Pocket-Sized Camping Gear Worth Packing
The best camping gear is the stuff you actually bring. Everything here is small, light and cheap enough to just leave in the bag.
Plus one thing that's pure fun for the campfire.
- Top pick
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
A straw that filters water as you drink, straight from a stream or lake. The maker lab-tests it against bacteria and parasites. No batteries, weighs almost nothing.
Best for: hikers and emergency kits.
Check price on Amazon Collapsible LED Camping Lantern
Collapses down to phone size, then pulls up into a lantern. Also works as a flashlight.
Check price on AmazonETENWOLF Mini Air Pump
A tiny rechargeable pump that inflates (and deflates) sleeping pads and pool floats in seconds.
Check price on AmazonFUNBRO Carabiner Multitool
A carabiner with a knife, bottle opener and more built in. Clips to a bag or keys.
Check price on AmazonRechargeable Magnetic Hand Warmers (2)
Rechargeable hand warmers with 3 heat levels. Magnetic, so two snap together. No more throwaway packets.
Check price on AmazonColor-Changing Fire Packets
Toss a sealed packet in the campfire and the flames turn rainbow. Kids love it.
Check price on AmazonMini Camping Frogs (4)
Four tiny vinyl frogs in camping gear, with a tiny campfire. Pure decoration. Very important.
Check price on Amazon
Before you buy
Always follow local fire rules, and only use fire packets in outdoor fire pits.
Charge rechargeable gear the night before, and bring a power bank for longer trips.