My Camping Gear: A High Quality, Comfortable Approach
This camping gear list contains my recommendations for items that are high quality and built to last – as well as making the camping experience more comfortable.
When we initially started camping, we bought cheap budget gear – so it was no surprise that most of it wasn’t the best quality and didn’t last long. Over time, we’ve replaced almost everything with better products, although a few small items from our first camp kit remain.
The setup we currently use prioritizes spending a bit more for comfort – and on durable gear that will last over time. I like to rationalize the cost by comparing it to frequent stays at hotels, or to owning and maintaining an RV (which we seriously considered). Now we love our “glamping style” of camping!
CONTENTS
- Tents
- Sleep System
- Camp Kitchen
- Camp Chairs, Tables & Canopy
- Camp Lighting
- Electronics
- Additional Essentials
- Personal Hygiene
- Gear Organization
- Cold Weather Gear
Tents
A tent is a core piece of camping gear and is often one of the first purchases people make. The style of tent you choose should match how you camp, whether that’s a larger tent with enough headroom to stand inside or a smaller, more compact option that fits into tighter campsites or works for both camping and backpacking. In the Pacific Northwest, reliable rain coverage is also an important factor to consider.
Snow Peak Alpha Breeze: Inspired by classic A-frame cabins, the Alpha Breeze from Japanese brand Snow Peak has quickly become one of my favorite tents for its unique design and thoughtful details. One of the standout features is how connected it makes you feel to your surroundings. Unlike most tents, it has doors and windows on all four sides, so you can open it up during the day for panoramic views and airflow, then close it up at night for warmth and privacy. All of the door panels include both mesh and solid fabric, giving you a lot of flexibility depending on the weather and your mood.
See my full review of the Alpha Breeze
Big Agnes Bunk House 4: After years of using smaller tents, we upgraded to this four person, feature-rich tent that is large enough to stand up inside as well as having plenty of space for two cots. Constructed of high quality materials, the Bunk House provides good protection from inclement weather with a full coverage rainfly and multiple points to attach additional guylines. The two large doors have double-sided panels of mesh and solid fabric to allow for adjustments based on the conditions. Multiple pockets on the interior are great for stashing small items, and you can attach two included corner bin pockets where you want them. I especially like the attached awning, which makes a great front porch for hanging out in inclement weather.
See my full review of the Big Agnes Bunk House 4
REI Half Dome 2 Plus: The Half Dome is a versatile tent that works well for both camping and backpacking. Much larger than most two-person tents, its 92 in. x 56 in. floor has enough width for two 25 in. rectangular sleeping pads, with extra space at the top and bottom for storing gear. With full rainfly coverage and multiple guyline attachment points, it handles inclement weather better than standard camping tents. It’s also a great option for solo campers who want extra space. While not cheap, REI often discounts the Half Dome by as much as 30% during sales.
See my full review of the REI Half Dome 2 Plus
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Sleep System
Sleeping Bag
Zenbivy ZipBed Overland: this innovative quilt and sheet combination that makes sleeping on camping trips a more comfortable experience than when using a traditional sleeping bag. I toss and turn a lot when I sleep and don’t like feeling constricted by a mummy bag. The Zenbivy gives me plenty of room to move around inside – and the top acts more like a blanket that can be tucked in or folded down. The setup includes a sheet for a mattress, and the sheet has panels that zip to the quilt to prevent drafts. The sheet also includes an extra-large hood for holding a pillow in place.
BYOP Pillowcase: made from the same soft fabric as the ZipBed Overland to allow for using a full-size pillow from home. The pillow fits perfectly inside the hood, staying securely in place all night, and the pillowcase is easy to remove and wash.
See my full review of the Zenbivy ZipBed Overland
View ZipBed Overland View BYOP Pillowcase
Sleeping Pads
An important part of a sleep system for comfort and warmth is the mattress you choose. We initially used a queen-size inflatable mattress with no insulation value. After too many cold nights, we decided to upgrade to better sleeping pads. Using two separate pads instead of a double-wide has the benefit of being to individually control the firmness – and when one partner moves around, the other won’t feel the movement.
