Complete Camping Gear Guide: What You Actually Need & What You Can Skip

There are a lot of opinions about when front country camping becomes backcountry. There are some pretty lux spots in BC that are still technically in the back country, and there are also some spots that you can drive right up to and are still incredibly bare-bones. 

For me, I have a front country set up and a back country set up, and the deciding factor is really just how far away from my car I'm setting up camp. Even if your site is just a 15-minute walk from the car, I'm going to start using most of my backcountry gear. A lot of front-country stuff is so bulky that I only really use it if I can take it straight from the car to the campsite.

Realistically, being on top of a mountain or 15 minutes from your car might not matter in most emergency situations. My wife could maybe move me 5 feet into the car in case of emergency, but if we were stuck 15 minutes or 15 miles from the car we were in just as much trouble. So in these cases, you definitely still want to pack as if you're on a real backcountry adventure.

No matter what type of camping you're doing, these are the non-negotiables. Skipping on any of these could be a safety issue or, at the very least, end in a miserable night.

• Tent (appropriate for your region's climate)
• Sleeping bag (rated for the temperature range you'll encounter)
• Sleeping pad (insulation and comfort)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire starter (matches/lighter in waterproof container)
• Water bottle or bladder (minimum 2L per person)
• Cooking system (stove, fuel, pots, utensils)
• Food (plus extra for emergencies)
• Wildlife-safe food storage (bear canisters, vehicle, or proper hanging system)
• Garbage bags (pack out everything)
• Toilet paper and small shovel (for digging catholes if no facilities)
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Map of the area (don't rely solely on phone GPS)
• Camp Chairs (don't underestimate the luxury of having a place to sit)

This is your starting point. Once you have all of these, you're set up to spend a night basically anywhere you're allowed to. Now let's break down how to choose which brand to go with for all of these, where it's worth spending a bit more, and where you can cheap out a bit.

Tents

A tent is obviously important, but it's actually a place I recommend spending the least. Don't go for the cheapest tent you can find, but also the really expensive ones are probably overkill for what you're doing. 

We use a 3-person Naturehike tent. It's nothing fancy, but it's quick to set up and take down, light enough to take on long hikes, and less than $200. We prefer the 3-person option, so it fits us both and has enough room for some bags for front country camping. They also have 2-person and 1-person options as well.

This is perfect for us because it's light enough to bring with us on backpacking trips, but still big enough for comfortable front country situations too. There are more durable and weather-resistant tents out there, but realistically, if a big storm is coming through, we're changing our plans and booking a hotel anyway. 

If you're more intense than us and you do need that extra quality, I would go for an Ultralight MSR tent if I had an unlimited budget.

And if you don't plan on doing any backpacking with it and just want a great value front country tent, don't spend extra for a lightweight design and go for something like this Aglory front country tent. It's a bit too chunky for a backpacking trip, but it's a lot cheaper if you're only planning to do front-country camping.

Tent Footprint

Do you really need one? Honestly, it depends.

A footprint is basically a tarp that goes under your tent to protect the floor from rocks, sticks, and abrasion, plus it adds an extra layer of waterproofing. It definitely extends the life of your tent by taking the beating instead of your tent floor.

You probably want one if:

• You're camping on rocky, rough, or sandy ground
• You're using a lightweight tent with a thin floor
• You want your tent to last as long as possible

You can skip it if:

• You're at a well-maintained campground with designated tent pads
• You're careful about clearing your campsite before setting up
• You're on a tight budget (it's not essential)

Pro tip: You don't need to buy the fancy branded footprint from your tent manufacturer. A basic tarp cut slightly smaller than your tent floor works just as well and costs way less. Just make sure it doesn't stick out past your tent edges, or it'll actually channel water underneath you during rain, which defeats the whole purpose.

Sleeping Bags

This is the difference between waking up full of gratitude and taking a morning plunge in the lake with a smile on your face, or waking up ready to end the trip early. This is an item I recommend spending a bit more on and getting exactly what you need. 

How to pick a sleeping bag? The right bag for you depends on 2 things. Are you ever going to go backpacking with it? And what kind of temperatures are you using it for?

