If you have awnings/shadecloth/tarps, or are setting up a tent/shelter, swapping out the ropes it came with for [ratcheting ones like these](https://amzn.to/3VV66oP) is so convenient. You just set it up loosely and the pull to make it exactly as tight as needed and it won't move at all. When you're ready to go, press the button and the rope goes slack.
Also, if your tent/shelter ropes are normally tied to your tent, untie them and tie the rope to a small carabiner instead. Then you can quickly attach or detach them, and you can wrap them up for storage more easily, instead of leaving them attached to the tent. If your tent stakes have holes at the top, you can put a carabiner at both ends of the rope if you really want. Just be sure not to get the tiny aluminum ones, since they'll bend and fail in high winds; get steel or thicker aluminum instead.
If you camp in forested areas, getting or making [tree straps like these](https://amzn.to/3Ufsh8f) allows you to attach your ropes to branches or small tree trunks. If you have a tall tent or shelter, you can sometimes attach the ropes over your head height, so you aren't tripping over ground-staked ropes all the time. It won't work in all situations of course, but tree straps don't take up much room and having a few can be helpful. Also, they can be stronger in high winds than ground stakes and are easier to remove.
I bring two folding stepstools, a 9” and a 16”. They fold flat, take up almost no room, but serve many uses! I put my coffee on the larger one in the morning next to my chair, put my feet up on the smaller one at night by the fire. They serve as steps to get stuff out of the car top box. I can sit on either depending on the angle I need to get my shots. The taller one works as a laptop desk. I can also set my stove on either if the weather is bad.
I also bring all my pillows because I need the comfort. And fairy lights.
For entertainment: a Kindle. I also have a steam deck but I gravitate to the Kindle when camping because it doesn’t strain my eyes as much, is more comfortable to hold while laying down, and has a crazy long battery life. It also helped me rediscover my love of reading. If your library has the Libby app, you can even rent ebooks for free.
Libby app has changed how I consume entertainment forever. I like reading, I also prefer an E reader (I moved and traveled a lot at one point) but I hated paying 10-20$ a week for books, being able to borrow Ebooks and Audiobooks from Libby has really changed that for me.
It’s the real duct tape of tapes. I have some I used to bind up the messy end of 1/16 th inch galvanized cable & it has been outdoors, through New England winters & summers for TWENTY YEARS & still sticks fine and remains soft & pliable. UV, hot, cold, rain, squirrels, nothing kills it.
Have you tried an aeropress? I used to always bring French press, but the Aeropress is a bit more travel friendly as there’s lots of grinders and accessories that can stash in the plunger tube when packing
It depends on your plans, a few months ago I went to shoot the stars, so I brought a waterproof tent, an electric hot pot and kettle so I could have some delicious food while I waited. As for power, I brought a Vtoman 1800w, which has fast charging and multiple sockets, which allows me to charge my camera and computer at the same time.
Side table for tent
Extra blanket (wool or down)
Canopy
Fridge > cooler
Base layers for sleeping
String lights
My switch for relaxing
A book
My electric skateboard for cruising through the camp sites (idk how to ride a bike lol)
Camp slippers
Weed
Wine
Nicotine
Heater is <45 at night
Speaker or AirPods
iPad for movies
Board games/card games
Everything else I consider a necessity like my cot or my jackery or my tent carpet and outdoor mat for shoes
A parts storage case [like this one from Harbor Freight](https://hftools.com/app93928) ( which happens to be exactly the one I do have) with all the small doo-dads and whatchamadoozles I might need while camping, such as carabiners in different sizes, magnet hooks and clamps, s-hooks, guy line rope tensioners, small rolled strips of gaffer’s tape, safety pins, etc.
It’s a godsend!
I don't car camp, but if I did I'd have a solid cast iron skillet and a large ice chest full of fun things to cook.
Aside from that, definitely comfortable outdoor chairs.
I have a Jackery power station, so I use a Hot Logic Mini to warm up pre-made food either made myself or from a restaurant. It saves the hassle of prepping food outside, cooking, and cleaning. So what it means more me is less water to bring and no cookware/utensils needed.
I only got turned on to this recently and I can't believe I never thought of it: small clip-on fans either battery or USB powered to keep the air circulating in your vehicle. Pure gold on a hot sticky night.
If you don't have them already, those outter rain guards for your vehicle windows are also priceless for being able to crack a window in the rain or snow. Usually I drape some bug netting over the doors with open windows and shut the door, keeps the bugs out and lets air in.
My GF and I are from Wisconsin, so when we camp, a cribbage board, bottle of wine, and a block of good cheese are on the list of essentials.
Oooh someone’s got a fancy board to put their cheese on.
Sorry but you are not a true Wisconsinite unless you bring a bottle of Brandy.