Exped MegaMat Sleeping Pad: For the ultimate in camping comfort, theMegamat is a plush 4-inch thick sleeping pad that won’t bottom out, perfect for side sleepers. Its R-value of 8.1 has kept me toasty warm on chilly nights, while the soft top fabric and dual valves make inflating and deflating effortless. This is my top choice for camping, whether in a tent or in my car.
See my full review of the Exped Megamat
Exped Ultra Pump: For inflating or topping off a sleeping pad, I use the Exped Ultra Pump, which also includes a light for hanging in a tent. It connects easily to a variety of mattresses using the included adapters, and it’s also fairly quiet compared to other pumps I’ve used. The built-in lamp has three brightness settings and provides enough light for use inside a tent. The hanging loop makes it easy to position, which adds some versatility if you want a combined pump and light in one piece of gear.
UST Gear Fillmatic Sleeping Mat: A 4-inch thick self-inflating foam mattress and a great budget-friendly option. With an industry-standard warmth rating of 6 (R-value), it’s considered warm enough for winter camping. The self-inflating design means there’s no need to blow it up, though I usually add a bit of extra air with a small battery-powered pump for firmness. The outer fabric is soft—similar to a flannel sheet—but still very durable, so I don’t worry about punctures. Clips at each end also make it easy to connect two mattresses when needed.
See my full review of the UST Gear Fillmatic
Pillows
Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillows: these compressible foam-filled pillows are the closest feel to a pillow from home and they compress small for packing. Available in multiple sizes, shown above are the small and medium. For packing, they compress down and fold into the pocket flap on the side of the pillow.
View at Therm-a-Rest View at REI
Cots
We camped for well over ten years without using a cot and could have easily continued to do so. But adding cots to our tent setup has greatly enhanced our level of comfort when camping. There’s no more crawling around on the floor to get in and out of a sleeping bag, and it’s much easier to get dressed when you can sit on the side of the cot. Plus storing gear under the cots frees up space in the tent.
Mountain Summit Gear Campside Folding Cot: I chose these cots based on the style of the horizontal curved legs so they don’t put too much pressure on the tent floor, and for being able to store gear under them. The unfolded size is 72 x 27.55 x 13 inches, which work great with 25 inch wide sleeping pads. Unlike cots that are collapsible, these don’t require any assembly – instead, they fold in half for packing and storing. We also use these at home when we have guests so we get more use out of them than just for camping. (note: these cots are no longer available, so I recommend the REI Campwell Cot instead)
Camp Kitchen
My approach to camp kitchen gear is based on high quality, durable pieces that pack down small, hold up to frequent use, and make cooking at camp (and cleanup) easier. Since I started camping nearly 20 years ago, I’ve tried all kinds of ways to cook — from campfires to cast iron — and eventually figured out what gear works best for me. While roasting hot dogs over a fire is fun once in a while, I usually prefer cooking simple meals on a camp stove.
Here’s the camp kitchen gear I rely on — durable, compact, and high-quality essentials that work whether I’m cooking solo or for a small group.
Camp Stoves
Our first camp stove was an inexpensive two burner stove. When we pulled it out on a camping trip and discovered that it no longer worked, we went to a nearby sporting goods store and picked up another stove, this time with one burner and an integrated grill which I thought would be fun to have. However, the grill was messy and required more clean up than it was worth. After being frustrated with burner knobs that wouldn’t stay in place to hold the flame where we wanted it, we upgraded to a higher quality stove with better temperature regulation.
Camp Chef Everest 2X: I’ve been using this stove for several years now, and what I appreciate most is how easy it is to light and control the flame. The ignition works every time with just a quick turn of the dial, and the burners let me fine-tune the flame from a roaring boil down to a steady simmer — something I could never rely on with previous stoves.
