Camping Gear

We LOVE outdoor gear, and over the years have gotten to try out so many different types of camping gear and have learned the right gear can make or break your outdoor experience. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The key to selecting the right gear for your family adventure is understanding the type of camping you’ll be doing. Are you planning a weekend getaway with the car packed full of gear? Or are you thinking about venturing into the wilderness for a more minimalist backpacking trip? The gear you choose should reflect the style of camping you prefer, and the good news is, there’s something for everyone!

In this post, we’ll break down the essential gear for two popular & opposite types of camping—traditional or car camping and backpacking—and offer tips for choosing the right equipment for each.

If you are new to camping I always recommend with starting right in your own backyard to get familiar and comfortable with using your equipment. Then you can try camping at a campground, primitive car camping, and working your way up to backpacking.

1. Traditional or Car Camping: Comfort & Convenience

Car camping is the perfect introduction to outdoor adventures for families. You can drive to your campsite, set up camp, and enjoy the comforts of home while immersing yourself in nature. Since you’ll be able to bring a carload of gear, you have the freedom to pack heavier, bulkier items that prioritize comfort and convenience. It’s a great way to test out your gear and see what you will actually use and what you won’t.

Essential Car Camping Gear:

*Click here for all the links to our specific car camping gear.*

• Tent: Look for a spacious, durable tent that offers enough room for your family. Consider one with extra vestibule space for gear storage. Easy setup tents with pre-attached poles can make the process quicker and less stressful. Our car camping tent has blackout material which is great for kiddos who nap during the day or for when the sun sets late & rises early during the summer months so the whole family can sleep better.

• Sleeping Bags & Pads: Since you’ll be sleeping near your vehicle, you can afford to bring bulkier sleeping bags & pads that offer more comfort. You can bring your regular pillow from home.

• Camping Stove & Cooking Gear: A two-burner camping stove is a great addition for car camping families, allowing you to cook meals in comfort. We love a camp stove with a griddle option. Pair it with cookware, utensils, and a cooler to store perishable food.

• Camp Chairs & Table: For a relaxing experience, camp chairs and a foldable table can make mealtime and relaxation time much more enjoyable. Take advantage of the extra space and bring something comfy. We have a camp couch that we absolutely LOVE.

• Lighting: Lanterns and string lights are perfect for car camping. These provide ample lighting for cooking and socializing after the sun sets.

• Portable Battery: We always bring a battery to charge our devices.

• Coolers & Food Storage: Since you’ll likely bring more food on a car camping trip, make sure to invest in a high-quality cooler to keep things fresh. If you will regularly camp in bear country it may be worth it to invest in a bear resistant cooler.

Pro Tips for Car Camping:

• Think about bringing some family-friendly comforts like board games, a hammock, or even a portable speaker to enjoy music around the campfire.

• While it’s tempting to bring a lot of gear, try to balance convenience with comfort to avoid overloading your vehicle.

2. Backpacking: Lightweight & Packable

Backpacking is an entirely different experience. You’ll be carrying everything you need on your back, so weight and packability are the primary considerations. For families looking to challenge themselves with a more physically demanding adventure, choosing the right gear is crucial for staying comfortable and safe while on the trail.

Here is a list of links for the specific backpacking gear I use.

Essential Backpacking Gear:

• Backpacks: Choose a backpack with adjustable straps and a comfortable, supportive frame. For families, look for larger packs (around 65-80L) to carry shared gear, or individual packs with ample room for personal items.

• Tent: A lightweight tent is essential when backpacking. Look for a tent that is both compact and easy to set up, with enough room for your family. You can do two smaller backpacking tents or a larger, ultralight family tent. We have an ultralight 3-person backpacking tent mom + 3 kids fit in, while dad usually sleeps in his hammock or bivy next to it.

• Sleeping Bags & Pads: In the backpacking world, warmth, weight, and compactness are key. Choose down sleeping bags that pack down small but still offer the necessary warmth for your environment. Inflatable sleeping pads or foam pads are common choices for backpackers because they’re lightweight but offer decent insulation. I usually bring a double pad for my kids to share instead of 3 individual pads.

• Cooking Gear: When backpacking, less is more. A small, single-burner stove is usually enough. Invest in a compact cookware set that fits inside your backpack. Look for freeze-dried meals or simple ingredients to make meal prep easier while keeping your pack light. When in bear country make sure to have proper food storage.

• Clothing: Layering is key when hiking in varying temperatures. Choose moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics that will keep your family comfortable. Don’t over pack. I usually only pack a clean change of outfit to sleep in, underwear, and socks. We will wear the same hiking outfit (maybe bringing a clean shirt for trips longer than 3 days). You can almost always catch my backpacking in a sun shirt.

• Water Filtration: Unlike car camping, water sources may not be readily available when backpacking. A portable water filter or purification tablets are essential to ensure safe drinking water on the trail.

• Navigation Tools: A map, compass, or GPS device will help you stay on track. Even if you’re on well-marked trails, it’s always smart to have backup navigation tools & an emergency communication device.

Pro Tips for Backpacking:

• Start with shorter hikes and build up your family’s stamina and packing skills. It’s important not to overestimate how much weight you can carry.

• Share the load: If you have older kids, let them carry their own gear or split the load of shared gear between family members.

3. A Quick Gear Comparison: Car Camping vs. Backpacking

Generally you don’t want to use car camping gear backpacking because it is heavier and bulky, but you don’t want to use strictly backpacking gear for car camping because it is more expensive and lighter weight which usually means not as durable. BUT you don’t need a complete set up of each. If you are wanting to go traditional camping AND backpacking look for gear that will work for both. For example, we have down sleeping bags that we use for every single one of our camping trips. Other gear that I recommend investing in and using for all styles of camping include…

• Headlamp

• Sleeping bag & camp pillow

• Lightweight mess kit

General Tips for Both Types of Camping:

• Pack in layers: For both car camping and backpacking, packing your gear in layers helps with organization and makes it easier to access what you need.

• Pack out what you pack in: This is key for both types of camping. Ensure you have enough trash bags to bring out all your waste.

• Don’t forget the extras: Items like extra batteries, duct tape (for quick repairs), and a small multi-tool can make a huge difference in an emergency situation.

• Practice packing: Before your trip, practice packing your backpack or car to make sure everything fits and you can access your gear easily.

4. Conclusion: Finding Your Family’s Perfect Gear

Ultimately, the type of camping your family does will guide your gear choices. Car camping offers a world of comfort and convenience, making it a great way to introduce kids to the joys of camping without sacrificing the comforts of home. On the other hand, backpacking requires a more minimalistic approach, but it rewards you with the experience of getting off the beaten path and enjoying a deeper connection with nature.

Whatever type of camping you choose, be sure to invest in quality gear that suits your family's needs, and remember—camping is about more than just the gear. It's about spending time together, making memories, and experiencing the great outdoors. Happy camping!!