15 Camping Products For People Who Hate Camping

Do I hate camping? No. There are plenty of worse ways to spend a weekend. Do I love camping? Also no, which is why I spent months ordering products that would help make our family’s scheduled trip to the wilderness easier and more comfortable.

For his part, my husband has spent years accumulating things that will increase my odds of enjoying camping: a cozy air mattress, lanterns, a portable refrigerator for our various deli meats and cheeses.

Between the two of us, we’ve acquired a pretty solid lineup of items that will make your camping trip as seamless as possible — even if camping isn’t your thing.

Insulated Bowls, YETI ($30+)

The importance of a good bowl cannot be overstated, and bowls for camping require special characteristics. These bowls from YETI are low so they’re super stackable, come with fitted tops to prevent spillage, and are insulated so your food stays cold (or hot). They were so helpful for camping that now I’m just using them to store freshly cut fruits and veggies in the fridge.

Padded Camping Sofa, Guide Gear ($160)

I did a story on camping chairs last year and by and large, my favorite were the chairs from Guide Gear. They have an oversized padded chair, but the looks of envy I got around the campfire for this giant loveseat? Well worth fishing it out from the attic.

Packing Cubes, Peak Design ($15-25)

There’s nothing worse than opening your duffel to find your clothes all strewn about. Streamline your packing with some cubes! We like these lightweight ones from Peak Design, which come in different sizes and fabrics.

Portable Power Station, Anker ($450)

My husband ordered one of these portable fridges during an Amazon Prime Day sale. When it arrived, he proceeded to show it to every visitor who came to our house. I was not impressed — until we went camping. This thing is SO COOL. It doesn’t require a plug and has two zones for different temps. It was hugely helpful and far superior to an ice chest.

CozyGrip Slipper Socks, Comrad ($38)

I’ve had these Comrad socks for years but never was I more grateful for them than when I was tucked into my sleeping bag, toes all toasty.

High-Rise Air Mattress, Intex ($67)

If you’re going to get a air mattress, make it one that’s just as tall as your bed at home, amirite? I don’t care that we didn’t sleep on the ground. This thing made it possible for us to get a full night’s rest. Or we would have, if we didn’t have small children.

Solar String Lights, BioLite ($100)

If you’re in the woods, you may as well make it look like fairies are among you. This string of lights from BioLite were a big hit because they’re solar powered and come in a great twist-to-use case.

Original HydroBag, WanderFull ($59)

Planning on leaving your site to go for a little hike? First of all, good for you. Secondly, definitely grab one of these HydroBags designed to hold a water bottle. They come in 32(!) color combos and are large enough to house your Stanley (or your Miir, Owala, etc.).

ReEmber Slip On Shoes, Teva ($80)

I tested a pair of these for Country Living and dang, I didn’t expect to like them as much as I did! They easily convert from shoe to slipper and came in clutch for getting in and out of the tent.

All Day Straw Cup, Miir ($40)

I’m in a phase of my life in which I solely drink out of flexible straws. This Miir cup is the more durable, giant-er version of my beloved tumbler, and it’s perfect for camping.

Puffy Blanket Poncho, Wren ($78)

Shoutout to Bespoke Post for sending this hilariously oversized poncho that kept me and my husband warm by the campfire. It’s so lightweight that we were surprised by how well it retained heat!

Large Roll-Top Table, Wren ($78)

The folks at Bespoke Post also sent this roll-top table, which proved to be super easy to transport. It was perfect for pre-dinner snacking and would make a great card table. It’s higher than it looks, so plan to pack some director’s chairs.

Canvas Sleeping Pad, Teton ($110)

The amount of whining we did not have to endure because we put these under our kids’ sleeping bags? Chef’s kiss.

Portable Power Station, Anker ($450)

I’m hesitant to admit that we used the version of this bank that is even more powerful. My husband asserts that this level of power is just fine for a weekend away. (The exception being if you’re camping with a toddler who needs to charge a tiny John Deere tractor.)

Camping Lanterns, Etekcity ($28 for 4)

The inside of a tent should be a cozy, carefree zone. Instead, I insist on carrying in a flashlight and making turning it into a rave warehouse until I can find the exact right angle that will properly illuminate the space. Don’t be me. Use these twistable lanterns!