If you use it for front country and back country, definitely spend a bit more to get one that's lightweight and not too bulky. Ideally, you want your sleeping bag to be under 2 pounds, but those cost significantly more, so if budget is also a consideration, look for something under 3.5 pounds. And if it never has to fit in a backpack, go for an even cheaper, bulkier one. 

Here is a great ultralight option, a cheaper but still decent lightweight option, and a great cheap front country option. And this is a good liner that can make your bag a bit warmer on a particularly cold camping trip.

Temperature ratings: Think about the coldest night you're realistically going to camp in. Sleeping bags are rated by their "comfort" temperature, which is the temp at which an average sleeper will be comfortable. If you only camp in summer, a -1°C (30°F) bag works. If you camp spring through fall or at elevation, go for a -7°C (20°F) bag. For year-round camping, you'll want -12°C (10°F) or lower.

Here's the thing, though: don't pick a bag that's rated too warm (like a -7°C bag) thinking it'll be perfect for summer. You might overheat on warm nights, and there's not much you can do except unzip it and use it like a quilt. A better strategy is to get a bag rated for higher temps (-1°C to 5°C) and add a sleeping bag liner when you need extra warmth. That way, you can adjust for different conditions by sleeping in less clothing and vent the bag on warm nights, or layer up and add the liner when it gets cold. Way more versatile.

Sleeping Pads

These are not just a comfy luxury; they are a vital part of your temperature regulation. The sleeping pad gives an important layer of insulation between you and the ground. Without it, the cold ground at night will suck away all the warmth your body is generating faster than it can generate it. The sleeping pad slows this right down and will let your body heat actually warm up the whole tent. 

You have 3 options:

1. Air mattress: This is the luxurious front-country camping choice. These are thick (6+ inches), super comfortable, and make you feel like you're sleeping in an actual bed. The downsides: they're heavy and bulky (not for backpacking), can be a pain to blow up without a pump, and are more prone to leaks. Great if comfort is your top priority and you're never hiking with it. I've had several air mattresses over the years, and none of them are perfect, but the most important feature for me is the BUILT-IN PUMP. These ones have a little pump built into a corner of the mattress so you can just pump away with your foot to get it going. This means you can't forget an adapter or only be able to blow up your mattress with an electric hookup. This is a solid option that will work great for camping, and you can pump it up no matter where you're spending the night.
2. Inflatable pads: This is what I use for all backcountry camping and, honestly, a lot of front country when I can't be bothered with the full air mattress. They strike the perfect balance: light enough for backpacking (under 1 lb), blow up in just a few breaths, pack down tiny, and are surprisingly comfy (2-3 inches thick). The main downside is that they can puncture, so bring a repair kit. Look for an R-value of at least 3 for three-season camping.
3. Foam pads: The bulletproof budget option. These are closed-cell foams that you just roll out, so no inflation is needed and nothing leaks or breaks. They're cheap, lightweight, and nearly indestructible. The trade-off is that they're bulkier to pack (usually strapped to the outside of your backpack) and not quite as comfortable as inflatable options. Perfect if you want something foolproof or you're on a tight budget.
4. Bottom line: If you're only car camping and want maximum comfort, go with an air mattress. If you might ever backpack or want versatility, get an inflatable pad. If you're on a budget or want zero-maintenance gear, grab a foam pad.

Pillows

I would have to call this unessential since I don't own a camping pillow. I honestly just roll my sweater up into a ball and sleep like a baby, but I know that's not for everyone. If you're on a tight budget and don't mind, this is a great spot to save a bit, but if you want extra comfort, you have 2 options (in my opinion)

1. Get a proper inflatable pillow. They are comfy, easy to set up, and compress down into a tiny bag that weighs next to nothing, so you can bring them backpacking easily. 
2. Just bring a pillow from home and get a pillowcase you don't care about. 

There are options in between these two, but in my opinion, either get a lightweight one that can be used on big hikes, or if you're only going to be using it within a few feet of your car, just be fully comfortable with a regular bed pillow.

Camp Stoves

The stove you need depends entirely on whether you're car camping or backpacking.

For front country (car camping): Get a two-burner propane stove. These are bulky and heavy, but you can cook actual meals on them, like pasta boiling on one and a sauce going on another. They're stable, easy to use, and propane canisters are cheap and available everywhere. We use this stove, and it's been great. It's a bit small, so you can't have two big pans going at once, but it works for simple camp meals. 

