My Camping Gear Recommendations
& Suggested Packing Lists
Table of Contents
With so many camping group trips coming up, I decided to compile a list of my camping gear recommendations. The list is full of products I personally use myself and love!
I hope this helps inspire your future camping trips and prepares you with the right gear.
Hiking Boots
I bought these hiking boots last year right before my Superior Hiking Trail trip and was worried I was going to hike 30 miles without testing them out… but they were fantastic! I had no blisters or discomfort. And I loved the ankle support.
Tent
Last year when I got into solo camping, I bought this exact tent and used it all summer long! It served me well throughout Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota and my first ever backpacking trip.
It’s lightweight so I can fit it in my backpack easily and it won’t break the bank! I also love how the orange color photographs.
Sleeping Bag
If you’re looking to invest in a good quality sleeping bag for backpacking trips, I highly suggest shopping with Hyke & Byke.
The sleeping bags are slightly more expensive but come with a plethora of features, just check out the video below!
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Sleeping Pad
I have had this sleeping pad for the last year and love it! It packs down to a tiny size and yet provides a great added layer of padding. It is durable and has never ripped despite camping on uneven, rocky surfaces.
Pillow
This camping pillow is lightweight and comfortable if you don’t have room for a full size pillow in your luggage or backpack.
On backpacking trips, I often skip the pillow and just use my jacket or sweatshirt folded up for a pillow, whatever works best for you!
Head Lamp
When the sun sets and you’re hanging out at a dark campsite, you’ll want a headlamp to illuminate things so you can still have your hands free.
This rechargeable headlamp is situated in a cute black beanie. I love the way this one fits & is easily recharged!
If you go with a traditional headlamp, just make sure you pack extra batteries.
Water Bottle
Of course, you’ll want to make sure you pack a water bottle. But if you’ll be doing a lot of hiking on your trip, you might want to pack a hydration bladder. I love this one! It flows easily and is super durable.
Bug Spray
Depending where you camp, this might not be needed but it’s good to be prepared!
Sunscreen
Pack extra!
Tent Fan
While a tent fan is definitely optional, I find it helps on a hot summer night to get air circulating in my tent. It also provides white noise making it easier to fall asleep at a campsite.
Whether you choose rechargeable or battery operated, I recommend getting on that also has a light. It’s helpful to illuminate your tent from above at night if you need to find something.
Ear Plugs/Headphones
You may want headphones or earplugs for your campsite. If other campers are around, tents are obviously very thin and you may hear them chatting or even snoring at night. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s a good idea to pack ear plugs or headphones so you can get a good night’s sleep!
Backpack
I find it’s often easier to camp with a backpack then to bring a rolling suitcase. Sometimes campsites require you to cart-in or travel over rough terrain. I love my North Face backpacking bag but there are many non-name brand options as well.
Day bag
Leave your suitcase or backpacking bag at the tent and just bring a day bag out on hikes so you can have your portable charger, water bottle & everything you need with you.
Active wear for hiking
My favorite leggings & hiking gear comes from Fabletics! I am obsessed with the Power Hold and Boost II leggings.
Just avoid cotton for hiking, stick to synthetic fabrics that will dry quickly and not hold moisture.
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Get $10 off your first Hipcamp
More on camping:
- THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CAMPING SOLO IN MINNESOTA
- HOW TO FIND UNIQUE CAMPING SITES AND THE BEST GLAMPING WORLDWIDE
- CAMPING SOLO AT BLUE MOUNDS STATE PARK
- SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL: 3 DAY ITINERARY
- DANCING THE LAND FARMSTAY: A STUNNING MINNESOTA GLAMPING EXPERIENCE
Camping Gear Recommendations
