We’ve waited all winter long to bust out our camping gear, but summer is finally here! Check out 2019’s most underrated yet awesome camping essentials:
Breakfast is temporary, memories are forever.
1) LifeStraw
What is a LifeStraw, you ask? Just a tiny life-saving tool that weighs about two grams! This amazing compact water filter is ideal for hiking, backpacking, camping, traveling, quenching thirst, and likely any emergency situation. Its straw-style filter can convert up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water into safe drinking water. Whether you actively crave river water or just want to be safe, LifeStraw is a key to backcountry success.
2) Duct Tape
Duct Tape is known for its ability to fix just about anything and you never know when it’ll come in handy. Ranging from a traditional grey color to more stylish hues and patterns, this simple tape is delightfully multi-functional. From mending rips and tears in tents and footwear to bandaging wounds and wrapping sprained ankles, duct tape is a must on any camping trip.
(Pro Tip: Remove the cardboard roll to lighten your load and flatten for packing. Also, please remember to #leavenotrace and pick up your tape! Learn more about LNT here.)
3) Inflatable Lantern
Light up your life and your campsite with an inflatable lantern! Inflatable lanterns are transparent, flexible plastic discs that inflate like a beach ball. Their small size and light weight make packing a breeze. Inside the bottom of the lantern are LED lights powered by solar panels on the lantern’s exterior. Additionally, most inflatable lanterns last anywhere from 6-8 hours, so you can keep the party going all night long.
4) Floating Air Chair
It’s time to master the art of straight up chillin’ with floating air chairs. They are portable, lightweight, and surprisingly durable. These floating chairs enhance your camping experience in so many ways that you’ll be mad you didn’t get one earlier. Conveniently, they also fold up into a carrying case, allowing you to bring them on hikes (and encouraging napping on the go).
5) Solar-Powered Charger
Times have changed since the dark ages when people used to camp without electronics. These days, it’s essential to have a solar powered charger with you at all times. You never know when you’ll need to charge a GPS to navigate away from a bear’s den, or a cellphone so you don’t miss that late night booty call. No, we’re not judging.
6) Portable Pocket Shower
After a sweaty day outside, sometimes the best thing ever is jumping into a cold mountain lake. Let’s be real though, some of us aren’t that hardcore and would prefer a hot shower. Usually, that isn’t an option while camping though… until now! Portable Pocket Showers are built into the base of a compact shower head that uses an on/off twist to manage the flow of water. Their black fabric soaks up the sun during the day at basecamp, prepping for a warm shower. As a result, you can feel so fresh, so clean even at your campsite.
Feeling inspired yet? For your next adventure, check out Denver camping gear rentals on Gearo!
