The Best Camping Gear Every New Camper Needs

Few experiences in life refresh, rejuvenate, or exhilarate quite like camping. This surprisingly versatile activity allows us to relax by the campfire or hit the backwoods for a rendezvous with nature.

Success, however, relies on proper preparation — and that means packing the best gear for camping. Whether you're on the hunt for the best camping gear gifts for loved ones or equipment to fuel your own excursion, you can benefit from a little insight into the vast array of options available.

In this guide, we explain what you should prioritize as you shop for camping essentials — and which products might make it onto your final packing list:

Camping Gear Shopping Tips

Depending on your budget and priorities, shopping for camping gear can be a delight or a burden. Many people love browsing the many products currently available on the market, while others worry about the sometimes exorbitant cost and the difficult selection process.

Many aspiring campers stress because it's so difficult to understand personal camping needs until thrown into the environment. As such, it's also easy to purchase expensive and unnecessary products while forgetting to invest in the crucial items that make the biggest difference in terms of comfort and safety.

While many of today's camping products come with all kinds of flashy styles and features, your priorities for big-ticket items should involve two key factors: how these essentials hold up in inclement weather and how easy it is to pack and carry them during hiking trips.

Even if you don't intend to go backpacking, lightweight equipment is more portable and often, easier to set up. Any other features should be thought of as bonuses — nice to have, but not strictly necessary if it means compromising on the most important details.

Keep in mind that, while appearance may factor into your purchasing decisions, it's possible to level up the look of seemingly drab camping products with help from custom skins or wraps. This approach allows you to invest in high-quality items without worrying about appearance. After all, you can always punch up the look of camping equipment later.

In the interest of simplifying the process of finding and purchasing the best outdoorsy equipment, we've highlighted a few of the most important camping and hiking items below:

Weatherproof Tent

From multi-room designs to lightweight options that fit in small backpacks, a wide array of tents are available to meet your unique needs. No matter your preferred size or design, however, it's imperative that you find a weatherproof model. The last thing you need during your camping getaway is to wake up soaked because your tent is incapable of keeping out rain.

Beyond precipitation concerns, your weather-oriented tent decision should take warmth into account. Do you plan on sticking with summer camping? Or would you like to try cold-weather expeditions? Some tents are specifically designed to keep you warm. Look for double-wall models with angled sides and excellent venting.

Comfortable Sleeping Bag & Pad

Your sleeping bag and pad can make a world of difference in your quest for a great night's sleep. Low-quality pads, in particular, will have you tossing and turning all night — and waking up with a sore back. Convenience may also be a top factor; some pads inflate on their own, while others require you to do the hard work. Foam pads tend to be the most durable but may also prove less comfortable.

Sleeping bag selection largely depends on the weather. When in doubt, aim for a warmer model than you think you need. Many sleeping bags overstate their warmth ratings, which often neglect to take human variables into account. Sleeping bags should also provide sufficient space to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.

Portable Camping Chairs

If you prefer a relaxed approach to camping, you'll definitely want to invest in portable chairs for everybody in your group. These chairs should be small enough to fit in your vehicle but sturdy enough to provide plenty of support. Look for lightweight, foldable models that can easily be stowed until they're needed. Cup holders lend an extra element of convenience, especially if your chairs are primarily intended for sitting around the campfire.

Hammocks

Whether used for relaxation or for sleeping at night, hammocks can transform your camping experience. Sizing will be a chief consideration when selecting a model. The most important rule of thumb: opt for hammocks that are at least two feet longer than your height. While most hammocks fit this description for most people, tall campers should look closely at measurements.

Survival Gear

Survival gear is crucial for long backpacking trips, but it can also come in handy when staying at public campgrounds. Keep the following in your car or backpack:

