The 10 Most Overlooked Camping Items

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You’re familiar with the essentials. You need a tent, sleeping bag, stove, bug spray, etc. But there is this other category of camping gear that, while not absolutely necessary, is really nice to have. It’s that feeling you have when you’re sitting around the campfire and think, “Dang, it sure would be nice to have ______.”

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The folks over at reddit.com/r/camping weighed in on the most overlooked camping items, and here are the top 10.

How many times have you grabbed duct tape for a quick fix at home? Same will be true at the campsite. At the very least wrap a small amount around a lighter so have it. 

 

Looking at that great horned owl that you’ll only see twice in your life is a completely different experience through binoculars. It’s really fun to pass them around to hear the oohs and aahs. Here is a little help adjusting them.

 

“There’s a bathroom at the campsite, we don’t need it!” Sure, until you’re 50 miles from a town or out on the trail and someone is in crisis mode. Bring it.

 

Sure you have a flashlight in your camp box, but once you go headlamp, you never go back. Everyone in the family should have one. The Olympia headlamps are worth a look. 

 

You brought a pair for each day so you’re good right? Well, you didn’t plan on the water going over your boot in on that hike or the dog destroying one. Or, simply putting dry socks on your sweaty feet after a long day of hiking. It’s sublime. One of our favs here. 

 

You’re camping and you’re surrounded by wood. If someone doesn’t get a sliver you’re spending too much time in the tent.

 

“But they’re so bulky. The picnic table will be fine.” Once that fire is crackling you’re going to want a comfy chair. Bad back? Check out this one.

 

We’ll just say this: you going to use it for something. Clotheslines, tarps, the list goes on. Learn a few knots before you head out. Like the mooring hitch, bowline, or blake’s hitch. 

 

Don’t count on a trash can being at your campsite. Grab a few garbage bags, strap them to a tree with a bungee cord, and keep that campsite clean. Our favorite are heavy-duty contractor bags. Check out the other ways that we use them too.

 

Take the sweaty hiking boots off, put on a comfy pair of slippers or sandals and crack a beer! Having a second pair of shoes allows you to fully dry your boots, and also makes bathroom runs in the middle of the night easier. 

What gear do you bring that isn’t totally necessary, but makes the campsite more comfortable?