9 CAMPING ESSENTIALS + FREE CHECKLIST
Being Prepared for ANYTHING
It’s the season that you start camping in the mountains, and we need to be prepared!
I say prepared because I recently went on a run during a thunderstorm in the French Alps, and I was NOT prepared. I was high up in the mountains, crossing snow patches that if you slipped you’d die (I’m not kidding!), it was raining and thunderstorming, and I didn’t have a rain jacket/hat/extra layer. It freaked me, and it wasn’t the best decision, I know.
Lesson learned…
I recently went hiking and camping with a friend and had a blast! We hiked from Chamonix, France to Courmayeur, Italy in about a day and a half as part of the TMB route! We lucked out and perfect weather, but I felt pretty prepared to take on the mountains incase a bad or dangerous situation occurred.
Share YOUR Stories and Advice!
Any recommended gear for camping? If you have any recommendations drop it in the comments for others to know too! Have a story? Share it in the comments below for others to find and read! Enjoyed this read, 9 CAMPING ESSENTIALS + FREE CHECKLIST? Drop your opinion in the comments below! 😉
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you. 😉
Table of Contents
1. THE TENT: MSR Hubba Hubba Two-Person Lightweight Tent
Why we love it: I’ve personally used this tent on camping trips high up in the French Alps, and can tell you that I absolutely love it! It’s light, super easy to pack up, and perfect for a solo woman traveler. 😉
In other words, this is a 2 person tent that is has a lot of living space inside, and out. It only weighs 3.5 lbs. It has Xtreme Shield Waterproof Coating lasts up to 3 times longer than standard waterproof coatings, and can take on very strong winds without getting ripped.
GET THIS TENT: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
2. THE SLEEPING PAD: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Air Mattress
Why we love it: This sleeping pad only weighs around 0.3 lbs. This pad inflates in under 2 minutes, and can pack down smaller than a regular sized water bottle! 😉
BUY NOW THE SLEEPING PAD: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Minimalist Backpacking Air Mattress
3. THE SLEEPING BAG: The North Face One Bag Camping Sleeping Bag
Why we love it: Designed for maximal comfort with a twist of an interesting feature: it has a 3-in-1 sleep system. The sleeping bag has three layers to ensure maximum comfort from 5F to 40F degrees. A bonus feature: “fleece-lined compression sack can be turned inside out and uses as a camp pillow”. It also very easily packs into stuff sack.
BUY NOW: The North Face One Bag Camping Sleeping Bag
OTHER OPTIONS: The North Face Cat’s Meow 20F / -7C Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Why we love it: I LOVE my North Face Cat’s Meow, and have used it in the high French Alps to keep warm. I do very much recommend it for your hiking adventure.
Here’s a little bit more detail about the sleeping bag:
The Cat’s Meow sleeping bag has around a 20F degree comfort. It has a water-repellent finish and made out of durable fabrics that can easily be packed into a stuff sack.
BUY NOW: The North Face Cat’s Meow 20F / -7C Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Please note: the temperature of sleeping bags limit can fluctuate depending on regional weather conditions.
4. THE KITCHEN
a. Titanium Alloy – Cooking Stove Portable Ultralight
Why we love it: Okay, so I’ve used this stove so many times and I love it so much. I think it’s so cute, and so light weight. It’s been perfect for my adventures! I definitely recommend this stove as a cute little present for a friend or family member who is fond of adventures!
b. Sea to Summit X-Pot Collapsible Camping Cook Pot
Why we love it: I have also used this product in my camping adventures, and not only do I love it because it’s super light weight and really easy to use, but my friends love it too. This pot is super light weight, and very durable to the heat. I recommend checking it out, and adding it to your next adventure.
STORY TIME: My friend and I went camping in the French Alps recently on our way to Courmayeur, Italy. For dinner we had soup, and I pulled out this handy little collapsible camping cook pot and I still can’t get over his reaction: he thought it was the coolest cooking pot he’d ever seen!
BUY NOW: Sea to Summit X-Pot Collapsible Camping Cook Pot, 2.8 Liter, Olive
5. THE HEADLAMP: Black Diamond Equipment Headlamp
Why we love it: A simple, yet very popular headlamp that emits up to 400 lumens on the max setting. This is a compact headlamp that is pretty light. A side note, it uses four AAA batteries.
Why need a headlamp when you have a phone?
Haha, I ask myself this question sometimes^ but in reality we need to be prepared. To prepare for the worst, or for something simple, like our phone dies and it’s pitch black outside!
