Summer is here which means it's time to start packing for a trip (or two!). And I might be bias but there's nothing like packing up the car and getting some fresh air in good 'ole mother nature. Whether you're a seasoned camping vet or new to the game, what you bring (or forget to bring) really does determine whether or not you'll ever want to sleep under the stars again.
But don't worry, we've got you covered! Welcome to camping 101 where we've rounded up camping essentials perfect for beginners to pros alike. We've also tapped some outdoor experts to get their tips, tricks and million-dollar advice on how to maximize your time spent outside.
From top-rated editor tents to camping-friendly outfits, keep reading to see our favorite picks you should consider packing if you plan on camping anytime soon. Happy trails!
Expert advice for beginner campers
Planning your camping trip
Bryan Rogala, an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Mountain Standard Creative, tells beginners the first things to consider when planning a camping trip are where you’d like to visit, what activities you plan on doing during your stay, and the weather forecast.
"Camping can mean different things to different people," says Rogala. "Some folks are comfortable sleeping in a tent, but it might make more sense for another person to toss an air mattress in the back of their vehicle, or to rent a camper/RV."
Backcountry expert Chris Durant also loves to remind people, “The biggest step is making the decision that you’re doing it. We all have to start somewhere and it’s a process you’ll become more familiar with over time.” He also urges beginners to ask questions as no question is a stupid question when it comes to camping.
Packing for your camping trip
If you're a newbie when it comes to spending nights outside, packing can be extremely overwhelming. Between gear, food, clothes, and other necessities, it's easy to get bogged down by all the details.
Outdoor expert Heather Balogh Rochfort has great advice for this by saying, "If it’s your first-ever camping trip, don’t try to be a hero. Start with the basic gear to make sure you’re comfortable but not overwhelmed: a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad will cover you for sleeping."
"Then, consider your food situation. If you’re planning on cooking at camp like most campers do, you’ll want to consider a stove and fuel, along with dishes, food and water, and possibly a cooler depending on what you choose to bring. But ultimately, don’t overcomplicate the situation," adds Rochfort.
Sleeping during your camping trip
"One of the most important things while camping in the backcountry or camping in general is your sleep," also says Durant. Again, our experts advise investing in a good "sleep system."
"Over the years, I’ve found a lot of people get turned off from camping because they don’t sleep well — with the gear available today, there’s no reason for a bad night’s sleep at camp, and you don’t have to spend a fortune, either," says Rogala.
Our experts also recommended bringing a pair or two of earplugs or using a white noise app if you're scared of any noises that make occur at night; we're looking at you, wildlife!
Expert-approved camping essentials
Durant highly recommends having a water filter on hand when camping. His trusty Sawyer Squeeze has lasted a long time and has never caused problems.
"You don’t need water just for drinking it, but you use it a lot more than you think when camping," says Durant. "A lot of campers eat dehydrated meals, and water goes fast. Having a water filter allows you to filter clean water and can be used to cook with so you can eat when hungry."
"You need light at camp, but be sure to get a rechargeable option like the AlpenGlow," says Rochfort. "It has tons of options from bright white to party colors and sunset ambiance, and you can even illuminate one side of the lantern and not the other, in case one of you wants to read in the tent before bedtime."
If Rochfort is splurging one thing, it's most likely a sleeping pad. Rochfort even added that she uses this at home for guests instead of an air mattress; talk about a two-for-one.
"A good one will help you sleep better and keep you warm at night (since sleeping pads insulate you from the ground)," she says. "The Roamer has been my go-to pad for years thanks to its extra width and cushioning that makes you feel like you’re on a mattress."
A must-have for those venturing into the backcountry, Durant cannot recommend the Garmin inReach Mini 2 enough. This device allows you to send texts and your location to loved ones as well as emergency personnel, and it even stores trail maps for remote hiking and camping.
Editor-approved products for camping
"Bugs. Flies. Gnats. Mosquitoes- you name it, Bug Soother keeps it away," raves associate editor Sierra Hoeger about this pest repellant. "This is such an underrated product that my family has been using for YEARS to combat pests when spending a long time outdoors."
I highly recommend going with a headlamp versus a phone light or flashlight so you can see hands-free, and this pick Black Diamond will get the job done.
