Must have camping gear?

Question

My husband is interested in taking more camping trips next year, so I thought I'd get him some camping gear for Christmas. Looking for suggestions for what I should get him. (Cheap but durable.)

Answer 1

Depending on the kind of camping you/hubby/both are interested in, the following gear is useful:



1. headlamp - a flashlight that is worn on the head, thereby freeing your hands (for cooking at night, or hiking before dawn, or finishing a walk after dusk). There are many brands, choose one within your budget (or what is on sale)



2. tent - depending on whether for hike-camping or car-camping, you'd want different weight/size/material (and that will determine the price)



3. sleeping bag - weight/material will depend on whether it's intended for warm-weather camping only, or 4 seasons (and that will determine price)



Then, depending on the style of camping, you may wish to consider:

- type of backpack

- cooking stove

- cooking pots/pans

- waterfilter

- water bottles/camelback

- map holders (waterproof?)

- compass/GPS



That's enough to start Christmas shopping with...

Answer 2

Also, a water bottle or camelpak is a must have for camping. Camelpaks make really cool gifts if the person doesn't have one already.

Answer 3

adding to the above - an total, total must-have is a thermarest pad for under your sleeping bag. my husband and i used them in Peru, and they were a godsend. truly like sleeping in a bed! they make all the difference between a happy camper and a not-so-happy one.