• First aid kit - As the initial line of defense for a variety of common camping injuries, a first aid kit could ease discomfort or even save your life. Look for a portable model stocked with such essentials as bandages, antibacterial ointment, gauze, and medical tape. Don't forget a small first aid manual in case your smartphone is unavailable.
• Flashlight or headlamp - Lanterns are great for group camping, but a headlamp is more important in the backwoods. Don't forget batteries to keep your source of light charged.
• Multi-tool survival knife - From opening cans and bottles to sawing small branches, the right knife can do it all. Choose one that is loaded with features but also small enough to take on the go.
• Survival blanket - Contained in some first aid kits, survival blankets provide protection from the wind and cold while also increasing your visibility in the event you get lost.
• Insect repellant - Keep those mosquitos away with DEET, which has long been the go-to repellant for campers and backpackers alike.
• Compass - What happens if you lose your way and are unable to access GPS? If you invest in a compass and take the time to learn how to use it, you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a backup plan. A variety of options are available, but at minimum, you'll want to invest in a model featuring declination adjustment.
• Watch - You might not always be able to rely on your smartphone to tell the time. A waterproof digital watch, however, can keep you on track while also providing valuable information about the weather.
• Bear spray - Depending on where you camp or hike, this tool could be a lifesaver. Designed to put a swift end to aggressive behavior, this spray temporarily limits bears' sight and hearing so as to provide backpackers enough time to escape.
• Water bottle - Dehydration can creep up quickly on a hot day. Equipped with a water bottle you love, however, you might be more inclined to keep up your fluid intake. While any water bottle will do the trick, Hydro Flasks are especially durable. Decorate yours with a customizable skin or wrap that exemplifies your personal sense of style!

Cooking Supplies

No matter how much you love gourmet food, nothing beats a meal prepared at your campsite after a long day in the great outdoors. What you're able to eat, however, depends on which supplies you pack.

• Camp stove and pot - If you're not willing to survive on trail mix alone, you'll want a stove for preparing your favorite meals, and, of course, your morning coffee. Take a close look at sizes, fuel types, and other specs to determine which stove will prove most useful for your camping trip.
• Matches - Don't waste your time rubbing two sticks together — with the right campfire building technique and a book of matches, you can get a fire started in no time.
• Reusable utensils - If you're not willing to eat with your hands, you'll need a set of utensils for mealtime. Look for durable cups, bowls, spoons, knives, and forks that pack into small spaces.
• Water filter - Capable of ridding your fluids of common biological pathogens, a filter is essential if you plan to be away from running water for any significant length of time. Some filters come built into water bottles for extra convenience.
• Cooler - An essential for laid-back camping, a cooler provides much-needed temperature control for everything from hot dogs to beer. The basic cooler that does the trick for a brief picnic is bound to disappoint if used for overnight food storage — and it might even be a safety hazard, depending on which types of food you intend to enjoy. Brands such as YETI are highly regarded and worth the investment. Amp up the design with personalized cooler wraps and skins.

Food

You can get away with packing almost any type of food for a casual overnight camping trip, provided you have a high-quality cooler. With backpacking, however, you'll need compact, calorie-dense options such as protein bars or trail mix. Freeze-dried products provide additional variety once you've set up camp. Electrolyte powders can be added to water to help you recharge. Don't forget coffee if you're dependent on caffeine in the morning. Bring a percolator if you need it or be prepared to drink your beverage cowboy style.

Footwear & Clothing

A promising outing can quickly become miserable if you fail to pack the proper footwear or clothing. This is not the time to worry about fashion. Instead, select your camping wardrobe based on comfort, durability, and anticipated weather conditions.

If you plan on hiking, choose a pair of boots that can hold up to the rigor of your adventure. Day hikers should be fine for laid-back excursions, but a heavy-duty pair will be necessary for trips involving major mileage. Combine with socks that are specially designed to keep your feet warm while wicking away sweat and minimizing the potential for blisters.

Clothing preferences will vary based on the season, but you should always come equipped with options for potential precipitation. Look for the most water-resistant rain jacket available, as well as a pair of rain pants.

Hygiene

A little grime is to be expected during outdoor activities, but extra precautions may be necessary if staying in campgrounds with public restrooms or other common areas. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer, as soap and water might not always be available.

Bring your own toilet paper for backcountry camping, as well as a bag to pack it out. If you choose to freshen up in a local body of water, use a microfiber towel to get dry.

Cell Phone Protection

We're all for unplugging as you get in tune with the natural world, but there's nothing wrong with having a smartphone available just in case. That being said, you'll want a little extra protection. An OtterBox case can keep your device safe. Use a custom-designed skin to add a little personality to this camping essential.

MightySkins offers a variety of products that can be incorporated in your next camping or backpacking adventure. Browse our site to learn more about the many skins and wraps available for decorating the best camping gear essentials!