10 Must-Have Items to Take with You When You Go Camping

Pitching a tent in the woods or pulling your camper into a designated spot at the campsite makes the wilderness your temporary home. Some people love to rough it while camping and sleep in a sleeping bag under the stars. Others like a few modern amenities like a working restroom and a portable stove.

There’s no right or wrong way to camp. But some camping gear makes living outdoors for several days a little easier. The critical thing is to stay safe, relax, unwind, appreciate nature, and spend time with your family and friends. Add these camping essentials to your packing list to prepare for your stay.

1. Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room | Evanston Camping Tent with Screened-In Porch

A tent is vital because it protects you from the elements and gives you a covered place to sleep. As a trusted name in camping equipment, the Coleman Dome Tent adds a few extra comforts, with a screened-in porch, window awnings, and built-in storage pockets. The frame withstands wind, and the floor is waterproof. Plus, the spacious interior is spacious enough to hold two queen-sized airbeds.

2. Coleman Brazos Cold Weather Sleeping Bag

It can get cold at night while you’re camping. That’s why bringing extra clothes, hats, and gloves is a solid idea. A heavy-duty sleeping bag also helps—like the Coleman Brazos Cold Weather Sleeping Bag. The bag keeps you warm and cozy, even as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A draft tube along the zipper also keeps body heat from escaping. The high-quality sleeping bag also contains 4 lbs. of proprietary ColeTherm insulation. It fits sleepers up to 5’11” tall.

3. POWERLIX Sleeping Pad – Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Mat

Sometimes sleeping on the hard ground in a traditional sleeping bag can get uncomfortable. PowerLix makes an Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad with hexagonal air cells to give you comfort and support. The waterproof mat is light to carry, easy to inflate, and hits all your pressure points when you lay down. Plus, the inflatable bag can double as a pillow, a laundry bag, or whatever you need.

4. ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Flashlight, High-Performance Head Light For Outdoors, Camping, Running, Storm, Survival

It gets dark out in the wilderness! The ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Flashlight is an indispensable tool for your next camping excursion. The headlamp runs on six AAA Energizer Max batteries that are included in the box. The lamp emits seven different light modes to accommodate various situations. If you’re hiking, searching for something, navigating a storm, or doing anything that requires light, this headlamp is a must-have piece of camping gear.

5. Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler

Comfy camp chairs are a must for sitting around the campfire roasting S’mores or just kicking back and chatting with friends and family. The Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler is extra-cool with its handy cup holder and built-in cooler—with a four-can capacity! Plus, the chair easily collapses into its storage bag with a long strap to carry over your shoulder.

6. Folding Camping Table with Storage Compartment

When you’re considering essential camping gear, it’s all about functionality, portability, and intelligent space use. This Folding Camping Table with Storage Compartment checks off all the boxes. The table is lightweight for transport and sets up quickly. It’s also large enough to hold an array of food, plates, napkins, utensils, and more. When you’re finished, it folds into a compact size to take home.

7. LED Camping Lantern, Battery Powered LED with 1000LM, 4 Light Modes

Camping lanterns help you see your way around the campground at night, light up a seating area or grill while cooking, and so much more. The LED Camping Lantern is waterproof and has four light modes and boasts an impressive 1000 lumens, which can feasibly light an entire area. Put it in your tent for reading or playing cards, or hang it on a post to illuminate your outdoor space. The lantern draws power from three-D alkaline batteries and can last up to 12 hours.

8. Impact Canopy Slant Leg Canopy

A canopy offers shade at the beach, sporting events, campsites, and street fairs. Blocking the sun’s direct rays also keeps you cool on a hot day. The 10 ft. x 10 ft. Impact Slant Leg Canopy provides ample coverage for your group, with a maximum height of 8 ft. and 5’10” head clearance. The canopy top is weather resistant but not suited for adverse wind, rain, or snow.

9. Coleman Gas Camping Stove | Triton Propane Stove, 2 Burner

One of the best parts about camping is the food! Hot dogs, hamburgers, fried potatoes, and beans are camping staples. You can cook up your favorites on the Coleman Gas Camping Stove. It boasts five adjustable burners, and wind-blocking panels shield the burners during cooking. The Alloy Steel stove is easy to clean and runs on liquified petroleum gas.

10. KURUI Wood Chopping Axe with Sheath, 15”

A camping trip wouldn’t be complete without roasted hot dogs, S’mores, and ghost stories around the campfire. You’ll need a strong and reliable axe to split wood for the occasion. KURUI Wood Chopping Axe with Sheath is a 15-inch splitting axe to manage your chopping needs. It boasts a fiberglass helve and hardened carbon steel blade for durability and performance.