An Easy Camping Starter Kit: Everything You Need For Weekends

Have you been researching for hours and still don’t know what to buy for your camping starter kit?

Here’s our beginner camping gear essentials list so that you can prepare everything you need for weekend trips. We bought these after much research as we wanted to get the most bang for our buck.

It was also important for us to feel safe, comfortable and prepared. Our criteria when putting this camping starter kit together for the 2 of us were:

Not too expensive
Recommended by expert campers
Lightweight enough to be taken backpacking in future
Needs to be good for cold weather camping (around freezing temperature)

Whether you’re new to camping, or are hoping to refresh your camping starter kit, this article is for you. If you’re in a rush, get a free camping checklist here – with just the right amount of things for a weekend camping trip.

With that, we hope this comprehensive list of essential camping gear will help to kickstart your epic outdoor adventures.

Table of Contents

1. Shelter And Sleep Starter Kit for Camping
2. Hiking Gear Starter Kit for Camping
- Day Pack – Sturdy and easy to carry
- Hiking Shoes – Good grip and comfortable
3. Lights
4. Cooking and Eating
5. Cleaning Up
6. Safety

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1. Shelter And Sleep Starter Kit for Camping

This is the most important part of the camping gear shopping list, though it’s also the biggest expense. It makes sense to do a lot of research on your camping starter kit for shelter and sleep so that you have the right gear for your trips. It is also a very important part of your cold-weather camping gear.

In this section, we’ll talk about the “Big 3” – a tent, a sleeping bag or quilt, and a sleeping pad.

Tent – Lightweight with sufficient room

It’s good to get a tent that not too cramped because it helps you feel more comfortable. Most of the time if you’re car camping, you won’t feel the need for something so compact.

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint

We chose this tent because it’s lightweight yet has sufficient room inside to sit up and be comfortable. This is the Superlight (SL) version of the REI Half Dome tent and weights 3 lbs. 15 oz. (1.79 kg). There are doors on both sides and the mesh on the top part of the tent offers a great view when the rainfly is not in use.

Check it out on: REI

Sleeping Bag or Quilt – Warm but not too bulky

Paria was a brand we wanted to try because they have affordable and well-reviewed sleeping bags and quilts. Although it’s not the most compact product on the market, they have great features that you can’t get at the same price elsewhere.

Paria Thermodown 15 Sleeping Bag

This is your typical mummy-style sleeping bag that can be cinched at the hood to enclose your face. The 15 F (-9 C) temperature rating here could be at the limit point, i.e. survival mode. As a more realistic estimation, we would add 10 degrees on top of that. That means you would probably be comfortable up to 25 F (-3 C).

Fill power: 600
Weight 2 lbs. 12 oz. (1.3 kg)

Check it out on: Paria

Paria Thermodown 15 Down Quilt

I feel like this is relatively new in the camping world, but a growing number of backpackers and hammock campers love using quilts. They are lighter because they don’t have a back piece, and your back is kept warm through your sleeping pad’s insulation.

The Paria Thermodown 15 Down Quilt has a zip-able toe box to enclose your feet, and straps to secure the quilt to your sleeping pad. It’s especially beneficial to people who like to stretch and move a lot when sleeping. This also goes best with a wider sleeping pad at around 25″.

You can also release the buttons and zips to use the quilt as a blanket while sitting around a fire or when you’re outside watching the sunset.

Fill power: 700
Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz. (0.99 kg)

Check it out on: Paria

Sleeping Pad – Insulating but not too heavy

R-value of the sleeping pad is an important rating to check before buying your sleeping pad. Most big brands are testing their sleeping pads using the ASTM F3340 standard.

If you plan to camp in winter at freezing temperatures, it’s safer to have insulation that’s rated r-value 4 or 5 and above. That way, your sleeping bag will be able to do its work to keep you warm at its stated comfort temperature rating.

However, you may see some products that seem to have high “estimated” r-value (above 4) at a relatively affordable price (i.e. below $100). I’m not sure how to account for the difference in testing methods, so it’s safer to buy from a brand that uses standard testing so you know what you’re actually getting.

REI Co-op Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

The REI Helix has been praised as the most well-rounded sleeping pad at a reasonable price point. It is 3 inches thick, weighs 1 lb. 10 oz. (0.74 kg) for the regular wide 24″ size. It has a r-value of 4.9 which is likely to keep you warm all night.

The downside of this sleeping pad is that it ends up being slightly heavier than other options at similar price range.

Check it out on: REI

NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

The NEMO Tensor is also quite popular among people who go backpacking regularly. It is 3 inches thick, weighs 1 lb. 3 oz. (0.54 kg) for the regular wide 25″ size. It has slightly lower r-value at 4.2.

One thing to be careful about is that since the material is slightly thinner as a lightweight sleeping pad, it could get damaged if used on rough or protruding surfaces.

Check it out on: Backcountry | Amazon

NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad

Did you know that females tend to sleep colder than males? We chose to get this extra foam sleeping pad which is 0.9 inches thick, weighing 10.5 oz. (0.30 kg) for the short version. It has r-value of 2, which will come in handy for layering under the NEMO Tensor to get extra insulation (total 6.2 r-value). It also serves as a protective barrier against the ground to prevent tears in your sleep system.

