Picture this: After a year cruising America in my campervan and perfecting my camping essentials kit, my Peugeot Boxer had to be shipped back to Poland—leaving me stranded in the Arizona desert with just a backpack!
Instead of panicking, I embraced tent camping again. This unexpected adventure taught me exactly which camping essentials truly matter when you’re sleeping under the stars.
You’ve probably heard this advice: “only pack the essentials.” Sure – but then you’re sitting in the forest at midnight, it’s raining, and you’re wondering why you don’t have a can opener.
Since I recently switched to tent camping, I’ve compiled my list of camping essentials without which I never leave home. Because camping isn’t just about survival – it’s about good survival!
1. Quality Tent: The Foundation of Camping Essentials
Don’t skimp on your tent. That cheap store model might look nice, but when it starts pouring at 3 AM, you’ll appreciate every dollar invested in proper shelter.
I recently bought a North Face Stormbreak three-person tent and I’m extremely satisfied – it works perfectly in the desert!
It’s resistant to sand, withstands high daytime temperatures and cool nights, and is incredibly easy to set up.
2. Tent Footprint
This unassuming sheet protects the tent floor from abrasion and provides an additional barrier against moisture.
I discovered its value after water seeped into my tent from below during a weekend by the lake. It takes up minimal space but can save your entire trip!
3. Insulated Sleeping Pad
Sleeping on the ground sounds romantic only in theory. A good pad is a real game changer.
My Big Agnes insulated sleeping pad (the Divide model) has been absolutely life-changing! This inflatable, insulated pad provides excellent protection against ground cold.
The difference between sleeping on bare ground versus such a pad is like concrete versus a cloud. It takes up little space when packed, and your spine will thank you in the morning.
4. Thermal Reflective Mat
This thin, silver foil reflects your body heat back to your sleeping bag instead of losing it to the cold ground.
It weighs almost nothing, costs pennies, and on Arizona’s desert nights, it’s a real blessing, especially when sleeping on sand that quickly loses heat.
5. Camping Pillow
“You can just roll up a sweatshirt under your head!” – yes, for the first hour. Then it starts to feel uncomfortable, and you wake up with neck pain.
A small, inflatable pillow takes up as much space as a pair of socks, but sleep with it is a completely different quality.
6. Weather-Appropriate Sleeping Bag
Desert nights in Arizona can be surprisingly cold. During my first night, I only took a thin summer sleeping bag and shivered until morning.
Now I always check the forecast and choose a sleeping bag rated for temperatures 10 degrees lower than expected.
7. Camping Stove
“We’ll make a campfire!” – but what if fire bans are in effect? Or it rains?
A small gas stove takes up little space and allows you to quickly boil water for coffee or prepare a warm meal in any conditions.
One of those camping essentials you’ll be glad you packed.
8. Map and Compass
Yes, we have GPS on our phones. But what if the battery dies? Or you lose signal? A traditional map and compass skills can save you from an unplanned bivouac.
I always have a small area map hidden in a waterproof sleeve.
9. Thermos
Nothing improves your mood like hot tea during a chilly morning.
A good thermos will keep your drink warm all day, which you’ll especially appreciate after getting your feet wet in a stream or when the temperature suddenly drops during a hike.
I use a Stanley thermos and I’m absolutely thrilled with it – my tea stays hot for hours even in the cold desert nights!
10. Reusable Plates
After years of using disposables that always broke at the worst moment (read: when the plate was full of stew), I switched to lightweight wheat straw plates.
They’re durable, biodegradable, easy to clean, and don’t generate a pile of trash after each meal. An ideal solution for eco–conscious camping!
11. Cooler
It might seem like an unnecessary luxury, but when you want to store fresh food for several days, it becomes invaluable. I have a Coleman Cooler that keeps ice and cold for up to 5 days!
As a vegetarian, I appreciate being able to bring fresh vegetables, tofu, cheese, and yogurt instead of relying solely on dry products. It’s a real game changer for anyone who values tasty and healthy meals in nature.
12. Multi-tool
This small gadget replaces an entire toolbox.
A Swiss Army knife with a complete set of functions has saved me more times than I can count – from opening cans to repairing equipment to preparing kindling for a fire. I always keep it in my pants pocket.
13. Thermal Mugs
After burning my fingers on a regular metal cup, I invested in an insulated mug with a lid. My rose gold Sunwill mug keeps drinks warm for hours and has a convenient handle that’s perfect for camping.
No more burns, and it looks gorgeous in desert sunset photos!
14. Collapsible Utensils
My set weighs as much as a feather and includes a knife, fork, and even a spoon. When folded, it takes up as much space as a compact mirror.
Don’t forget to take it with you after washing – my first set was left at a forest spring forever.
15. Power Bank
“Why do you need a phone in nature?” – I sometimes hear. But what if you need to call for help? Check a map? Take a picture of a mountain panorama?
A solid power bank is essential, especially since phones drain unusually quickly while camping.
My white Anker PowerCore 10K has been my reliable companion. It’s compact yet powerful enough to recharge my phone multiple times – perfect for those multi-day desert adventures!
16. First Aid Kit
A small, compact first aid kit with basic dressing supplies is an absolute necessity. Cuts or scratches during hiking are a matter of time.
Bandages, gauze, disinfectant, and pain relievers take up little space but can save your trip.
16. Headlamp
Looking for something in a tent after dark or nighttime trips to the toilet without a headlamp is a survival horror.
A handheld flashlight occupies your hands, while a headlamp illuminates wherever you look. Plus, it leaves your hands free for other activities.
