10 Pieces of Camping Gear That Will Make You Happy

July 26, 2017 Mack Paradowski

Okay, This Gear Makes Me Happy

Campfire Guy Here. From June to late September, weather in North Texas is a little too “scorched Earth hot” for camping. I take this time to reflect on the gear I used over the cooler months and make adjustments for trips I have planned this fall and winter. Remember, I am the serial gear returner. For this gear to still be under my roof is seal of approval. I currently own and use everything you see below.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles ($44.36)

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles make me less trippy.

I am pretty new to the trekking pole world. I picked these up in hopes of one day needing them for an ultralight tent. John Muir Trail thru-hike anyone? Wasn’t sure I’d actually benefit from them on the trail. However, after logging about 50 miles with these last month at Boy Scout summer camp in Oklahoma, I am a firm believer in trekking poles. They take some of the burdens off your knees and are very helpful in rocky terrain.

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CamelBak Chute 1L Water Bottle ($13.95)

From Left: The Chute for my water, Jetboil Flash, coffee grounds, sweet mug and the GSI Javadrip round out my coffee making system.

Aside from being placed in about 80% of my review photos to give a sense of scale to the reader, the Chute is a tough, convenient way to carry water. The thick plastic loop at the top makes it easy to clip to your belt or pack. The larger lid makes it easy it add ice, while the smaller lid makes it easier to drink from. You get ice cold water, without a risk of dumping most of it down the front of your shirt.

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Columbia Silver Ridge Long-Sleeve Shirt ($41.73)

I am highly susceptible to falling down and getting poison ivy. The Columbia Silver Ridge Long-Sleeve shirt won’t help me with the former but is invaluable at preventing the later. In order to keep sun, bugs and poison ivy at bay, I needed a lightweight, stretchy, long sleeve shirt. Goldilocks found his perfect shirt.

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Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiking Socks ($15.95)

I follow various thru-hikers who log some serious miles on their feet. (Editors note: Campfire Guy follows their blogs, not their actual footsteps on the trail). When pouring over packing lists they use for their trips, I kept seeing Darn Tough wool hiking socks pop up. I now own half a dozen pairs and they have held up much better than their Smart Wool counterparts.

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Mountainsmith Genesee 4 Tent ($149.49)

Mountainsmith hit a home run with this tent. I have sung the Genesee’s praises on this site before. In fact, it was the very first piece of gear I reviewed. The weight, durability, and price of this tent make it an excellent buy.

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Yeti Hopper Two Portable Cooler – 20 Qt ($299.99)

When life gives you a fistful of REI gift cards for your birthday and REI gives you a coupon for 20% off one item, you go grab a Yeti Hopper. I wanted an easy to carry soft side cooler for camping, hanging out by the pool and for band practice. The leak proof zipper on the Hopper has proven to be leak proof. Compared to other soft side coolers on the market, the Hopper is a beast.

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Jetboil Flash Cooking System ($97.00)

Jetboil Flash will make sure you never go without coffee again.

The Jetboil Flash is my go to coffee maker when I’m spending time in the outdoors. My Jetboil is better traveled than I am, as it’s been loaned out to friends on several camping trips over the past two years. I did a full review of the flash here.

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Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite EDC Folding Knife ($24.95)

The replaceable blades on the Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite EDC knife are razor sharp out of the package.

Rarely can I be found without a pocket knife in tow. You never know when you’ll need to cut up an apple, whittle a bit or field dress a deer. The Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite EDC knife is lock back knife 3.5″ replaceable blades. Blade steel is Japanese 420J2, which is easy to sharpen. The handle is made from a lightweight Grivory (glass & nylon). Best of all, the knife comes with 6 blades.

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Therm A Rest Compressible Pillow ($21.07)

Never mind throwing dirty clothes into a stuff sack and calling that a pillow. The Therm A Rest Compressible pillow is a must have piece of gear. Sure it takes up some space in your pack even when rolled up tight, but the tradeoff is worth it. My full review of the pillow can be found here.

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Merrell Moab Ventilators ($99.99)

Merrell Moab Ventillators and Darn Tough Hiking Socks on my feet. Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles in my hands. We won’t talk about the super stylish hat on my head…yet.

I’m on my second pair of Merrell Moab Ventilators. Once you replace the included insoles with a Dr. Scholl Gel cushion, it’s like walking on clouds. There is plenty of room in the toe box for descending trails. The Moabs make for a lighter weight alternative to heavy over the ankle hiking boots. I did a video a while back where I sang the praises of these shoes.

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Exofficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief ($19.98)

I’m smiling because I’m wearing my ExOfficio Give N Go Boxer Briefs and well, coffee.

I’ll be brief with this one. Yes I know that was a terrible pun and that I’ve actually listed eleven pieces of gear. Consider this the Easter Egg of my post. I’m a convert to fancy, breathable underpants. As these pop up on Massdrop at a reduced price, I’m slowly getting rid of all my old cotton boxer briefs. They are super comfortable and help prevent chafing on the trail.

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Well of course this article contains affiliate links. What did you think all the “BUY NOW”s where for? Clicking on them and doing some shopping doesn’t add cost to you, but does put a little change in Campfire Guy’s pocket.