15 Camping Items You Don’t Want to Forget to Pack

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or breaking into your tent for the first time, figuring out what to pack for a camping trip can be tricky. Because as carefree as a weekend in the woods may seem, there sure is a lot of planning involved. And while you don’t want to be loaded with tons of unnecessary gear and camping items, you don’t want to skimp on what’s important for the sake of “packing light.” Unless you’re Bear Grylls, you’re not getting bonus points for suffering through it or going full-on survivalist. 

Camping can (and should) be something you love to do. And while it is true that you don’t need much to enjoy the great outdoors, I have learned over the years that a few thoughtful accessories can really change the entire experience. From easy-to-forget essentials to a few campground luxuries you might want to consider, here are 15 genius camping gadgets and accessories that won’t break the bank with their under-$50 price tags — but will make your next camping trip a whole lot more enjoyable.

Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew Socks

The simplest camping luxury that I never go without? A dedicated pair of “tent socks.” I reserve a spare pair of warm, wool socks — big, bulky ones that would feel too tight inside a pair of shoes — to be worn strictly inside my tent. Not only does this keep them dry and warm (I stash them inside my sleeping bag each morning), but it also helps keep my sleeping gear in better shape over the long haul.

BioLite 325 Headlamp

A headlamp is an essential, yet all-too-often forgotten, staple for campers. From cooking dinner after sunset to hikes that start well before sunrise, a hands-free light makes moving around in the dark much easier. This lightweight headlamp sits flush across your forehead, which feels way more comfortable than other models I’ve used and doesn’t bounce or slip at all. It can last up to 40 hours and recharges quickly using a power bank or USB source.

Kelty Bestie Blanket

Even in the middle of the hottest summer temps, it will still get chilly once the sun goes down — especially if you’re higher up in elevation. This lightweight blanket uses the brand’s signature Cloudloft insulation, which has an incredibly high warmth-to-weight ratio and is easy to pack into an (included) small stuff sack. It gives the comfort of a sleeping bag and is clutch for hanging around a campfire or laying out under the stars.

Teva Original Universal Sandals

Camping is all about enjoying the adventure around you. But sometimes that adventure is unpredictable — like when you go for a hike and end up at an alpine lake. Or when you’re exploring around your campsite and want to wade through a nearby creek or stream. Sure, you can slip off your hiking shoes and go barefoot, but I like the extra protection and traction that these simple Teva sandals provide.

They’re also a great transition shoe for wearing with your dirty hiking socks before changing into cozy slippers. Thanks to being so lightweight and low profile, they’re impossibly easy to stash in your stuff, whether you’re backpacking or car camping.

Loops Beauty Milky Cleanser Biodegradable Skincare Pads

It took me a summer or two living in Colorado to realize that several weekends in the woods were not doing my skin any favors. When your daily activities include sweating, reapplying sunscreen, and generally just being one with nature (aka dirty), nothing will make you more appreciative of easy, no-water-needed skincare items like these Loops Beauty pads. Each super-saturated pad leaves my skin feeling clean and glowing and is beyond easy to stash in your pack.

I also pack the brand’s MicroCellular Moisturizer Pads to take the place of my serums and moisturizers. Pro-tip: Instead of taking the entire container, I put a few days’ worth into a Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag to save space.

Buff CoolNet UV+ Insect Shield Multifunctional Neckwear

Breathable and incredibly versatile, you’ll always find a Buff neck gaiter in my camping bag. The seamless microfiber fabric is soft, lightweight, fast-drying, and resistant to odor. Not to mention it combines UPF 50+ sun protection and the brand’s Insect Shield technology. Wear it as a beanie on brisk early mornings, or around your neck all day to keep sweat, ticks, and sunburn at bay; I’ve pulled it over my hair to shield my scalp from the sun and keep hair out of my eyes when I didn’t have a hat and have even used it as a spare towel in a pinch.

Heat it Smartphone-powered Insect Bite Healer

Speaking of bugs: Dealing with itchy mosquito bites is beyond annoying. I took this tiny device on my honeymoon in Thailand and have kept it in my camping pack ever since. You simply connect it to your phone, select the treatment via the free (and actually easy-to-use) app, and then place the device on top of the bite. It uses concentrated heat to relieve the pain and itch caused by mosquitoes, bees, wasps, bugs, and horseflies. Honestly, I continue to be shocked at how well it works. 