If you want to go a bit more intense or you're cooking for a family, (insert option)

For backpacking: You need something lightweight and compact. These are simple single-burner setups that screw onto small fuel canisters. They're not fancy, but they boil water fast and pack down to almost nothing. We use this when backpacking or when we want hot water fast when front-country camping.

We mostly use these for making instant Ramen at remote camps and for heating up water for coffee in the mornings. Even with the ramen, you will need to cook them one at a time, but it's way better than subsisting off just protein bars.

Fuel types explained:

• Propane (car camping): The green 1 lb canisters you see everywhere. Easy to find, works in cold weather, and affordable. They're heavy, though, so not for backpacking.
• Isobutane canisters (backpacking): Small screw-on canisters that work with most backpacking stoves. Lightweight, efficient, but more expensive and don't work as well in freezing temps.
• Liquid fuel (advanced): White gas or unleaded gasoline. More complicated to use, but it works in extreme cold and high altitude. Only worth it if you're doing serious mountaineering.
• Fire cooking: Most campsites have fire pits, and cooking over a fire is part of the experience. Bring a grill grate if you want to cook on it (some sites provide them, most don't). Just have a backup stove in case there's a fire ban or you have trouble finding dry wood.

Cookware

This is another area where what you bring depends on how far you're carrying it.

For backpacking: Get a lightweight camping pot set. These are designed to nest together and often have a non-stick coating. Look for something around 1-1.5L capacity that weighs under a pound. You really just need one pot to boil water for dehydrated meals and one pan to cook simple one-pot dishes.

For car camping with some hiking: Go for a decent camping cookware set that's still relatively light. You can cook actual meals, but it's not so heavy that you can't bring it on a short hike to your campsite.

For pure car camping (site right next to your vehicle): Honestly, just bring a regular pot from home and a cast-iron pan. Who cares if it's heavy when you're walking 10 feet from your trunk? Cast iron over a campfire is unbeatable for cooking.

Don't forget:

• Spatula or cooking spoon
• Plates, bowls, cups (reusable, not disposable)
• Cutlery
• Cutting board and knife
• Can opener and bottle opener

Cleaning

Biodegradable soap is essential if you'll be washing dishes in natural water sources (lakes, streams). Even biodegradable soap shouldn't go directly into the water. Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source and scatter your grey water.

If you're at a developed campground with dishwashing stations, regular dish soap is fine.

Bring a sponge, scrubber, and dish towel. A collapsible basin makes washing way easier.

Campsuds is our go-to soap and basically the industry standard. It's safe to use in any water source without polluting it, and in a pinch, it's a solid body wash to rub on yourself before jumping into a lake (when there are no real showers on the horizon).

Food Storage

This is critical, and you need to check ahead of time what system is in place where you're camping.

A lot of BC campgrounds have bear-proof storage, offering either metal lockers at each site or communal bear caches. If your campground has these, use them. Every time and all day. Some people will just put everything in overnight, but there are a lot of cases of people leaving some food in their tent while they go for a swim and come back to find their tent ripped to shreds. For everyone's safety, put everything away safely as soon as you arrive, and just bring it out where you're actually cooking or eating. 

If you're in grizzly country, or if you're making a really good-smelling meal (like burgers), stash away the clothes you cooked in, too. Not a great idea sleeping in grizzly country smelling like a steak.

If there's no bear-proof storage:

• Car camping: Store everything in your vehicle with windows closed. Don't leave food or scented items in your tent.
• Backpacking or walk-in sites: You need to bring a bear canister or know how to do a proper bear hang. A bear hang requires rope (at least 50 feet), a stuff sack, and knowing the technique. Bear canisters are easier but bulky.

Never leave food unattended at your campsite. Bears are smart, common in BC, and a fed bear is a dead bear. Take food storage seriously.

Coolers (car camping only): A good cooler makes a huge difference for keeping things cold over multiple days. Pre-chill your cooler before packing it, use block ice instead of cubes, and keep it in the shade. Open it as little as possible. We currently use this basic cooler. And it works for a day or two, but if you're taking on a longer road trip and need your food to stay cool for days, go for a proper Yeti Cooler (it's on our wish list). This is what we will be upgrading to this summer.

