Fresh air, bright and clear starry night skies, the peaceful sounds of nature, what’s not to love about camping? Mike and I go camping every chance we get and have been camping together since the beginning of our relationship. From beautiful ocean views, to mystical forests, to jaw-dropping sunsets in the desert, we have been fortunate to camp in some beautiful locations.
We both grew up camping- I was a girl scout and went camping often with my mom and sisters if not for girl scouts then for my sisters Campfire Girls trips. I’ve always loved being outdoors, surrounded by nature and exploring. Mike was briefly in Boy Scouts but grew up camping mainly because his parents loved camping ( his mother is a former Girl Scout!). He went on many many adventures and has also always loved the outdoors.
If you are interested in going off on your own adventures or maybe just need to finally get your own gear, Mike and I have rounded up some of our favorite products for camping. Happy camping!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set – $14.97
This Camp Cook set is a true camping essential. It’s great for warming soups/ramen, boiling water, hot cocoa and coffee. Made of 18/8 Stainless Steel so it won’t rust and is BPA free ( and safer than aluminum). It also features: A locking handle that extends when cooking and folds to save space, two 10 oz. cups that nest inside for storage, and a vented lid making it perfect to use on camp stoves. It’s a phenomenal price, made by a trusted company and exceptionally made.
Coleman Gas Camping Stove – $42.88
We love cooking over the campfire but sometimes don’t have enough time to start a fire or only want to do a quick meal. Our Coleman Grill definitely comes in handy and is incredibly convenient. It helps cook food evenly and with less fuel, has adjustable burners and features side panels to shield the burners from the wind ( very helpful when you are beach camping!). It folds down and is not too bulky to store.
Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife – $20
A must have for camping, this Stainless Steel Folding Knife from Opinel is simple, sharp and durable. Since 1890, Opinel has been making beautiful knives made to last for generations. It’s made of anti-corrosive stainless steel and is made from sustainably sourced wood in France. It’s also very easy to maintain!
Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Water Bottle 64 oz– $32.98
Mike has had his Klean Kanteen for over five years and recently got me my own! We now have three and take them everywhere. Highly recommend this water bottle. It’s extremely durable yet lightweight stainless steel and chemical free. At 64 oz you are sure to have enough water for those extra long hikes. If you prefer an insulated bottle, try this one from Klean Kanteen as well: https://amzn.to/35enysd.
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven – $51 (5 -QT)
There is something amazing about delicious food cooked right over the campfire. The Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven is pre-seasoned and ready to help make some delicious campfire food! Bonus, the cast iron lid can be inverts for use as a griddle—Delicious pancakes or fried eggs anyone?!
Made in the USA
KENAI 45 Cooler – $200
A cooler that is going to keep your food cold and not break the bank. The Kenai holds up against other coolers for a fraction of the price. Made in the USA—Kenai is made by Grizzy Coolers.
Some great features include:
- Two easy to use yet secure latches and a silicone rubber gasket to ensure cold air stays trapped inside.
- Grip feet to keep it sturdy on any surface and tie-down slots ensuring your cooler doesn’t shift while traveling
- Divider slots to help separate food and drinks
Coleman Green Valley Cool Weather Adult Sleeping Bag – $39
I have had my Coleman Sleeping back for over 10 years. Colemean makes some of the best sleeping backs that are really made to last. This sleeping bag is perfect for cold camping nights( 30-50 degrees) and is sure to keep you warm with it’s innovative design. It’s also machine washable!
* If you over 5’11 this sleeping bag will be a bit snug. Try this one: https://amzn.to/2Si2pYU
For summer and warmer climates try :
Coleman Sun Ridge 40°F Warm Weather Sleeping Bag – $28
ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed – $98 for Queen
When Mike and I started camping, we did not use an air mattress and instead piled blankets or used a mat. But no matter how many layers, I always ended up sleeping on a rock or twig. We purchased this mattress shortly after and could not be happier. It fits perfectly into our 2-person tent. The ALPS air bed is PVC free ( PVC is a material found on many air mattresses that contains hormone-disrupting phthalates, lead and other not-so-good for you chemicals) and is lightweight yet durable. It also is easy to fold and get back into it’s storage bag. Best part, it comes with a portable, rechargeable pump ( both car and wall charger included). You can also deflate the bed quicker using the pump. However, if you need to save power, deflate the bed without using the pump. It can also be blown up manually.
Coleman Sundome Tent – $45 ( 2-person, also available in 4 and 6-person)
The Coleman Sundome Tent is durable, weatherproof and wind tested, with a frame that can withstand 35+mph winds. It also features :
- Easy set-up, 10 minutes
- Large windows to ensure excellent ventilation
- An E-port making it easy to bring your electrical power inside
UCO Titan Storm-proof Match Kit – $12
These are matches you can truly count on—Waterproof and windproof making them perfect for beach camping! The case features a striker and includes two replacement strikers.
Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern – $26
Lanterns are a definite necessity to use around your campsite. Again, Coleman makes simply great and durable products when it comes to camping. This lantern is compact yet effective and bright. It will run up to 7.5 hours on high using one propane cylinder.
If you are looking for something that does not require propane, I highly recommend:
Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern – $20
These are compact ( collapse down) , lightweight, waterproof and very durable. The light is extremely bright but also customization. Control the intensity of the light by adjusting the height of the lantern. Requires 3 AAA batteries per lantern.
Streamlight Rechargeable Flashlight – $31
Compact yet incredibly powerful, you won’t be disappointed with the Streamlight Flashlight. It’s incredibly durable and fits right in your pocket. You could also clip it to your the front of your hat for a quick and easy “headlamp”. This flashlight features both high and low beam settings and comes with a USB charger (charges completely in less than 4 hours).
