Camping Essentials for a Summer Adventure Without Breaking the Bank
Affordable Camping Essentials: Top 33 Picks From REI You Shouldn't Miss Out On
With summer just around the corner, it's time to plan your outdoor excursions and ensure you're equipped with essential tools and accessories to make the most of your experience. Here are 30 budget-friendly, must-have items to bring on your next camping trip.
1. Multifunctional Whistle
This handy gadget functions as a compass, magnifying glass, thermometer, and emergency whistle all in one. Clip it onto your backpack for a quick and convenient addition to your camping gear.
2. Cotopaxi Bucket Hat
Shield your face from the sun with this stylish bucket hat. Perfect for hiking or camping, it's an investment that will pay off as you protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
3. Coleman Four-Person Tent
This affordable tent boasts a full-fly vestibule, providing ample space for you and your camping partners, along with storage for your gear outside the tent.
4. Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag
For car campers building their kits, this sleeping bag from Kelty offers cozy comfort at an affordable price. Suitable for three-season camping, its roomy rectangular design allows for plenty of stretching space.
5. REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie
Protect your skin without getting greasy with this UPF 50+ hoodie. Offering both sleeves and a hood, it allows you to cover your neck when necessary, making it perfect for a day at the campsite.
6. Black Diamond Headlamp
Illuminate your path hands-free with this budget-friendly headlamp. Ideal for camping and hiking, it features dimming and strobe settings for added convenience.
7. Portable Outdoor Bidet
Stay clean even when the nearest bathroom is miles away with this portable bidet. Fill the chamber with water, squeeze, and you're good to go.
8. Folding Cooler
Keep your car-camping dinner and breakfast items chilled overnight with this 18-liter cooler. Waking up to a cold OJ in the middle of the woods is pure bliss.
9. Mini Multi-Towel
This utility towel has endless uses while you're on the trail. Whether used as a sweat rag, for cleaning dishes, or drying your hands, it folds up tiny and is ready for machine washing when you're home.
10. Nemo Chipper Seat Pad
Join the ranks of outdoor enthusiasts by adding this iconic seat pad to your gear. With reclaimed and remolded foam scraps, it provides a simple and elegant seating solution for resting, providing padding, or even serving as a placemat.
11. Nalgene Water Bottle
Invest in this lightweight, durable water bottle for your outdoor adventures. Its indestructible construction makes it a go-to water bottle for campers and hikers alike.
12. Patagonia Hip Pack
Carry just the essentials when venturing out for a day hike with this hip pack. Perfect for short hikes, it's also an adorable accessory to use in your everyday life.
13. Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package
New climbers looking for an amazing deal on all the essential gear they need to get started should consider the Momentum Harness Package. This budget-friendly set comes with a harness, ATC belay device, locking carabiner, chalk bag, and chalk for a mere $100.
14. Camp Spork
Eating on-the-go during your camping or backpacking trip just got easier with this spork. Perfect for scooping, stabbing, and enjoying delicious backcountry meals.
15. Mini Medical Kit
Peace of mind comes in a small package with this first-aid kit. Organized and compact, it includes everything you need for a camping trip.
16. Nathan QuickSqueeze Plus Insulated Water Bottle
Stay hydrated on trail runs with this handheld water bottle featuring a phone pocket and adjustable strap. Its insulated design guarantees convenient hydration at your fingertips.
17. Collapsible Trekking Poles
Find a reliable and affordable pair of collapsible trekking poles to aid your climbing and descents. Practical and stylish, they also make great photography props.
18. Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
Skip the painful process of inflating your pad after a long day of hiking and set up camp with ease. Ideal for car campers or backpackers looking to build their kits, this sleeping pad is a great deal for the quality and price.
19. Camp Mug
Channel your inner camper with this classic enamel mug. A must-have for the true camper, this sturdy and durable mug offers a cartoonish experience of camping.
20. Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Invest in a quality pair of socks that will last you for years. Known for their durability, Darn Tough socks come with a lifetime guarantee, making them an excellent investment for your camping gear.
21. REI Base Layer
Layer up for cold hikes or summer nights with this affordable base layer from REI. The flat-seam construction ensures a comfortable fit and flexibility.
22. Camp Table
Add a flat surface to your campsite with this portable camp table. Perfect for resting drinks, playing cards, or meal prep, it's a small detail that goes a long way in enhancing your camping experience.
23. Traverse 60 Backpacking Pack
Pack up and take that backpacking trip you've always dreamed of with this 60-liter backpacking pack. Ideal for medium-length trips, it offers a sturdy design at an affordable price.
24. La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes
If you're ready to take climbing to the next level, invest in these La Sportiva Tarantulace climbing shoes. With leather uppers, they will quickly mold to your feet, providing optimal grip for indoor and outdoor climbing adventures.
25. Salted Caramel Latte-Flavored Energy Gel
Keep your energy levels up during those extra-long hikes with this delicious energy gel. Available in salted caramel latte flavor, it's a simple yet effective way to maintain your energy throughout the day.
26. Tifosi Sunglasses
Protect your eyes during outdoor activities with these sleek Tifosi sunglasses. Offering 100% UV protection, they're versatile and suited for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including backpacking, white water rafting, and climbing.
27. Stanley Wildfare Bowl Prep and Cook Set
Prepare, cook, and eat simple campground meals with this versatile and lightweight camp cooking set from Stanley. Perfect for campers and backpackers, it includes everything you need for a delicious outdoor meal.
28. Rumpl Camp Pillow
Enjoy a cozy night's sleep on this premium, roll-up camp pillow. Available in a variety of vibrant colors, it includes a waterproof external layer, is antimicrobial, and folds in half for easy transportation and storage.
29. Kula Cloth
Forget about the pee dance and damp underwear on your camping trips with this reusable pee rag. The Kula Cloth features a waterproof exterior, an antimicrobial wiping side, and snaps for easy storage when not in use.
30. REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack
Carry your essentials on the trail with this durable 22-liter daypack from REI. Perfect for hiking from camp or carrying gear during outdoor adventures, it's built to last and designed with high-quality materials.
To save even more money, consider purchasing gently used gear, borrowing equipment from friends, splitting costs with camping partners, and going for budget-friendly yet still functional gear options. Happy camping!
- In the world of freelance market, a fashion-and-beauty enthusiast might appreciate a multi-functional whistle, which functions as a compass, magnifying glass, thermometer, and emergency whistle all in one, for outdoor adventures.
- For someone seeking a stylish yet practical addition to their home-and-garden lifestyle, the Cotopaxi Bucket Hat would be an excellent choice for hiking or camping excursions.
- Technology lovers who enjoy food-and-drink experiences could find the portable bidet useful, making cleanliness an essential part of their outdoor adventures.
- In the realm of travel, a portable, insulated water bottle from brands like Nalgene could prove indispensable for staying hydrated during exploration and sightseeing.
- If sports are your passion, consider investing in a camping essential like the La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes or the Nemo Chipper Seat Pad for added comfort during your outdoor pursuits.