I recommend getting one with a red light option – it preserves your night vision and even helps repel insects that are attracted to white light.
18. Appropriate Clothing
Three layers are fundamental – a breathable shirt, warm fleece, and waterproof outer layer. Add proper trekking shoes that won’t give you blisters on the first day. And always pack more socks than you think you’ll need!
As a woman, I also appreciate lightweight, quick–drying dresses – perfect for warm days and they work great as pajamas.
19. Warm Blanket
Even in summer, evenings can be chilly.
A lightweight fleece blanket is useful not just for wrapping yourself by the campfire, but also as an extra layer in your sleeping bag, a grass mat during picnics, or even an improvised curtain in your tent.
20. Collapsible Sink
Washing dishes in a stream sounds romantic, but it’s not always possible.
A small, collapsible sink made of waterproof material is an item whose usefulness I only appreciated at a campsite without water. It takes up little space, and the dishwashing comfort is incomparable.
21. Mosquito Net or Bug Repellent
Nothing can ruin an evening by the campfire like a swarm of mosquitoes that decided to feast on your legs and arms.
I prefer plant-based repellents with citronella and eucalyptus oils – gentler on skin and nature, yet effective against desert bugs. Small but mighty for your camping comfort!
22. Clothesline
Unassuming but useful! Especially when you get wet during an excursion or want to wash a few things. I string it between trees and instantly have a private drying rack.
In emergency situations, it also serves to secure a tarp or hang food out of the reach of animals.
23. Shower Slides
After a day of hiking, a shower is a luxury. But entering a campsite shower without proper footwear? Never again!
After catching a fungal infection, I always pack my Hoka rubber slides – they’re comfortable, quick–drying, and have great traction on wet surfaces. They take up little space and protect against unpleasant surprises.
24. Eco-friendly Toiletries
Standard cosmetics may contain ingredients harmful to the environment. While camping, everything goes directly into the soil or water.
I bring biodegradable toiletries – solid shampoo, soap, and toothpaste without microplastics.
I also remember micellar wipes (instead of tons of cotton pads), a bamboo toothbrush, and natural deodorant. Everything takes up less space and is nature-friendly.
25. Quick-drying Towels
A traditional cotton towel is a nightmare – heavy and takes forever to dry. Microfiber quick–drying towels are light as a feather, take up as much space as a smartphone, and dry lightning–fast.
Even if you roll it up damp, it will be dry after a few hours.
26. Garbage Bags
I leave camping sites cleaner than I found them. A few garbage bags take up little space and allow you to take all waste with you.
It’s not just a matter of ethics but also safety – leftover food attracts wild animals.
27. Matches and Fire Starter
Even if you can start a fire by rubbing two sticks together, waterproof matches and fire starter are indispensable when wood is damp after rain.
I store them in a sealed container to ensure they remain dry even during downpours.
28. Camping Pot and Pan
My Odoland camping cookware set is a game-changer. These nesting pots and pans stack together to save space, feature non-stick coating for easy cleanup, and have folding handles that stay cool.
Perfect for preparing real meals when you’re tired of instant food!
29. Backup Food
Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits – something that doesn’t take up much space, won’t spoil, and provides energy.
Such a snack can save your day when you get lost or your supplies run out faster than planned. These basic camping essentials have saved many adventurers in a pinch.
30. Camping Chair
Sitting on the ground or a stump is fun for the first 15 minutes. Then you start to appreciate comfort. I have a folding OneTigris chair – lightweight, compact, yet durable (it can hold up to 330 pounds!).
It takes up little space in your backpack, and your back, especially your lumbar spine, will be grateful after a day of hiking. Works great in the desert as well as during picnics or at the beach.
31. Repair Tape
Also known as “duct tape.” You can fix anything with it – from a torn tent to falling–apart shoes to a cracked suitcase.
I always have a roll wrapped around my trekking poles. It takes up little space and can save your trip in a critical moment.
32. Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Sunburns can ruin a camping trip. High mountains or water areas increase the risk because rays reflect and attack with double force.
A small high–SPF spray and sunglasses are basic equipment, even when the forecast doesn’t promise sunshine. My Quay polarized sunglasses reduce glare significantly – perfect for those bright, sandy Arizona landscapes!
33. Waterproof Bag
For storing electronics, documents, and clothes that must remain dry. Because when it starts raining, everything gets damp – even things in your backpack.
A few bags of different sizes weigh almost nothing and guarantee dry socks even during downpours.
34. Book or E-reader
A good book is the perfect companion for camping evenings.
When your phone battery dies, the campfire burns out, and you can’t sleep – a book comes to the rescue. My e-reader has a backlight, so I can read even after turning off the lantern.
I especially recommend “Travel to Transform” – this book changed my approach to traveling. During long evenings under the starry Arizona sky, I read it in one sitting!
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35. Good Mood!
Regardless of equipment, good humor and a positive attitude will let you enjoy the adventure and make every problem just an anecdote to tell at the next campfire.
From experience, I know this is the most important item on the camping essentials list!
Final Thoughts on Camping Essentials
Tent camping after my campervan experience? It’s like switching from a limousine to a bicycle. But you know what? It has its charm!
With the right camping essentials, I now have access to places where my van could never reach. I can set up camp literally anywhere – on a wild beach or high in the mountains.
What do you consider essential for camping? Do you have your own must–haves? Or have you also switched from a campervan to a tent? Shoot me an email and let me know – I’m always looking to upgrade my gear arsenal!
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