18 Camping Items To Bring On Your Next Trip That Reviewers Say Are Absolute Lifesavers

A portable campfire, waterproof tarp, and a thermal sleeping bag — just a few items to put at the top of your packing list.

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10. And a compact water filtration system for instant access to clean drinking water. Just fill up the pouch with water, screw on the filter, and squeeze the bag to release the filtered water. Enjoy outdoor water sources without ingesting harmful bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and micro-plastics.

If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

Promising review: "I live in a place where we only have cisterns and collect rain water. No access at home for city water. This filter has been a lifesaver. Run my water through it one time and perfect drinking water, no bubble guts. Sawyer filters have been keeping me hydrated for years at this point. Great company and even better products. My first experience with one was living in a bar in Mexico for two weeks — filtered water straight out of the bathroom sink, sat by the toilet the entire day prepared to dance the dirty dance, never happened." —Combustion Works

Continue reading the complete list of useful camping products, written by Natalie Brown here.

LAST UPDATED

December 3, 2023

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Before setting foot in the outdoors, pre-treat your clothing (boots, socks, pants, shirts, jackets, etc), tent and other gear with permethrin - but do not put it on your skin!

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Contributing Writers

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Our current favorite is the Sawyer Squeeze, which we highly recommend grabbing for your trip.

Dave Collins
Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief

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[The Sawyer Squeeze] water filter system is the gold standard for many thru-hikers and backpackers across the globe.

Chris Carter
Senior Editor