I’m willing to bet that part of the reason you clicked on this article is to find out what “premium minimalist camping gear” means.
Well, it’s simple, really…
“Premium” means good, right? When investing in overlanding and camping gear, it’s prudent to buy stuff that’s well-made, functional, durable, and so forth. That’s the first part of the equation.
The second component, “minimalist,” is easy to define as well – it’s something that’s simple and easy to use. So, this article is all about well-made, functional, simple gear that can have a marked impact on how you camp (and how comfortable you are while doing it).
Now, there are many, many items I could include on this list. But rather than inundate you with a few dozen products I’ve never even used, I’m instead offering up some of the best premium minimalist camping gear I’ve used in the field. It’s just a few products, but each one has knocked my socks off.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of my favorite premium minimalist camping gear!
Table of Contents
- Tailgater Tire Table
- Surf Grass Mats
- Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
- ZeroBreeze Mark II Plus Extra Portable Air Conditioner
- Jetboil Zip Camping Stove
- Ignik FireCan Portable Propane Fire Pit
- Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry Meal
- Soulhand USB Electric 5-in-1 Travel Coffee Grinder
- Alpicool C20 Portable Car Freezer
- Tough Traveler Super Padre Ergonomic Backpack
Tailgater Tire Table
Last year, I came across a portable table that has been a game-changer for my outdoor adventures. The Tailgater Tire Table comes in two sizes – standard and large – but I almost always use the large one. The table is available in steel or aluminum, and while I have both, I usually use the aluminum version as it is extremely lightweight.
I’ve found the table to be incredibly versatile, as it’s great for meal prep, eating meals, and even playing games. I’ve also used it as a desk for remote work and a convenient spot to place my power bank and router for my Starlink. Its functionality and convenience have made it a valuable addition to my outdoor gear, to say the least.
One of the best things about this table is how easy it is to set up. It requires no tools and only takes a few moments to get it ready for use. Plus, it’s super portable, folding flat and weighing just 8 pounds. Even the standard version weighs just 6 pounds, making it a practical option if you prefer a lighter table.
The table measures 33.5″ L x 28″ W x 1.5″ thick (the standard version is 29″ L x 23″ w x 1.5″ thick) and can hold up to 75 pounds of stuff (the standard version holds up to 50 pounds). It’s very stable, too, with a retractable leg for additional support and the ability to hook over your tire to provide a level surface no matter the surrounding terrain.
If you’re in the market for a portable table for your outdoor adventures, I highly recommend considering the Tire Table. Its versatility, ease of use, portability, and durability have made it an essential part of my gear, and I’m sure it will do the same for you!
Surf Grass Mats
I recently discovered a synthetic grass mat from Surf Grass that has become a staple for my outdoor adventures. It’s made from high-quality synthetic grass that feels incredibly realistic and is extremely comfortable to stand on.
What I love about this mat is that it’s versatile and can be used for multiple purposes. I use it as a shower mat for my outdoor shower, but it also makes for a great place to take off my shoes before getting into my tent or trailer. You can use it in an outdoor changing room or restroom, too.
These mats are highly durable with a non-slip construction, making them suitable for use on any surface, be it rocks, sand, or concrete. I have the Maxima version (shown above in front of my tent) as well as the Mulligan Maxima (shown below), and both are super lightweight and roll up easily for convenient storage.
While the Maxima and Mulligan Maxima are roughly the same size, the Maxima has longer grass – similar to what you have in your yard – while the Mulligan Maxima is similar to the length of fairway grass on a golf course.
Either way, these mats are easy to clean. All you need to do is hose it off, and it’s ready for use again!
This synthetic grass mat is a fantastic addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear. Its versatility, durability, and easy-to-clean nature make it a must-have for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
As an avid adventurer, I’m always on the lookout for gear that’s lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Boony Stomper trailer from Sunnyside Offroad.
This trailer is super lightweight, coming in at just 670 pounds dry with a 100-pound tongue weight. It was a breeze to tow with my six-cylinder Jeep, but it’s so light that a 4-cylinder vehicle or even a UTV would suffice.
Its compact size is another huge advantage. At just 119 inches from the tongue to the rear bumper and 74 inches at its widest point, it’s easy to maneuver on tight trails and into small campsites.
The Boony Stomper’s 2×2 steel frame construction makes it extremely well-built, providing excellent durability for off-road traveling. It features a Class-IV locking ball coupler up front and a custom-fabricated long-travel independent trailing arm suspension with adjustable shocks that give an incredible towing experience.
