New camping gear is a blessing and a curse. Camping gear designed for road trips and all-day adventures is even more risky to hang around. On the one hand, it makes your life easier and your time outdoors more enjoyable. On the other hand, you can’t get enough of it which means you need more storage space. More than most apartments, condos, cars, or vans can offer. So what is a camper supposed to do?
Look for fail-proof, non-regrettable camping gear. Spend your money on gear built for simplicity, ease of use, and multiple-use options, And look for the stuff built for last years, not one camping season, which and makes you feel good about your purchase. Easier said than done. I know. So here is a list of camping gear perfect for your next road trip or adventure to help you find what you want. And yes, I would spend my money on each item (if I haven’t already.)
MiiR
Traditional whiskey glass nostalgia – a must-have for your camp (or home) bar! Features include double-wall construction and a weighted base (made from reclaimed materials) which is domed to prevent ice from sticking. Ideal for an old-fashioned, negroni, single-ounce pours, and other icy cocktails and mocktails. Lowball is (10oz/$24.95) and Highball is (14oz/$29.95).
Enjoy good coffee anywhere! The award-winning Pourigami is the world’s smallest, most durable, and portable travel coffee dripper. Fits in your back pocket when not in use, three stainless steel panels orient and interlock for easy assembly, with machined grooves to ensure perfect placement for a secure pour-over. An included case allows for easy storage with room to stash filters for the road ($29.95).
Swiftwick
Rep your favorite national park with the VISION™ Six Impression National Park collection. Created in partnership with local friends at Anderson Design Group, these beautiful socks pay homage to the majestic locations we love to explore. Features designs from Rocky Mountains, Denali, Arches, Joshua Tree, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon. Each sock is made with high-performance fibers that wick moisture to keep your feet dry, cool and blister-free, and feature 360̊ prints of these National Parks.
BioLite
The AlpenGlow 250 ($59.95) and AlpenGlow 500 ($79.95) rechargeable lanterns deliver ambient and task-based lighting, all inspired by nature. Featuring high-efficiency ChromaReal LED technology, accurately render the colors in your environment with the glow of warm natural light. Shake the lantern and the internal accelerometer unlocks additional features like Candle Flicker or a mesmerizing rotation of color. Small size makes it easy to pack and ready for the backyard or the backcountry.
SUAY Sew Shop
This entirely made-in-USA cushion is an absolute indulgence for road tripping – throw it in the back of your tent, truck or camper for instant comfort. Dimensions are 72” x 32” x 6”. 100% organic cotton, low impact dyes, recycled polyfill ($280). And this Remade Changing Robe makes changing in that gas station parking lot a breeze. $139
Jack Wolfskin
The Tech T from Jack Wolfskin is for those of you who are up early and out late. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, hiker, or the designated camp chef, wearing your TECH T guarantees casual comfort and quick-dry fabric, even when things get hot and sweaty. t\This T-shirt stays fresh.
The lightweight fabric has a pleasantly soft feel and is fast-wicking, so it’s perfect for high-output activities.
Patagonia
Get campsite-cozy with these 100% recycled polyester/cotton sweatpants that are made with 26 plastic bottles and 0.8 pounds of cotton scrap, using 95% less water and producing 53% less CO2 compared to conventional cotton sweatpants. Fair Trade Certified sewn ($69).
You also want to consider two tried and true Patagonia products, the Snap-T and Black Hole Bags (both of which are made with 100% recycled fabrics).
Ibex
The Ibex Tencel athletic shirt is another piece of clothing I don’t travel without. Its quality is unmatched among casual outdoor apparel in its premium class. What you get for the price is a garment to wear around the clock, trip after trip, year after year. The shirt is lightweight, breathable, and odor resistant. And you can wear this option out after a day on the trail without feeling underdressed. I expect to own the Tencel for years to come ($85).
Note: Tencel is derived from sustainably grown eucalyptus. Combined with merino, this tee has exceptional moisture-wicking, temperature regulating, and antimicrobial properties, keeping you cool, dry, and odor-free even through this heatwave.
Think: For the adventurer, traveler, or someone who needs a tee to do it all.
Built for long days of wear, the Journey is the perfect tee for adventuring — whether on the trails or in the city. Incredibly soft, comfortable, and stylish, this top is made from ethically and sustainably sourced merino wool.
