Camping can provide a thrilling experience for the entire family, especially when kids are involved. The abundance of fresh air, picturesque landscapes, and chances for outdoor discovery can create lasting memories. Recognizing the significance of exposing children to the outdoors, camping conveniently ensures that kids are immersed in outdoor activities throughout the day and even during the night.
Best Camping Gear for Families: Things to Consider
If you’re new to camping, it can be challenging to plan ahead and gather the necessary gear. Camping gear can be costly, particularly for beginners.
Although it may be possible to go on a few camping trips without incurring any initial expenses, such as borrowing equipment from acquaintances or utilizing your existing items like blankets, foam or inflatable mattresses, old cooking pots and utensils, etc., you will likely soon opt to buy items that enhance the overall comfort and enjoyment of the experience for all individuals involved.
When purchasing equipment, it is important to think sequentially while keeping in mind your financial constraints and the requirements of your family. First and foremost, you should assess the size of your family. Additionally, you should determine the typical duration of your camping trips. Finally, consider the weather conditions in which you plan to camp.
While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options when uncertain about camping, it is important to also consider the durability and functionality of the gear. If you plan to start with car-camping and potentially transition to backpacking, it might be wise to invest in a lightweight tent and sleeping gear that can fulfill both purposes.
If you are interested in saving money on campsites by dispersed camping on public lands, it is important to ensure that you have the appropriate setup as you will be responsible for providing your own bathroom, electricity, and water.
If you are camping with young children and are new to camping with kids, it is advisable to seek gear that is simple to set up and use. It can be extremely frustrating to try to figure out a complex tent setup upon arrival at a campsite in the dark with tired children. I have experienced this personally and have no desire to repeat it. Setting up your gear in your yard before going camping can help solve this problem.
Family Size Tent
When purchasing gear for your camping trips, the tent should be considered as one of the most crucial items, if not the most crucial. It is essential to choose a tent that suits your family’s needs by carefully considering the different camping scenarios you will encounter.
Are you planning on exclusively car-camping, where your car will be conveniently located at a designated campground? Alternatively, will you be engaging in dispersed camping, which is similar to car-camping but lacks amenities such as toilets, running water, and electrical outlets, as you will not be stationed at an established campground? Alternatively, are you looking for a tent that is suitable for both car-camping and backpacking, allowing you to carry all of your gear and set up camp after hiking in, should you choose to do so later on?
When selecting a tent, it is important to consider the climate. What temperatures can you expect while camping? How much rainfall is typical during your camping time? Does your location have strong winds or frequent thunderstorms? It is necessary for the tent to endure various weather conditions, but you may not want to buy a tent that exceeds your needs. This means that if you have a limited budget and will only be camping in sunny and calm weather, you can forgo certain features and still have a fantastic tent and enjoyable camping experience.
If you’re not familiar with outdoor gear terminology and descriptions, it can be challenging to understand. Take tents as an example – they may appear alike in pictures, but their prices can vary significantly, with some costing hundreds of dollars more. While reading reviews can assist in narrowing down your options, having knowledge about the materials and designs that contribute to higher-quality tents can better steer you towards choosing the most suitable one for your family.
When selecting a tent, it is important to consider the type of poles being used. Cheaper tents often have fiberglass poles, while more expensive tents typically use aluminum poles. While fiberglass poles can splinter and break, they can be replaced, although this can be inconvenient. On the other hand, aluminum poles are more durable and withstand windy conditions better, making them occasionally worth the additional cost.
Camping gear you actually need
When going camping, there is a wide range of equipment that you can bring along. Nonetheless, not all of it is necessary. If you are camping with children for the first time, it is likely that you will pack excessively, and we want you to know that it is perfectly acceptable! We understand that having all the items you might possibly need will give you a greater sense of assurance. So, if having everything with you encourages you to go camping, then go ahead and pack as much as you like!
As you gain experience, you will realize that you do not need as many items for an overnight camping trip as you may initially believe. In fact, having less equipment makes it easier to leave the house and encourages you and your children to be more imaginative and resourceful. However, this process does require time, which is something you can anticipate.
Currently, we will discuss the fundamental necessities and provide numerous recommendations for additional items that you can consider bringing to enhance comfort during camping and enhance your sense of readiness.
Basic camping gear list
To begin with, let’s focus on the fundamentals of traditional tent camping. For even the most basic camping trip, these items will be necessary.
