Camping Essentials

Sure, you’ve got the tent, the sleeping pad, and a bag that keeps you warm(ish). But the secret to a next-level camping trip? It’s everything else. The stuff that turns “survival mode” into “thriving under the stars.” From fire-side fleece to post-hike puffy blankets, here’s what to pack to stay warm, dry, comfortable, and fully stoked.

Camp Like a Pro: Gear That Levels Up the Experience

The best bag is the one that helps us make the most of every inch of packing space, keeps our gear organized, and still fits into the overhead. For us, that usually means something lightweight, tough, and ready to go the distance.

Whether we’re packing like a minimalist or prone to overpack (guilty), these are the bags that hold it all together.

Let There Be Light (and Lots of It)

Headlamps

A solid headlamp is your after-dark MVP—hands-free, bounce-free, and bright enough to light the way from trailhead to late night bathroom run. Look for one that balances comfort with serious lumen power (think 450+), plus front-to-back lighting for depth perception. Bonus points for a red-light mode—it preserves night vision so you can stargaze or chat by the fire without spotlighting your tent mates. Ideal for everything from sunrise summits to midnight marshmallow hunts.

Lanterns & Stake Lights

Camp lighting doesn’t have to be clunky—today’s lanterns are compact, rechargeable, and smart enough to do double duty. Some stake right into the ground to secure your tent while also lighting up your camp path or hangout zone. With multiple brightness settings and wide illumination ranges (hello, 1000 square feet!), they’re perfect for setting up dinner, tracking down your toothbrush, or just not falling into the firewood pile. Solar charging means you can ditch the batteries—and the stress.

Whether you're roasting s'mores or roaming past quiet tents, the right lighting turns your campsite into a cozy haven instead of a pitch-black obstacle course. Because the wild is way more fun when you can actually see it.

Wrap Up, Wind Down

Once the hiking boots come off and the fire’s crackling, it’s time to level up the cozy. Sure, your sleeping bag’s fine for shuteye, but the real camp comfort lives in those post-trail layers—the ones that warm you up without slowing you down.

Puffy Blankets

Whether you're star-watching, s’more-toasting, or tent-side storytelling, a puffy blanket is the ultimate campfire companion. Unlike your sleeping bag, it’s not a cocoon—it’s a couch-worthy, marshmallow-roasting, wind-blocking hug that plays nice with everyone around the fire. Bonus: packs down small, warms up fast, and doesn’t mind pulling double duty as a chilly-morning shawl.

Fleece-Lined Leggings & Base Layers

When temps dip and your tent turns into an icebox, smart layers make all the difference. Our go-to? Fleece-lined leggings that do the night shift without quitting in the morning. They’re breathable enough to sleep in and tough enough to roll into breakfast duty.

Take our Crash Collection—these fleece-lined champs keep the cold out and the comfort in. Polartec® fleece adds serious warmth without the bulk, while a smooth-knit exterior blocks wind and won’t snag on tent zippers. With a wide waistband that won’t dig and reflective hits for late-night flashlight treks, it’s a layer made for more than just lounging.

Puffer Jackets & Vests

Early mornings and late nights in the wild call for insulation you can count on—but not the kind that eats up pack space. Lightweight puffers are the camp hero you didn’t know you needed: warm, compressible, and built to flex with your every move.

We’re especially into puffers with serious outdoor cred, like our favorite from Rab. The Kestrel Jacket and Vest layer like pros, but still offer synthetic insulation that stays warm even when wet, plus stretch fleece side panels that move with you—whether you're chasing the sunrise or wrestling your tent back into its sack. Packs down into its own pocket, so you’ve always got warmth on demand.

Camp Shoes: Two Pairs, Zero Regrets

When it comes to camping footwear, one pair just doesn’t cut it. You need trail crushers by day and slip-on bliss by night—because nothing kills the post-hike buzz like jamming tired feet back into stiff boots.

Rugged Hiking Boots

A trusty pair of hiking boots is your first line of defense against mud, rocks, and questionable trail conditions. They’ve gotta be tough, supportive, and built to keep up with your Clambers or Evergreens from summit to switchback. Look for waterproofing, solid traction, and a fit that holds up when your mileage climbs. These are the boots that take you up the mountain and back down with confidence—and without blisters.

Camp Shoes: Easy Off, Easy On, All Bliss

Once the hike is done and the pack is dropped, your feet deserve a little luxury. That’s where camp shoes come in. Slip-on sandals, slides, or cozy clogs make the transition from trail to fire pit way more enjoyable. They’re easy to kick off when you crawl into your tent and just as easy to throw on when nature calls at 3 a.m.

