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As we begin to thaw out from winter’s grasp, one of the best times of the year to camp begins to reveal itself. While, yes, it’s likely going to be damp and chilly wherever you’re headed, you’ll also benefit from avoiding the regular season crowds. Spring camping (especially early spring) often means very quiet campsites and the opportunity to experience an environment outside the typical weather and climate you see posted all over Instagram.
Venturing out this time of year also gives you the flexibility to camp near snow but potentially not in it. You can frolic through a higher-elevation trek during the day, then return to your non-frozen campsite at night.
Plus, there’s simply more availability for the most popular sites as they open early in the season. There’s no reason to let a bit of potential weather or brisk air deter you from getting some outdoor time. With these 15 camping essentials in tow, you’ll do just fine.
Things to consider
Quality over quantity: You do not need to spend a fortune to find long-lasting, quality camping gear. Much of the material innovation formerly reserved for mountaineers and deep backcountry enthusiasts has trickled down to more modest sections of the market. You can get durable, lightweight steel and composite options in necessities like utensils and cooking kits. Investing in quality goods now means that with the appropriate amount of upkeep and maintenance (typically not much beyond proper cleaning storage), you will still be enjoying your spring camping essentials years down the road.
Think about your individual needs: When shopping for spring camping gear, it’s easy to get carried away by pre-planned imagery of adventurers deep in the wilderness with the latest and greatest in lightweight garb. Sure, if you’re trekking far from civilization and need all of that, then by all means, go for it. However, if you and a few friends drive out to a primitive campground for the weekend, and your car will be nearby, there’s a good chance you can have an equally great time with base-level or moderate gear. There’s a bonus here: You can opt for more comfort. Maybe it’s bringing a bigger pillow or a stove that’s easier to run. In any case, take some time to consider what will make your camping experience a comfortable one. That’s the first step in creating quality outdoor memories.
Check out resale: As outdoor brands rush to open official resale channels, there have never been more choices for gently-used gear to find new homes. While clothing remains the most available type of outdoor resale, some brands have branched out to include sleeping bags, tents, cooking systems, backpacks and more. Beyond the fact that buying a resale item has intrinsic environmental value by repurposing something already made, you’ll likely find your gear budget stretching much further than you thought it could.
Camping essentials
The NEMO Tempo 20’s unique shape allows it to have extra space at the shoulder and knee areas. While you sleep you’ll have room to maneuver around if you find yourself in an uncomfortable position. It also has a water-repellent outer shell that can keep you dry during spots of rain. And if you were afraid that the extra room meant it would take up space in your pack, its compression sack means it can be folded up and stored away for longer trips.
For spring camping, you can opt for a 20-30 degree-rated bag – enough to keep you warm at night but not sweating. While fully-integrated bag/pad systems are nice, they can be more expensive. The Flexmat pad is a quality standalone pad that will do just fine in almost every situation.
You can almost guarantee you’ll be dealing with damp wood as we transition into the spring season. Don’t get left out in the cold without a little help starting a fire. All weather matches are helpful in almost any condition, and fuel cubes will help you sustain and start your fire during inclement weather.
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