It also packs a ton of power with dual 20,000 BTU burners, which is much more than most camp stoves. Running on propane, it works with the common 1 lb. canisters, though I usually connect it to a refillable tank. The tall windscreens are another nice touch — they lock in place with metal latches and don’t budge, even in gusty conditions. The downside is that it’s a bit bulkier than similar stoves, but I’ve found that the performance and reliability are worth it.
View at Camp Chef View at Amazon
Ignik Gas Growler 5.0 Deluxe: After years of using disposable propane tanks — and dealing with the hassle of taking them to hazardous waste facilities since you can’t recycle or throw them away — I finally switched to a refillable option. The Gas Growler holds the equivalent of about five disposable tanks, and the last time I filled it, the cost was less than $5. It’s not only cheaper in the long run, but also way less wasteful. The Growler comes with a rugged carrying case and the hose you need to connect it to a camp stove, and I’ve found it works just as well for running my portable firepit. It’s been a simple upgrade that makes camp cooking and heating a lot easier. (For 15% off Ignik products, use code iheart_15pnw)
FireMaple FMS-125 PRO Camp Stove: When I’m camping solo and don’t need a big two-burner setup, I keep things simple with this small camp stove. It folds down into a compact case, which saves space in my camp kitchen bin. The stove runs on isobutane/propane canisters, which are easy to find at outdoor retailers — and even some grocery stores or gas stations. Its low-profile base provides a stable platform for larger cookware, and the pot supports have grips that keep pans securely in place. (discount code for 10% off at FireMaple: IHeartPNW10)
See my full review of the FireMaple FMS-125 PRO
Camp Cookware
Over the years, I’ve tried just about every type of camping cookware — from cheap non-stick sets to cast iron, which many campers swear by but never really worked for me. One attempt with a Dutch oven left our stew tasting like iron, and no amount of re-seasoning ever kept my skillet in good shape. Add in the extra weight, and I eventually decided to move on from cast iron altogether. And while many camping recipes call for cooking over a campfire, I’ve found that it’s too much work and doesn’t always turn out like I’d hoped.
These days, I stick with cookware that suits my style — simple, relatively healthy meals without too much fuss. My go-to setup is a camp stove paired with a skillet and a couple of lidded pots, which gives me flexibility to cook nearly anything.
For larger meals, I use a GSI Outdoors Halulite 3.2 liter pot, which is great for everything from pasta to soups and stews. It comes with a lid that has built-in drain holes, and the silicone pads on the lid and coated handles provide protection when straining liquids. I also keep a GSI Outdoors Halulite Tea Kettle in my kit for heating water for coffee, tea, or doing dishes at camp — the lid stays in place when pouring, and the handle folds down for storage.
I use the Jetboil 10 inch Fry Pan for most of the cooking I do for two or more people. It features a ceramic-coated nonstick surface for easy cleanup, silicone-coated handles that fold in for storage, and high sidewalls that help to keep food in the skillet while stirring.
The GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset rounds out my camping cookware collection with ceramic-coated pots and pans in multiple sizes, including a 1.5-liter pot, 2-liter pot, an 8-inch skillet, and two lids. The set also includes a folding pot handle, a small cutting board, and a storage bag, with everything nesting inside the large pot to maximize space in my camp kitchen bin. On solo trips, this is the only cookware I bring.
See my review of the GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset
For food prep, a few extra items can make your camp kitchen more complete. The GSI Santoku Knife Set includes paring, chef, and bread knives, plus a folding cutting board, scrubber cloth, and soap bottle — all neatly packed in a compact case. The GSI Rakau bamboo cutting board is perfect for chopping veggies, and the GSI Escape collapsible bowl with lid works well for prepping, eating, or storing leftovers.
Camp Dinnerware
For dinnerware, I prefer using reusable items — which not only cuts down on the amount the trash at camp, but also saves money over time instead of buying disposable stuff for every trip.
