10 Camping Essentials for 2025
(+ The One Item You’ll Wish You Had Sooner)
Hey! I’m Mike.
I’ve been camping for 10+ years, and trust me — I’ve tested a lot of gear and I know what actually works.
And this year, I found something new the changed how I camp from now on: The Chair Blanket.
I didn’t know what to expect – but it turned out to be my favorite piece of gear. Now I pack it for every trip!
1. The Chair Blanket (The MVP of Camp Comfort)
1. The Chair Blanket (The MVP of Camp Comfort)
This blanket is genius. It slides right over most camp chairs and instantly turns them into the coziest seat you’ve ever had. Keeps your whole body warm — even when the wind kicks up (which, if you’ve camped more than once, you know it always does).
- Hands-Free
- Water- Resistant
- Machine washable
- Reversible
- Compact + packable
2. A Tent That Won’t Betray You in the Rain
You don’t need something crazy expensive — just a 3-season tent with a real rainfly and a footprint. Don’t let wet socks ruin your trip.
3. Sleep Setup You’ll Actually Use
Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow. And yes — The Chair Blanket works great layered inside your bag on cold nights.
Take 2 minutes to boil water = coffee, ramen, and chili that tastes like fine dining after a hike. Jetboil is a great option that I personally like.
A must. I like the ones with flashlights built in. Power up your phone, speaker, or light gear with ease. Some great options can be found here.
Pick one that’s actually comfortable- bonus points if it reclines. The Chair Blanket fits most chairs, and you’ll definitely want it on yours.
Check out LifeStraw or Sawyer. Don’t mess around with “probably clean” water.
Hands-free light- I will always prefer headlamps over a flashlight. Way easier for cooking, setup, and midnight bathroom runs.
Bring a lighter, waterproof matches, and something easy to ignite — or skip the hassle and grab a portable bonfire from City Bonfires. It’s compact, reusable, and perfect for quick flames without gathering wood.
10. Clothing That’s Layered, Not Bulky
Wool base, fleece mid, light puffer. Add The Chair Blanket at night and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
Camping is about comfort + simplicity. You don’t need fancy gear. You need a few essentials that actually work.
If you only add one thing to your pack this year, make it The Chair Blanket.
