These 9 Stylish Essentials Just Might Convert Even the Least Outdoorsy People into Happy Campers

published Jul 21, 2021
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Friends sharing a meal while camping by lake.
Credit: Getty Images / Thomas Barwick

There’s two camps of people (pun very much intended!) in this world: those who enjoy cooking and sleeping in the great outdoors and those who don’t. Anyone who knows me well can attest that I fall into the latter category — I’m more Meredith Blake than Ron Swanson.

Whether you’re in my shoes or you can’t wait for your next outdoor expedition, camping season’s officially in full force. Since I’m clearly no camping authority, I rounded up a list of supplies that caters to even the least outdoorsy of folks. They’re all a little bit fun and very much still functional, for both on and off the campsite. On top of, you know, actual necessities (First Aid kit, food, tent, sleeping bags, etc.), pack some (or all) of these camping-friendly finds before you set up your next tent.

1 / 9
Urban Outfitters
$50.00

First things first, you need a sturdy but compact campground hangout spot. Poler has you covered with this foldable metal table, which includes its own carrying case for easy packing and transporting. Even better? You can bust it out in the backyard post camping trip.

2 / 9
West Elm
$39.95

Seating’s also a must, especially if you’ve been out and about exploring all day. As part of West Elm’s collab with REI, these fold-up-and-go woven stools can withstand all weather and make you cozier by the campfire. Keep a few on hand for future park or beach excursions, too.

3 / 9
Madewell
$69.00

If you don’t already have a spacious backpack, you can’t go wrong with this rainbow, vintage-inspired choice. It’s got it all: water-resistant fabric, a pocket for your drink bottle, and, arguably important, a great silhouette. There’s even a laptop sleeve, so consider this your new go-to travel bag.

4 / 9
Uncommon Goods
$28.00

What’s camping without a side of popcorn (and s’mores, obviously)? Add your kernels, heat over a fire or grill, and enjoy a fresh snack in five minutes flat. The handle’s removable, too, making packing and cleaning a breeze.

5 / 9
Urban Outfitters
$18.00

Get a taste of the great outdoors via your morning cup of joe or tea. Decorated with illustrations of various national parks, this enamel mug comes from the Parks Project and helps fund restoration and conservation projects around the country. (Coffee) cheers to that!

6 / 9
Amazon
$44.95

Of course, I can’t talk about camp coffee mugs without an essential ingredient for brewing: a percolator! This model, made specifically for the outdoors, boasts a hardwood handle you can attach to your backpack for freshly-brewed joe on-the-go.

7 / 9
Target
$12.99

Perfect for stashing sandwiches or snacks, Stojo’s reusable container compresses to completely flatten when not in use. That'll give you ample room to pack — and even stack multiples — for day hikes and beyond.

8 / 9
Amazon
$19.99

When it comes to lighting up your campsite, have some fun with an old school style. This lightweight, battery-powered lantern has 12 long-lasting LED bulbs and a dimmer switch. It’s definitely something you’ll want to have on hand at home, too.

9 / 9
Urban Outfitters
$15.00

I’d be absolutely remiss to leave any s’mores staples out of the mix. You can instantly level up your perfectly-roasted marshmallow game with this handy reel. And yes, it rotates and extends via a fun hand crank... because every side of a marshmallow needs that golden-brown goodness!