First Aid Kit

This is non-negotiable. You need a first aid kit, and it needs to be stocked with actual supplies, not just a couple of Band-Aids.

You can buy a pre-made kit or build your own. We use this standard issue one, and it's been solid for us. It comes with everything you need for minor injuries and emergencies.

What should be in your kit:

• Bandages (various sizes)
• Gauze pads and medical tape
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Antihistamines (for allergic reactions)
• Tweezers and scissors
• Antiseptic wipes
• Blister treatment (moleskin or blister pads)
• Tensor bandage for sprains
• Any personal medications you need

Make sure you actually know how to use what's in your kit. A first aid course is worth taking if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Emergency items to add:

• Emergency whistle
• Emergency blanket (the metallic foil ones)
• Multi-tool or knife
• Duct tape (fixes almost everything)
• Paracord (at least 50 feet)

Keep your first aid kit somewhere accessible, not buried at the bottom of your pack. In an emergency, you don't want to be digging for it.

Personal Hygiene

Staying clean while camping isn't just about comfort; it's also about preventing infections and keeping wildlife away from scented products.

The basics you need:

• Biodegradable soap (use for body and hair)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
• Bug spray (mosquitoes and blackflies can be brutal in BC)
• Hand sanitizer
• Towel (quick-dry microfiber is way better than a regular towel)
• Wet wipes (for quick cleanups)
• Toilet paper (always bring your own, even if the site has facilities)

Important: All scented products (deodorant, sunscreen, toothpaste, etc.) should be stored with your food in bear-proof storage. Bears don't distinguish between food smells and toiletry smells.

For the bathroom: If there are pit toilets, use them. If not, you need to dig a cathole:

• At least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites
• Dig 6-8 inches deep
• Bury your waste and toilet paper (or pack out the TP in a sealed bag)
• Bring a small trowel for digging

Washing up: If you're washing in a lake or stream, do it at least 200 feet away from the water source. Even biodegradable soap can harm aquatic ecosystems if you're washing directly in the water. Scatter your grey water over a wide area.

We use Campsuds for everything: body, dishes, clothes. One bottle does it all.

Nice to have:

• Camping shower bag (solar-heated bags that you hang from a tree)
• Baby wipes or camping wipes
• Dry shampoo for multi-day trips
• Small mirror

Honestly, though, part of camping is getting a bit dirty. Embrace it. You can shower when you get home.

You need light at camp as soon as the sun goes down. Don't be the person stumbling around in the dark trying to find the bathroom.

Headlamps

Get a headlamp, not a flashlight. Headlamps keep your hands free for cooking, setting up your tent, or holding a beer. This is one of those things where once you use a headlamp, you'll never go back to flashlights.

There are a lot of headlamps to choose from, and a lot of them are very similar. In terms of brightness, look for one with at least 200 lumens, a red light mode, and a long battery life. You have 2 categories of headlamps in 2026: rechargeable or battery-powered. Rechargeable headlamps have the obvious advantage of not needing to buy new batteries, and they tend to be a bit lighter. The main advantage of the older style battery-powered ones is that they recharge to full instantly when you change the batteries. The rechargeable ones are a bit useless if they die while you're on a trip with no way to charge them. Generally speaking, if you charge your headlamp to full and you're only camping for a few nights, you should have no issue at all, but if you're going on a serious and long excursion, I would only trust replaceable batteries.

Here is a reliable rechargeable option.

Pro tips:

• Bring extra batteries. 
• Test your headlamp before you leave. Dead batteries at camp are no fun.
• The red light mode is great for getting up to pee at night without destroying your night vision or waking everyone up.

Also, everyone in your group should have their own headlamp.

Lanterns

A lantern is technically optional, but it makes camp so much better. Instead of everyone wearing headlamps and looking like coal miners, you hang up a lantern and have actual ambient light.

For car camping, we use this one. It's bright, has a hook for hanging, and the battery lasts forever.

For backpacking, we use this little guy. It's way smaller and lighter but still gives enough light for the tent or a small area.

Nice to have:String lights (battery or solar powered) are great for making camp feel more homey. Not essential, but they're awesome for longer trips or if you're camping with a group. We have a cheap pair that weighs next to nothing, so we bring them even on our big backpacking trips. We wrap them around our tent (between the tent and the outer shell.

