Camping Gear must haves for 2021
Written By: Sarah Reish & Laurel Thompson
While we want all of our content to focus on our adventures, we thought it would be great to also talk about some of the gear our team uses and loves. Laurel and Sam tend to go out weekly while Steve and I typically go out a couple of times a month. None of the items we are sharing are sponsored so this is purely opinion and recommendations to others who enjoy camping and the great outdoors. If you have favorite gear you love, let us know about it in the comments below.
Sarah & Steve’s Top Picks
Jet Boil
If you do not have a Jet Boil get one. It makes coffee and dehydrated meals fast and easy to prepare. Boiling water in less than 90 seconds without having to get pans, stoves, and fuel out is a no brainer. Less gear means less weight and a quick and easy prep and cleanup are always a plus when camping. We have used this for hiking and day trips as well as multi-day camping. Because it uses fuel efficiently there is no need to pack or carry extra fuel tanks.
AreoPress
Our friends gifted an AeroPress to Steve for Christmas and we are obsessed. We are avid coffee drinkers and prior to having this device we either used a percolator or French press while camping. This is a small single serve press that is light and easy to use AND it makes delicious pressed coffee without a bulky device. While there are several components, you do not need them all. We forgo the funnel, filter stand, and stir stick, while they are nice to have we try and keep things simple while outdoors.
Hustle Clean Body Wipe
Stay with me here, while this seems like a weird item because it is for athletes, the Hustle Clean Body Wipe are also perfect for campers. Sometimes hygiene can be difficult while camping and if it is an extended trip your fellow campers will thank you for including this in your gear. These are actually sport body wipes for athletes, but I think they should be included in the outdoor section at the store. It is neither masculine or feminine in scent, just fresh. The towels are sturdy and larger than the standard “wipe” and can clean off the dirt and grime that tends to happen while out adventuring. Each wipe is individually packaged which means they won’t dry out after using only one. If your camping includes any water based activities this can clean off that lake smell. There is no sticky residue which is a huge plus. The ingredients include aloe and witch hazel so it will sooth any sunburns. 100% love this recent find and recommend it for all campers.
Anker Powercore+
Because we document our adventures, it is important that we have power to recharge. While we have outgrown this device and are currently researching other sustainable power alternatives, this remains a favorite of ours that we continue to use regularly. The Anker Powercore+ charges quickly and can charge a phone 6+ times. It is also able to charge any device with a USB adapter. If you are looking for a reliable power source this is it. It is heavy duty and can take a beating - I have dropped it many times and after 4+ years it is still super reliable and a must have whenever we head outdoors.
Laurel & Sam’s Top Picks
Mystery Ranch Backpack
Whether we are heading out for a day on small mountain creeks, hiking in the backcountry, or hauling in gear on our pack string for an overnight camp trip, you can always find our Mystery Ranch backpacks in tow. Having a good backpack for your outdoor adventures is key. We love their wide range of functionality; these packs are perfect for a day of light hiking where a jacket and some snacks are all you need, or they can be loaded down with multiple layers, dehydrated meals, optics, and hunting gear for your more serious adventures.
Black Diamond Firstlight 3
Camping year-round in Wyoming often means you need to be prepared for any weather the seasons might throw at you. Sam and I recently upgraded our shelter game by purchasing the Black Diamond Firstlight 3 Tent, featured in this month's Paint Rock article. This super lightweight 4-season, 3-person tent is perfect for pack trips and backpacking weighing less than 4 lbs. Its 4-season rating also gives us peace of mind that we will be comfortable after a long day of hiking or riding whether it is hot and sunny or cold and snowy. Its 3-person capacity gives us a little extra room for gear and our adventure buddy, Pepper the red heeler, who is a known sleeping pad hog.
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
If you are going on a multi day pack or backpacking trip in the mountains of Wyoming, chances are you don’t have the space for, or want the extra weight of, tons of water. Sam and I typically fill up a few Camelbaks and/or canteens, but always make sure we have our Katadyn Hiker Microfilter handy. This small, backpack-friendly water filter makes obtaining extra drinking water during our trips simple, easy, and safe!
GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set 24
This compact kitchen set is perfect for weekend getaways or extended adventures. Cooking is always a big part of our outdoor experiences, and with this tiny kit, we don't have to miss out on some of our favorite camp foods! The GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set is a 24-piece kit that includes cutlery sets, folding utensils, a cutting board, watertight spice jars (ideal for salt and pepper), two small condiment containers, utility knife and more – all weighing under 2 lbs. and perfectly organized in its own compact zip up bag with handle.
You Tell Us
We want to know what must have items you have in your gear. Share in the comments or post on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld