How to Choose the Best Gear For Summer Camping

Last Updated on August 21, 2020 by Ellen Christian

Are you planning a trip to go hiking or to visit a campground this year? If so, you may be wondering how to choose the best gear for summer camping. Camping can be tons of fun whether it’s you and your spouse or the entire family. But, forgetting something important or failing to prepare can turn a fun camping trip into something less enjoyable. I’ve put together a few of my top picks for camping gear for the entire family. 

Best Gear For Summer Camping

When we camp, we tend to stay relatively local and only stay out for a few days. Sometimes we only go for an extended hike in the woods and bring along gear for summer camping just in case we’re tired, or it’s too late to head back. Preparing for a summer camping trip is much different than preparing for a cold weather camping trip. There’s no need to prepare for cold temperatures unless you’re heading to a higher elevation. Even at night in the summer, our temperatures stay in the sixties which is comfortable without additional preparation.

Tent

Unless you like sleeping under the stars, a tent is one of the most important things to bring. Be certain to choose one that’s large enough to accommodate your growing family and your gear. Be sure it has a high peak if you’d like to stand up inside. Look for tents that are waterproof or water resistant and be certain it has a rain fly in case of inclement weather.

Sleeping Bag

While not entirely necessary, a sleeping bag offers comfort and warmth. You can opt to include a sleeping bag or air mattress underneath the sleeping for comfort. For me, an air mattress is a necessity my back appreciates. Don’t forget your pillows!

Water

Don’t assume you can just fill your water bottle from the local stream. That’s an excellent way to get sick. Be sure to bring along water filtration devices and water purification tablets if you aren’t bringing bottled water.

Appropriate Clothes

You’ll want breathable clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin. Be certain that it’s quick drying in case you get wet. Remember to bring boots or heavy shoes for hiking or wooded areas. Don’t forget a hat to keep the sun off your face and several extra pairs of dry socks. Add a rain jacket or poncho just in case.

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Food Prep

What food you bring will depend on whether you plan on bringing a grill or not. If you have no plans to cook, be sure that you bring along energy bars, GORP, nuts, dried fruits, and jerky. If you plan on cooking, you’ll also need to bring along a cooler to keep perishables cold and cooking gear. Grilled pizza is one of our favorites. How about cooking in a solar oven?

First Aid Kit

I never go anywhere without a basic first aid kit. You’ll want bug spray, sun protection lotion, and basic first aid supplies like bandages and first aid cream.

Lighting

You’ll want to be sure that you have at least two sources of light on your camping trip. A lantern is handy to use inside the tent to illuminate the sleeping or sitting area. But, a flashlight will light up the area in front of you better for trips into the woods at night or to the Porta Potty if you’re at a campground.

Lighting options:

The Rayovac Sportsman™ 3-D Outdoor Lantern is waterproof and submersible (just in case) and provides 530 Lumen High Performance LED to light up even the darkest night. It’s drop tested at 15 feet and has a 260-hour battery runtime on Low. This is everything I could ask for in a lantern.

When choosing a flashlight, look for one that’s virtually indestructible like the Rayovac Virtually Indestructible LED 2AA Flashlight. This flashlight is water resistant and has been drop tested up to 30 feet! It provides 300 lumens, a 200-hour battery run time on low, and has a lifetime guarantee.

Whether you’re heading out into the backyard or the north forty, you’ll want to be sure you bring along the best gear for summer camping. Once you’re certain that you have everything you need, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy toasting marshmallows around the fire.

Download your free printable family camping gear list.