So you want to go camping? But have no idea where to start? You’re in luck because this is a complete guide to summer camping gear for first-timers!
It’s also a great guide for anyone who is looking to invest in some new camping gear.
I grew up camping in the mountains and deserts of Utah, USA, and have loved camping ever since. One of my more recent campouts was bouldering in Joshua Tree!
We still have yet to make our maiden-voyage of camping with our toddler 😬 (it feels like a whole new game to learn). However, it’s our plan to go this spring!
Related Post: Joshua Tree National Park: 7 Tips to Love Bouldering as a Beginner
Complete Guide to Summer Camping Gear for First-Timers
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If you have never gone camping, you will need to buy a few things to guarantee a fun and safe experience.
You may be tempted to buy the cheapest/least-expensive option of everything you will need. However, this is not a great idea. You’ll find yourself miserable and cursing why anyone likes camping. And I want you to love your experience and come back for more!
I know a lot of us aren’t made of money. Therefore, below you’ll find products we love and that are at a reasonable price!
These are all brands we use/have used and love (or are extremely similar to what we use/are looking into). Here we go!
Sleeping Camping Gear Essentials For a Comfortable Nights Sleep
The most likely time to question your decision to try camping is in the middle of the night. If you are cold, uncomfortable, and can’t sleep- you may regret your choice to try out camping at all! THAT’S WHY YOU NEED TO BUY A RAIN-PROOF TENT, WARM SLEEPING BAGS AND COMFY PADS!
Durable and Waterproof Tent is a Summer Camping Gear Essential
Until recently, I exclusively used this The North Face 2-person tent. However, four years ago we added our golden retriever and it became tight. Then we added our little babe to the family and there is no way we were all fitting in there! So now we use a much larger tent that we can all fit in.
There are a few things to keep in mind when buying a tent:
- How many people will fit in the tent? Tents generally run smaller than they say. For example, a two-person tent will fit two people, but you’ll definitely be cozy in there. So if you want some extra wiggle room, you’ll want a larger tent size. You may also want to tape out the tent measurement on the ground and lay down within the measurements to see if you will fit comfortably with you and your gear.
- Does the tent come with a rainfly with good coverage? A rainfly is what you put on top of your tent to keep out water and cold air. Even if you are camping in the summer, you’ll want a good rainfly just in case.
- Is the tent simple to set up?
- Do you want to be able to stand up all the way when inside? Some tents you will only be able to sit in, while others you can stand up in.
- Does the tent come with a ‘footprint’ or tarp to lay beneath the tent? You will want this to keep the tent in good shape and help with water prevention. However, you can easily buy one if it doesn’t come with one.
The current tent we have is no longer available. However, I have listed below tents I will take into consideration the next time we are in the market.
Two-Person Tent
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent
This Kelty tent is SUPER similar to the two-person tent I used for years. And I will definitely consider it next time we need a small tent. The setup is simple and there is even extra storage space beneath the rainfly outside the tent. This storage space is nice to store dirty shoes or sandals when you don’t want them inside the tent. Buy a tarp for under the tent here.
Remember, a two-person tent will be very cozy for two people. So if you are someone who likes more space, you’ll want to purchase a larger tent.
Three-Person Tent
Winterial 3-Person Tent
This 3-person tent has great reviews and it’s budget-friendly! The rainfly is large and will keep you nice and dry. If you have walking sticks, you can also hook up the tent door to create an overhang.
And this 3-person size may be great if you are two people who want a little extra room. You’ll want to buy a tarp to lay under the tent since this tent doesn’t come with one.
Four-Person Tent
ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent
This tent is technically a 4-person tent, however, I doubt four adults can fit comfortably inside. But it is another great option with a full-rainfly! And the reviews look great online. Buy a tarp for underneath here.
Nine-Person Tent
CORE 9-Person Instant Tent with Rooms
If you are looking for a large and easy-to-setup tent for your family or large group, this looks like the winner! This tent is waterproof even has mesh ‘walls’ you can zip into place for different rooms. You could also consider buying two of the smaller tents above and splitting up your group.
The best part of this tent is, you can even stand up inside! Being able to stand up makes dressing and getting ready for the day so much easier. This CORE tent also fits two queen-sized mattresses if you like to travel a little more in luxury!
Cozy Sleeping Bags are Camping Gear Essentials
Like our tent, both of our sleeping bags are also no longer on the market. However, I have done some research and below are some great, affordable sleeping bag options.
Things to keep in mind when looking for a sleeping bag:
- The difference between men’s and women’s styles often refers to the shape or extra padding of the bag.
