Going Camping This Spring? We’ve Made Your Packing List for You!

Everything you need to survive in the wild…for a few days.

For many of us, camping evokes many types of memories: Wholesome moments roasting marshmallows around the campfire, interspersed with a lot of rashes, mosquito bites, wet sleeping bags, burned-out batteries, expletive-laced tent assemblies, and 10 p.m. exasperation dinners from the nearest drive-thru. Camping trips involve a lot of variables, but it should come as no surprise that having the right gear can make a huge difference in how positive your camping experience is. Whether you’re planning a multi-night trip or a sleepover in the backyard, we’ve rounded up some of the best camping gear to have on deck.

Best Camping Tent

If you’re camping with the family (or just a big group that’s happy to sleep under the same polyester roof), we suggest the Coleman Montana 6-Person Tent. It’s a bit heavy so it isn’t the greatest choice if you’ve got a long hike ahead of you, but if you’re not planning to stray far from your campsite, it’s a great option. For a lightweight backpacking tent, try the Stoic Madrone 2-Person Tent.

Best Water Filter for Camping

If you’re going to be taking a long hike to your campsite or will be cooking there, a water filter is a must. The 1-gallon Sawyer Gravity Water Filter is a favorite among hikers and campers alike because you can easily fill it up anywhere for clean, drinkable water.

You can continue reading the entire packing list here, written by Emily Pinto and Ciara Hopkinson.