The Ultimate Camping Buying Guide

Consider the number of campers, typical camping location and the weather before buying a tent. A four-season tent has a sturdy design to withstand extreme weather conditions like snow and strong winds. A three-season tent provides an alternative to the heavy four-season version when camping in relatively calm conditions. These models are lightweight and allow for breathability by permitting reliable airflow within the tent.

Keep the number of campers in mind to ensure the tent accommodates everybody. Designed for one or two people, backpacking tents and shelters are light and quite small. Tunnel tents, geodesic and semi-geodesic tents provide ample room, significant headspace and most can accommodate up to eight individuals comfortably.

Multiroom tents mimic a house and have partitions for added privacy and extra storage. A canopy is a great addition to a tent, as it provides a sheltered area where you can eat and play games. As you perform these activities, you will need some camp furniture, such as lightweight, foldable chairs and tables, so you can relax off the ground while playing or eating.

Food is fuel for the body and if you're hitting the road, you need to invest some time beforehand in deciding your menu. Of course, ordering takeout is an appealing option, but there might not be available resources close by. Plus, cooking at the campsite is all part of the fun of camping. You can go for ready-made foods packed in cans or opt for self-prepared meals if you enjoy your meals fresh and hot. The former eliminates some of the food preparation time, so you can focus your energy and time on enjoying the camping experience.

Including a portable grill in your camping essentials list allows you to enjoy the sounds and smells of grilling while you reminisce about the day's activities. This item is also helpful if you aren’t building a fire to cook your food on since you can use charcoal briquettes instead.

Water is just as important as food, and it must be safe to drink. While you could opt for the bottled water, equipping yourself with portable water-filtration equipment helps you convert readily available water into clean water to keep your camping group hydrated and it takes up less space in your gear than multiple bottles. Many portable water filter bottles include a carabiner, making them easy to attach to a backpack or belt loop while you hike and explore nature.

Camping is meant to be enjoyable, but if you can't sleep comfortably, it may ruin the experience. Be sure to include a supportive sleeping pad and sleeping bag for everyone in your camping gear. The cushioning level of sleeping pads varies, so your preference should depend on your desired level of comfort, body size and ease of use. Some sleeping pads unroll and are ready to use while others need to be inflated.

The R-value of a sleeping bag reflects its ability to insulate against heat loss, and the scale ranges from zero to six. The higher the value, the more insulation capacity and warmth. If you're winter camping, a high-quality sleeping bag and pad are recommendable.

Some pads include an inner layer with a heat reflecting design to reinforce the pads’ insulation abilities and provide you with maximum warmth. If there is enough room in your tent, a 25-inch pad with a mummy-shaped sleeping bag may be an ideal choice. Narrow, small-sized sleeping bags and pads with rectangular shapes fit average-sized campers and are great for saving space in small tents.

Once the sun goes down, you’ll need a source of light, such as lanterns or flashlights, to keep enjoying the campsite in the dark. Choose a light source that provides adequate light, is durable and has a significant battery life.

LED lanterns mostly charge using a USB, allowing you to charge them with your available USB-enabled devices or a portable power bank. With solar-powered lights, simply expose them to sunlight during the day for recharge with no need for extra devices. Battery-powered lanterns are a viable light source if you're camping in mountain regions with minimal sunlight exposure.

Playing games while camping provides a way to be active and encourages the spirit of teamwork. Depending on how active you want to get, you can choose from strategy games, lawn games or handheld gaming devices.

Strategy games tend to evaluate players' intellectual thinking skills, and the rules are very specific. They may involve card or board games and can be played by multiple people. It's always nice to disconnect from technology, but handheld video games are portable, run on batteries and can keep everyone amused for hours, eliminating boredom.

It's important to be ready for emergencies that might come up. A first aid kit is a crucial item to bring along on any camping trip. To save space, there are kits filled with comprehensive supplies that are compact in size. Remember to pack sunscreen if you're camping in hot, sunny regions and insect repellents to keep bugs away.

Hygiene is also vital while camping. In your camping kit, remember to include hand sanitizer, towels, soap and biodegradable toilet paper.

To have a successful, stress-free camping experience, it's important to be prepared so that you can ensure health, shelter and food requirements are available for everyone. Remember to include some comfort-enhancing equipment like camping furniture and sleeping pads. Once you have all your camping essentials, you'll be ready to embark on a camping trip everyone will talk about for years to come.