A classic for camping, enamel dinnerware is durable and will last for many years of adventures. I also find that it’s easier to keep clean than plastic dinnerware. The Alpine Mountain Gear 4-person Dinnerware Set includes four plates, bowls, mugs, and utensils, and has held up through years of trips. For cutlery, I skip disposable plastic utensils and use the GSI Pioneer Enamelware cutlery set — sturdy, well-made pieces designed to last through years of use.
For hot drinks, I bring GSI Backpacker Infinity mugs — the insulated design keeps beverages hot, the lids lock in place to prevent spills, and the fabric handles make them easy to pack.
Camp Kitchen Gear Organization
For camp kitchen gear, I used a generic plastic storage bin for years before switching to the Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45. My old bin worked, but the lid was difficult to open and it didn’t provide much protection from critters — something I learned the hard way after raccoons managed to get inside it on more than one trip.
The Alpaca Gear Box has a much more secure design, with two side latches that keep the lid closed while still allowing it to open from either side for quick access at camp. The transparent polycarbonate lid makes it easy to see what’s inside without opening the bin, and the gasket seal helps keep out water and dust.
The 45-liter size works especially well for camp kitchen gear. The horizontal shape lets me pack items without stacking everything too deeply, which makes it much easier to find what I need. I use smaller organizers inside for utensils and other small items, then fit the rest of my cooking gear around them to maximize the space.
At camp, I keep the bin next to my stove so everything I need for cooking is within reach. When I’m done for the day, it goes back into the car until the next meal. The sturdy grab handles make it easy to load and move around camp, and the overall construction feels like it’s built to last.
Food & Water Storage
A good cooler is essential for keeping food safe and drinks cold, especially on multi-day trips. I’ve gone through all kinds — from cheap soft-sided bags to heavy-duty hard coolers — and I’ve found a few options that work well for different situations.
For most trips, I rely on the RTIC 32-quart Ultra-Light Cooler, and on shorter or solo trips, I use the Stanley Adventure Cooler — a 28-quart hard-sided option. I skip the hassles of dealing with ice and instead use three or four Yeti Ice Blocks, which keeps food cold for several days. Both coolers have large grab handles for easy hauling, and the solid construction means they can double as extra seating around camp.
See my full review of the RTIC 32-quart Ultra-Light Cooler
For storing food that doesn’t need to be kept cold, I use the REI Campwell 18-liter folding cooler. This soft-sided option is surprisingly sturdy when it’s filled, and can be collapsed flat when not in use. It’s also perfect for keeping snacks or lunch cold on day trips away from camp. Soft-sided coolers are easy targets for pesky critters, so I always keep mine in the car when we’re not using it at camp.
I always bring my own water for drinking and cooking — campgrounds don’t always have a reliable supply, and even when they do, the water doesn’t always taste great. The Reliance Aqua-Tainer holds 4 gallons (a 7-gallon version is also available) and comes with a spigot for easy pouring. While there are options for water containers with battery powered faucets, I prefer to keep it simple when camping.
Washing Dishes at Camp
For camp dishwashing, I keep my setup simple with just three key items: a collapsible sink, a scrubber brush, and a collapsible bucket.
I add a little soap to the sink, pour in hot water over the dishes, and scrub everything down. Once I’m done, I pour the dirty water into the bucket, then do a quick rinse with a small amount of clean hot water. It’s a simple system that saves water and keeps cleanup quick and efficient.
For disposal, I use the collapsible bucket to carry the dirty water to a designated dishwater disposal area when available (or to a toilet if there isn’t a disposal area). It’s important not to dump soapy water in lakes, rivers, or streams — even if the soap is biodegradable — since these products are meant to break down in soil, not in waterways.