The trailer also comes with LED running lights, brake lights, and turn signals, and the wiring runs internally in the frame for added protection.
Inside, the trailer boasts a 6’4” long, 46” wide cabin with a carpeted headboard and walls. The floor is linoleum for easy cleaning and durability. There are plenty of storage cabinets on one end of the cabin, each with self-latching doors.
The Boony Stomper also has doors on both sides, making it easier to get in and out while also improving airflow in the cabin.
One of the best things about the Boony Stomper is that Sunnyside Offroad offers tons of optional features, allowing you to make the trailer your own. These include a roof rack, a tongue box, a spare tire with a matching wheel, a custom foam mattress, and much more.
The Boony Stomper trailer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, and versatile trailer for off-road adventures. Its well-built construction, compact size, and customizable features make it an outstanding investment without breaking the bank, too!
ZeroBreeze Mark II Plus Extra Portable Air Conditioner
I do quite a bit of hot weather camping, and those hot nights can be pretty miserable. So, I decided that this year, I’d do something about it…
That’s where the Zero Breeze Mark II Plus Extra portable air conditioner comes in. This Plus Extra version comes with two batteries, but you can also use your own 24-power supply if needed. One battery can run it for up to five hours, while two batteries can provide more than hours of usage – more than enough to keep me cool in my tent, even when it’s not a cool night!
But, what’s great about this unit is that you have many more power options:
- Use a 12V to 24V inverter to hardwire the air conditioner to a 12V system
- Charge the unit’s batteries using a cigarette lighter plug
- Use 110V shore power and eliminate the need to use batteries altogether
- Use an optional power dock extension to use two batteries (you can also charge the batteries while using the unit with the dock)
If you use shore power 50 percent of the time, Zero Breeze recommends having a battery backup – either one of their batteries or your own battery system.
Weighing just 16.5 pounds, the ZeroBreeze is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around – features that are a must for premium minimalist camping gear. Setup is easy as well. In just a few minutes, I can have the air conditioner ready to rock for a much more comfortable night’s sleep.
This air conditioner is unique because it uses a micro compressor, which makes it a true air conditioner. That means you don’t need to add water or ice to it.
Additionally, you can use a dual-hose system that brings in fresh air through one hose while the other hose exhausts hot air to maximize efficiency. It provides a cooling output of 2,300 BTUs, so it can deliver a nice cool breeze in your immediate surroundings (an air conditioner this small obviously won’t cool a huge space, so you’ll get the best result by minimizing the area you want to cool).
The Zero Breeze Mark II Plus Extra comes with an infrared remote for quick and easy operation. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty for parts, repair, and replacement (the same warranty is available if you buy the air conditioner on its own or if you get the Mark II Plus, which comes with the air conditioner and one battery).
Add in a cool, fresh breeze no matter where you’re camping, and you have the makings of the perfect premium minimalist camping gear!
Jetboil Zip Camping Stove
I’m utterly blown away by how versatile the Jetboil Zip Camping Stove is. This compact system combines a pot, cup, drink-through lid, and strainer, and even has a cover that doubles as a bowl and measuring cup. One thing to note is that it does not come with a fuel canister, but it does include a canister stabilizer for easy setup.
Weighing in at just 12 ounces, this cooking system is the height of portability. The pot is only 4.1″ wide and 6.5″ tall, making it perfect for backpacking or camping trips. It also heats up water incredibly quickly (boiling water takes just two minutes) while using half the fuel that traditional systems use.
One of the things I love about the Jetboil Zip Cooking System is its compatibility with a wide range of Jetboil accessories. You can add cooking pots, utensils, skillets, and even a coffee press to your setup, making this system even more versatile.
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile cooking system to add to your collection of premium minimalist camping gear, the Jetboil Zip is definitely worth your consideration!
Ignik FireCan Portable Propane Fire Pit
A great alternative to a campfire is a portable propane fire pit. The Ignik FireCan is a great choice for a variety of reasons.
For starters, the fire pit weighs just 11.5 pounds, making it easy to transport, and measures 15.5″ x 6.5″ x 10.75″ when in use. When not in use, it packs down to 12″ x 6.25″ x 8.5″ in a compact ammo can design.
Setting it up only takes a few seconds, as the foldable quick-release legs require no tools for setup, and the fire is easy to light through a pilot hole. The sides of the fire pit are mesh, which allows you to see the flames, and this design helps transmit heat to keep you warm.