They look cute lit up at night, but they are also practical and give us just enough light to see what the heck we're doing when we're climbing into our sleeping bags.

Nothing makes you realize how important water is more than being forced to collect or carry all that you need. You need to stay hydrated, and you need clean water for cooking and washing, so clean water is one of your most vital resources while camping

How Much Water to Bring

At minimum, bring 2L per person per day. That's just for drinking. If you're cooking, washing dishes, or it's hot out, you'll need more like 3-4L per person per day.

For sites with potable water: Just bring reusable water bottles and fill up when you get there. Easy peasy.

For sites without potable water: You need to either bring all your water or have a way to treat water from natural sources.

Water Containers

For car camping: Just bring whatever water bottles you have. We use our regular water bottles and have this 20L jug that we fill up at home.

For backpacking or sites without water: Get collapsible water containers. They take up almost no space when empty, but can hold 5-10L when you need them. We use this collapsible container for collecting water to bring back to camp at backcountry sites.

Pro tip: Even if your campsite has water, bring extra containers. Water taps can break, and you don't want to be making multiple trips in the dark.

Water Filters & Purification

If you're camping somewhere without potable water, you have three options:

1. Water filters: These physically remove bacteria and protozoa from water. This is a great compact option. They're fast, reliable, and work great for lakes and streams. The main downside is they don't remove viruses (not usually a concern in Canadian backcountry), and they can freeze or clog.
2. UV purifiers: These use UV light to kill everything in the water, including viruses. They're fast and don't change the taste of the water, but they need batteries, and the water needs to be relatively clear to work well. Larq water bottles are our go-to brand for this.
3. Purification tablets: Tablets like Aquatabs or iodine tablets kill everything, but take 30 minutes to 4 hours to work. They're lightweight and cheap, great as a backup, but the water can taste funky.

Our setup: We bring a filter as our main system and tablets as a backup. Filters are fast enough for daily use, and tablets are there if something goes wrong.

Important: Always collect water from moving sources (streams) rather than stagnant water (puddles, still ponds) when possible. And collect from upstream of where people are camping or washing.

Hydration Bladders vs Water Bottles

This is personal preference.

Hydration bladders are great for hiking because you can drink without stopping. The downside is they're harder to clean, and you can't see how much water you have left.

Water bottles are simple, durable, and you can see exactly how much water you have. They're also easier to share and use for cooking.

We use water bottles for camping and save the bladders for long day hikes.

Having the right gear can make or break your camping experience. The key is matching your gear to the type of camping you're doing. You don't need ultralight equipment for car camping, but you also can't bring your full kitchen setup to a remote site.

Start with the essentials, add comfort items as your budget and space allow, and always prioritize safety and Leave No Trace principles. Proper gear helps you enjoy the outdoors comfortably while protecting the environment for future visitors.

Also, if you're reading this guide and reached all the way to the end, you're probably not an experienced hard-core camper. And that's okay. Even though we camp a lot, I don't consider myself hardcore. And that's why I don't have top-of-the-line everything. Get a great sleeping bag and a comfortable sleeping pad. For everything else, try to keep to a reasonable budget. A lot of that really expensive gear is pointless just for a night by the lake.

Our Trusted Travel Partners

We only recommend products and services we personally use and trust.

SafetyWing

Travel medical insurance for nomads and remote workers

Insurance

Get covered from $56.28/month

Booking.com

Find the best deals on hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals

Accommodation

Free cancellation on most properties

AllTrails

Discover hiking trails with detailed maps and reviews

Hiking & Outdoors

Try Pro free for 7 days

Surfshark

Secure VPN for safe browsing and accessing content worldwide

Security

Get 3 months free when you register here.

Get Your Guide

Find the best deals on tours and experiences

Tours & Experiences

Maximize your travel experience

Airalo

Prepaid SIM cards for travelers

Travel Essentials

eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions

Trusted Housesitters

Find free accommodation by house and pet sitting worldwide

Pet Sitting

Free accommodation in 140+ countries

Wise

Send and receive money internationally with low fees

Money Transfer

Hold 50+ currencies in one account

* We may earn a commission when you make a purchase through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. We appreciate this support, which helps sustain our blog and allows us to create more content and help more great trips get planned!