Camping means different things to different people. Some travelers relish the idea of roughing it with only the basics, while others load up their car with every possible creature comfort. We prefer a happy medium -where you can be as one with nature, but not feel too terribly disconnected from the world. Preparation is essential for any outdoor adventure and having the necessary supplies and equipment can make a difference between a fun family weekend and a two-day disaster. Check out these camping essentials ahead of your Memorial Day Weekend trip!
Camping Pillow
Whether you’re sleeping on a hammock, in a RV, or under a tent, the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow will give you a great night’s sleep wherever you lay your head. Designed with cushioned memory foam wrapped in a soft, micro-suede cover, this praised pillow gives you a truly supportive rest that your head and neck will thank you for. Once it has a minute to fluff-up, it will expand to 14 x 18 inches for ideal thickness. Lightweight and portable, with little effort the camping pillow easily compresses down into its waterproof stuff sack. Simply throw it in your backpack and go!
Portable Power Station
This entry-level portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only at 6.6 pounds—that’s easy enough to enlist the kids to carry from the car, just as long as they are careful not to trip. The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is a versatile power source and has enough ports to charge smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, lights and more. The interworks of technology are guarded by a battery management system that protects the device against short currents, over-discharging and over voltage.
Screened-in Shelter
If you’re more of a “glamper”, this Magnetic Screen Shelter might be perfect for you. Magnetic strips line the large “I” style doors for automatic closure and hands-free entry/exit, making going in and out with kids, pets, or food a breeze! You get 99 sq. ft of space in the inside area, allowing for a spacious interior with a peak height of 7.5 feet so you will never have to worry about head space either. Remain comfortable during your outdoor stay, as the large mesh walls keep bugs out and lets the breeze in so you can enjoy warm, summer days without being in direct sunlight.
Food Prep Tub
No camping weekend is complete without delicious food—and delicious food only happens when proper preparation has been done. The Drip EZ Prep Tub has you covered! This orange tub is perfect for applying dry rubs or marinades without spilling. It also collapses so you can use the built-in cutting board after your food comes off the grill. After prep is done, clean it out and fill it with ice to keep your beverages cold. The collapsible design makes the Drip EZ tub compact for space-saving storage. A lid is also included for using the tub for temporary food storage.
Portable Charcoal Grill
Once your chicken, steak or burgers have been prepped, you’ll want to cook them up on the grill. The Everdure CUBE charcoal grill is great companion for your next camping trip. The small and compact design of this grill allows you to cook in countless situations in an instant. CUBE grills are made of powder-coated steel with chrome handles that remain cool to the touch while in use. And the firebox is made of porcelain enamel for added durability and encases a removable charcoal tray that allows for quick and effortless clean-up when you are done.
Now that you know some of the camping essentials, what are you waiting for? Let’s go camping!