The Camping Gear You Actually Need From a Mom Who's Mastered It

A memory foam travel pillow is so nice to have when you’re away from the comforts of home. This in has a water-resistant cover that can be removed for washing. It’s 18 inches long, but you can roll or fold it up and use the included compression strap for transport.

Anything that doesn’t add too much bulk to my already maxed-out camping checklist is a smart pick, I say. This puffer blanket only weighs two pounds and rolls up into a carrying case. With 43 designs to choose from, this may be the most popular blanket at the campsite.

Footwear may be low on your camping supplies checklist, but it can make a big difference. We tested Teva’s ReEmber slip ons, and found them to be ideal for camping because they’re comfortable, non-slip, and water-resistant. Most importantly, since you’ll be in and out of your tent often, they’re easy to take on and off.

If assembling the tent is your least favorite part about camping, this pop-up style is the way to go. Lay it flat, then pull out the sides and top. Stake it to the ground, and it’s ready! All the windows unzip and have screens with mosquito netting, plus an included rainfly.

Whether you’re at a campsite or in an RV, a portable power bank keeps the essentials running. This model weighs less than 8 pounds, and its own battery can be fully charged in one hour. With 600W output, it can charge all of your phones, speakers, lights, and even small appliances like a blender.

You'll need a light source at night, so why not decorate your campsite with these solar-powered LED string lights? The retractable base stores all 49 feet of string for convenient storage. Simply pull them out and hang them wherever. When you’re done, a winder reels them back (no tangled mess!). With the string coiled inside, it also works as a single lantern, and in a pinch, you can use the USB port to charge a phone.

I love to cook at a campsite, but that means having the right pots and pans. This set comes with three pots, a frying pan, two lids (one with a built-in strainer), and a carrying case for all of it. I like how the handles fold back so everything nests together for storage.

I’ve had this Coleman double-burner camp stove for 10 years now, and it’s still going strong. Hooking up the one-pound propane fuel cylinder is easy. Turn the stove knobs to start the gas flowing, then light it with a match or lighter. I like that the flame height is adjustable, that the stove closes like a suitcase, and that it only weighs five pounds.

For washing everything from vegetables and dishes to hands and clothes, get a deep camp sink like this one. There’s a drain plug at the bottom, and best of all, it’s collapsible when not in use.

Even if you’re camping in the summer, it can get chilly at night. This sleeping bag has a hood and can keep you warm in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, per the manufacturer. It can also unzip fully and be used as a blanket.

Each stick is just under a foot tall, so these are ideal for placing around your campsite, right in the ground (or however you wish to prop them up). Here, it’s rosemary, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, and cedarwood oils that keep the bugs away (no DEET whatsoever).

Sleeping on the ground isn’t for everyone (especially if you have back issues like me), and that’s when a camp cot saves the day. I have this one and I find it easy to set up and break down. Once I get it set up with my bedding, it’s quite comfortable. Plus, it actually saves space in your tent since you can store things underneath it.

Having a cooler with wheels is so helpful at a busy campsite. We tested this one, and if you need something to keep your food and drinks cold for a weekend, it’s just the ticket. Our editor was surprised by how lightweight it was, even when stocked with drinks and snacks, and she appreciated the lockable lid and drawer latch. There’s even a built-in food storage drawer on this one, too. For best results, keep your cooler out of the sun.

If you can’t wait to relax by the fire in comfort, check out this lightweight, folding rocking chair. It can hold up to 250 pounds, there’s a spot for your drink, and it comes with a carrying handle.

Ticks happen. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve removed from my family, and a kit like this makes it so much easier than scraping one off with your fingernail or a credit card. I like that it includes clear instructions, too.

You can use them whenever needed, but these oversized body wipes are perfect for a quick wipe down first thing in the morning or right before bed when camping. They’re lightly scented (or come unscented), made with plant extracts and essential oils, and each sheet is biodegradable.

This my go-to outdoor fire starter. Just wrap the green string around one of your campfire logs, pull the red string, and the block bursts into flames in seconds–no matches or extra kindling required. In my experience, it’s wind-proof and it gets a fire going quickly.

If you’re going to be in the wilderness or any length of time, you’d be surprised how useful a small hatchet can be. Use it to gather firewood, strip bark to use as a fire starter, or even cut ropes or paracord.