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo is a big fan of these dry bags. “I hate not having my clothes organized on trips and these dry bags are perfect to keep anything you need dry and secure, which happens often when camping!”
There's arguably no better place to enjoy a cold beverage than camping. “If there’s one thing my grandma and I have in common, it’s our love for wine. And not to sound like a millennial, but sometimes that’s exactly what the doctor ordered for a cure to surviving a family camping weekend," says Hoeger.
Don't have the space or materials necessary for a bonfire? No problem — this petite bonfire kit keeps flames contained, allowing you to set up a fire wherever, whenever.
"I love these little fire kits because they are so easy and don’t disrupt the ecosystem you are in," says Shigo. "You simply light it and then extinguish it when you are done. I use it at my apartment and outside."
This “glamping” product really impressed me after testing it out this past weekend. It charged my phone seamlessly and [the] 360 light is such a fun touch. You can pick between white or funky colors like blue, pink, purple, etc,. to add a little fun ambiance to your site. It features up to 10 hours of continuous light that is great for a night or two out and about.
Every campsite needs a little comfort and that’s exactly what this loveseat provides. Trust me, I’ve spent my fair share of hours relaxing in one. Not to mention, it also includes a padded roll-tote storage bag that’s perfect for any four-legged friends.
Best camping tents, according to editors
If you prefer a more traditional tent design and need more room, invest in this Shop TODAY-approved tent. The bestseller comes with a waterproof rainfly and is designed for spring, summer and fall camping. The frame is built to survive winds of up to 35 miles per hour. Inside, there are storage pockets and a handy hook for hanging a lantern or flashlight. It comes in three colors and four sizes: 2-person, 3-person, 4-person and 6-person.
If you’re looking for a one-and-done purchase to get outside ASAP, Senior social media editor Kate McCarthy can’t recommend this bundle enough. “I bought this bundle years ago and it was perfect for a beginner camper and took a lot of the pressure off. It comes with a tent, two sleeping bags, and two sleeping pads.”
Using this tent recently at the brand's Snow Peak Way event, I didn't have a single complain and was more than happy to call it home for a few nights. My favorite feature of this tent is the ability to use the front as either an awning or a vestibule for extra storage. And while vanity isn't everything, it's pretty easy on the eyes which is always an added bonus.
Best camping bedding, according to editors
Hoeger is a huge fan of this pillow saying, “This pillow has found its way on road trips, in the bunkbeds in the camper, in the hammock, you name it! It’s easy to refill with air when it’s running low and is actually comfortable. Plus, its size makes it easy to deflate and fold down to fit into a suitcase or backpack.”
Winner of best budget sleeping bag in Shop TODAY's 2023 Travel Awards, Coleman is a staple brand for those with and without outdoor experience.
Partnerships associate editor Lauren Witonsky noted how cushioned the bag was and even said that “you could get away without a sleeping pad if it was warm enough outside/in the tent.”
Made with post-consumer recycled materials, the Nomadix Puffer Blanket’s convenient snaps make this the perfect stargazing blanket or even a minimalist sleeping bag for warmer temps. I've even personally gifted a few of these blankets to friends and family and it's safe to say they were some happy campers.
Best camping clothes, according to editors
Whenever I'm outside/camping, I need my hair either up or out of my face. This skiier-loved brand has these headbands that are my new obsession since they keep everything secure — no matter how much I'm moving around
No matter the season, merino wool is always a great idea and no one does it better than Smartwool. I've used the brand's socks for years (and most recently their apparel) during my recent outdoor trips and time and time again, I'm impressed.
You can’t control the weather but you can control if you’re prepared or not for inclement weather. It’s always smart to have a rain coat tucked away in your backpack and this 2023 Travel Awards winner from Quince is the best of the best.
Perfect for hiking, water sports or just hanging out around the fire, these shorts are easy to clean and most importantly, comfortable. Hoeger highly, highly recommends snagging a pair of these before your next adventure.
"I got my dad this packable windbreaker for Father’s Day because he needed a replacement for his old travel jacket (which had seen many a campsite over the past few years!)," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "He was super happy to receive this one, which is light as a feather, water-resistant and packs down easily to help him stay prepared wherever he travels to next."