- Remember to check what height your sleeping bag accommodates. You don’t want to be sticking out of the top!
- Check the temperature rating. Sleeping bags are tested and rated as to what temperature they will keep you warm in. I prefer to sleep in a bag that is rated for a temperature colder than what I will be sleeping in. Because I really really don’t like to be cold when I am camping. Remember that deserts and mountains can get very cold at night! Check the weather forecast of where you are going.
- You can also bring along blankets if you are worried you will get cold.
Kelty Tuck 20 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Kelty Mistral 20 Deg Regular Right Hand
RELATED POST: Acadia National Park: How to Experience 1 Perfect Day
Comfortable Sleeping Pads for Your Summer Camping Gear Collection
Please buy a sleeping pad that will actually work! I have had my fair share of experiences trying to buy the cheapest pad I can find at Target or wherever and it does not work out!!
REI Co-op AirRail Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad – Women’s
Once I bought myself this REI Co-op AirRail sleeping pad (for her), my life was changed. I was able to have a comfortable night of sleep. And the inflatable ‘rails’ on the side of the pad kept me on top of my pad all night!Check out the REI Co-op AirRail sleeping pad (for him) here.
In times past I had woken up and was no longer even on my pad. And instead, I was laying on the cold, hard tent floor! If you make one investment- make it this sleeping pad. It has become one of my favorite pieces of summer camping gear.
Ferrino Dream Air Mattress
My husband was using a very inexpensive pad until he was gifted this air mattress. And it has made all the difference!This pad also rolls up easily and is quite comfortable.
Camp Cooking Gear
Coleman Camping Stove/Grill
I love, love, love waking up to a nice breakfast burrito and some hot chocolate when I am camping. That’s what makes our Coleman Camping Stove/Grill so lovely. It’s big enough to cook two things at once but small enough to not be bulky.
A camping stove is not necessarily an “essential” summer-camping-gear item. However, cooking yummy meals in the outdoors is part of the fun! It beats eating PB&Js for every meal (which I have done and I have survived).
Propane for Coleman Camping Stove/Grill
If you bring a stove–remember to bring along the propane! Be sure to look at how many meals you will be cooking versus how long each propane container lasts.
Bulin Camp Cooking Set
This inexpensive cooking kit has all the basics you need for cooking on your stove. It is also sized for family cooking. This is important if you want to cook for more than one person. We do not have this cooking set but it looks like a good option.
Many cooking kits are small backpacking kits made for a single flame cooker. This means tiny pots!However, this Bulin Family Cook Set will be able to cook for multiple people. But keep in mind that they are still not as big as a typical pot and pan.
Camp Mess Kit
This super cute mess kit is perfect to take along on your summer camping trip! It comes with a bowl, a plate, a cup, and a utensil set! These are easy to clean, unbreakable, and eco-friendly! It’s much easier/eco-friendly having this set than hauling in a bunch of paper products.
Dutch Oven with Lid-Lifter
I like to bring along our dutch oven for a special dinner or dessert. It makes a great piece of summer camping gear to add to your collection. The food in a dutch oven is cooked with charcoal briquettes covering the top and the bottom. And whatever you make just seems to taste better because you cooked it out in nature.
Check out my favorite SUPER EASY dutch oven peach cobbler dump cake recipe.
Dutch Oven Aluminum Liners
These dutch-oven liners are game-changers when it comes to cooking in a dutch oven. I have not used them yet but I can’t wait to! One thing that deters me from using our dutch oven is the clean-up. But these liners fix that issue! Wahoo!
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
If you are bringing your dutch oven, remember to bring along briquettes too!
Cozy Summer Campfire Gear
Extendable Camp Chef Campfire Roasting Sticks
One of the absolute best things about camping is eating AS MANY hot dogs and s’mores as you want. Now, if you don’t know what a s’more is, let me tell you. In my opinion, s’mores are one of the best American traditions.
I didn’t even realize they were so novel until moving to Denmark and our friends had never tasted them! If you are new to s’mores, here is what you need:
- graham crackers
- chocolate bars
- marshmallows (not mini size)
You roast the marshmallows on your stick over the fire to perfection. Next you put a piece of chocolate on a piece of graham cracker. After that you place the marshmallow on top of the chocolate and top it with another piece of graham cracker. Voila! Camping treat perfection.
Cold Steel Axe/Shovel
My husband swears by this shovel with a sharpened axe edge. He’s had it for over ten years, and we have used it on all of our campouts. It is a perfect multi-use tool to keep around your campsite.
