6 Camping Essentials I Never Forget To Pack
Let me preface this post by saying I'm not a rugged camper. I didn’t do much camping growing up besides summer camp in North Carolina. And sleeping in a bed, inside a cabin at the time seemed very outdoorsy. I realize now that my summer camp experience was quite luxurious. Fast forward to 2006 when I met my now-husband who spent more time outside than in, I wondered if I'd be able to enjoy being in the outdoors as much as he did. Always up for a challenge, Ryan absolutely pampered me on our early camping trips with delicious campfire cooking, s’mores supplies, and lots of good beer to ensure my good time. We even camped in his mom’s backyard once to prep me for my first winter camping experience. These days I really do enjoy getting outside and unplugging from all of the screens in my life.
When you have your camping spot to yourself.
Ryan and I have been together for 14 years now and we spend a lot of time outside and I’ve realized I don't need a lot of stuff to enjoy a weekend in the woods. There are a few things I consider little luxuries for a campsite that I like to pack to make the experience more comfortable. One day I’m sure he’ll convince me to do a backpacking trip which will surely require a lot more packing research.
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These creature comforts will make any camping trip better.
This is not a list of all the camping gear you need like your tent, stove, and sleeping bags. This list is about car camping amenities - the little things that will make your getaway in the woods as cozy and relaxing as possible.
Camping Hammocks
Is there anything more soothing than swinging in the trees and looking up at the stars? After a long afternoon of hiking or after dinner you’ll find me lounging in my hammock. If you get a double hammock for you and your honey, grab your honey and climb in with a double sleeping bag; you’ll be so cozy you might not make it to your tent.
Therm-a-Rest Outdoor Mattress
Who wouldn't want a self-inflating air mattress for their tent? I’m not talking about a full-size air mattress, these compact mattresses can be stored tightly rolled in your car or backpack and inflate themselves while you cook. These can be pricey but if you plan on sleeping on the ground often, you need one! Ryan recently got this one for me and it is very comfy.
A cozy tent is a must when camping.
Camping Lanterns & Headlamps
Once the sun goes down and you’re still cooking or you’re not ready for bed, you’re going to need some sort of lighting around your campsite. Headlamps are really handy to have around your campsite for reading, cooking, and middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks. We play cards or read before heading to bed so having a small lamp we can hang from the top of our tent is really helpful. I got this one in 2015 and it is still going strong. I love it because it is affordable, really lightweight, and nearly impossible to turn it on accidentally.
Secluded Campsite on Monroe Lake in Indiana
Speakers for Around the Campsite
Don’t get me wrong, I love the quiet of the woods but it is really nice to sit by the fire with some tunes too. We just use this splash-proof JBL sound tube and it is amazing. It connects to a mobile device (apple or android) through Bluetooth and the battery lasts for several hours. It's nice to have music when we're cooking or just hanging out. If we're camping on a lake, we clip it to the boat for music while we’re paddling or fishing.
Camping near Marquette, Michigan
Craft booze around hte campfire
This is a no-brainer. Y’all know I love beer and there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting around the campfire listening to some good music and sipping on a really good beer. During the warmer months, I love Goses (a little tart, very refreshing) and Lagers (crisp and classic), and Ryan likes IPAs (hoppy). Before a camping trip, we head to our local bottle shop and grab a few different six-packs to try or get a growler from a local brewery.
These are a few suggestions that are widely distributed around the country.
Summer favorites:
Bell’s Brewery Lager of the Lakes
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
Dogfish Head SeaQuench Session Sour
Founder’s All Day IPA
Fall & Winter Favorites:
Founder’s Porter
Bell's Best Brown
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest
If you’re not into beer, try canned cocktails or canned wine. I’ve been branching out more and trying canned cocktails and wine. I just discovered Southern Tier Distilling Canned Cocktails and at 8% they’re a little strong but absolutely delicious. I really liked the Vodka Soda and Vodka Madras. For canned wine, I love 14 Hands (Washington) pinot grigio and Lubanzi (South Africa), Chenin Blanc.
Coolers for Camping
Even if you’re just planning on an overnight camping trip, you’re going to need an excellent cooler. We have the BIG Yeti (Tundra 65) and we're obsessed. It can seriously keep ice and beer cold for days. It has easy to grip handles, no-slip grips on the bottom, and the rotomolded construction keeps it from denting/cracking. It is a big investment but we use it all the time camping or to keep beer and other drinks cold when we have people over. They have a few other sizes if you don't think you need the giant one. Check out the Tundra 35 or the Hopper Flip 12 which is a soft cooler and holds up to 13 beers. We got some of their tumblers a few years ago and there’s no turning back; they’re amazing. Your bevie will be cold for hours and then use it in the morning to keep your coffee hot.