While I truly enjoy soaking up the sun in the summer, it's always important to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. This new launch from Helly Hansen is light enough to wear during summer adventures to provide optimal sun protection.
"I have worn this in the rain and windy conditions and it keeps me warm without being too warm," says Shigo. "It is easily packable and great to use on trips when you don’t have a ton of space."
While it might be summer, you'd be surprised how cold it can get at higher elevations. This down jacket from Stio is a personal favorite of mine since it's extremely packable and will keep you nice and toasty, no matter the season.
Best camping cooking essentials, according to editors
A really good tablecloth is such an underrated camping necessity. "Nearly every campsite comes with a picnic table, and if you’re anything like my family, that’s where a majority of your time is spent, whether you’re eating, making s’mores or playing games! One that’s easy to wipe down or wash when it’s all said and done is key, because it can be reused every summer," explains Hoeger.
Holding over five gallons of water, this Travel Awards winner is a reusable, foldable water cube from GSIOutdoors can help you beat dehydration. This product is a must-have if you’re in an area without accessible fresh water. You can also easily use this to wash your dishes after a home-made campfire dinner.
Great for those backpacking, this straw will allow you to drink from remotely any water source, no matter how dirty it may appear. I'm a huge fan of all things LifeStraw so adding this to my backpacking bag was a no-brainer.
This bottle is leakproof, insulated, will keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and dishwasher safe. I've used (and slightly abused) my Hydro on many trips for over six years and she's still standing strong.
I love these Yeti bowls for transporting and cooking food outside. They keep everything fresh and cold (or hot!) and are stackable when storing them away. I gifted my parents a set of these and to say they’re obsessed is an understatement.
McCarthy loves this propane stove for camping, ski days on the mountain and everything in-between. “I can confidently say this is the best item I’ve ever purchased for camping, because it’s also great for the outdoors in general. It’s extremely easy to use and super basic, but gets the job done.” Our experts also love this stove by saying you can’t go wrong with this pick.
"Another outdoorsy find I gifted my dad this year, this cooler backpack is a fun accessory for the camper who already has everything," says Ekman. "It’s leakproof, water-resistant and really keeps its contents cold for hours. The best part? You can fit a full case (yes, up to 24 cans) in it, meaning everyone on the group camping trip gets a crisp, cool beverage. My dad can vouch that the supportive straps make it comfortable to wear (even loaded up full) and no Tetris is required to pack it up."
Frequently asked questions
Our experts say to start small. "State Parks can be a great place to explore locally, and they tend to be less crowded (and less expensive) than National Parks or other, more popular camping destinations," says Rogala.
Rochfort also adds, "Iconic national parks may be calling your name, but make your first camping trip a nearby experience that doesn't involve a massive drive or a load of logistics. That will make the whole experience easier and more fun — ensuring there is a better chance of you getting out there again!"
It's not as hard as it might seem! Rochfort recommends campers practice pitching their tent for the first time at home in the safety of their backyard or nearby park. "Once you get the hang of tents, they’re quite easy to operate but it can feel daunting those first couple of times — especially if you feel the eyeballs of nearby campers boring into the back of your head while you flounder around."
First off, always check the weather forecast before heading out. If it looks relatively clear, you should be good to go but if it looks questionable, consider changing your plans. If it does happen to rain, make sure your tents rainfly is securely attached to stay dry.
How we choose
While choosing the best camping essentials out there, we asked experts for their recommended products and included editor picks from seasoned campers on the team.
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products and sales out there. We use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Meet the experts
- Chris Durant is an outdoor digital creator. Growing up in Washington state, he has spent the better part of his life exploring the backcountry by thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and other long-term trails.
- Heather Balogh Rochfort is an award-winning journalist and author who specializes in the outdoor industry. Growing up in Colorado, she's a firm believer that fresh air doesn't cures everything, but a little sunshine and dirt sure go a long way towards a better day.
- Bryan Rogala is the founder of Mountain Standard Creative who has lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the past decade. Working in the outdoor industry for over 10 years now, he's an avid mountain biker, skier, horseback rider and bowhunter in his free time.