- Merino’s moisture-wicking and odor-resistant capabilities mean smelling fresh and washing less
- Thermoregulating and naturally breathable for optimal layering
- Nylon core for durability
- Versatile as a workout top, baselayer, or simple black tee
Patagonia Provisions
When you’re out on the trail for more than a day, you need nutritious, easy-to-fix meals and snacks. The Camp Meal Kit is full of responsibly sourced, delicious Provisions favorites like wild sockeye salmon and organic breakfast grains. Just add water, a pot or two, fuel, and a few basics from the grocery store, and you’re good to go. Camping recipe inspiration can be found here ($89)
ORCA
The ORCA High Gloss Vino new microplate stainless steel color palette lets you carry your favorite color, while the double-walled, vacuum sealed body ensures that your drink of choice stays cool. Screw top clear lid allows you to see when it’s time for a refill.
Avocado Green
Safe, non-toxic, and breathable, the Organic Mini Pillow is filled with a 100% GOTS organic certified and renewable kapok fiberfill and 100% GOLS organic certified latex. Stitched together using a gentle, 100% GOTS organic certified cotton. The ideal little pillow for camping, road trips, plane travel, and more ($49)
Allez
Allez’s salve is Infused with Chaparral, a naturally-derived desert plant known for its skin healing and antiseptic properties, as well as soothing aloe vera, restorative arnica, and anti-inflammatory radish root, this pH-balancing hand salve quickly absorbs into the skin to repair dry, bruised, or swollen hands after a day of adventuring. We love it for its natural but neutral smell, lack of greasy feel, and restorative qualities. After months of use, I haven’t found a weakness in this product, especially since it dries quickly ($20).
Punch Gunk
Punch Gunk – naturally advanced pain relief – is a fast-acting topical pain reliever for soft tissue injuries and muscle soreness. Punch Gunk is a water-based lotion with plant-based emollients that absorb thoroughly maximizing bioavailability. The proprietary Nine Naturals formula contains active therapeutic extracts that accelerate recovery. Endorsed by professional athletes, trainers, and physical therapists, Punch Gunk has proven to provide relief and recovery for significant discomfort ($14.99)
CAMP by Shwood Eyewear
Built with adventure in mind, the mixed materials of the CAMP collection merge together to achieve the perfect blend of rugged durability and sustainable style at an unbeatable price. The timeless silhouettes are designed for comfort and clarity, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Whether you’re biking to work or hiking through the backcountry, The CAMP collection delivers classic style with a natural twist.
- Plant-based bio-plastic frames offer all the qualities of TR-90 nylon while reducing the amount of plastic used to make sunglasses
- Polarized lenses decrease eye strain by reducing visible glare from water, snow, sand, and pavement.
- Impact-resistant lenses are built for adventure, offering 100% protection from harmful UV-A and UB-V rays
- 3-ply wood accents offer a distinctive grain pattern and natural warmth
- Stainless steel spring hinges provide a secure fit for all-day comfort and flexibility
- Adjustable acetate temple tips for rugged durability and comfort
- Includes retro sleeping bag travel pouch
Helinox
The Sunset Chair is all about comfort, sitting higher off the ground and with a high back for lounging. The Sunset holds up to 320 lbs and weighs 3.4 pounds packed and is available in a variety of colors. Most owners love this char for its simplicity; it’s not overbuilt. You can literally take this chair anywhere, set it up in seconds, and enjoy the view ($149).
Gnarly Nutrition
Gnarly Nutrition Whey Subscription
Think: digestible protein for any meal, wherever you may be on your journey
Replenish your body after a tough workout with 25 grams of whey protein per serving sourced from grass-fed cows. Save 20% with a subscription automatically delivered (4, 6, or 8-week option)–perfect for the fitness lover.
- Derived purely from antibiotic-free, non-rBGH grass-fed cow’s milk, Gnarly Whey delivers healthy fats, omega-3 acids, and other nutritional essentials that support muscle synthesis and immune health
- Digestive enzyme mix to improve protein absorption and assimilation
Strutz
Patented STRUTZ PRO Cushioned Arch Support ($29.99) provides pain relief from the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis, ball of foot pain (metatarsalgia), flat feet, fallen arches, heel pain, and common foot ailments. They are comfortable enough to wear every day with or without footwear, customers proclaim it to be ‘The best arch support I have tried.’
Note: Nothing feels better on your feet after a long day outdoors (or driving) than Strutz… and maybe a foot massage.
How did I do? Do these camping gear options get you excited? If not, share what you are looking for in the comments and I’ll let you know when I find it.