Camp Chairs, Tables & Canopy
Camp Chairs
For years, we used inexpensive camp chairs. They got the job done, but they were never truly comfortable. The front edge of the seat would press into the backs of my thighs every time I sat down. And since I’m only 5’1″, most standard camp chairs are too tall for my feet to touch the ground. I started looking for replacements that would be a better fit — something more comfortable but still collapsible for easy storage.
REI Campwell Chair: These chairs sit slightly lower than a typical camp chair, and the mesh fabric with x-shaped webbing cradles your body while providing even weight distribution and good airflow. The drink holder on one armrest has a shape that conforms to different sizes of bottles, and the other armrest has a drop-down pocket that can be cinched closed, perfect for holding a cell phone or car keys.
REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair: More comfortable than a typical camp chair, the Camp Dreamer offers flexibility with movement and a shape that cradles your body like a hammock. Two slot pockets on the sides are handy for holding small items like phones or car keys. This is my favorite camp chair.
See my review of the Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair
Camp Kitchen Table
REI Camp Prep Table: I take this sturdy table for cooking whenever I prefer to not use the campsite picnic table. The Camp Prep Table has independently adjustable legs for creating a stable base on uneven ground, and it also features heat-resistant aluminum slats on the top surface, and folds in half for storage.
See my review of the REI Camp Prep Table
Side Table
Yihuiko Folding Camp Table: This small table is 24″ x 16″ – just the right size for use as a side table in a tent. Two segments of removable legs allow the height to be adjusted from 10″-24″, and the table folds in half for easy storage and packability.
Canopy
When we first started camping, we didn’t have a canopy. But when heading out on a camping trip with rain in the forecast, we made a quick trip to a sporting goods store to pick one up. Now we use it regardless of the forecast. We like to place our canopy over the picnic table to keep our kitchen area covered. Most campsites we stay at are under tall trees that drop needles and this keeps our cooking and eating space cleaner. We can also hang a light under the top of the canopy for better lighting when cooking at night.
EZ Up Sierra II 10' x 10' Canopy: This canopy is easy to setup and includes a storage bag with wheels. Since there is no vent at the top, we always stake the canopy to keep wind from blowing it around. We are also careful to make sure it’s completely dry before storing to keep moisture from degrading the fabric or causing it to mildew. We’ve been using the same canopy for over ten years and it’s still in great condition.
Camp Lighting
Luno Camping String Lights add a warm glow inside the tent at night.
Good lighting can create a fun ambiance at camp, but more importantly, having a well-lit camp can keep you from tripping in the dark. I like to use a variety of lights, including string lights for ambiance, lanterns for use in my tent or car and camp kitchen, and a headlamp.
Lanterns
Biolite AlpenGlow Mini Lantern: Compact and versatile, the AlpenGlow Mini offers multiple lighting modes — warm white, single color, and multi-color party mode — making it perfect for setting the mood at camp. It features a USB-C rechargeable battery with a power level indicator, an easy-to-use button, and a built-in bungee strap for hanging anywhere you need it. Out of all the camping lanterns I’ve used, this one stands out as my favorite and I feel is worth the higher price.
UST Gear Spright Solar Lantern: This collapsible LED lantern has four modes of light: high (120 lumens), low (50 lumens), amber nightlight, and amber candlelight flicker mode, and can be charged via solar or USB. I like using this lantern in my tent or car – the white light modes are great when I need a bright light, and the amber modes provide a softer warm light that’s less harsh.
Ogery Z10 Pro Camping Light: The OGERY Z10 Pro is a versatile camp light with up to 2,850 lumens, making it much brighter than most camping lanterns. This light includes an adjustable-height tripod, which makes it easy to position the light exactly where I need it. The swiveling light panels let me direct the light where it’s needed, and the light can also be used on its own as a lantern without the tripod. I use it next to my camp kitchen for cooking and eating. I’ve also found it useful at home as a bright task light. Use discount code iheartpacificnorthwest15 for 15% off.
