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CAMPING IN SUMMER 2021
It’s finally that time of year again when the days are long and the nights are warm. The start of the summer season also signals the busiest time of year for most campgrounds. Before you head out for a relaxing weekend in nature, you must have all the necessary equipment and accessories to ensure you have a smooth and memorable campout.
This guide will cover everything from your basic shelter and sleep system to vital tools and essential accessories that can help improve everyone’s summer camping experience.
ESSENTIALS FOR CAMPING IN SUMMER 2021
Camping gear
Your tent, sleep system and technical clothing are essential items to consider when planning a camping trip.
Tent
The tent size you’ll need depends on how many people you bring camping. Even during the summer, you’ll still want to choose a tent that comes with a waterproof fly since you never know when a surprise storm might blow in. If you prefer to sleep in a hammock instead of a traditional tent, you’ll also want to install a rainfly or tarp, considering you’ll be more exposed.
Sleep system
Your sleep system should consist of a quality sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow. Sleeping bags rated over 32 degrees are great summer bags, though high elevation campers may require slightly warmer bags. Sleeping pads are not simply for comfort. They also form a protective barrier, insulating your body from the cold or damp ground.
An inexpensive inflatable pillow may not seem like a necessity, but having a comfortable place to rest your head can lead to an improved night’s sleep and a better camping experience.
Clothing
It may be summer, but evenings can still get chilly. Depending on where you’re camping, you might encounter some wet weather. Having a packable rain jacket on hand can help in a variety of weather conditions.
SUMMER CAMPING ESSENTIALS
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent
With no confusing or frustrating assembly required, this budget-friendly, four-person tent offers superior quality that backpackers and car campers appreciate. The mesh sides and doors will let the summer breeze in, but the waterproof fly will keep out any inclement weather.
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Kelty Cosmic Down 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
This mummy-style sleeping bag can easily fit in a backpack, and the 550-fill down will provide the warmth you need without causing you to overheat on warmer summer nights.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Coleman Biscayne 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
If you’re looking to camp on a budget, this traditional sleeping bag will allow you to sleep comfortably in most temperatures, providing extra room for even the tallest campers.
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Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad
With a temperature rating of 35 degrees, the Big Agnes Air Core is a great warm weather pad with an antimicrobial treatment and uses a high-volume valve for quick inflation. An insulated model is also available for cooler weather.
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Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow
When packed, this pillow fits in the palm of your hand, taking up hardly any space in your pack or stored at home when not in use. All it takes is three to five breaths to inflate, making it a no-brainer for overnight trips.
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Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
Even if you don’t plan on spending the night in your hammock, it is still a great piece of camping gear to have when relaxing around your campsite. Just make sure you’re in an area with adequate tree coverage for proper setup.
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Bringing a rain jacket along on your camping trip is a bright idea no matter what time of year it is. Not only will it keep you dry during summer downpours, but it can also serve as a windbreaker on breezy nights.
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SUMMER CAMPING TOOLS
Multitools, fire starters and headlamps are essential items to bring along on every summer campout, as it’s always best to prepare for any scenario.
A classic multitool, the 14 unique features on the pocket-sized Leatherman Sidekick include a sharp blade, saw, pliers, bottle opener and more.
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UCO Sweetfire Biofuel Fire Starter
No campout is complete without a campfire. These strike-able firestarters will burn for up to seven minutes, giving you plenty of time to add kindling and build a hefty fire for cooking dinner or roasting s’mores.
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Black Diamond Astro 250 Headlamp
Headlamps are beneficial on multiple occasions, and this water-resistant model has a convenient dimming feature for those times when you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night or need to search for extra firewood.
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SUMMER CAMPING ACCESSORIES
Once you have all the necessary gear and tools, it’s time to focus on the camping accessories that will help elevate your camping trip.
Hot sunny weather means you’ll have to take extra effort to ensure your food and drinks stay cold throughout the duration of your campout. The durable Igloo BMX cooler can keep ice frozen for four to five days at 90 degrees.
Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
MOON LENCE Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chairs
Whether you’re at an established campground or roughing it in the backcountry, these extremely portable camp chairs let you set up anywhere and weigh only 2 pounds.
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MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Inflatable Light
If you don’t want to waste the batteries in your headlamp, a solar-powered lantern is a great eco-friendly way to light up your tent at night. This particular solar lantern can provide 24 hours of light on a single charge.
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Stansport Deluxe 24-Piece Enamel Tableware Set
When camping with a group, you’ll need a durable and long-lasting tableware set. This enamelware contains everything you need for a camp meal. Backpackers may want to opt for a more packable option.
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Coleman Company Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove
Unless you plan on cooking everything over an open fire, you’ll want to invest in a camp stove. This dual-burner model from Coleman can fit a 12-inch frying pan and operates even in windy or wet conditions.
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Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
A trusty portable charge is necessary if you don’t want to find yourself stuck in the wilderness with a dead phone battery. Fully charge your phone up to three times with the small and lightweight Anker PowerCore.
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Ben’s InvisiNet Bug Repellent Head Net
Bug spray works great, but sometimes when summer camping, especially in the mountains, mosquitoes can be relentless. In those cases, mesh head nets can keep the bugs away and prevent you from being confined to your tent when they start to swarm.
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Matthew Young is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
