It’s our favorite time of year — the weather is warming, and nature is calling.
Now is the time to pack your bags, and head out into the middle of nowhere for some well-deserved time off. But, before you drop everything and escape the monotony of everyday responsibilities, you’ve got to compile a camping list.
Growing up in a very outdoorsy family, I became accurately aware of the necessary pre-camping preparation. Who packed the tent? Where are the sleeping bags? What about the folding chairs? Fishing poles? Did someone forget the cooler? The list of questions went on, and there was really only one place we turned to for all the essentials: Cabela’s.
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops remain prime destinations for affordable, high-quality sporting goods, camping gear, and outdoor attire. Of course, the stores are also filled with an assortment of tactical hunting and fishing equipment — for anyone who prefers either of those pastimes. But when it comes to camping, there’s no need to look anywhere else. These one-stop-shops offer all the essentials to make your campsite safer and more functional, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your time off.
To help you prepare for your next camping trip, we’ve put together a packing guide inspired by some of our tried-and-tested tools and best-selling equipment from Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. Read on for all our recommendations to get geared up for summer.
This simple, height-adjustable canopy chair will quickly become your best friend on a hot day when the sun is beating down on your campsite. The breathable nylon mesh build is as breathable as they come, and the compact folding design allows you to carry the seat with ease (ie. less sweating, more sitting). It even comes with a built-in cupholder so you can enjoy a cold one.
If you’ve tried to cook at a campsite, you know what details matter. Lightweight materials (ideally ceramic), easy-to-clean nonstick coating, and a long-lasting durable finish that can withstand some bumps and bruises. This five-piece set from Ascend features all this and more — so you can worry more about cooking up delicious meals and stress less about making a mess.
A reliable insulated cooler is another campsite essential. There are few things worse than reaching into your swampy ice bucket to feel a lukewarm drink when you desperately need some refreshing hydration. This wearable cooler from Bass Pro Shops frees up your hands and offers both internal and external storage to keep items like meat and drinks separate.
If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty cooler, consider Bass Pro Shop’s Coldsnap Latch cooler. The lid locks tight to keep all your items sealed and cool and pops right open with a simple press of the latch for super-easy access. Thick thermal insulation ensured premium ice retention. This cooler even features a built-in bottle opener, so you can enjoy a cold one without the hassle.
Ensure all your batteries are charged up no matter where your adventure takes you. The OtterBox Fast Charge Power Bank delivers charge to 3.6 times faster than standard 5W charging. The sleek, lightweight build slides easily into a pocket, and the durable design has been drop-tested to ensure it can withstand a few stumbles.
One flashlight is never enough. I’ve learned this the hard way on many occasions. Since flashlights are generally small and easy to misplace, it’s important to come prepared with a set. These aluminum LED lights by Bass Pro Shops are sold in packs of three and have adjustable beams, so you can find just the right level of brightness.
Camping packs are not built equally, and the Ascend Printer is unmatched. This large-capacity backpack features multiple compartments for plenty of storage, padded shoulder straps, an adjustable suspension system, as well as a removable floating lid. Reviewers say it’s “built to last,” and we can’t disagree with that.
While it seems like a no-brainer, finding the right multi-purpose mat can really make or break a campsite. Bass Pro Shops offers this one made from heavy-duty, woven, stain-and mildew-resistant polypropylene. It fits perfectly on a picnic table but is also just the right size to use inside a tent for some added ground padding. The best part about it — the built-in handles for easy carrying and a useful front pocket for added storage.
It’s not often that you come by a six-person tent under $100. While some tents can be complicated to assemble, reviewers note that this Dome Tent pops up easily with simple directions. The waterproof tarp floor, large door window, and seam-tapped rain shield make this tent a reliable home and away from home for all your outdoor camping expeditions.
A Screen House is a wonderful purchase for longer camping trips, where you may want an easy oasis that offers some protection from sun and bugs, while still allowing prime nature viewing opportunities. This extra-tall mesh shelter allows optimal air ventilation while keeping away the mosquitos, doubling as the perfect setting for picnics and beach parties.
A good pair of trekking poles should accompany you on all your adventures, whether you’re walking down to the lake for some fresh air or traversing the side of a mountain for hours on end. This sturdy pair by Ascend Escalante offers a simple quick-lock adjustment lever to adjust the pole height for comfortable, customizable walking support.
We all know that cellphone coverage is spotty in the wilderness. Stay safe and within reach with a compact satellite that can receive messages from anywhere. In an emergency scenario, send an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC emergency-response center to alert them at any hour of the day. You can also use the Built-in TrackBack routing system to retrace your steps if you get lost.
