When it comes to camping and traveling, the right products and gear can make your trip a lot easier. My preferences lean towards budget-friendly, space-saving, and multi-purpose if at all possible, and bonus points for items we can use in our everyday lives. Here is a list of products and gear we love and use frequently.
Luggage
No need to check a bag and keeps your hands free
Keeps clothes organized. We have different colors for each person.
Waterproof and TSA-approved for liquids and carry-ons
For venues with a clear bag policy
Travel
These are our favorite for travel, beach, and pool. They pack up small and have a hand towel.
This warm blanket packs up small and can be configured in multiple ways
6 port Car Charger with 5ft cord
Our car does not have charging ports in the back row(s). This cord is a lifesaver for the back row.
This helps keep everyone’s daily medication and over-the-counter medications organized.
These sheets are great as sleeping bag liners or if you have to bring your own bedding. They come in single and double.
Electronics
Charges USB-C, iPhone, and Micro USB
Solar & Rechargeable Power Bank
Can be recharged with solar or wall outlet
For those products that use a car adapter
Keep all those cords contained and organized
For those memories you want right now
Games
When we travel, we transfer our card games to these boxes from their original ones to take up less room
For larger card games or multiple games. Holds 400 cards.
Great for the beach or pool, but are also studier
A waterproof version of the original Uno game
A waterproof version of Uno Flip
A lighthearted, family-friendly “Rummy meets Slapjack” card game.
The Minions-Themed Version Of The Award-Winning Card Game Exploding Kittens
Race to match colors by text or ink color –before another player steals your match!
Throw Throw Burrito Outdoor Edition
We love the whole Throw Throw line of games, but love this oversized water-resistant version for the beach.
Fun game for long drives. Plays better with teens and adults.
A family and strategy game about hiking and outdoors.
Encounter the US National Parks in this board game. Hike along a different trail every season, take in the sights, and experience the beauty of our parks in a new way
Experience the parks after dark by camping at different trail sites that change every season
Expand your Parks experience with new Parks, Gear, Canteens, Seasons, Trail Sites, Wildlife, and more!
Compete in a cross-country race to visit the National Parks and collect the most points.
Sorry! Road Trip Travel Edition
Full game in a portable case. Perfect for on the road.
Scrabble Road Trip Travel Edition
Full game in a portable case. Perfect for on the road.
Connect 4 Road Trip Travel Edition
Full game in a portable case. Perfect for on the road.
Battleship Road Trip Travel Edition
Full game in a portable case. Perfect for on the road.
Travel Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Ultimate boredom beater for kids on the road
Kanoodle is a brain teaser puzzle game that includes 12 puzzle pieces, 200 puzzle challenges, a 48-page illustrated puzzle book, and a carrying case.
This amped-up version has over 300 2-D & 3-D puzzles: From basic to truly tough, get ready to cross-train your brain.
Go head-to-head in the brain-teasing puzzle race for two.
Select a challenge card and place it in the case. Then, use two-tone magnetic pieces to recreate the puzzle, making sure both ends of the piece match the puzzle card
This smart bluetooth enabled speed cube brings a new engaging twist to the classic puzzle. Quickly charge, connect, and let the app take you through exciting lessons, games, online competitions, and mental exercises.
Camping
This is our go-to tent. We have the 8 person for our family of 4. Dimensions fit within most all campground tent locations
Coleman Skydome with Screen Room
If we had to replace our tent, this one would be a strong contender.
This is the tent my parents have. They have the 8 person for 2 people, but they like to spread out.
Perfect for under a tent or to cover things.
All you need to set up your tent and keep it clean.
This stove is like Old Faithful. We have had ours for 10 years and it still works like it is brand new.
I love that these nest and don’t take up much room
Everything you need to prepare meals in a handy storage bag
Mess kit for a group of 4
All-in-1 measuring cup, teaspoon, and tablespoon. We use these at home too.
For all of your hot water needs without taking up space
Collapsible and has an integrated reusable filter… just add coffee and hot water.
Iron Flask Water Bottles & Tumblers
We love all of Iron Flask’s products and use them daily at home. My favorite feature is that their water bottles and Rover 2.0 tumbler come with multiple leakproof lids so that the same container can be used for multiple purposes.
With these lighters, we never worry about running out of lighter fluid. We use these at home too.
Our previous tent fan ran off of D batteries. The batteries would drain every other day and replacements were expensive, heavy, and bulky.
We never have to worry about running out of batteries in our flashlights. We use these at home too.
Solar and Rechargeable String Lights
We use these inside our tent and outside to find our way back to our tent in the dark.
These small lanterns put off a good amount of light for their size.
Solar and Rechargeable Inflatable Lantern
This lantern takes up next to no room when deflated.
Solar and Rechargeable Color Inflatable Lantern
A color-changing version of the previous lantern
Cold Weather / Ski Gear
These are live savers for cold outdoor events and activities
You can still use your tech without taking off your gloves.
Men’s Fleece Lined Hiking/Snow Pants
I love that these pants are warm but without the bulk of traditional snow pants
Women’s Fleece Lined Hiking/Snow Pants
Warmth without the bulk.
Kid’s Fleece Lined Hiking/Snow Pants
Again less bulk for winter play
This bag has room for my boots, helmet, goggles, and gloves, plus my skis can strap on each side.
Kid’s Ski/Snowboard Training Backpack
This backpack helps kids learn to ski/snowboard by allowing an adult to help control their speed with the harness and straps and has a chair lift handle. The bag can also carry their ski/snowboard gear.
Helps beginner skiers learn how to control speed by edging and making a wedge.
For those times you don’t want to be slipping and sliding on the ice or trails.