Camping Items To Make Your Outdoor Camping Adventure Fun, Comfortable and Safe

August 15, 2023 - Camping can be a lot of fun if you go well prepared for the adventure.  What you need will depend on where you are going, how long you will stay and how many members are in your party.  Another consideration will be the weather and the location of where you plan to camp. 

In addition to a portable generator you may want to consider other items that will make your camping adventure a comfortable and enjoyable outing.

Below is a preparedness checklist of items that you may wish to consider taking along with you so you will enjoy each day and night. Depending on where you are going, how many people are going and what you plan to do on your camping trip you will obviously not need all of these items. But, the list may prompt you to carry something you will need that you had not otherwise thought of. Go here to see a quick checklist of small necessary camping items you may have forgotten to pack.

In and Around Your Camping Spot

• Camping Tent - Tents come in all sizes from one lightweight one person up to a twelve person tent. You can get one with a screened porch, multiple rooms, ones with e-port access for your generator or power available at a camp ground, with multiple doors and even tents to attach to the back of your SUV, CRV and Truck bed.
• Extra Heavy Duty Tent Stakes - You may not want to carry just one type of tent stake. Some tent stakes are better for different soil conditions and have different levels of holding power. You may need heavy duty pegs to penetrate a hard, rocky ground area or a stake more for holding in a sandy soil condition.
• Inflatable Air Beds - If you are tent camping then get one or more inflatable air beds for comfortable sleeping inside your tent. Add to that an inflatable pillow or a soft camping pillow. The medium to larger tents will usually accomodate a couple of queen sized inflatable air beds. You can also use multiple of the single size inflatable air mattresses. These could feel more like home if you add sheets. If you are using sleeping bags you may choose to forgo the sheets.
• Pillows - It is probably not adviseable to take along your comfortable "at home" bed pillow, but you will appreciate a good inflatable camp pillow or even a travel pillow to use in the car while traveling.
• Folding Camp Chairs - If you are tent camping you will probably not want to sit on the ground all the time. A good comfortable folding chair will give you a place to just sit and read or maybe even do some star gazing in the evenings. If you have kids, they really like having their own child-size folding camp chair. They come in bright colors and cute designs and are built just for kids.
• Camping Cots - Whether you are sleeping out in the open or inside your tent you may prefer a cot to an air mattress or pad. A cot will have you raised off the ground more and might be more comfortable to get on or off of than an air mattress or sleeping bag on the ground. You may want a double camping cot for two if you are a heavy set person or have someone else you enjoy sleeping with while tent camping. With the KingCamp camping cot bed for two you can have the best of all worlds; a cot, add an air mattress for additional comfort and room to sleep two person.
• Heated Vests for Women - Want to stay warm while walking your dog, viewing outdoor sports or even in a cold office environment, then you need to check out these stylish heated vests. If you prefer long sleves then you might prefer a Heated Jacket made for women. The Ororo heated jacket also has a detachable hood which can provide additional warmth on a cold windy day.
• Blankets - If you are camping out during cold weather take along a cold weather camping blanket such as these cold weather waterproof camping blankets made by Mambe.
• Heated Vests for Men - If you go camping or hiking in cold weather you will enjoy one of these electric heated vests for men. They have multiple heat panels with multiple heat level settings. But they are warm blessing on a cold day or night.
• For those really cold days pack a pair of battery heated gloves to keep your hands and fingers toasty warm, so you can enjoy the work or play that you have planned while on your outdoor adventure.
• Heated Clothing - You might want to build up a wardrobe of heated apparel to have on hand and use for all your winter weather work and play outdoor times.
• Flashlights and Lanterns - Depending on your setup there are hanging lanterns and tabletop lanterns that will give a good general all around light for after dark activities. A flashlight is good to have by your bedside for a quick light when you need it. Kids will usually feel more safe if they have their trusty flashlight at their fingertips.
• Camping Shower, Shower Pump - If you are camping at a campsite which provides shower facilities this item may not even be a considration. But, if not, a portable camp shower is a way to have privacy while keeping clean.
• Bug Repellant - Making your own natural repellant with Eucalyptus and Peppermint Essential Oils is a safer way to get relief from pesky mosquitoes and gnats.
• Easy Wash Off Facial Cleanser - you want your face to survive your outdoor adventure. So be sure to take along your wash off facial cleanser so you can continue our facial routine while you are enjoying your outdoor adventure.
• Rain Shelter Tarp - these multi-purpose tarps are almost a must have while camping or backpacking. They can keep you dry during those rain showers or even snow.
• In some situations when you are camping in a remote area you may even find a need for a lightweight battery powered chainsaw to clear limbs or small trees out of your way or to even use for firewood.
• Electrical Power - If you would like to use some of your electrical devices while camping then take along this ECOFLOW River Portable Power Solar Station and enjoy your hot coffee in the morning, a bowl of hot soup in the evening, lights, etc. all provided by solar power from the sun.

