18 Camping Essentials for People Who Struggle With the Outdoors

Mar 31, 2021

Love camping but feel a little unsure about "roughing it?" You'd be surprised at all the products available to help turn any camping trip into your new favorite type of adventure. Here are the best products and gear you'll need to make the great outdoors truly great... and a little more comfortable.

Otterbox Trooper LT 30 Cooler ($300): This 30-quart cooler will keep all your favorite foods and beverages cold (and it keeps ice for up to three days). It has a leakproof seal, thermal insulation, and wide opening. Plus it's water-resistant, comes with a bottle opener, and converts into a backpack to make transport easier.

Rumpl The Original Puffy Blanket ($99): Why leave the comforts of home at home when you can bring it on the road? This packable puffy blanket is warm, waterproof, odor-resistant, and machine-washable.

Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove ($146): Camping food doesn't have to be cold or eaten out of a can. Bring a portable stove that has two powerful 20,000 BTU burners and you can whip up all your favorite foods wherever you are.

Someone Somewhere Malt Everywhere Bag ($135): Rugged enough for the mountains and stylish enough for everyday use, this backpack has it all: 17 secret compartments, a deep water bottle pocket, space for your tablet and notebook, and a place for your passport. Plus, because Someone Somewhere works with artisans in Mexico, each bag features the name of the artisan that made it.

Hydro Flask 32 oz Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series ($50): Stay hydrated in style with this water bottle. The innovative stainless steel design means this bottle is 25% lighter than other 32oz bottles.

Intex Prestige Downy Airbed Kit with Hand Held Battery Pump ($40): Give your sleeping surface a little extra cushion with this airbed that comes with a handheld pump (just don't forget to bring batteries).

Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for Four ($80): This scratch-resistant, rust-proof cook set is great for outdoor eating and cooking — it comes with a pot, frying pan, flatware, utensils, trivets, and more. And it conveniently all stacks into one easy-to-carry package.

AllTrails (Free, $30/year for Pro Account on iOS and Android): Find the best trails nearby with this app, which includes driving directions, trail maps, difficulty levels, reviews, and more. It's like having your own trail guide in the palm of your hand.

Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket ($200): Keep the elements off your body with a warm jacket that's made from 100% postconsumer recycled polyester.

Coleman Dome Tent ($100 for a 4-Person Tent): This dome tent has waterproof floors, protected seams, and large windows for ventilation. It has continuous pole sleeves with reportedly cut down setup time to just 10 minutes.

Mystery Ranch In & Out 19L Backpack ($79): Bring an extra bag without the bulk:This durable daypack folds into its own front pocket and is ready for any adventure.

Bottle Bright ($8): Do you remember the last time you really cleaned your reusable water bottle? Us either. Just drop one of these chlorine-free handy tablets in a bottle full of water, wait about 15 minutes, and you'll be germ-free once again.

Darn Tough Vermont Women's Merino Wool Micro Crew Cushion Socks ($21+): There's nothing like a blister to ruin a hike. These lifetime-guaranteed merino wool socks won't slip or bunch, and they'll keep your feet cool all day long.

Patagonia Provisions Organic Fruit + Almond Bars ($27 for a 12-Pack): Make sure you have healthy snacks on hand to ward away hunger. These bars are made with just organic fruit, almonds, seeds, fruit juice and are easy to throw into a pocket or bag.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter ($30): Even though the likelihood of you not having potable water available is slim, it never helps to be prepared by bringing a personal water filter. And you'll feel like a true outdoor adventurer carrying one.

REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent ($5): This plant-based, DEET-free spray protects you from bugs for up to six hours and has a lemon eucalyptus scent.

Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler ($35): Kick back at your campsite in this foldable chair that has a cushioned back and room to hold four cans, so you'll barely even have to get up.

Stanley Adventure Stainless Steel Happy Hour Shaker ($35): This stainless steel cocktail shaker comes with a juice reamer, jigger, and two glasses. Because happy hour doesn't stop just because you leave the city.

Let us know your camping must haves @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

15 Fun Things To Do With Mom That Aren’t Mother’s Day Brunch

All moms are not created equal. Sure, some crave a leisurely mimosa-laden brunch or a mother-daughter mani-pedi outing for Mother’s Day, but we also know moms who are up for an impromptu road trip, baseball game or epic karaoke sesh. No matter what kind of mama you have, it’s time to step up your Mother’s Day game with these 15 activities.

Image via Katerina Holmes/Pexels

1. Go on a weekend getaway. If your relationship is on the Rory-Lorelei side of the spectrum, you can probably handle a fun weekend getaway. Try a relaxing spa package, a museum-centric urban destination, or something a little more outdoorsy like whitewater rafting or mountain biking. You can also book a unique place to stay for a short escape. (Photo via Getty)

2. Thrift ’til you drop. Retail therapy is a relaxing activity for many a mom, but why not be a little more adventurous and hit up some local thrift shops? They’re cheaper and full of rare vintage gems that are ripe for the upcycling.

3. Make her fave food into a DIY spread. Is mom crazy for popcorn or does she dig donut holes? Set up a fun, festive DIY food bar for the whole fam featuring her favorite snacks.

4. Do mother-daughter yoga. Maybe you’ve got a Lululemon-sporting lady or she’s never even said “Namaste.” Either way, a grown-up version of a Mommy-and-Me yoga class can be a great way to bond and relax together.

Image via Ron Lach/Pexels

5. Go hiking, camping, or glamping. Pack up some gear and tent it for a night or just find a picturesque place to hike, picnic, and get some al fresco Instagram fodder.

6. Be baseball fans. Does mom root, root, root for the home team? If not, no worries: Even the sports-illiterate can have a ton of fun at baseball games. Pro tip: Minor League games are just as much fun, and you’ll avoid spending an entire paycheck at the stadium.

7. Sing karaoke. Put all that car-ride harmonizing to good use at your favorite karaoke spot. Bonus points if you serenade her with Sting.

8. Host a game night. Gather all of Mom’s favorite board games and take care of the snacks, drinks, and clean-up. All she needs to do is show up and have fun.

Image via Helena Lopes/Pexels

9. Hit up the dive bar. Proceed at your own risk. If you’re not careful, Mom just might drink you under the table. Maybe Dad can be sober cab…

10. Make homemade face scrubs. Thrifty, beauty product-loving moms will be thrilled that they can make their favorite face scrubs, lip scrubs, lip balms, or even bath bombs at home.

11. Bust out the pink foam rollers. When else are you going to use these beauty relics? Might as well experiment on each other’s hair, and have some LOLs while you do it.

Image via Zen Chung/Pexels

12. Have a pizza party. No need to call for delivery. Making the pizza together is half the fun. Just add wine for the perfect night in. (Photo via Getty)

13. Host an at-home happy hour: Mom deserves a night off. Be her bartender for the evening and mix up some fancy cocktails she might not normally order.

14. Set off on an impromptu road trip. Rent a convertible and make like Thelma + Louise — without all the tragedy, of course. Just think of the selfies you’ll take!

15. Garden Together: Not to stereotype, but moms tend to know what they’re doing in this department. So why not dig in the dirt together? A cleaner alternative: Get some trendy indoor plants.

What will you do for your mom on Mother’s Day? Let us know @BritandCo.

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Nicole Kidman Is Officially Back For "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!