13 Things Smart Campers Never Forget

(Seriously. These are the items that pull their weight at camp.)

We’ve all been there: the overpacked trip where half the gear stays untouched in a bin. When you’re working with a small space—like a teardrop trailer or a thoughtfully packed car—every item you bring needs to earn its place.

This isn’t about bringing more. It’s about bringing better.

Here are 13 camping essentials we bring on every trip, whether we’re boondocking deep in the woods or parking the trailer at a cozy campground

1. Cast Iron Cookware

Durable. Timeless. Versatile.
A cast iron skillet handles everything from pancakes to fire-roasted veggies to steak. Unlike nonstick pans that can chip or warp, cast iron thrives over open flames or on your trailer stove.
Pro tip: store it in a canvas bag so it doesn’t mess up your other gear. Bonus: it gets better with every use.

2. Privacy Tent

Even with a teardrop trailer, having a pop-up privacy tent changes the game—especially if you’re camping without nearby restrooms. Use it for outdoor showers, a portable toilet, or as a changing room when you’re traveling with friends or family.
It folds down small and adds a huge layer of comfort (and dignity).

3. Collapsible Sink

A collapsible sink may not seem exciting, but you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to wash dishes, rinse fruit, or clean up after a hike. It takes up almost no space when packed and saves water by keeping the mess contained.

4. Doormat

Sounds small. Makes a big difference.
Having a doormat outside your trailer or tent helps stop dirt, pine needles, and gravel from getting tracked into your space. Especially helpful on rainy days when the inside of your camper becomes home base.
Plus, it gives your outdoor setup that cozy, lived-in feel.

5. Fire Blower

This is one of those tools you don’t know you need… until you use it.
Instead of crouching down and blowing until you’re dizzy, a fire blower gives you precise airflow to build or revive your fire quickly. It works better than fanning, better than hoping, and saves you a whole lot of frustration.

6. Camping Knife

One solid, sharp knife can take on just about anything. From chopping veggies to slicing rope to making kindling, it’s the multi-tasker of your camping setup.

7. Compact Strainer

You’ll reach for it more than you think.
Need to strain pasta? Rinse berries? Wash out your mug? A foldable strainer takes up almost no space but adds major function to your camp kitchen.

8. Hatchet

A campfire essential.
You’ll use a hatchet for splitting wood, trimming kindling, pounding in tent stakes, or crafting a makeshift marshmallow skewer.
Look for one with a solid handle and a good blade guard—you want safe, not flashy.

9. Mosquito Repeller

Nothing ends a perfect evening faster than being eaten alive by bugs.
Invest in a good portable mosquito repeller. It keeps the peace at camp without the sticky mess of bug spray or the constant buzzing around your face.
Trust us: don’t skimp on this one.

10. Flint and Striker

It’s easy to rely on lighters or matches—until they fail. A flint and striker is a reliable backup that always works, even in damp or windy conditions.
It’s also a great tool to practice with if you’re learning fire-building skills or camping off-grid where backup options matter.

11. Egg Container

Yes, this one’s oddly specific.
But nothing ruins breakfast faster than a bag full of cracked eggs. A reusable plastic egg container keeps them intact even on bumpy backroads—and lets you bring a dozen instead of buying powdered substitutes.
Small thing, big upgrade.

12. Folding Camp Table

Not all trailers come with a built-in table, and prepping dinner on your lap gets old fast. A lightweight folding table gives you a place to chop veggies, set drinks, or play cards after dinner.
It folds down slim, sets up fast, and adds instant function to your site.

13. Hammock

Every trip needs a little downtime.
Hang a hammock between two trees and take a moment to rest, read, or nap after a long hike. It packs small, weighs nearly nothing, and guarantees you’ll spend more time just soaking in the quiet.

Bottom line?

The best camping gear doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to work.
Whether you're in one of our teardrop trailers or testing your first DIY build, this list is built from real adventures, not just gear guides.