5 Camping Essentials for Summer
If you have been following me for any amount of time, you know I am an avid hiker and camper. I prefer backcountry camping, hiking way out into a wilderness and pitching a tent in a gorgeous area, free from any other human evidence for miles. But, when I need to travel and it’s something I can get to via car, I like to car camp (meaning, going to a campground in a wilderness area and pitching a tent at the campground). No matter what type of camping you prefer, minimalist backcountry or all the perks car camping, I have been camping long enough to know that your gear can make or break your camping experience. If you have crappy gear, or if you spend a lot of money on products you don’t end up needing or using, it can put a damper on your camping experience. Here is a list of 5 camping essentials you need for the summer, no matter if you are seeking solace in the backcountry wilderness, or car glamping with family.
1. Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad Therm-a-rest has perfected the sleeping pad. Great camping sleep is dependent on how comfy you can get, even when laying on the ground. Do not, I repeat, do not cheap out, when it comes to sleeping pads. Get a high rated one no matter what season you plan to camp, because nothing is worse than cold creeping up from the ground overnight. This one is rated a 6R and has an extra thick three-inch loft.
2. Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 Tent
Just like Therm-a-rest has mastered the sleeping pad, Big Agnes has mastered tents. I have had to horrible experience of having a leaky tent on a backcountry hike and I will never cheap out on a tent again. You get what you pay for, and your Big Agnes Tent will last a long time, leak free. I should know, I have had mine for at least 10 years. The only thing I have had to replace was the bungee cords in the tent poles, which I easily replaced myself. What I love about this model and kinda think I might spring for this one, is that it has a completely enclosed rain vestibule. I have never seen this on a tent. You want the vestibule to hang gear and shoes and things you don’t need or want in the tent, but you have the option on this model to completely zip the vestibule, so when that sideways rain and wind hits, no problem, you can keep it all dry by zipping it up.
3. Darn Tough Men's Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
As anyone in the military has experienced, bad socks can ruin your life. Not actually, but damn, they will make you miserable during any kind of hike, run or camping experience. I have been a smartwool fan for years, but let me tell ya, I recently discovered darn tough by accident (I got a free pair of darn tough skiing socks when I purchased my skis last season) and I am SOLD! What I love about good hiking socks is that they don’t “swamp out” like cotton or cotton blend socks. They seem to be able to vent just enough to keep your feet drier but also in cold temps to provide the perfect amount of warmth, but not overly warm where you get a crazy foot sweat. They also dry uber fast, so there is no issue with swampy feet after hours of hiking. They also provide the perfect amount of cushion, keeping your feet comfy for miles and miles.
4. Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots, GORE-TEX
Just like what I said about socks above, bad hiking boots can make you suicidal on a hike. I was recently on a hike with a friend and she had rented hiking boots and they were terrible. She was in excruciating pain every step she took. We ended up cutting our hike short and driving into town so she could purchase a good, high quality pair of hiking boots. She bought La Sportivas, which is another great brand, but I am going to recommend what I have been hiking in for 5 years, Salomons. And just to let you know, I introduced my husband, who had been a loyal Nike wearer for years to Salomons and he now ONLY wears Salomons exclusively. I wore Keens for years, and they were good, but, I still got hotspots or blisters on occasion. I have never had one blister or hot spot wearing Salomons for 5 years.
5. Columbia Women's Hikebound Rain Jacket
This is an item that I not only ALWAYS have on every hike, but I have everywhere I go. I have one in my car, my house and in my hiking pack. A good rain jacket is a multipurpose item and is essential if you plan on spending any time outdoors doing anything. A rain jacket can act as a light jacket over layers for warmth. It can be a windbreaker when the wind picks up or you are doing an activity where you are moving fast and need a bit of wind insulation (like cycling or running). It can also, of course, keep you dry in rain or snow. Columbia is a great brand and I have owned several outer layers made by them. They always last a long time and a great overall quality and not a bank breaking price.
I hope this list was helpful to you and equips you with the core essentials for a great camping trip. If you are looking for some leisure reading material for your camping trip, check out my book, Born to be Brave. It is about my misadventure being lost for 5 hours on a hike in the Olympic National Forest. Spoiler alert, I survived, and a was darn glad I had the gear on me that I had that helped me do just that!