A Lifelong Camper on What to Camping Gear to Pack

From backpacking trips to car camping, I’ve learned that being a happy camper often comes down to proper preparation and what you pack. Choosing camping gear that’s durable, versatile, and comfortable is always a good rule of thumb to follow. But even after over 30 years, I’m still adjusting and refining my camping packing list. 

If you’re new to camping, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Finding what best suits your needs and camping style can take some trial and error. However, I’ve learned plenty of tried-and-true lessons about what to pack (and what to leave at home) for a safe, enjoyable camping trip. Here are eight common camping packing mistakes to avoid as a newbie camper — and what to bring instead.

Don’t pack: Foam camping mats

Pack this instead: REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad

Even as a lifelong camper, I need the right gear to get a good night’s sleep while tent camping. Whether you’ve had camping gear passed down or camped as a kid in the ‘90s like me, you’ve likely come across closed-cell foam sleeping pads. While the thin pads offer a durable, lightweight option for backpackers, they’re a bit unforgiving when it comes to comfort, especially for newbie campers. I prefer a self-inflating sleeping pad, like this one from REI, for its adjustable firmness, added cushioning, and ease of use (no pump required). I appreciate that it’s designed with attachment points to connect multiple Campwell pads without gaps, helping preserve precious tent space and snuggle up to a partner. And, with an R-value of 7.0 (which is a measurement of the pad’s insulation to protect you from the cold ground below), this pad offers adequate warmth for year-round camping.

Don’t pack: Sneakers or tennis shoes

Pack this instead: Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Shoes

In my opinion, casual footwear has no place at a campsite. Spare your sneakers and tennis shoes the unnecessary wear and tear and opt for a trail or hiking shoe instead. While camping, I opt for a closed-toe shoe with traction and water resistance to safely navigate tree roots, tackle slippery surfaces, and endure inclement weather. I love these Salomon trail shoes for their lightweight design and single-pull lace closure system for quick fit adjustments and easy on and off at camp. The rugged lugs on the grippy outsole afford excellent traction and effectively shed mud and debris. 

Don’t pack: Cotton base layers

Pack this instead: Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee

Cotton is ubiquitous for its comfort, but when it comes to camping or hiking, it’s a far less practical outfit choice. The absorbent fabric holds moisture for a long time, making it easy to catch a chill on a sweaty hike or risk hypothermia in more extreme conditions. Instead, I opt for a merino wool base layer like this short-sleeve T-shirt for its moisture-wicking abilities, temperature regulation, and athletic fit. It’s plenty breathable to wear in warmer weather or as a base layer in cooler climates. I find that the merino and nylon blend fabric, in addition to the flatlock seams, offers nearly unrestricted movement and stands up well to wear and tear. 

Don’t pack: Flashlights

Pack this instead: Ledlenser HF6R Core Headlamp

Between cooking dinner, packing away gear, or answering nature’s call, many nighttime scenarios require the use of both hands. Swapping out a handheld flashlight for a headlamp is a more practical method to find your way around camp in the dark. I love this lightweight headlamp for its multifunctional settings, waterproof design, and intuitive controls. A quick turn lets you toggle from flood to spotlight. I primarily operate with the red light for night vision around the campsite. I’m also a big fan of the rechargeable battery design, which operates with a magnetic charge system that’s easy to use and clearly distinguishable from other gear charge cords. 

Don’t pack: Bath towels

Pack this instead: Sea to Summit Airlite Towel

I love a plush bath towel, but a couple of days outdoors will soon see them become dank and dirty. Instead, I opt for a quick-dry towel that’s more packable, durable, and fast-drying to use multiple times a day. This quick-dry camp towel weighs just 2.4 ounces and stows away in a stuff sack that fits in my pocket. Though it measures just 32 x 16 inches, it’s sufficiently absorbent to dry off after a swim. The polyester and nylon blend material is odor-resistant and dries quickly to pack away or use again. For a full-size quick-dry towel, I’m a fan of the Rumpl Everywhere Towel for its softness and resistance to dirt and stains. 

Don’t pack: Cookware from home

Pack this instead: Gerber ComplEat 16-piece Cookset

Unless I’m backpacking, I aim to prepare campsite dinners that are reminiscent of a home-cooked meal by adapting my recipes — and my cookware — to the constraints of a camping stove and outdoor setting. I love this all-in-one cookware set for its packable design and versatile functionality. The detachable handle lets the sauté pan nest alongside the stock pot, four-person tableware set, and serving bowl. The integrated strainer lid on the pot avoids the need to pack extra equipment. I appreciate that the bowls and plates have different colors to quickly tell dishes apart. The included drawstring carry bag is incredibly portable and easily accommodates the full cook set. 

Don’t pack: Disposable cutlery 

Pack this instead: Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight 2-Piece Cutlery Set

Out of respect for other campers and to protect the natural environment, it’s best practice to leave a campsite better than you found it. This means taking any waste with you, or in other words: “Pack it in, pack it out.” Avoiding single-use items, such as paper plates and plastic cutlery, is an easy way to cut down on campsite waste. Investing in durable camp cutlery, like this aluminum cutlery set, can also save money otherwise spent on disposable forks, knives, and spoons in the long term. I love the practicality of the spork and mini carabiner that holds the set together. I also appreciate the ergonomic handles and that the cutlery is designed to stack for neat and efficient packing. 

Don’t pack: Soft-side food storage 

Pack this instead: Yeti Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler

Keeping provisions cold and safe from critters is top of mind when I go camping. Having once returned from a multi-hour paddle to find a red squirrel had gnawed through a dry bag to raid my snacks, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. This wheeled, hard-sided Yeti cooler is my go-to when camping by car or boat. The latches provide secure closure while the thick exterior is highly insulated and incredibly durable. Though hefty, it’s a breeze to transport over uneven terrain thanks to the periscope handle and rugged wheels. I also appreciate the convenience of the drain plug to empty water as the ice starts to melt, usually sometime around day two. 

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