Kitchen Items for Camping

• Portable Coffee Pot - If you or someone in your camping party is a coffee drinker then don't forget the camp stove coffee pot to get your day started out right.
• Camp Stove - Part of the fun of camping out is cooking out over the open flame of a camp fire or on a camp stove.
• Matches / Lighter - Unless you are a boyscout you probably won't be able to get the fire started with a lighter or some matches.
• Fuel / Firewood - Matches won't do you a lot of good if you don't have something to light. If you are camping somewhere that has a wooded area near by then you can probably find some brush or limbs but you really need some good firewood for a nice cozy fire. And if you plan on using a camp stove then you will need fuel.
• Fire Extinguisher - For putting out the camp fire and dealing with any fire that gets out of hand.
• Frying Pan / Cook Pots / Dutch Oven - Got the fire then you need pots and pans to cook the food in. If fishing is part of your outdoor adventure then you will certainly want a good frying pan so you can enjoy the catch. A lightweight outdoor cooking pot is nice to have to fix those delicious  stews and soups for the whole group while camping.
• Mugs / Cups / Thermos - Great for all your hot and cold beverages.
• Food Storage Containers - Good for putting leftovers on ice in the ice chest. Resealable storage bags are good for this also.
• Coolers / Ice Chest - If you are camping out in the hot summer weather this is almost a must.
• Chopper and Masher Utensil - A lightweight hand held meat, vegetable chopper, masher utensil will come in handy for meal preparation. It is small and easy to pack and carry, yet powerful and handy to have with you.
• Collapsible Water Container - Full when you need them and flat when you don't.
• Portable or Standing Camp Sink - Great to use for cleaning that big fish catch.
• Portable Clothes Washer - These little washer are great to keep t-shirts, jeans, towels and underware clean so you don't have to take as many sets of clothes with you or lug around a bunch of dirty clothes in a laundry bag.
• Drying Rack / Clothes Line - Fresh air dried clothes always smell the best.
• Cooking / Brewing Pots - If you have a large camping party then it would be nice to fix a hot pot of stew, soup or chilli on those cool evenings. Take a look at this large outdoor cooking pot or this 2 gallon stainless steel stock pot. If you want to brew your own beer then check out this 40 gallon brewing pot so you will have plenty of beer available for everyone.
• Camping Food - Food to bring camping depends on where you are going. Are you hiking or staying at a campsite? Do you need lightweight for backpacking or can you carry more weight in the car? Learn more about the best food to bring camping.
• Portable Cordless Blender - Enjoying your favorite smoothie even while camping can be yours with this BlenderX Portable Cordless Blender for smoothies and crushed ice while camping or traveling.

Personal and Other Items

• Portable Camp Toilet - Great little invention. Don't forget the toilet paper and the toilet bags for the potty.
• First Aid Kit - Hopefully all you will need from your kit is something for scratches, scrapes and insect bites but, it is always better to be prepared than sorry. Check out First Aid Basic Care for a complete list of First Aid Items you might want to include.
• If your first aid kid does not include a good pair of tweezers then get a pair of these needle nose surgical tweezers which will allow you to remove splinters, briars, etc. easily while camping or hiking.
• Prescription Medications - Be sure to carry an adequate supply of any medications that any party member is taking.
• Biodegradable Soap - Keep clean and protect nature.
• Camera / Memory Cards / Binoculars - Don't forget to enjoy the beauty of nature and capture it for many pleasant memories in the future.
• Pet Tent / Pet Bed  /  Pet Water and Food Bowls - Take your best friend with you, they not only love to be out in nature but they love to be with you. Don't forget their comforts also.
• Radio - If you won't have service with your phone then you might want to carry a small radio with good reception to get weather updates and somewhat stay in touch with the rest of the world.
• GPS / Compass - If you are going to be hiking away from the campsite then it will be helpful to have a compass or GPS on you.
• Playing Cards / Games / Toys - If you have children in your camping group then you will want to think about entertainment especially on those rainy days. Water toys, board games, playing cards, electronic toys (don't forget extra batteries), basketball, etc. are some ideas. Even the adults can join in with some of this entertainment.
• Defense Tools - Carry a pepper spray container on your keychain just in case you need it to deter animals from your campsite or even a human attacker.
• Foot Care - Carry a foot blister prevention balm stick with you to use before you do a lot of walking, especially if you plan on wearing hiking boots.

Outdoor Toys for the Kids Entertainment

• Kids Size Binoculars - for your children to watch and learn about birds and other wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat.
• Fun and unique outdoor toys for kids - Get your child to enjoy outdoor exercise with the EzyRoller Ride On Toy for boys and girls.
• Pop Up Play Tent with Gear Set. Let your children use this Kids Pop Up Play Tent for Camping or just in your own backyard.
• Kids Outdoor Nature Explorer Kit - Let your kids explore and learn about nature with the 9 tools in this outdoor explorer kit made just for kids.

Fishing / Hiking / Hunting / Water Sports Items

• Life Jacket - If your sport takes you to the water be sure you have and use a life jacket. This is especially important for any children on or near lakes or rivers.
• Fishing Gear
• Canoeing / Kayaking Gear
• Inflatable boat with paddles - Float leasurely in the pool or use the oars to have a boat race with friends.
• Hunting Gear
• If you are hunting in a remote area and carrying your gear in a truck or ATV, you may want to take along this WEN lightweight cordless chainsaw to help clear your way to either get in or get out.

Camping News Articles and Tips

• News - Catch up on some of the latest news articles regarding camping.

Pre Camping Trip Preparation

• Take a First Aid class and a CPR class.
• Setup your tent in your own backyard before you go so you can be sure you have all parts and this practice will allow you to set up your tent quicker once you get to your campsite.
• Check all your inflatable items to make sure your pump works and if there are any leaks, then you can patch them before you go.