Camping Gear: What Do You Really Need?
Reading time: about 3–5 min
Tent, camp bed, cooler, backpack: the range of camping gear is huge. We show you what you really need for a camping trip, in four categories: sleeping, cooking, transporting and camp comfort.
Sleeping: tent and sleep system
For a night outdoors you need two things: a tent for weather protection and a sleeping base that keeps you warm and comfortable. Whether a camp bed, air mattress, camping mat or sleeping bag is the right choice mainly depends on whether you're travelling by car or on foot.
Who is what suited for?
- Hikers & festival-goersLightweight pop-up tent for 2 people plus a compact air mattress or sleeping mat – both small in pack size and low in weight.
- Car campers & familiesA roomier tent for 4 or more people plus a camp bed or self-inflating camping mat for noticeably more sleeping comfort, since weight isn't an issue.
- ChildrenTheir own smaller sleeping bags with a matching comfort range. Anyone camping in spring or autumn should generally choose a model with a lower comfort rating instead of the summer version.
- What should you look out for?For the tent, a water column of at least 3,000 mm is key. For the sleeping base, look at insulation against cold ground; for the sleeping bag, go by the comfort temperature rather than the extreme temperature.
Cooking: cooling, cooking and eating on the go
Anyone spending several days outdoors needs a functioning camp kitchen: a cooling solution for food, plus cookware and tableware that's light and sturdy.
Who is what suited for?
- Weekend trippers & day visitorsA simple, passive cooler with an ice pack is usually more than enough.
- Multi-day campers & grill fansAn electric 12V cooler with two temperature zones keeps food and drinks reliably cold over several days.
- Self-caterers cooking on siteA foldable camp kitchen with a work surface, along with lightweight, unbreakable dishes and a cutlery set for on the go.
- What should you look out for?For the cooler, trip length determines whether passive or electric is the better choice. Dishes and cutlery for outdoor use should be light, unbreakable and easy to clean.
Transporting: the right backpack
For day trips, hikes or the walk from the car to the campsite, you need a suitable backpack. Volume and back system make the biggest difference here.
Who is what suited for?
- Day trippers15 to 25 litres is enough for a change of clothes, food and small gear.
- Multi-day hikersFrom 40 litres upward, so there's room for a sleeping bag, clothing for several days and cooking utensils too.
- Runners & short tripsCompact 5 to 10 litre backpacks with a close fit, ideal for short, fast outings.
- What should you look out for?A ventilated back system provides carrying comfort, while adjustable straps adapt the backpack to different body sizes.
Camp comfort: seating, table and small helpers
Once the tent and kitchen are set up, you need a comfortable spot to relax. Camping chairs, a camping table and small helpers like a toilet or picnic blanket make time outdoors noticeably more pleasant.
Who is what suited for?
- Families & longer staysA table-and-bench set with several seats, plus a flushing camping toilet for trips without sanitary facilities
- Solo travellers & short tripsA single folding chair and picnic blanket, quick to unpack and pack away again.
- ChildrenTheir own smaller camping chairs sized and heighted for kids.
- What should you look out for?For the chair, check the weight capacity and armrests; for the table, look for a light, foldable frame for easy transport.
Quick overview
| Need | Solution | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping outdoors | Tent | Everyone |
| Lying comfortably | Camp bed / air mattress | Car campers / hikers |
| Staying warm | Sleeping bag | Everyone |
| Cooking and eating | Camp kitchen set-Set | Self-caterers |
| Carrying gear | Backpack | Hikers |
Tips from the camping pro
How big should my tent be?
Electric or passive cooler?
What comfort temperature do I need for a sleeping bag?
How do I pack my hiking backpack correctly?
Original publication date: August 03, 2026
About the Author
Xhoana H. is part of the content team and loves writing about topics related to leisure, sports, and the outdoors. In her guides, she explains products in an easy-to-understand way and helps you make the right choice for you.
