What I’m Packing: 10 Items I’m Bringing Everytime
Over the years, I’ve wasted money on camping gear that broke, leaked, or felt like a good idea until I was three hours from home trying to make it work.
This list isn’t about packing light — it’s about packing smart. These are the items that earned their spot in my gear bin because they’re durable, useful, and actually make camping better.
I don’t care about trends. I care about gear that does its job, without a user manual or a meltdown.
Coleman Classic Propane Stove
🔗 https://packthetent.com/stove
It’s not fancy, but it fires up every time, cooks evenly, and doesn’t make a scene when it’s windy. I’ve made eggs, coffee, and quesadillas on this thing — sometimes all at once.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Foam Pad
🔗 https://packthetent.com/sleepingpad
Forget air mattresses that deflate by midnight. This pad is light, folds up tight, and adds enough cushion to save your spine. Also works as a makeshift camp bench.
Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair
🔗 https://packthetent.com/rockingchair
This chair doesn’t sink, sag, or squeak — and it locks in place so you’re not collapsing mid-s’more. More comfortable than anything foldable has a right to be, and the cup holder actually holds cups.
REDCAMP Folding Camping Table
🔗 https://packthetent.com/foldingtable
Whether you’re playing cards or just trying to cut a tomato without using your knee, this table earns its spot. It folds flat, sets up in under a minute, and keeps everything off the dirt — including your beer.
YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle
🔗 https://packthetent.com/rambler26
I’ve left this bottle in the sun for hours and still had ice. It’s tough, doesn’t leak, and works just as well for hot coffee in the morning.
Waterproof Dry Bag
🔗 https://packthetent.com/drybag
Rain, river crossings, or that one friend who always spills something — this bag has you covered. It’s tough, totally waterproof, and has a shoulder strap to haul it without feeling like a mule.
Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT Multitool
🔗 https://packthetent.com/multi-tool
Need to cut cord, open a can, tighten a screw, or deal with something sharp and unexpected? This thing lives in my glove box and gets used every single trip.
Jansport Daypack
🔗 https://packthetent.com/daypack
This one’s a classic for a reason. It’s lightweight, no-frills, and just plain works. Enough space for layers, snacks, and the inevitable junk you pick up along the way. It’s been around forever because it nails the balance between simplicity and usefulness — no extra straps, no tactical cosplay.
Backpack Cooler
🔗 https://packthetent.com/backpackcooler
You could bring a heavy cooler, or you could throw this on your back and head to the river with both hands free. It keeps drinks cold for hours, doesn’t leak, and doubles as a chair in a pinch. Not essential for survival — but a game-changer for morale.
Rechargeable LED Headlamp
🔗 https://packthetent.com/headlamp
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I like to keep my hands free as much as possible — and this headlamp is part of that plan. It’s bright, lightweight, and rechargeable, so you’re not stuck packing extra batteries. Whether I’m cooking, digging around in my bag, or trying not to trip over a log, this thing just works.
Packing this all up..
There’s a lot of gear out there that looks good on Instagram but falls apart in real life. These are the things that earned their keep — not because they’re trendy, but because they work. And when you’re out in the woods, that’s what matters.
