Camping equipment is the category of outdoor gear that provides the means for you to sleep and live outdoors comfortably during overnight trips. Camping gear is designed to pack neatly for transportation to your campsite. The core pieces of equipment are the tent and sleeping bag, but there is a wide variety of gear to make your outdoor adventures pleasurable.
Tents
Tents come in a variety of sizes, from tiny, one-person tents to spacious, multi-room palaces that sleep eight or more campers. Tents provide protection from weather, insects and small creatures. Tent features may include ventilation panels, a protective rain fly, a vestibule for keeping gear dry and pockets to hold gear inside the tent. Dome tents are the most popular tents for recreational camping because they are easy to set up.
Sleeping Gear
In warm weather, a sleeping bag is optional, but a sleeping pad or mattress is critical to sleeping comfortably. Inflatable mattresses are usually 2 to 6 inches thick, and usually require an additional pump to inflate. Self-inflating and closed-cell foam pads are thinner, lighter and smaller. Sleeping bags are rated by temperature range, usually in 20-degree Fahrenheit increments. Both sleeping bags and pads are available in rectangular and tapered mummy shapes.
Camp Kitchen
The camp kitchen is made up of a combination of portable tables, stoves, grills, ovens, pots, coolers and utensils. Stoves come in a variety of types, from a single burner that mounts on a gas canister to multi-burner systems. Stove pots are typically lightweight and nest for storage. Cast-iron pots and dutch ovens are used for cooking over a campfire. Utensils, plates, bowls and cups are made of lightweight and durable materials, such as aluminum or plastic.
Lighting
Flashlights, head lamps and lanterns provide lighting for moving around and working at night in unlit campsites. Flashlights and headlamps use disposable or rechargeable batteries. Head lamps are small lights mounted to a strap that you wear on your head with the lamp in the center of your forehead. Head lamps leave both your hands free and point wherever you are looking. Lanterns may use batteries or compressed gas and are used to light larger spaces.
Other Gear
A good first aid kit is a must-have item. Your repair kit should include tent and sleeping mattress patch kits, spare lantern mantels, a sewing kit, duct tape and a multi-tool. If you plan to have a campfire, carry a shovel and plenty of water. Dining canopies, collapsible chairs and sleeping cots can make your camp more comfortable. There is a nearly endless selection of camping gadgets and gear to add comfort and convenience to your camping experience.
Expert Insight
Camping gear can quickly take up a lot of space, time and money. Look for gear that is easy to set up. Start small and be conservative about the gear you add to your collection, particularly luxury items like ovens, cots and canopies. Look for gear you can use for multiple activities, such as backpacking and car camping.
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