Tent
When considering which tent to get, it is important to ensure that it is the right size for your family. Keep in mind that tents tend to be on the smaller side, meaning that the number of people it claims to accommodate only includes sleeping space and does not leave any extra room for gear, luggage, mattresses, or spreading out. It is advisable to choose a larger size whenever possible. For instance, we have a tent that is designed for 8-10 people, even though our family consists of only 4 individuals. This allows us to have enough space to move around inside the tent and ensures that we have sufficient sleeping space. Additionally, it is crucial to make sure that your tent includes a rainfly to protect you from the weather. The rainfly can be removed in dry conditions to let in extra fresh air.
Tarp or footprint
To provide protection against moisture, abrasions, and punctures, it is recommended to use this item as a moisture barrier under your tent. It is important to note that not all tents include a footprint, so you may need to obtain or buy one separately. When choosing a footprint, ensure that it is slightly smaller (up to 2 inches smaller) than the outline of your tent. This might seem counterintuitive, but if the tarp or footprint extends beyond the tent’s edge or is the same size, it can result in water pooling between the footprint and the tent floor during rainy conditions.
Sleeping bags
Sleeping outdoors with the stars as your roof is a fantastic idea, as long as you are comfortable and warm. A crucial factor in achieving this is having a well-fitting and cozy sleeping bag. Investing in a Kids Kelty Mistral sleeping bag is a wise choice for children, as it ensures warmth in temperatures below 40-degrees. For younger children, a sleeping sack/bag from Morrison Outdoors specifically designed for babies might be the perfect option. During summer camping trips, it may suffice to bring additional blankets and sheets to sleep on top of your sleeping bag.
Sleeping pad or cot
A necessary part of every good camping sleep system is either a sleeping mat or a cot. Mats are a good choice because they can be purchased slightly larger to ensure they have a longer lifespan. Investing in a self-inflating sleeping pad like the REI Kindercamp is beneficial and worth the extra money as it allows children to participate in setting up their own sleeping area and eliminates the need for an additional air pump. For larger sleeping arrangements, such as accommodating multiple children or children and an adult, the REI Co-op Camp Dreamer Double Self-Inflating Deluxe Bed comes highly recommended. If you prefer a sleeping option that elevates your child off the ground or if space is limited with multiple children, consider the Kid-O-Bunk bunk bed cots.
Illumination – headlamps, flashlights, lanterns
When camping, it is important to have the ability to see in the dark. Headlamps provide a convenient and hands-free way to illuminate your surroundings. By wearing a headlamp, your child can freely move around without the worry of dropping something or not shining the light in the right place. Our recommended headlamp choice is the Petzl Tikka, which offers high-quality and adjustable features. If you prefer a more traditional option, flashlights are also available in various colors and sizes. The EverBrite Flashlights, for example, come in small sizes and can be bought in packs suitable for the entire family. For those seeking a more robust option, consider the LED tactical flashlights, which are bright, rechargeable, magnetic, and waterproof. Lanterns are another option, and they come in a variety of shapes and materials. One type worth considering is the LuminAid lantern, which is ultra-lightweight and inflatable. Additionally, these lanterns have the added benefit of being able to charge your phone.
Camp kitchen gear & essentials
The gear you need for your camp kitchen will vary depending on the type of food you bring and how you plan to cook it. If you prepare all your meals in advance or prefer cooking over an open fire, you may require less equipment compared to if you intend to prepare, combine, and cook your meals at your campsite. Before creating your list of kitchen gear, think about the food, snacks, and meals you will be consuming (including quantity), and then generate a step-by-step inventory of the necessary items for food preparation and cooking.
Stove or grill
In order to have a hot meal while camping, you will require tools for cooking your food. Certain campsites already have fire pits that are ideal for cooking over an open flame. If you choose to cook directly on the flame, you should consider using a grill grate, roasting sticks, or pie irons. Alternatively, you may want to bring a compact grill or cooktop to have the flexibility of cooking various dishes without relying on a constant fire (which can also be used in rainy conditions).
Wash bins, dish soap & sponge
It is necessary to have plastic or metal wash bins for holding and cleaning dirty dishes. It is beneficial to find wash bins that can be nested together to save space. One bin can be used for washing, while the other can be used for rinsing. It is important to use biodegradable soap to prevent harm to the local wildlife, as many campgrounds have this requirement. Additionally, inquire with the local campsite about the proper disposal method for all food scraps and any designated areas for disposing of grey water (used dish washing water).