String Lights
Biolite Luci Solar String Lights + Detachable Power Hub: These are my top pick for string lights because of their brightness and 44-foot length. The high setting is much brighter than typical string lights, making them more versatile for different uses around camp. I use them to light my camp kitchen by attaching them to my pop-up canopy; the high setting is great for cooking, while the low setting works well when I’m relaxing at camp. They’re also useful for stringing around a campsite when I want softer ambient lighting. The detachable power hub can be removed without taking down the string of lights, making it easy to recharge via USB-C or solar power. It can also charge other devices, although I prefer to save the battery for the lights.
Luno Camping String Lights: I hang these string lights inside my tent to provide ambient light. Featuring several light modes, including one that resembles a candle flicker, these lights have three brightness modes and a control panel integrated into the light string. Included is a rechargeable battery bank and carrying case.
Headlamps
Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Headlamp: The NU25 is my top pick for a headlamp because the dual-button design makes it especially easy to use. I like that I can turn it off without going through every light setting and turn on the red light directly with the mode button, without having to cycle through the white lights. The headband has a dual design, with a wider elastic fabric band across the front and a lightweight bungee cord section in the back. While this keeps the headband lightweight, I prefer an all-elastic fabric band because the bungee cord can easily twist or tangle, so I often have to fuss with it and check that it’s straight before putting the headlamp on. Fortunately, the headband is replaceable, so I can swap it out for my preferred style.
FireMaple Orange Lantern: When having a campfire isn’t possible, I’ve been enjoying the warm glow this lantern creates at camp.The FireMaple gas lantern isn’t the old-fashioned type that may come to mind. Instead of using liquid fuel, this lantern works with a standard isobutane canister, the same fuel used for backpacking stoves found at outdoor retailers. (discount code for 10% off at FireMaple: IHeartPNW10)
Electronics
For keeping all of my electronics charged, I carry two power banks, charging cords, and extra batteries. I also use a rechargeable pump for blowing up air mattresses. On winter trips when there’s less daylight, I bring ear buds for listening to music or streaming videos.
Power banks: Charmast 26800mAh charger; Anker PowerCore 13000mAh charger
The Charmast charger has four output ports and three input ports – and has plenty of capacity for charging multiple devices at the same time. The Anker is an older charger that I take as a backup. For charging cords, I take an assortment, including a lightning cord for my iPhone, micro-USB and USB-C cords.
Portable pump: FlextailGear Tiny Pump
This pump makes blowing up an air mattress super easy and fast. And it includes a light with three brightness settings.
Jackery 300 Plus: For a long time, I didn’t use a portable power station when camping, but on winter camping trips, I found that small battery banks weren’t enough to keep my iPhone, camera and other electronics charged in the colder conditions. Using the Jackery allows me to have plenty of power for charging electronics, and also to use products that take more power, such as a heated blanket or pad. The 300 Plus is one of Jackery’s smaller units – making it more affordable – and it weighs just over 8 pounds so it’s easy to carry. I also purchased a case for transporting the power station and cords. Unless the forecast calls for gray skies every day of a trip, I bring solar panels for recharging the power station.
Since I have sleep apnea and need to use a CPAP machine at night, I also bring the EASYLONGER ES960 CPAP Battery to power it. This battery includes adapters for several types of CPAP machines and provides enough power for up to five nights of camping. Bringing two power stations provides a backup for my CPAP in case one runs out of power.
Additional Essentials
When I’m camping, I try to limit the amount of stuff that I bring on trips, but there are some items that can make the experience more enjoyable. In this bin, I keep a variety of lights, tools for repairs, and other items for comfort and safety. Learn more about my camping essentials in this video.
Tools
It’s helpful to have small tools on hand for things such as fixing gear, pounding tent stakes, or hanging lights. I also bring a small level for my camp table so gear doesn’t roll off of it, and mini binder clips for hanging fairy lights.
GreatNeck Mallet: I use this mallet with a dual rubber/plastic head to secure the stakes in my car canopy or tent.