We use the axe/shovel to chop firewood, stir the fire, and to dig a hole when we use nature as our toilet. I highly recommend making the investment for such a diverse tool.
Coleman Portable Summer Camping Chairs
You MUST bring portable camping chairs on your summer camping trip! Unless, that is, you want to sit in the dirt the whole time. Or you are crossing your fingers that your campsite has nature-made perfect boulders sitting in all the ideal spots (very unlikely).
These Portable Coleman Camping Chairs are so easy to fold and store. And, they are quite sturdy. The chairs have steel frame supports and hold up to 325 lbs (148 kilos).
Lighter for fire and stove
A lighter is another super essential item that you don’t want to forget! We usually throw 2-3 in our box in case one runs out of juice. That’s why a pack of three, like this, is perfect.
Igloo Water Dispenser
Check if your campsite has potable (drinking) water. If it doesn’t, you for SURE need to bring a large water dispenser filled with fresh water.
When camping, it is recommended to have two gallons of water, per person, per day. One gallon for drinking and one gallon for other water needs (cooking, brushing teeth, washing hands etc ).
LIFETIME Cooler
You may have heard of the very cool (but very expensive) YETI cooler? Well, I don’t have that kind of money.
However, the LIFETIME high-performance cooler is just as good (in my opinion) and less than half the price! My husband did some design work for LIFETIME Products once upon a time, and I trust their gear.
If you are planning on eating more than PB&Js, you need to bring along a cooler.
Arctic Zone Insulated Tote
For short trips where we only cook one meal, we use our Arctic Zone Insulated Tote. This is a budget-friendly option if you don’t need a lot of storage space.
RELATED POST: Bryce Canyon National Park-Experience the USA’s Most Unique Winter Activity
Camping Gear Essentials to Light Your Camp
Petzl Headlamp for your summer camping trip
Listen up! Headlamps are amazing! YOU NEED ONE. Like, after sleeping essentials, a headlamp is my favorite summer camping gear essential. Because with headlamps, you get a light source while keeping your hands free. This makes setting up camp, preparing food, and going to the bathroom in the dark so much easier.
I went years camping without a headlamp. Once I got one I cursed myself for going so long using only flashlights.
I like these Petzl headlamps because of the adjustable angle and the affordable price. You don’t need some crazy super-strong mining light. These ones will work great for your summer camping trip. And, I bet they will become one of your favorite summer camping gear pieces!
Hanging Tent Light
I spent way too long trying to dangle a flashlight from the top of our tent. And once we got hanging lamps it made getting ready for bed SO much easier. Buy them!
We actually own this Black Diamond hanging tent lamp. It is also a great option! However, if you want something a little more cost-effective, you can go with the first one.
Coleman Lantern
When you are camping, once the sun sets all your light is gone. Therefore, you have to bring your own! We use this Coleman Lantern mostly to light up our dinner table (and s’more prep area 😉).
It’s also great if you want to play card games or do crafts in the dark but need more than campfire light.
The 360° spread of light is lovely to cover a large area versus the direct light of a headlamp or flashlight.
Summer Camping Gear to Stay Safe
Be Smart First Aid Kit
You don’t need a first aid kit until you do. That’s what I always think. If you don’t bring a kit, you’ll probably end up needing one. Likewise, if you do bring a kit, no one will need it! It’s karma.
We always keep this kit with us in the car and on camping trips. It’s a great small kit with all the basic items/medications you may need for cuts, burns, pain, allergies etc.
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray
Bear Spray is essential if you will be camping or hiking in bear country. My husband and I spent the summer working in Ketchikan, Alaska after we got married. And man, those bears kept me on my toes (or more like kept my nerves high strung 😝).
We always had our bear spray with us! But thankfully never had to use it. However, bear country is much bigger than Alaska (we are looking at you Utah and Colorado). So be sure to check the area you are traveling to!
Sunscreen
Most people have a bottle of sunscreen handy. However, remember to bring sunscreen with you! Especially if you will be camping in high mountains or deserts where you will be especially exposed to UV rays.
My husband burns very easily. And let me tell you, nothing dampers a nice camping trip like a roasted back or face.
And those are your summer camping gear essentials! Please let me know if you have any questions or comments and I’ll be sure to answer! I’m a real person who loves to talk travel 🙂
Check out these other posts:
- Joshua Tree National Park: 7 Tips to Love Bouldering as a Beginner
- Acadia National Park: How to Experience 1 Perfect Day
- Bryce Canyon National Park-Experience the USA’s Most Unique Winter Activity
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