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern

Here’s another staple that we always hate when we forget. This portable lantern delivers up to 12 hours of scent-free defense against mosquitos — no cords, outlets, or matches required. It is ideal when you don’t want to lather on bug spray, and works better than any citronella candle I’ve ever tried.

Set it around your stove when you’re cooking, in between your camp chairs while having a cocktail, or on a blanket when you’re relaxing by a lake or pond. The lantern uses a butane cartridge and repellent mats that are both easy to replace after they run their course. I highly recommend grabbing a refill pack while they’re on sale, too.

The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules

After a long day of hiking, there is no better feeling in the world than changing into cozy camp slippers. Made with the same PrimaLoft ThermoBall Eco insulation that you’ll find in the brand’s signature puffer jacket, these lightweight slip-ons add an extra-durable, water-resistant upper and high-traction rubber outsole to give you walkable warmth on your feet at all times.

OtterBox Fast Charge Power Bank

Sure, camping is all about being one with nature. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need (or maybe just want) a few key electronics. Even if you simply keep your phone charged to snap pictures and find your way back to camp, you’ll definitely want to have a power bank on hand.

With a 20,000 mAh battery, this durable charger ensures more than 60 extra hours out of your phone and can charge multiple devices at once. It’s a bit weighty (read: may not be as light as some serious backpackers may like), but for day hikes and weekend camping trips, it’s something that you won’t want to venture without. 

Sea to Summit Pocket Shower

What started as a bit of an impulse buy is now a steady favorite. After a long, sweaty trek, nothing feels better than taking an actual shower in the backcountry. Simply take the palm-sized pocket shower out of its zipper pouch, fill up the 10-liter bag, and hang it from a tree for an easy way to rinse the trail grime off you at the end of the day.

It also comes in handy as your camp’s hand-washing station during the day. Too cold? Lay it out in the sun to let the black fabric help warm things up, or add a liter of boiling water to make the water temp more manageable. Just be sure there’s some cold water in the bag first! 

Nomadix Original Towel 

This towel is a straight-up luxury item in the woods. It takes up a third of the space of traditional cotton towels, even while absorbing way more water. It dries amazingly fast, which is a big-time game changer as you can pack it up without worrying about lingering dampness — or odor.

The tight-weave fabric shakes off sand and dirt far more easily than traditional towels, and in a pinch, it can also serve as a solid spare blanket if things get colder than you anticipated. If it still feels too big for your needs, the brand also has mini and ultralight versions for extra space-saving.

Outdoor Research Trail Mix Mitts

Starting as early as September, things can cool off fast at the campground — especially at night. If you run cold — like, at all — packing a thin pair of gloves and beanie (like this one from Turtle Fur) will go a long way at keeping your extremities comfortable. When the temps are toasty hanging around the campfire at night, I like to keep these stashed in my sleeping bag so they’re nice and toasty when I get in.

GSI Outdoors Gourmet Kitchen Set

Whether you’re backpacking or car camping, you’re going to have to eat. And the more you go camping, the more likely you are to wind up on a trip where you forget some essential cooking utensils.

This 11-piece kit is an easy staple to help alleviate that problem. It has a collapsible whisk, pivot spoon, and spatula, plus a cutting board, scrubber, scraper, camp towel, spice shaker, and two condiment containers. Each one easily folds up and stows away in the soft-sided zippered case, which is big enough to let you add or modify depending on your specific meal plans. 

Platypus PlatyPreserve Flexible Wine Bottle 

The most essential rule of camping is Leave No Trace. That means anything you bring in with you, you have to bring out. This air-tight, collapsible wine container not only keeps your wine preserved longer than corked bottles (with absolutely zero plastic taste) but it also helps with not having to haul empty glass bottles out of the backcountry.

Bonus: You’ll find yourself using it on day hikes, road trips, picnics, pool parties, and outdoor concerts — anywhere that you might want some wine, but don’t want to have to worry about things spilling or breaking.

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