We’re talking comfort-first, but with a side of function. Some of our favorites? Sherpa-lined Birkenstocks—yes, really. Think contoured footbeds, plush fleece lining, and just enough grip to handle a run to the bear box without slipping on dew-soaked grass. Warm, breathable, and totally worth packing the extra pair.

Dressed to Chill: What to Wear Around Camp

Hike-Ready Layers That Go the Distance

Before the fire’s crackling and the cocoa’s steaming, there’s the climb. And for that, your gear has to move like you do—breathable, durable, and never in your way. Our go-to hiking uniform starts with the Clamber or Evergreen Hiking Pants—two of our best-in-class bottoms designed for scrambling over boulders or powering through switchbacks. (Need help choosing? Check out our Expert Guide to the Best Hiking Pants).

Up top, we layer smart with the Headlands Tank for sweat-wicking comfort and the Tuolumne Tech Shirt to keep sun or chill at bay. Pair that with hiking socks—cushioned, breathable, and blister-busting—and you're trail-ready from head to tread.

Basecamp Collection: Built for Campsite Life

Once the day’s miles are behind you, it’s time to change gears—and layers. That’s where our Basecamp Collection steps in. Designed specifically for campsite life, these post-hike heroes are soft, breathable, and still rugged enough to stir chili, swat mosquitoes, or chase your hat across the field.

Basecamp Hoodie

The hoodie that earns its keep every time you leave the tent. Tough enough for dinner duty, soft enough to sleep in, and loaded with thoughtful extras like cuff thumbholes, a hem drawcord to keep out campfire drafts, and secure pockets for phones and snacks. Big Buttah® fabric is stretchy, buttery-soft, and treated with Stinkstopper®—so you can wear it all weekend long, no judgment.

Basecamp Shorts & Joggers

Whether you run hot, cold, or somewhere in between, our Basecamp Shorts and Joggers offer options for every camper. The shorts keep things breezy on warm-weather trips, while the joggers bring cozy warmth for chillier nights and dewy mornings. Both are built with the same lived-in softness and durable construction that handles camp chores, tent setups, and impromptu yoga stretches.

Pair it all with comfy wool socks for a warm, breathable finish—perfect for pulling on before you dive into your sleeping bag or kick back fireside with a mug of something hot.

From sweat-soaked summits to s’mores and starlight, the right layers make camp life feel less like “roughing it” and more like home base.

Must-Have Camp Accessories

Sometimes it’s the smallest pieces of gear that make the biggest difference. These campsite essentials won’t take up much room in your pack, but they’ll earn a permanent place in your adventure lineup.

Camp Chairs

Never underestimate the joy of a good sit. After logging serious miles and carrying a full pack, your body wants one thing: elevation. A solid camp chair takes the edge off sore feet, stiff backs, and tired legs. Lightweight and foldable, these chairs are easy to stash and quick to set up—so you can kick back and toast your trail achievements with the smug comfort of someone who packed smart.

Quick-Dry Towel

A total camp workhorse. One second it's drying you off after a cold creek dip, the next it's wiping down dishes, mopping up spills, or giving muddy feet a quick cleanup. Quick-dry towels are lightweight, ultra-absorbent, and dry before you’re even back from your hike. No soggy towel syndrome here.

Water Bottles

Hydration waits for no woman. Whether you're logging trail miles, stoking the campfire, or just waking up groggy in the great outdoors, a trusty water bottle is non-negotiable. We’re talkin’ leakproof, lightweight, and tough enough to survive a few tumbles. Bonus points if it folds flat when empty—because space in your pack is prime real estate. Toss one in your side pocket, clip it to your pack, or keep a backup stashed “just in case.”

Bug Spray

Because nothing ruins a golden hour faster than a mosquito symphony buzzing in surround sound. Whether you're deep in the woods or just near a riverbed, bug spray is your first line of defense. Look for options that balance effectiveness with skin-friendliness—because you want to repel bugs, not your tent mates.

Smart Storage: The Right Bag for the Right Adventure

Whether you're hauling half the house for a weekend of car camping or packing light for a sunrise summit, having the right bag is the difference between chaos and calm. Here's what we grab for every kind of trip:

Duffel Bag: Big, Bold, and Built to Last

For car camping, there’s no beating a solid duffel. Enter the Black Hole Duffel by Patagonia—our go-to gear hauler for everything from rainy overnights to gear-heavy road trips. Tough-as-nails ripstop fabric, weather-resistant coating, and hardware that actually holds up? Yes, please.

Why it earns top marks (and made our Best Travel Bags Expert Guide):

• • Converts from duffel to backpack in a snap
• • Packs down into its own pocket
• • Rugged, water-resistant, and practically indestructible
• • Big enough for the puffer, fleece layers, trail shoes and your snack hoard

This is the bag we toss in the back of the car knowing it can handle whatever we throw at—or into—it.