BUY NOW: Black Diamond Equipment – Storm 400 Headlamp
6. THE RAIN JACKET: Outdoor Research Women’s Helium II Jacket – Lightweight Waterproof Rain Gear
Why we love it: Honestly I am the biggest fan of this jacket, and I really rely on it when I’m in the mountains. I even keep it in my computer backpack for everyday life, just incase! The best parts about this jacket though:
Waterproof, wind resistance, and totally breathable. This is a reallyyyyy lightweight jacket – well, if you checkout my other post you’ll see how I compared two particular jackets and you’ll find out which one is my real favorite. 😉 Otherwise, this jacket is a fully seam-taped and built YKK AquaGuard zippers, made 100% Nylon with super cool reflective logos, and a front zipper pocket pocket that doubles as a packable travel stuff sack!
BUY NOW: Outdoor Research Women’s Helium II Jacket – Lightweight Waterproof Rain Gear
7. THE DOWN JACKET: Outdoor Research Women’s Illuminate
Why we love it: I have similar feelings towards this jacket just like the Outdoor Research Helium jacket – it’s awesome. Here are some great things about: “Responsible Down Standard (RDS) ensures the down does not come from animals that have been subject to any unnecessary harm, such as force-feeding or live-plucking” Sturdy nylon shell and lining provide light weather resistance and next-to-skin comfort. Brushed tricot interior and zip-closure chest media pocket ensure hands and valuables stay warm and secure.
GET THE LOOK: Outdoor Research Women’s W’s Illuminate Down Jacket
OTHER OPTIONS: Marmot Women’s Featherless Hoody
Why we love it: Stays warm even when wet. I think that’s all you need to know! Hahaha, but seriously though that’s pretty cool. Let’s take a deeper look at this jacket:
Made with 75% recycled content this lightweight down jacket is perfect for the mountains or for just wearing around. There is an attached hood which offers weather protection. Just like the jacket above, this jacket stuffs into an interior zippered sack for space-saving storage!
BUY NOW: Find out more about this jacket Marmot Women’s Featherless Hoody
8. THE GLOVES: Black Diamond Wind Hood Gridtech Gloves
Why we love it: Besides being a popular gift and chosen item to purchase among my peers, these gloves are perfect for hiking, running, ski touring, or biking. Bare in mind these aren’t the warmest gloves, but more as gloves for hiking or just that extra measure to take with you during your camping adventures. These gloves are made out of fleece and have a windproof and water resistant stowable mitt. The palm of the glove is a silicone grip. There is also a reflective logo!
BUY NOW: Black Diamond Wind Hood Gridtech Gloves
9. THE FOOD!
Food!!! How could one resist lovely hiking/camping food?! Although there isn’t a direct link and source to food (hahahaha), I’ve put together a list of sources and links that are very useful to help spark ideas and to suit your needs!
Vegan/Vegetarian:
If you’re more into or on the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, check out this blog post about vegan freeze dried meals that are perfect for camping!
Gluten Free:
Are you gluten free? No worries…I got you! 😉 Check out these awesome gluten free camping recipes! Maybe you’re looking for a complete guide for gluten free camping? Check out this amazing and well written blog post that goes into full detail about gluten free camping!
Dairy Free:
Dairy free? No problem! I’ve listed a few sources that can help you with your journey! Here’s a website to buy ready to-go dairy free camping premade food.
A good list and website to keep on hand for those quick and easy hiking snacks. Lastly, a great website to look for dairy free meals that you can easily make while out on your camping trip!
My Favorites:
- THE ONE MEAL FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
- 3 INGREDIENT VEGAN BREAKFAST BOWL
- BREAKFAST SUSHI
- BETTER THAN COOKIE DOUGH OVERNIGHT-OATS
- BEST HIKING SNACKS AND EASY TO PACK RECIPES FOR YOUR NEXT HIKE
ARE YOU A COFFEE LOVER?!
Check out this blog post: 3 BEST WAYS TO MAKE COFFEE DURING A HIKING TRIP
Free Essential Camping CHECKLIST
Need to a little guide for your next camping trip? Check out this Free Essential Camping Checklist for your next big adventure into the mountains!
If you enjoyed 9 CAMPING ESSENTIALS + FREE CHECKLIST 3 BEST WAYS TO MAKE COFFEE DURING A HIKING TRIP for other inspirational ideas!
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