Camping Like a Pro: Five Things You Never Knew You Needed

Whether it’s your first camping trip or your fiftieth, there are some basic provisions you pack without a second thought. A tent, a sleeping bag, a stove, some cookware, a torch – the fundamentals of any successful camping trip.

But beyond these bare essentials lies an astonishing range of innovative and interesting extras you never knew you needed. Not that they’re all ‘necessities’ in the strictest sense of the word, but they could certainly help you get the most out of your excursion.

Whether planning a trip for yourself or in search of gift ideas for the outdoor enthusiast who already has everything, consider adding some of the following to your checklist:

1. Inflatable Furniture

Inflatable camping furniture is fantastic for three reasons. Firstly, it weighs next to nothing. Secondly, it’s extremely compact in its deflated and folded firm. Thirdly, it’s exceptionally comfortable, while being so much easier to cart around than traditional folding furniture.

Topped off with the fact that it’s also cheap, it’s a no-brainer for a bit of campsite comfort at its finest.

2. A Wire Saw

This is the kind of thing you may or may not need, but you’ll be glad you packed it if you do. A wire saw can weigh in at less than 20g, while taking up little to no space in your pack whatsoever. Nevertheless, these nifty little tools are capable of slicing through branches and logs with a diameter of several inches.

From cutting firewood to setting up shelter in an emergency, your trusty wire saw won’t let you down.

3. Titanium Toothpick with Keyring Holder

Sharp, lightweight and exceptionally versatile, a titanium toothpick is about more than practicing good oral hygiene. These things are so strong that they can be used to crack ice or glass, with a tip sharp enough to serve as pin, a needle or a knife.

Coupled with a neat little keyring holder for total convenience, a titanium toothpick scores major cool points simply for being awesome.

4. Paracord 5-in-One Survival Bracelet (5 in 1)

Likewise, this is another tool of immense versatility, which could get you out of the pinch in a variety of situations. Engineered in the form of a lightweight and comfortable bracelet, this five-in-one survival tool comprises a flint and steel fire-starter, a compass, a mini saw, a whistle and an extensive length of strong paracord.

Something to keep on your wrist while out and about in the wild, on the off chance you encounter difficulties. 

5. Microfiber Towel

Simple yet effective, a good microfibre towel can take up about 95% less space than a comparable cotton towel. They can also be just the thing to have on-hand, if and when you feel compelled to take an impromptu dip in a nearby lake or stream.

They’re cheap, they’re lightweight and they’re immensely versatile, so it’s always worth keeping one or two in your pack.

6. Mosquito-Zapping Lantern

If you have a tendency to be a bug’s banquet, why not invest in a lantern that also zaps mosquitoes? These things are usually good for around 12-15 hours from a single charge, and are designed to be as portable as possible.

Why let mosquitoes spoil the fun, when you can fight back with a neat little two-in-one device like this?

7. Solar-Powered Battery Pack

Last up, campers who simply cannot bear the thought of disconnecting from the real world may find this thing a real Godsend. As the name suggests, it’s basically a power bank with a built-in solar panel, enabling it to gradually charge itself throughout the day.