Daypack: Your On-the-Move Sidekick

Every hiking trip needs a just-right daypack. For longer hikes or light overnights, we reach for the Cotopaxi Arenal Backpack or something similarly adventure-ready. With torso adjustability, a ventilated back panel, and compression straps, this is the bag that shoulders the load when your legs are doing the heavy lifting.

Built for the long haul:

• • Contoured hip belt = carry comfort
• • Recycled, durable materials
• • Room for a hydration bladder, layers, snacks, and trail maps
• • Pockets for days (hip belt, bottle, and beyond)

And for shorter treks or fast-and-light days, the Rab Nitron Hiking Pack keeps things tight and secure with its body-hugging harness, dual chest straps, and smart stash zones for water, poles, and whatever else you need to grab mid-trail.

Hip Pack: Small But Mighty

When all you really need is a snack, a phone, and your sense of direction, a hippack is a must-have. The Terravia Mini Hip Pack by Patagonia is our favorite for hands-free freedom on both trail and travel days.

Why it’s in constant rotation:

• • Wears around the waist or slings crossbody for hands-free firewood hauling, marshmallow roasting, and trail wandering
• • Made from durable, recycled materials that can handle dirt, pine needles, and the occasional mystery goo from the camp cooler
• • Holds campsite essentials—headlamp, bug spray, lip balm, snack bar, and that always-needed lighter no one can ever find
• • Packs flat in your duffel when not in use, then pops out ready for trail walks, sunset strolls, and late-night s’more missions

From basecamp lounging to peak bagging, the right bag setup keeps you organized, mobile, and ready for whatever the wild throws your way. Because camping isn’t just about roughing it—it’s about doing it smarter.

Sun Protection + Trail Style

Wide-Brim Hat

When you’re chasing summits or setting up camp under a blazing sun, your best defense isn’t just sunscreen—it’s shade. A wide-brim hat shields your face, neck, and ears from harsh UV rays, reducing sunburn risk and keeping you cooler on long exposed stretches. Bonus: it also keeps bugs off your neck and can double as a windshield for your camp stove flame when the wind kicks up. Look for breathable fabrics and adjustable straps so it stays put no matter how wild your adventure gets.

Breathable Baseball Hat

For days when you’re logging miles, tackling switchbacks, or just keeping your hair out of your face, a lightweight, sweat-wicking baseball hat is clutch. These hats move moisture away from your skin and dry fast, helping you stay comfortable when the temperature rises and the heart rate climbs. Plus, the curved brim shields your eyes from glare, so you can focus on the trail ahead without squinting. Easy to pack, quick to grab, and built for whatever pace you set.

UPF Layers

Not all trail shirts are created equal. For high-mileage, peak-cruisin’ days, we grab the do-it-all Tuolumne as our trusty adventure wingwoman. Featherlight but fierce, it wicks sweat in a flash, offers UPF 50+ sun protection, and dries quick so we’re ready for round two (or at least s’mores). With a relaxed fit, subtle buttons, and stash pockets galore, it even passes the camp-to-town test—because we’d rather earn our dirt than change outfits. 

Another one of our go-to’s for UPF clothing is the Tapasol Hoodie by Cotopaxi. Built for big miles and full days under the sun, the Tapasol Hoodie shields us without smothering us. Lightweight recycled poly dries in a flash, while Polygiene® anti-odor tech keeps the funk in check. Long sleeves, a full hood, and UPF 50+ sun protection mean we stay covered from trailhead to sunset. No mess, no fuss, just protection that performs.

TL;DR: Your Camp-Comfort Checklist

• ✅ Light (headlamp + lantern)
• ✅ Puffy blanket
• ✅ Comfy camp shoes
• ✅ Base layers for chilly nights
• ✅ Hiking socks + cozy wool socks
• ✅ Camp attire (Basecamp Collection)
• ✅ Bug spray
• ✅ Quick-dry towel
• ✅ Collapsible water bottle
• ✅ Right-size bag (duffel, daypack, hippack)
• ✅ Camp chair
• ✅ Hat(s) and UPF layers for sun and sweat

Pro Tip: You Don’t Need to “Rough It” to Love It

The best camping gear doesn’t just help you survive the wild—it helps you enjoy it. So bring the comfort, the performance, and yes, even the cozy socks. Your campsite—and your sanity—will thank you.

And if you’re ready to level up your outdoor game, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our full Camp Shop for campsite-tested gear, trail-ready layers, and all the little comforts that make the wild feel a little more like home.

Need gift ideas for your favorite outdoor woman? Our Camping Gift Guide is packed with smart, packable, and adventure-approved picks that are way better than another coffee mug.