10 Must-Haves For Your Next Camping Trip
By Abby Ledoux May 29, 2018 Published in the June 2018 issue of Houstonia Magazine
Wearable Sleeping Bag, $169 at Selk'bag
Realize the ultimate dream of becoming a human burrito with this, a wearable sleeping bag, for maximum coziness on chilly nights, should you be staking your tent during the cooler months. Zip-off booties and easy-access hand openings make it practical, and an insulated polyester shell keeps things toasty.
Water Filter, $59.99 at Sawyer
Consider yourself Captain Planet when you forgo pallets of bottled water for the natural stuff, conveniently purified in a silicone bottle equipped with a filtration system that allows you to sip straight from the source.
Fireside Panini Press, $42 at Terrain by Anthropologie
A cast-iron press attached to a wooden handle makes for easy roasting and tasty DIY dinners. (Okay, this one isn’t for travelers hauling gear to their campsites.)
Gourmet Marshmallows, $15/dozen at Sweet and Mellow
Elevate your s’mores game with Houston-made, from-scratch marshmallows in scrumptious flavors like lemon pistachio, cookies and cream, and orange chocolate.
Bug Spray, $12 at Melnaturel
An all-natural ingredients list including lavender, patchouli, and geranium will leave you wondering if this is perfume or insect repellent. (Citronella confirms it’s the latter.)
Solar Shower, $14.99 at Coleman
Leave your throw-away flip-flops at home: This five-gallon bag uses solar energy to heat water, which dispenses from a handheld sprayer and eliminates your need to brave dingy campground showers.
Solar-Powered Phone Bank, $25 at NOD Products
A weather-resistant plastic and rubber shell—plus a solar panel capable of providing two full charges—makes this portable phone battery perfect for outdoor use.
Mystical Fire Flame Colorant, $8.05 at Amazon
What’s more fun than telling ghost stories and roasting weenies over a trippy, multicolored campfire? Answer: nothing. Once your flames are rainbow-hued, you’ll never go back to a boring old blaze.
Outdoor Recliner, $49.99 at CleverMade
Forget the fold-up canvas chair collecting dust in your trunk: This portable nylon recliner, the comfier option, inflates in seconds, no pump required.
"Adventure Is Out There" T-Shirt, $32 at Saturday Morning Pancakes
When you’re mostly excited to take on the great outdoors but also a little high-maintenance, let this soft, tri-blend tee do all the talking.
Whether you’re glamping or straight roughing it, these are the essentials.
