We recently published an article on camping tips, so continuing with that theme, let’s talk about the coolest camping equipment. Depending on who you are and your lifestyle, camping might be a very new activity, and you aren’t sure what you want with you. Here are seven things to consider having on hand before venturing out:
A camping lantern
You probably know to bring a flashlight, but a camping lantern is more convenient. A model like the Suaoki clover-style lantern is really cool because you can adjust it to different angles, hang it, or let it sit on its base. There’s also a smart protection chip, so you don’t have to worry about overcharging or issues like that. With a good lantern, you’ll have enough light for games and reading once it gets dark.
Portable shower
If you’re adventuring over a few days and don’t have access to a shower, how do you stay clean? A portable shower is a really cool tool. A brand like Rinsekit holds 2 gallons of water with features like a pressure booster bump, six feet of hose, and a hot rod water heater. This gives you decent pressure and up to six minutes of hot water for a good shower. To charge, simply plug into your car’s 12-volt port.
Want something a bit smaller? Sea To Summit sells a pocket shower that can fit in a 3×6-inch pouch. It’s also very lightweight at just 4.3 ounces. The water is solar-heated, and when filled to its 10-liter capacity, you get a 7-8 minute shower.
Portable campfire
To cook and boil water very efficiently, get a portable campfire. These are usually pretty small and able to convert a fire’s heat into electricity. Many of them, like the BioLite CampStove 2, even serve as phone and gadget chargers, too. Consider the campfire’s weight, safety features, and so on before making your selection.
Lighting fire in wind or rain is important for camping.
Waterproof match kit
Speaking of fires, you’ll need matches on your camping trip. The best matches will be waterproof and durable, so even if it’s raining or there’s heavy wind, you’ll be able to light a fire. You can find lots on sites like Amazon from brands like UCO Stormproof and Zippo.
Waterproof speaker
If you love music and are planning on hanging out at the beach or in a canoe, put a waterproof speaker on your list of coolest camping equipment. They are much more convenient than a phone or regular speaker since if they get wet, they won’t immediately die. Consider the speaker’s size, and make sure that it’s “waterproof” with an IP67 rating, and not just “water-resistant.”
Water filter bottle
Water bottles with built-in filters are a really wise purchase. If you’re out in the wilderness and run out of water, but there’s a stream nearby, you don’t want to fill your bottle unless it has a filter. LifeStraw makes really good BPA-free bottles with 2-stage filters, so they can remove bacteria, chlorine, and more. You can also get water treatment tablets if you want to use your regular bottle, but that is just something else you’ll have to remember to pack.
First aid kit
A first aid kit goes on the list of must-haves, and not just the coolest camping equipment. For convenience’s sake, get a kit that’s portable like one from VSSL, which doubles as an LED flashlight. The tube contains stuff like painkillers, gloves, and a compass. You can easily hang it on your backpack for quick access.
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You have your equipment. What are the camping tips you’ll want to remember?