Pots and pans
If you are going to camp at a designated campsite near your vehicle instead of hiking to a remote campsite with limited carry capacity, you can bring full-sized pots, pans, knives, utensils, and even your cast iron skillet from your home kitchen. You do not have to purchase camping-specific cookware. Just consider the size based on what you will be cooking and the cooking surface available.
Pot holders, dish towels, wash rags, and cloth napkins
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, consider selecting something to use exclusively for your camping kitchen storage from second-hand shops. These stores are a great option for finding such items.
Plates, cups, utensils
Sturdy plastic is a suitable option for these items. For the sake of convenience, one can opt for paper or plastic, but selecting a more sustainable and reusable alternative is preferable. Moreover, inexpensive options can be found at the dollar store.
Cutting board & sharp knife
If you will be preparing ingredients for your meals by chopping vegetables, cutting meat, or slicing anything, make sure to have a durable cutting board and a sharp knife with you. It is important to keep the knife securely stored in a sealable container or with a sheath when it is not being used for safety purposes.
Cooler(s)
The decision on the quantity and kind of coolers to bring for camping relies on the quantity and type of food you bring. It is necessary to have a basic cooler with ice packs to ensure perishable food and drinks remain cold.
Water dispenser
Instead of choosing single-use plastic water bottles, we made the decision to use a 5-gallon water dispenser on our camp table. This choice allows for convenient water storage and allows the children to independently refill their water bottles whenever necessary. Additionally, this water can be utilized for various purposes such as cooking, brushing teeth, and washing hands. Depending on the duration of your trip and access to water, you have the option to bring water from home or fill it up at the campsite.
Paper towels/napkins
If you are looking for a convenient way to tidy up, having a roll of disposable paper towels is always beneficial. Nonetheless, if reducing waste is a priority, you may want to contemplate using tea towels or cloth napkins instead. These can be placed in the laundry bag after use and reused for subsequent occasions.
Tin foil
Tin foil is incredibly useful and convenient to have when cooking at the campsite due to its versatility. It can be utilized for cooking meals or storing food. Our preferred method is to create tin foil meal packets, which can be cooked on the grill or directly in the campfire, resulting in a hassle-free cleanup without the need for dishes.
Cooking utensils
When considering the food you will cook, think about the utensils necessary for cooking. Basic essentials for a camping trip include a mixing spoon, spatula, tongs, and measuring cups. Additionally, certain items may require specialty utensils such as a can opener, wine key, whisk, or strainer.
Refillable water bottles
Ensure you stay hydrated during your camping trip by bringing your own water using these items in combination with your water dispenser. Moreover, remember to bring water with you for every adventure and reduce the amount of waste and plastic used.
Camping First Aid Kits
When going camping with the family, it is crucial to be ready for unexpected situations to ensure a fun experience. It is important to possess a first aid kit and have knowledge on how to utilize it. One option is to create a DIY first aid kit, which offers the advantage of customization according to the specific needs of one’s family. Our personal camping first-aid kit, for instance, contains an ample supply of Dramamine as our children tend to experience motion sickness on winding mountain roads. Additionally, we ensure that chewable children’s anti-histamines are well-stocked in our kit due to our little ones being susceptible to rashes.
One option is to buy a ready-made set such as the HART Outdoor Weekend First Aid Kit, which is also available for purchase. The advantage of purchasing a pre-built kit is that it often contains useful items that you may not think of, and it comes in a sturdy and occasionally waterproof bag.
Fire Starting for Camping
If you intend to have a fire, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary items to start it. This includes a lighter and, depending on your expertise, some form of fire-starting material. You have the option to create your own fire-starters or acquire a product such as the UCO Sweetfire Fire Starter Tinder to assist you.
Camping Toilet(ries)
If you are dispersed camping or located far from the bathrooms, having a portable toilet can be a beneficial choice, even if you are camping at a designated campground with bathrooms available.
Although some may find the idea unappealing, portable toilets are typically equipped with odor-neutralizing bags that effectively decompose waste, resulting in minimal odor. Having a portable toilet offers considerably more convenience than having to navigate in darkness during nighttime. The Reliance Luggable Loo, a cost-effective and comfortable option, is compatible with their Bio-Gel waste bags.
If you will not have access to showers while camping, it would be wise to think about including the Happy Bottom portable bidet among your toiletries. Additionally, for those planning to do considerable hiking during the trip, the Kula reusable pee cloth is highly recommended due to its remarkable functionality.
