels, deer, birds, foxes, bobcats and coyotes. These animals are still a threat to your food supply, but at least you don’t have to take the normal precautions when bears will be in the picture! Also, if you happen to plan your Big Sur camping trip for wintertime, you’ll catch the trout migration on their way up the Big Sur River which makes for fun catch-and-release fishing west of Highway One.

I’ve talked way too much here but can you blame me? I’m just fantasizing about my next Big Sur camping trip now!

Camping Foods

When planning your camping trip, one very important consideration you’ll need to plan well for is your camping foods.  Well thought-out camping foods can become the highlight of your trip and make for a real outdoors adventure!

There are several reasons camping foods are unique and challenging.  First of all, you won’t have the luxury of being able to carry much weight with you and secondly, you might not have access to electricity which means you won’t be able to bring perishables.

If you will have access to a camping stove, grill or cooker, you most likely won’t be able to bring along much cooking fuel, so you’ll want to choose camping foods that cook fast.  If you are going to be cooking over a fire, you might consider camping foods that can be cooked by simply adding boiling water.  The only problem here is that these foods tend to lack the quality and nutrients you’ll need for a more intense camping trip.

If you are going to be camping for a long period of time and engaging in rigorous physical activity, you might want to consider camping foods such as tuna to provide you with the high nutritional value you’ll need to get you through the days.  If you will be hiking for long periods of time, a great source of energy is nuts and dried fruits.

If you’re planning a more leisurely trip for a shorter period of time and will be able to take perishables with you, consider the classic camping foods like foil-wrapped meats and vegetables cooked over a fire, hamburgers, hotdogs and s’mores.  No camping trip is complete without delicious treats like these!  Figure out the type of camping you’re going to be doing and plan your camping foods accordingly.  Bon appetit!

California Camping Trip

So you’re looking to plan a California camping adventure?  Well, let me tell you, you’ve chosen one of the best places in the world for camping.  Not only are there amazing state parks, but there are some gorgeous tucked away little spots just waiting to be explored.

California is truly a state that has it all, which makes you very smart for considering a California camping trip.  Because of the variety in the terrain of the state, you can find yourself in the presence of beautiful lakes, mountains, streams, coastlines, forests, beaches and deserts.  First you need to choose exactly where you want to go and what you want to see.  The time of year and season should greatly influence your decision as the mountains can make for an extreme California camping trip in the winter, as can the desert in the summer.

Some of my favorite California camping trips have been at the campgrounds in California’s state parks.  Depending on the park you choose and the type of campsite, you can have a variety of different camping experiences.  I’d like to share a few tips I have when it comes to California state park camping.  I recommend thinking about reservations early.  Many of the popular campgrounds can book up fast so if it’s a gorgeous time of year or a holiday weekend or season and there’s great camping weather, don’t leave making your reservation to Friday like everybody else.  I always try to get ahead of the crowd and start booking as soon as I can.

Most campgrounds will have amenities that will make for a lovely stay, but make sure you find out ahead of time as some sites leave you on your own.  Don’t worry, though… Some of my favorite California camping trips have involved me alone against nature!  So what are you waiting for?  The great outdoors is waiting for you, so get cracking on planning that California camping adventure!

Camping Equipment

One of the most important elements of planning of a successful camping trip is choosing the right camping equipment.  The equipment you’ll need will depend on what kind of camping trip you’re taking.  For example, if you’re camping because you’re on an expedition to climb to the top of Mount Everest, you’ll need much different camping equipment than if you’re heading out to your local woods to spend a peaceful night under the stars.  Let’s look at some of the typical camping equipment you’ll need for a camping trip.

Before I even begin, let me tell you the most important piece of camping equipment you’ll need.  No, it’s not a tent, it’s not a flashlight and it’s not even proper shoes.  It’s a first aid kit.  Even if you’re not planning on putting yourself in any danger, being outdoors always brings this risk.  Don’t worry, I’ve never had anything serious happen to me or anyone I know in all my years of camping, but I have utilized my first aid kit on more than one occasion.  Alright, now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at some of the other camping equipment you’ll need for your trip!

You’ll need some sort of tent for shelter and along with this, a hammer to get your tent stakes down firmly, a sleeping bag and possibly blankets for warmth, a pillow and some people like to bring some sort of sleeping pad to put under their sleeping bag just to cushion and protect them from the ground.  This is particularly nice if you’re going to be camping somewhere very cold.  In addition, if you know you’ll be in a place where it will rain or snow, it can help to have a tarp for extra protection while you sleep and also a bit of shelter when you’re eating and lounging around waiting for that storm to pass.

General tools and items that come in handy when camping are lanterns or flashlights; hatchets, axes or saws for cutting firewood; a fire starter or lighter for starting your campfire; ropes for stringing a clothesline and tying up a tarp; and trash bags with handles to tie up high if you’re in an area with dangerous animals.

The clothes you pack for your camping trip depends on where you’re going and what the weather will be like, but specific camping clothes like raincoats or ponchos and hiking boots often come in handy.  You may also need things like sunscreen and insect repellant.  Of course, you’ll want to bring your own personal care products and towels.

Some people like to bring a cooler for perishable foods and drinks.  If you’re going to a campsite where there will be electricity, you could bring a grill, portable stove, electric frying pans and slow cookers.  If this is the case, you might also consider pots and pans, dishes and eating utensils.

Make sure to bring lots of water if you’re going to be in a hot, dry environment or an area where you might only have access to unclean water.  Alright, enough talking about camping equipment.  Time to get packing!