Alright, so you wanna camp in 2025 and not end up cold, hungry, or swearing at tent poles? Let’s talk gear. The best camping stuff for newbies isn’t about looking like an Instagram explorer—it’s about being comfy, not getting eaten alive by bugs, and actually having fun. The whole #campinglife thing is blowing up on X (Twitter, whatever) and Pinterest right now, and honestly, you don’t need a trust fund or a degree in “outdoorsiness.” You just need gear that works and won’t make you cry.
Here’s my totally unfiltered, slightly opinionated list of the 10 things you actually need to survive (and maybe even love) your first camping trip in 2025.
Why Gear Actually Matters (No, Really)
Look, skimping on good gear is how you end up shivering at 3 a.m. or eating freeze-dried sadness for dinner. Decent stuff—like a tent that doesn’t leak and a sleeping bag that’s not just a glorified trash bag—makes all the difference. Plus, with a 65% jump in first-timers this year (thanks, social media FOMO), there’s way more beginner-friendly gear out there now. Don’t overthink it: start with the basics and upgrade later if you get hooked.
The Only 10 Camping Items You Actually Need in 2025
- Tent That Won’t Make You Scream Get a three-season tent, like the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P. It’s light enough to carry but not so “ultralight” it feels like a trash bag in the wind. Even I managed to set it up solo, and I lose my keys daily.
Where to grab one: REI’s your friend here.
- Sleeping Bag That’s Actually Warm Don’t cheap out—Marmot Sawtooth 15 is solid. Packs up small and does NOT leave you freezing when temps drop.
Where to grab one: Backcountry’s got a bunch.
- Sleeping Pad, AKA Butt-Saver Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft is a game-changer. Light, packs down tiny, keeps you off the rocks. Trust me, your back will thank you.
Snag it: Amazon’s usually cheapest.
- Stove You Can’t Mess Up Campingmoon Portable Gas Stove is simple, sturdy, and doesn’t require an engineering degree. Hot food > sad granola bars.
Buy it: Direct from Campingmoon.
- Cooler That’s Not a Joke Coleman 45-quart with handles. Keeps beer, snacks, whatever, cold for days. And you can actually carry it without hating yourself.
Find it: Walmart, duh.
- Headlamp—Don’t Rely on Your Phone Light Energizer Tactical Camping Flashlight (300 lumens). Hands free, works even when you drop it (which you will).
Where to look: Walmart.
- First Aid Kit—Not Just for Helicopter Moms Get a tiny one—bandages, wipes, emergency blanket. Toss in your own meds. You’ll be glad you have it.
Solid picks: REI.
- Chair That Doesn’t Suck REI Co-op Outward Low Lawn Chair. Packs small, comfy as hell. Sitting on logs is overrated.
Where: REI again.
- Water Filter—Stop Hauling Gallons Sea to Summit makes a good one. Clean water from a stream? Yes, please. No heavy bottles.
Buy it: Sea to Summit.
- Multi-Tool—Your New Best Friend Knife, pliers, screwdriver, bottle opener. Fixes gear, opens beers, makes you feel like MacGyver.
Go-to: Amazon.
How to Pick Stuff Without Losing Your Mind
Don’t get paralyzed by choices. Go for stuff that’s easy to use, doesn’t weigh a ton, and won’t bankrupt you. Try borrowing or renting for your first trip—no shame. Sometimes you gotta test-drive a tent before buying. Want more advice? Check out Camping Basics (shameless plug).
Where to Shop in 2025 Without Getting Ripped Off
REI’s a classic, Walmart for budget finds, Sea to Summit for eco-nerds. Feeling thrifty? Try Depop or ThredUp for secondhand steals. And yeah, double-check reviews—some brands talk a big game and deliver crap. Don’t get played.
Quick SEO Tip (If You’re Blogging This)
Honestly, if you wanna rank—mix up your keywords, write like a real person (please, for the love of all things holy), and use pics that don’t look like stock photos from 2003. People want real advice, not robot babble.
Happy camping—bring snacks, don’t forget the bug spray, and try not to start a forest fire.