Spend a few days at a campsite, and you’re sure to get bored of beef jerky and granola bars. For longer trips, we strongly suggest investing in a propane burner. This dual stainless steel burner system uses a Piezo electronic ignition for match-free lighting and individual burner control valves for total heat control. You’ll be searing steaks and frying up fish in no time.
As beautiful as the wilderness is, we also know it can come with a fair share of unpredictable moments. Having a survival and first aid kit on hand is always a good idea. This essentials kit by Bass Pro Shops offers a variety of wound care supplies, common medications, essential survival gear, and a few often-needed medical instruments, so you can enjoy your adventures with ease of mind.
Why buy all your camping-friendly cooking products individually, when you could bring the entire kitchen with you? This deluxe kitchen setup includes a heavy-duty bottom wire rack, zippered fabric pantry, internal shelves, a spice rack, utensil hooks, and even a paper towel holder. Set a grill atop and you’ll be ready for all the camping trips, tailgates, and barbeques in your future.
If you’re not a fan of sleeping on the ground (I don’t blame you there), meet this super sturdy, rugged polyester cot. This stable platform allows you to enjoy a good night’s sleep on a raised surface away from the creepy crawlers. A brilliantly-placed lever makes setup and takedown quick and easy. A convenient carry bag is included.
Proper skincare doesn’t stop at the campsite. This non-aerosol SPF 40 spray sunscreen is rich with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Indian Gooseberry to fight sun damage and replenish the immune system. Plus, it’s water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. You won’t find any trace of oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens in this dermatologist-developed formula.
Nobody wants to lug around a huge table. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, putting together a picnic, or heading to the lake for an extended camping trip — having a rust-resistant, lightweight, folding table will always make your gatherings that much more enjoyable. The compact build features a built-in handle for exceptionally simple transport.
Cabela’s offers a plentiful band of excellent tents to get you through all the seasons, but this six-person dome-shaped item is a favorite among shoppers. Reviewers say the sturdy pole frame holds up in even the toughest, windiest conditions and repels water excellently. A hanging entertainment system with a power port allows you to keep connected (if that is desired) and three well-placed pockets offer more space to store your gear off the floor.
As the camping list piles up, you’re probably thinking about how you’re going to find all the little things — flashlights, whistles, headlamps — when you need them most. A handy carabiner clasp allows you to attach your necessities right to your pack for easy access.
In all my years of camping, I’ve never gone without my canvas-shell sleeping bag. Cabela’s Mountain Trapper repels water and incorporates the desirable heavyweight finish and polyester filling for ideal temperature regulation, without the heavy weight of most sleeping gear. The rugged brushed outer and cozy flannel interior might just make you forget about your bed back home.
A nice hat is often forgotten when packing for an outdoor trip. Just imagine: you’ll quickly wish you had one while you’re frantically building your campsite as the UVs shoot down on your bare scalp. Don’t make that mistake. This embroidered baseball cap by Ascend boasts the sun-blocking design, plus a mesh back and snapback closure for a more custom fit.
There’s almost no point in investing in a nice sleeping bag if you’re just going to throw it atop a hard, pokey, uneven surface. This sleeping pad promises to keep you comfortable with whatever Mother Nature has in store. The open-cell foam provides ample cushioning and a waterproof PVC bottom repels moisture. No need to bring a bump — the dual plastic valves encourage speedy inflation and deflation.
Cabela’s popular camping pillow will keep your head off the ground and have you in dreamland in no time. This dual-side headrest is stuffed with fluffy, lightweight polyester fiber fill, which is easily compressible for tight packing conditions. It also comes with a convenient stuff sack, so you don’t have to worry about squeezing it into an awkward-fitting pocket.
Dressing with casual comfort is one of the luxuries of a camping trip. Made perfect for mornings walking around the campsite, these Ascend Mojave slip-on shoes are constructed with grippy rubber outsoles to keep you balanced on a variety of terrains, while still boasting all the best features of a cozy house slipper (memory foam footbeds and supportive shock-absorbing midsoles). Beware: you’re probably never going to want to take these off.
The sun may be shining, but the weather can always be unpredictable in the mountains and it’s always a good idea to have a handy jacket in your backhand when the rain starts falling. This camo full-zip is 100% waterproof. However, the unique engineering still allows sweat to escape, so you’re not swimming in condensation. The drawcord hem keeps you dry from the waist up and a three-piece hood offers head protection without blocking vision.
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