If you’re planning a one-night camping trip, you definitely don’t want to overpack. However, there are certain items which you should absolutely bring with you to not only make your experience more enjoyable, but to also ensure you have a safe, fun, and relaxing stay. Below, we are going to review what to bring for one-night of camping.
The items listed below are, in our opinion, absolutely necessary for your one-night camping trip. These items will help you to remain comfortable and make the experience more enjoyable. In addition, many of these items can be used multiple times, meaning that you can take them with you on your next camping trip!
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A Camping Tent
Perhaps the most important item to bring with you for your one-night camping trip is a camping tent. There are a variety of camping tents available, each with their own specific pros and cons. However, when determining which camping tent is perfect for you, you will need to determine the weather and terrain in which you will be camping.
In addition, you will need to consider the size of the tent needed for your stay. Are you planning on sleeping alone in the tent? Or will you be bringing along a four-legged friend? Depending on your needs, you may want to opt for a larger or smaller tent size.
Similarly, it is important to consider the two different camping tent types. Generally, these are either 3-season or 4-season variations. 3-season tents are generally more lightweight and tend to be cooler, making them perfect for the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
4-season camping tents tends to be sturdier and can handle rain, snow, ice, and wind better than 3-season tents. 4-season tents, as the name suggests, can withstand all four seasons, including spring, summer, fall, and winter months.
Personally, we prefer the EchoSmile Camping Tent. This tent is ideal for three seasons and should not be used in the winter months. However, due to its ease of setup, spacious interior, and superior ventilation, the EchoSmile Camping Tent is a great investment for your one-night of camping.
A Sleeping Bag
The comfort you feel inside your tent will only be as great as the sleeping bag you bring along with you. That is why it is so important to choose a sleeping bag which is not only comfortable, but also one which provides you with ample coverage and space to sleep in.
Generally, there are three different sleeping bag temperature rating. These ratings range depending on the temperature outside of the tent.
There is the summer season sleeping bag, which is sufficient for camping in weather conditions 30-degrees or higher, the 3-season sleeping bag, which is sufficient for temperatures between 15-30 degrees, and the winter sleeping bags, which is sufficient for temperatures below 15-degrees.
Similarly, depending on personal preference, you will want to invest in a sleeping bag shape that you are most comfortable with. You can choose between a rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, or double bag shape.
Rectangular shaped sleeping bags offer plenty of room for both your legs and arms and are less constricting than other sleeping bags.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags offer less room but provide more warmth than rectangular sleeping bags.
Mummy sleeping bags offer the least room, but maximize the warmth provided via the sleeping bag by enclosing completely on your body.
Double bag sleeping bags are generally utilized by two individuals and are simply larger rectangular sleeping bags.
Lastly, you will want to consider insulation type. You can choose between synthetic or down material. Synthetic sleeping bags are more affordable, non-allergenic, are able to insulate even when damp, and dry fast. Down insulated sleeping bags, however, are more lightweight, perform better in cold weather, and compress for easy packing and hauling.
We personally prefer the Kelty Cosmic Down Sleeping Bag which is ideal for 3-season camping. Water-resistant and incredibly warm, this sleeping bag utilizes a draft collar to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. And with a soft, butter-like feel, you’ll remain comfortable and cozy no matter how many nights of camping you have ahead of you.
A Camping Blanket
Okay, we’re going to admit that a camping blanket isn’t exactly necessary, especially if you invest in a high-quality sleeping bag. However, we personally enjoy the comforts provided by bringing along a camping blanket. If you are planning a one-night camping trip during the colder months, then a camping blanket can help you remain warm and cozy throughout.
A Cooler
Although you may only be planning a single night of camping, bringing along a cooler will not only help you to keep your food fresh and spoil-free, but will also ensure that your drinks are cold and ready to drink. Bringing along a cooler will help to keep your food fresh and will be a great way to bring perishable food items with you, which you can cook over a campfire.
We recently purchased, and highly recommend, the Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler. 10% lighter than other Yeti coolers, while holding up to 20% more items, this cooler has a taller build than its predecessor and can accommodate larger bottles.
Fire Starter Kit
Whether you’re camping for one-night or two-weeks, no camping trip is really complete without a campfire. And while some people love the thrill of starting a campfire with no added equipment, we’ve come to enjoy the ease and comfort of starting a fire with a fire starter kit.
Camp Chairs
If you really want to enjoy your one-night of camping, then bringing along camp chairs is a must. Generally foldable and easy to carry along, camp chairs are a great way to enjoy your surroundings while seated close to the campfire.
Our recommendation? We never go camping without the BLUU Aluminum Folding Camping Chair. Made of premium materials, these camping chairs are both strong and sturdy while remaining lightweight for easy travel and portability. Designed with thick padding, you will also have dedicated space on the chair for your drinks and a specialized compartment to hold your electronics.
Portable Phone Charger
And speaking of electronics, one of the most necessary items to bring on your one-night camping trip is a portable phone charger. Although you don’t want to get stuck in the woods unable to take a gorgeous sunset photo, keeping your phone charged can also help you in case of emergencies.
We recently purchased the iWalk Portable Charger and prefer it over other portable chargers. Although it is only meant for iOS and Apple specific devices, its convenient and unique design will limit the number of cords you need to bring with you on your next camping trip.
Dedicated Water Jugs
When it comes to water sources, you can never be too prepared. Whether you’re planning on bringing multiple bottles of water or will acquire water via the campsite, you should plan accordingly. Personally, we bring along jugs of water with us and situate them near our campsite for ease of access and to ensure everyone is properly hydrated.
Toiletry Bag
Let’s face it, all of us use the bathroom. And you will likely need to use the bathroom multiple times, even during your one-night stay. That’s why it’s ideal to bring along a toiletry bag, containing the most important items. This should include a roll of toilet paper, some wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
First Aid Kit Last, but certainly not least, is a first aid kit. While we never hope you’ll need to use one, accidents and injuries do happen and having a basic first aid kit will help you to alleviate the pain or injury. When choosing a first aid kit for one-night of camping, pick one that is portable and contains most of the basics. This should include bandages, adhesive fabric, antibiotic treatment, pain relief pills, wound closures, burn packets, a roll of gauze, and wound closures.