UST Reflective Clothes Line: This bungee cord with clips is good for hanging wet clothes or towels.
Silicone Magnetic Ties: These small magnet ties are useful for many things – I use them to hang string lights on my car canopy.
Campfire
Diamond Strike-a-Fire: These fire starters are great for starting a fire without kindling.
Personal Safety Items
Hot Hands Body Warmers: In frigid conditions, I use these body warmers and keep them in the pockets of my jacket, or at night in my sleeping bag to stay warm.
PrimaCare Instant Cold Therapy Ice Packs: These instant cold packs are part of my first aid kit on camping trips. Just squeeze the pack for 15 minutes of cold therapy.
Bear Spray: While I’ve never had to use it, I camp in areas where black bears and cougars live so I keep this bear spray on hand just in case.
Mosquito Repellent Coils: These coils are made with Permethrin and are very effective in keeping mosquitoes away at camp.
Personal Hygiene
When I’m camping for multiple days, I use several methods for staying clean. If the campground has showers available, I make the most of them by packing a shower kit with essential toiletries, towels, and slip-on shower shoes. When showers aren’t available, I take a sponge bath in my tent instead. Either way, it’s easy to freshen up when spending multiple nights outdoors.
For a shower kit, I bring a small daypack to hold the clothes I’ll change into and a packing cube with towels and washcloths, along with the shower shoes (packed in a plastic bag to prevent getting the other items wet).
- toiletries bin: Sterilite plastic container with handle (not the same as mine, but similar)
- packing cube: Six Moon Design Backpacking Pack Pods
- slip-on shower shoes: AEROTHOTIC Water Sandals
- small day pack: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
- towels: Laek Adventure Towels (use discount code IHEARTPNW15-A for 15% off)
For toiletries, I used to bring a travel toiletries bag, but switched to a small plastic bin since most camp bathrooms don’t have a good place to put these items without getting them wet or dirty. I don’t worry about placing the plastic bin on the floor, and it’s easier to access everything I need than when using a bag with multiple zippered compartments. Instead of bringing everything that I use at home, I only take a few essential items in travel-size containers on camping trips.
- toothbrush, toothpaste & dental floss
- hair brush & comb
- shampoo & conditioner
- shower gel or hand soap
- deodorant
- lotion
- compressed wipes
- small pack towels
- extra toilet paper
Gear Organzation
I use the North Face Voyager 42 liter Duffel for all of my clothes and jackets on camping trips. It has a removable divider for keeping items separated, a large mesh zippered pocket on the inside, and three external pockets – great for carrying an extra pair of shoes and smaller items like socks.
Having a mix of organization bins, totes, and packing cubes for camping gear makes getting ready for a trip easier — and streamlines loading and unloading the car. See my post: How I Organize & Pack My Camping Gear to learn more.
Cold Weather Gear
Having a campfire is synonymous with camping, and this can be a great way to stay warm at night. But campfires aren’t always feasible – winters in the Pacific Northwest are usually wet and rainy and can make starting a campfire difficult. Also, campfire smoke tends to give me a headache, so I usually skip the hassle of building a fire.
Ignik Firecan: A great alternative to a campfire is a portable gas fire pit. Since they can easily be turned off, they are usually allowed even when campfires aren’t. Plus there’s no hassle with purchasing wood or dealing with ashes and smoke. The Ignik Firecan is powered by a propane tank and provides a campfire-feel with flames while adding warmth at camp. I use this on winter camping trips and it makes a big difference in keeping me warm.
See my full review of the Ignik Firecan
Ignik Backside Heated Pad XL: Heated pads are another great option for staying warm. The Backside connects to a 12-volt compatible power supply and includes a controller on the cord for setting the level of heat. On a recent winter camping trip, I got a lot of use out of this pad – it kept me warm in my camp chair and I also used it for preheating my sleeping bag before going to bed.
(Discount code for 15% off Ignik products: iheart_15pnw)