If you’re only camping in summer, this sleeping pad might just be enough.

Check it out on: Backcountry, Amazon, REI

Camping Pillow

Hikenture Camping Pillow: There are many great hiking pillows available on Amazon and you don’t necessarily need a brand name one. Just search for something lightweight so that it can be taken on most of your future trips. The Hikenture camping pillow weighs 6 oz. (0.18 kg ), and has been quite comfortable to sleep on.

Check it out on: Amazon

2. Hiking Gear Starter Kit for Camping

What’s a camping trip without day hiking adventures? Here are some basic hiking gear you could add on to your camping starter kit.

Day Pack – Sturdy and easy to carry

If you already have a backpack you like, it’s perfectly fine to use that for your hikes. The benefit of hiking day packs is that they can be more lightweight, have useful pockets, and allow for ventilation at your back.

As for the size, consider what you will be bringing along on your hike. Aside from snacks and water, you may also want to bring along some layers for cooler temperatures, or a rain jacket.

If you’re not too picky on the day pack’s technical features, you can consider one of these hiking backpacks under $100.

Osprey Talon 22 or Tempest 20

The Osprey Talon 22 (men’s) or Tempest 20 (women’s) are favorites in the hiking day pack world. The Osprey Talon 22 day pack weights 30 oz. (0.85 kg), featuring an internal frame with an adjustable torso panel that makes it suitable for a wide range of body types. It also has a waist strap that helps to lighten the load on your shoulders, and hooks to stow your hiking poles.

However, it’s quite pricey for a small backpack just because it’s Osprey.

Check it out on: Backcountry, Amazon, REI

REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack

If you’re looking for an affordable day pack, you can also consider the unisex REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack. It’s only one size so you need to check if your torso length is between 16-21 inches.

There’s no internal frame so this bag has a relatively loose structure, which also makes it relatively lighter at 14 oz. (0.40kg). It may not be able to carry as much as weight other bags, but it is definitely a great go-to bag for beginners given the price point.

Check it out on: REI

Gregory Jade 28L Backpack

After much research, I decided that 28L would be the best size for packing both hiking and camera gear. My camera tends to be a bit bulky, so it quickly filled up the 22L day packs. This Gregory Jade 28L has a sunglasses holder in the shoulder strap, and even comes with a rain cover. There are ample pockets and compartments, and I love the color! I even use it as part of my winter gear.

This pack weighs 41 oz (1.16 kg) with a perimeter wire frame type. Although it is a heavier option compared to the earlier backpacks, this size could be suitable for those who usually go on longer hikes. It is also known for its FreeFloat flex panels that are meant to allow your body to move more freely together with the backpack.

Check it out on: Backcountry

Hiking Shoes – Good grip and comfortable

North Face VECTIV Trail Shoes: If your sport shoes are a little worn down, you may want to get hiking or trail shoes that have good grip. This will increase your confidence on the hikes and help you feel more comfortable. The North Face VECTIV Trail Shoes features “rocker” soles that help you feel like you’re being propelled forward.

3. Lights

You’ll need some form of lighting to get around at night, whether you’re preparing food or finding your way to the washroom. You can also make your camping experience fun by putting up some ambient lighting. Make sure to also pack some batteries if required.

Headlamp: Energizer LED Headlamp Pro260

Lanterns:

Torchlight: Wayllshine Red LED Flashlight

Fairy Lights: YoTelim Globe Fairy String Lights

4. Cooking and Eating

Cooking and eating can be however you like it, and we recommend doing what you’re comfortable with. In other words, you can use what you have at home, such as plates, utensils and cooking equipment.

You will probably need a more portable camping stove. Aside from that, other things like camping chairs and foldable tables are great for making camping feel more enjoyable.

Camping Stove and Propane:

Cooler Box: Igloo ECOCOOL 30 Quarts Cooler

Camping Plates and Cups:

Pots, Pans, Spatula:

Skewers: Ajmyonsp 32″ Extendable Skewers

Fire Starters and Lighters:

Coffee Equipment:

Camping Chairs: Moon Lence Camping Chair

Camping Table: Coleman Outdoor Compact Folding Table

5. Cleaning Up

Don’t need to go too crazy on this one. There’s clean – and then there’s “camping clean”.

Make sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles when you’re disposing your food waste. All food solids should go to the designated trash bins so that you won’t attract animals to your campsite unnecessarily.

Biodegradable Soap: Sierra Dawn Campsuds

Pot Scraper: GSI Outdoors Compact Scraper

Portable Basin: SOL Flat Pack Collapsible Sink

6. Safety

In addition, it doesn’t hurt to stock up on some safety items just in case they come in handy. For example, a first aid kit and water filter in case you get stranded or lost you can drinking from a water body.

First Aid Kit: Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit

Water Filter: Sawyer SP128 Mini Water Filtration System

Insect Repellent: Repel Plant-based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Water Bottle: Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle 32 fl. oz.

Portable Charger: Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger