Photo by danilsnegmb via iStock
This article was last updated on May 30,2024.
With the warm months approaching, camping is slowly becoming more comfortable.
There is no cold, rain, or even snow to ruin the day, just sunshine and good weather – hopefully, anyway!
To help you get ready for the summer to come, below is a summer camping list that will make every trip an absolute blast!
Table of Contents
- Have Reliable Power
- Make Great Meals
- Have a Place to Eat
- Have a Comfortable Place to Sit
- Get Away from the Bugs
- Light Up Camp
- Get Cleaned Up
- Have a Place to Sleep
- Stay Warm at Night
- Summer Camping Gear List – Final Thoughts
Have Reliable Power
During summer, we often need to run small AC units or even fans to keep us cool. These gadgets use a lot of power; therefore, a propane generator like the ALP will be a great addition to our gear list.
The fact that the ALP 1000-watt propane generator runs on propane means that carrying fuel is easy – you only need the propane canisters.
A normal gasoline-powered generator requires cans of fuel which can be smelly.
Therefore, they need to be mounted on a roof rack.
The benefits of the ALP generator don’t just stop there. It is eco-friendly by being EPA and CARB approved, has a long-lasting 60-hour run time on a 20lb tank at 25% load (more like 45-50 hours during normal use), and at just under 30lb it is easy to transport and store.
The unit offers multiple charging ports, pure sine-wave technology, low oil shutoff, an ultra-bright LED for emergencies, and a 1-year limited warranty.
The ALP 1000-watt propane generator is a great option for big families as the power can is easily renewable and reliable.
Furthermore, if you need more juice, you can pair two ALP generators together to double the output.
The ALP 1000-watt propane generator offers quality and usability at a great price – and that’s why we love it!
Make Great Meals
For me, the best part about camping is the camp meals. Sitting around the fire with good mates and a plate of food is something I cherish.
During winter, we often skimp on cooking though. It’s cold and wet, so we choose the pot noodles instead.
However, summer is great for such activities, and to ensure every camp meal is great we suggest you have a look at the Camp Chef PRO60X two-burner stove.
This camp stove has a total power rating of 60,000 BTU, matchless ignition, and a 14-inch x 32-inch cooking grate – it really is a home kitchen at camp.
Cold, wind, or heat will be no issue for the Camp Chef. It offers a three-sided windscreen to ensure the flames keep on running.
The folding side shelves, steel back handle, and seamless pairing with all Camp Chef branded 30”/60” accessories mean that you will have flexibility when cooking while also having a portable stove. Not bad, right?!
Have a Place to Eat
Having space to use for cooking and eating is crucial during summer camping. A normal camping table can many times be enough; however, if you want some additional space then the Tire Table is the perfect solution.
This is a sturdy table that mounts onto the tire of your truck and is the perfect size for two people to enjoy their meal or for single-person cooking.
It is made from powder-coated aircraft grade 6061 aluminum so it is lightweight and rust-resistant.
It can hold up to 50lbs, and because it is made from aluminum, cooking on it or placing hot plates or pans should be no issue.
As it mounts on the tire, it isn’t affected by uneven ground, so you get a stable and level table no matter where you are.
The whole table weighs just 5.5lbs and measures 29” L x 23” W x 1.5” thick, so it’s a small and portable addition to your camping kit!
Have a Comfortable Place to Sit
Coleman items should always be on a summer camping gear list. The company is one of the most famous in the world for good reason.
They offer quality, at a great price.
This specific chair by Coleman is the perfect company for any summer camping trip as it features a built-in 4 can cooler.
So, regardless of where you happen to be, you can enjoy some cold drinks while remaining comfortable thanks to a fully cushioned seat and back.
The chair also features side pockets, a mesh cup holder, adjustable arm heights, and a carry bag.
The heavy-duty steel frame can support up to 300 pounds and the dimensions of the chair come in at 24 inches wide and 18.1 inches high.
Get Away from the Bugs
One of the most annoying things about summer camping is the bugs. As the weather heats up they seem to be everywhere.
To save a lot of frustration, go for the Quest 12’ x 12’ Screen Canopy Tent. It provides 100 square feet of shade and protection from the sun while also keeping the bugs out.
The fabric used is water-resistant and fire retardant so it will be fine in rain, or while cooking inside.
The frame is made from fiberglass and the screen house includes a durable 450mm polyester carrying bag with two straps which makes transport convenient.
The walk-in height is 7’ 6” and the weight of the whole screen is just 12 lbs.
Light Up Camp
Summer camping often means fire bans. Campfires are a huge source of light when camping and without them, we need an efficient way to light up our campsite.
The LE LED camping lantern is a battery-powered LED with 1000LM and 4 light modes.
It is powered by alkaline batteries and can last 12 hours even when used at 1000 lumens.
This camping lantern will also last a long time as it is IPX4 water-resistant.
As most lanterns do, it also has a hanging hook for use inside a tent.
This is a cheap and effective way to light up your cooking table, tent, or to add some light to your campsite.
With 32,000 reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on amazon you really can’t go wrong with this lantern.
Get Cleaned Up
The warm temperatures and dusty conditions faced during summer camping can make us desperate for a shower.
Thanks to the warm weather, getting cleaned up is easy.
The KIPIDA Solar Shower will provide 5 gallons of warm shower water.
You simply hang the bag with the water on a tree and leave it in direct sunlight for a few hours.
After the bag warms up you can use the showerhead to take a shower while gravity does the work of delivering the water.
It is a simple yet effective solution to a common problem.
The solar shower bag is made of environmentally friendly and leak-proof materials which are safe for human health.
The bag is supplied with a hose, a showerhead, and a water tap.
Have a Place to Sleep
A good breathable tent is also a must for summer camping. For a small family or just a couple, the Elixir 3 is the perfect candidate.
This tent features unique pole geometry that optimizes headroom. The tent features built-in gear lofts and a glow-in-the-dark zipper.
Its design means it is easy to set up due to color-coded poles, clips, and webbing.
For a larger family, you may want to go for the Ozark Trail tent which offers more space.
With this beast of a tent, you get two rooms which provide you with all the space you could ever need on a camping trip.
The tent is made from polyester with fully taped, factory-sealed seams that provide a dry sleeping area.
The tent also features electrical cord access for added convenience, a rainfly, and a gear loft to help keep everything organized.
This is a well-reviewed product that will serve you and your family well on every summer camping adventure.
Stay Warm at Night
Depending on where you live, summer camping can be hot during daytime but cold at night.
To ensure you stay comfortable you need to choose the correct sleeping bag that will keep you warm at night.
Our sleeping bag of choice is the Sierra Designs front country bed. This is a 20 F sleeping bag that will serve you well during summer camping.
It features SierraLoft Synthetic Insulation | 30D polyester Ripstop Exterior and 68D Polyester Taffeta interior.
This sleeping bag comes with a limited lifetime warranty when purchased from an authorized retailer.
To complement the sleeping bag we also suggest you pick up the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite camping and backpacking sleeping bag.
The WingLock valve means that the pad inflates 3 times faster than a standard valve.
With an R-value of 4.2 backpackers and campers will stay warm even in extreme conditions.
The mat measures 47x20x2.5 inches inflated and packs to 9×3.5 inches.
It only weighs 8 ounces so it will take minimal space in your backpack or vehicle trunk.
Summer Camping Gear List – Final Thoughts
Photo by milehightraveler via iStock
Summer camping is great, but as with every other season, it does require some preparation.
With the items listed above, we can reassure you that your camping trips will be comfortable and enjoyable.
If you have any further questions regarding summer camping gear or for anything else overland or off-road related, visit the forum section of our page.