Guest Picks: Camping Essentials
Is it wrong that I kind of want this camp cot for my guest room? The cute enamel blue frame folds up in a snap, and I heart the ticking stripe fabric on the 2-inch foam mattress.
Admittedly, I love the design of this camping KettlePot: trusty stainless steel paired with mod yellow and turquoise accents. But it also sounds so thoughtfully designed from the vertical handle to scratch-proof steel.
Affordable and portable, this little camp stove makes it easy to cook small meals. I love that Shabby Chic blue color too — très camp chic.
I still like to have a nightlight at home, so I’d definitely need a reliable light for camping. This compact lantern has two bright LEDs that can run up to 15 hours on batteries. And the bright yellow design, well, that’s just happy.
A backpacking sleeping pad that’s lightweight and comfy checks off exactly what I’d want in gear that I need to tote around. This model packs down small, and the internal hand pump inflates it up fast.
This stainless stowaway pot looks too good to only bring out for camping. I could see my family and I cooking some baked beans at home in this 54-ounce pot.
I’m a sucker for good packaging, and this small red first aid kit hits all the high notes. I’d definitely want to travel with a solid first aid kit that comes with everything I might need just in case.
This personal cooler comes with a hefty price tag. But I’m impressed with its modern, clean lines and its touted ice-retaining insulation. Truly, it had me at “grizzly proof.”
Sure, paper plates will do, but enamel plates are durable and don’t have that fly-away issue outdoors. Plus, I love that these pretty plates make a simple hamburger meal feel special.
This hobo knife feels like something I’d find in my Christmas stocking. It’s easy to store in the cooler or glove compartment, so all those eating utensils are handy.
I’m first attracted to this four-person tent’s color palette — pretty blues with a bit of yellow. But it’s the easy setup that has me sold on checking out some sunrises in this tent.
Coleman is a longtime trusted name in camping, and I’d want to trust the maker of my only source of light (other than the moon) when I have to pee at night! This classic lantern comes equipped with LED technology for up to 86 hours of light on high.
Yes, the specs on this sleeping bag look good: non-allergenic insulation, easy-to-clean polyester, large zipper. But because I won’t be camping in any arctic conditions, I just want a sleeping bag that’s cozy and looks cute — this plaid is a keeper.
I like the idea of sturdy tableware you can use while camping in the great outdoors — or on a picnic or dining out on the deck. This rustproof, stainless steel bowl has a handy serving handle, which you can attach to the pack.
The weather is one unpredictable factor, so I’d feel safer knowing I have a survival tarp on hand to use as a shelter, rain canopy or reflector on a chilly evening. And this 5-foot by 7-foot tarp comes with a band to close and hang it up for carrying.
I’m not someone who can live off granola bars (especially after a long hike), so I’d want to bring a cooking surface to heat up a hearty meal. This durable steel grill rack has a rim to keep pots in place, and it can be used right over the fire.
I love how quality camping gear make the best multitaskers. Take this lightweight 4-quart cooking pot that’s also a water purifier, baking oven and bear deflector. And thanks to the silicone handle, it’s safe to grab — no pot holder or towel needed.
I swear by Klean Kanteen in my everyday life. So when I saw that they have a double-walled, vacuum-insulated bottle, I thought it’d be perfect for carrying drinks on a camping trip. The colors are awesome too.
I have the overpacking gene, so I have to be mindful of what I pack for any trip, but especially for a camping trip when I’m carrying everything I need on my back. This cool bowl works flat as a cutting board or serving tray (taking up no space in the pack), and then it folds up to be a leak-proof bowl.Next: Pitch Some Retro-Cool Camping Style at Home
This dreamy two-person floral tent would make for one romantic camping getaway. Sure, it’s designed for the warmer seasons, but that’s the only time of year I’d try my skills with nature anyways. I love that the door zippers glow in the dark too.
Q