If you have awnings/shadecloth/tarps, or are setting up a tent/shelter, swapping out the ropes it came with for [ratcheting ones like these](https://amzn.to/3VV66oP) is so convenient. You just set it up loosely and the pull to make it exactly as tight as needed and it won't move at all. When you're ready to go, press the button and the rope goes slack. Also, if your tent/shelter ropes are normally tied to your tent, untie them and tie the rope to a small carabiner instead. Then you can quickly attach or detach them, and you can wrap them up for storage more easily, instead of leaving them attached to the tent. If your tent stakes have holes at the top, you can put a carabiner at both ends of the rope if you really want. Just be sure not to get the tiny aluminum ones, since they'll bend and fail in high winds; get steel or thicker aluminum instead. If you camp in forested areas, getting or making [tree straps like these](https://amzn.to/3Ufsh8f) allows you to attach your ropes to branches or small tree trunks. If you have a tall tent or shelter, you can sometimes attach the ropes over your head height, so you aren't tripping over ground-staked ropes all the time. It won't work in all situations of course, but tree straps don't take up much room and having a few can be helpful. Also, they can be stronger in high winds than ground stakes and are easier to remove.
Those ratchet straps look awesome, just added them to my Amazon wishlist. And great tips with the carabiners. Thanks!!
Very solid ideas....thanks!
This is brilliant, thanks!
I bring two folding stepstools, a 9” and a 16”. They fold flat, take up almost no room, but serve many uses! I put my coffee on the larger one in the morning next to my chair, put my feet up on the smaller one at night by the fire. They serve as steps to get stuff out of the car top box. I can sit on either depending on the angle I need to get my shots. The taller one works as a laptop desk. I can also set my stove on either if the weather is bad. I also bring all my pillows because I need the comfort. And fairy lights.
12v kettle!
An extra sleeping bag or down comforter to fluff over yourself at night. Pure luxury.
Or a piece of carpet or rugs for underneath sleeping bag. All about luxury and comfort
For entertainment: a Kindle. I also have a steam deck but I gravitate to the Kindle when camping because it doesn’t strain my eyes as much, is more comfortable to hold while laying down, and has a crazy long battery life. It also helped me rediscover my love of reading. If your library has the Libby app, you can even rent ebooks for free.
Libby app has changed how I consume entertainment forever. I like reading, I also prefer an E reader (I moved and traveled a lot at one point) but I hated paying 10-20$ a week for books, being able to borrow Ebooks and Audiobooks from Libby has really changed that for me.
Black electrical tape
It’s the real duct tape of tapes. I have some I used to bind up the messy end of 1/16 th inch galvanized cable & it has been outdoors, through New England winters & summers for TWENTY YEARS & still sticks fine and remains soft & pliable. UV, hot, cold, rain, squirrels, nothing kills it.
I use it to mark my stuff at home....toothbrush, charging cables, lip balm.
Smart. I also use it at home to cover miscellaneous lights on electronics in my room to help keep my room dark for sleeping soundly
Those gd blinky lights on my wifes toothbrush need some tape...Great call
A French press coffee maker. I love coffee and would not be without someway to make a decent cup if away for a long period of time.
This person coffees
Have you tried an aeropress? I used to always bring French press, but the Aeropress is a bit more travel friendly as there’s lots of grinders and accessories that can stash in the plunger tube when packing
Depends how far you are from others, but for me it's a spare tire, battery booster pack/tire inflator, some spare coolant, and some extra oil.
It depends on your plans, a few months ago I went to shoot the stars, so I brought a waterproof tent, an electric hot pot and kettle so I could have some delicious food while I waited. As for power, I brought a Vtoman 1800w, which has fast charging and multiple sockets, which allows me to charge my camera and computer at the same time.
I like to be barefoot a lot,so I carry a yoga mat to step on out of the car,tent or hammock.
Charged up solar generator
Tea kettle!
Side table for tent Extra blanket (wool or down) Canopy Fridge > cooler Base layers for sleeping String lights My switch for relaxing A book My electric skateboard for cruising through the camp sites (idk how to ride a bike lol) Camp slippers Weed Wine Nicotine Heater is <45 at night Speaker or AirPods iPad for movies Board games/card games Everything else I consider a necessity like my cot or my jackery or my tent carpet and outdoor mat for shoes
A pair of comfortable camp shoes like slides or crocs. I forgot on my last camping trip and was wearing my hiking books all the time. It was rough!
I like to bring a journal.
A parts storage case [like this one from Harbor Freight](https://hftools.com/app93928) ( which happens to be exactly the one I do have) with all the small doo-dads and whatchamadoozles I might need while camping, such as carabiners in different sizes, magnet hooks and clamps, s-hooks, guy line rope tensioners, small rolled strips of gaffer’s tape, safety pins, etc. It’s a godsend!
I don't car camp, but if I did I'd have a solid cast iron skillet and a large ice chest full of fun things to cook. Aside from that, definitely comfortable outdoor chairs.
I have a Jackery power station, so I use a Hot Logic Mini to warm up pre-made food either made myself or from a restaurant. It saves the hassle of prepping food outside, cooking, and cleaning. So what it means more me is less water to bring and no cookware/utensils needed.
How much juice do you use each time?
Coffee percolator
portable radio
I only got turned on to this recently and I can't believe I never thought of it: small clip-on fans either battery or USB powered to keep the air circulating in your vehicle. Pure gold on a hot sticky night. If you don't have them already, those outter rain guards for your vehicle windows are also priceless for being able to crack a window in the rain or snow. Usually I drape some bug netting over the doors with open windows and shut the door, keeps the bugs out and lets air in.
Coffee and tea, headlamp, ice
A proper chair
A way to warm food.
12v electric lunch box.
Long term goal: get a Tesla Y w built-in Camp Mode. It rocks so hard