17 Gear Items You Need to Spruce Up Your Campsite
As more people venture into the woods for digital detoxes and city escapes, significant improvements have been made for camping comfort and convenience.
In 1889, the camping air mattress was invented. In 1942, the US Army designed “slumber bags.” By 2018, we have so many new, quirky and revolutionary camping items, it’s almost impossible to keep track.
Here are 21 cool, fun and practical gear items to add to your camping gear list (or Christmas wish list!):
1. Self-inflating Camp Pillow
Avventura Outdoors
Don’t want to cart your full-sized bed pillow to the campsite, but don’t want to go without? Inflate this lightweight camp pillow to the perfect plumpness for sweet dreams.
Buy it here: avventuraoutdoors.com
2. Mini-espresso Maker
Amazon
Is there anything better than waking up to a mountain view and a freshly brewed espresso straight from the door of your tent?
No. There isn’t.
Buy it here: amazon.ca
3. Chinook Tent Accessory Kit
camping-gear-outlet.com
Your tent deserves accessories, too! This convenient kit includes a rubber mallet and peg puller for stubborn tent pegs, said pegs, a mesh bag, two ropes and tighteners and a dustpan and brush for cleanly campers.
Buy it here: camping-gear-outlet.com
4. Triple Hammock
Amazon
Fit not one, not two, but three buddies between the trees on this hardcore-hammock! Layer them above each other to make an epic tree-tent.
Buy it here: amazon.ca
5. Tent Fan
camping-gear-outlet.com
Sick of waking up hot and sweaty in the summer? Stick this battery-operated fan with soft foam blades into your tent for overnight relief.
Buy it here: camping-gear-outlet.com
6. Instant Tent
Amazon
Even if you’re planning on spending the night and have a normal tent packed, it’s never a bad idea to bring along a backup. This multi-purpose emergency shelter doubles as a ground sheet or tarp.
Buy it here: amazon.ca
7. Citronella Candle
Amazon
Repel mosquitos with this citronella candle. Available in three scented tins (including “s’mores”), it has a pleasant “campfire crackle,” ideal for campsites where you can’t light your own.
Buy it here: amazon.ca
8. Pop-up Mosquito Net
Canadian Tire
Sleep beneath the stars and wake up without bug bites all over your exposed skin. Two campers can fit under this lightweight polyester mesh net.
Buy it here: canadiantire.ca
9. New Old School Lantern
Wayfair
What’s old is new again! Aesthetically similar to classic lanterns, this bright, cellphone-charging, battery-free, LED lantern is powered by cranking or solar.
Buy it here: wayfair.ca
10. Camping Cot
campingworld.com
Say goodbye to the ground and get high on a camping cot! Made by Coleman, this deluxe cot features a thick foam mattress, long enough for explorers up to 6’6 tall.
Buy it here: campingworld.com
11. Camping Bunk Beds
campingworld.com
Double trouble! Twins, friends or couples that don’t like to sleep next to each other can bunk up on this Disc-O-Bed. The side organizers make finding your flashlight and water bottle super simple.
Buy it here: campingworld.com
12. DryMeSack
Avventura Outdoors
Yes, you read that right. Use this large, quick-dry towel made of Decathlon fabric for camping showers. It packs away easily into its included bag.
Buy it here: avventuraoutdoors.com
13. Pocket Blanket
Matador
In addition to a portable towel, pick yourself up a pocket blanket. Water-repellent and puncture resistant, this tiny package creates a dry seat wherever you camp.
Buy it here: matadorup.com
14. Portable Canopy
Coleman
Sunny camping days are ideal—until they get too hot. Seek shade under this canopy. The 50+ UPF provides necessary sun protection, and you get to look (and feel) cool lounging beneath it.
Buy it here: coleman.com
15. Minimalist Cookwear
Avventura Outdoors
Are you still playing camp cook with a bin full of grimy tupperwear? Pack that away and snag this small bag, which smartly stacks a pan, pot, spatula, spork, ladle, two bowls and pot scrubber.
Buy it here: avventuraoutdoors.com
16. Campsite Mat
Canadian Tire
Spread this lightweight campsite mat outside your tent to save bare feet from rocks and debris. Do you feel at home yet?
Buy it here: canadiantire.ca
17. Tent Carpet
Walmart
To really make your campsite feel like home, spread this carpet inside your tent. Now you’re basically back in your living room.
Buy it here: walmart.com