The FireCan portable propane fire pit comes with a five-foot hose and adjustable regulator, which works with 5-pound, 10-pound, or 20-pound propane tanks. You get 38,000 BTUs of heat without any smoke, and burn time is 2.5 hours per 5 pounds of propane on the high setting. This is perfect for those chilly nights around the campsite!
I particularly love how easy the FireCan is to use and set up. Likewise, it’s a great alternative to wood-burning fires, especially when fire restrictions are in place. You can stay warm, enjoy s’mores, and have all the usual fire activities without the danger (and work!) of a wood fire.
Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry Meal
Peak Refuel meals like the Chicken Coconut Curry pictured above are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts like me who want quick and easy meal options. The preparation process is very straightforward, taking only a few minutes and requiring less water than similar meals. With the all-in-one design, I can save space and enjoy my meal directly from the pouch, saving time on both preparation and cleanup.
What’s more, the meals are packed with flavor and lots of spices, providing a delicious and home-cooked taste. In terms of nutrition, the meals are highly nutritious, using non-GMO ingredients and real meat to provide ample protein to keep me fueled on my outdoor adventures.
The meals are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a range of options to suit my needs. Additionally, I appreciate that all meals are made and packaged in the USA, giving me peace of mind about the quality of the ingredients used.
Soulhand USB Electric 5-in-1 Travel Coffee Grinder
If you’re a coffee lover like me, the Soulhand USB electric coffee grinder is a must-have! It’s a compact and all-in-one gadget that can grind coffee beans, brew coffee, and also serves as a coffee mug. It’s super convenient since I only need to add coffee and hot water.
This premium minimalist camping gear is just 8.5” x 3.7” x 3.7”, so it takes up virtually no space in my backpack. The 1200mAH battery provides 7-8 uses on a full charge, and charging is quick and easy via USB. The coffee filter is reusable and made of stainless steel and ABS resin for durability and high performance.
Additionally, the mug is made of double-layer 304 stainless steel, which provides heat insulation and prevents scalding. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh coffee outdoors without any hassle!
Alpicool C20 Portable Car Freezer
The Alpicool C20 portable fridge is ideal for weekend trips with its 21-liter capacity, which can hold up to 25 cans of soda. Additionally, it can chill down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows you to use it as a fridge or a freezer.
Its high-density foam insulation keeps food and drinks fresh, while the plastic construction makes it lightweight and easy to transport. It weighs less than 20 pounds and measures 23.54” x 12.6” x 12.6”, so it’s an ideal addition to your collection of premium minimalist camping gear!
The fridge can run off your car battery and comes with various levels of battery protection to prevent it from running down your car’s battery. Additionally, you can power the fridge using a solar power system or generator. The integrated LCD control panel makes it easy to operate the fridge, allowing you to change the temperature, switch between ECO and MAX modes, and choose from three levels of battery protection.
With that, you have a collection of awesome premium minimalist camping gear to consider adding to your kit!
Tough Traveler Super Padre Ergonomic Backpack
When you’re camping, you want to be able to get away from base camp and explore the scenery around you. But doing so necessitates that you take the essentials – snacks, water, bug spray, a first aid kit, and so forth. You can do so in comfort with a bag like the Tough Traveler Super Padre Ergonomic Backpack.
When you break down the features of this bag, it’s easy to see why it’s such a great choice for premium minimalist camping gear…
For starters, it has a mini internal frame that helps shift the weight of the load from your upper back to your hips. Likewise, there are control straps that give you the ability to fine-tune the load distribution of the bag. The sternum strap helps stabilize the load, too.
The bag’s thick, sturdy foam shoulder pads are another excellent feature that adds to the comfort experience. The padded waistbelt helps keep the bag hugged tightly to your body while enhancing your comfort level, even under heavy loads. Additionally, the bag has a height-adjustable back to fit it perfectly to your body. Nice!
The bag offers a large main pocket for storage, two mesh side water bottle pockets, and two small pockets on the front to hold frequently-used items.
There’s also a zippered bottom pocket with a double mesh front, making it an ideal spot to store damp items. Add in compression straps to keep the load from shifting and a drawstring and hood closure on the main compartment to enhance access, and you have the makings of one heck of a backpack!
Beyond all the features this bag offers, I really appreciate that it’s made here in the U.S. by a family-owned company. When you buy products made in the U.S.A., you get high-quality gear that’s made to last while also helping support jobs here at home. What’s not to like about that?!