9 Camping Essentials

Sharp August 13, 2015

There are people who choose to go camping in the winter. These people should not be trusted. Summer is the time to experience the joy of living (briefly) in the great outdoors. But, only if you have these essentials.

Eat

A stove that cooks your dinner while charging your phone. It’s so clever, it deserves to be instagrammed. Handy, and smart—there’s nothing worse than a drained battery when you’re lost in the woods.

Biolitestove.com, $130

This frying pan saves crucial space by wrapping the heat-resistant handle around the pan and locking a plastic preparation dish to the bottom. Which means you can pack more food. Survival.

Jetboil.com, $50

Sleep

Here’s a tent that has its priorities straight. It’s lightweight, and simple to set up and take down, but doesn’t sacrifice durability. Sleep in this.

Hilleberg.com, $945

Nothing puts a damper on a beautiful day like a backache from sleeping on a rock. Save yourself the pain by bringing a small, self-inflating pad. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

Mec.ca, $265

Wear

These all-leather Euro hikers from Timberland are the boots you need for warm weather. They’re breathable, comfortable and made from full-grain leather with a rubber rand, which provides additional traction for climbing. Plus they look good. Who says style doesn’t count in the woods?

Timberland.com, $120

Survive

You’re going to need to cut something while you’re out in the woods, whether it’s some foraged veggies, a bootlace, hopefully not your own arm. This three-inch, partially serrated Air Ranger knife from Gerber will make the cut…any cut. It’s lightweight, durable as hell and grooved for a proper grip in any condition.

Gerbergear.com, $70

Don’t even think of leaving your house without a first-aid kit. This Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL, ha!) kit has everything from an LED light to a compass to fish hooks to a firestarter and everything in between.

Coolmaterial.com, $60

Carry

Your bag should be A) Sturdy enough to not split when you stuff it full of gear, B) Comfortable enough to carry it all day, even though its stuffed full of gear and C) Weatherproof. This one is.

Arcteryx.com, $400