A Camping Expert Shares 3 Essentials to Always Pack

After years of camping across continents, from remote areas of Patagonia to alpine meadows in the Himalayas, I’ve fine-tuned my camping gear down to a list of essentials that will work anywhere. My three must-have camping products—comfy camp slippers, a reliable water purifier, and a hardworking microfiber towel—are so much more than campsite staples. They are sanity-savers. 

These items solve everyday camping problems in ways that are simple, effective, and space-conscious. They don’t require a complicated instruction manual or professional know-how, and each adds a layer of comfort or functionality for an elevated camping experience. Whether you’re dipping your feet into camping for the first time or are looking to fine-tune your pack, these favorites of mine are affordable, dependable, and road-tested across multiple terrains and climates. Keep scrolling to find out why I reach for them so often, whether I am on a remote trail or just car camping with my kids.

Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-ons

REI

One of the most underrated comforts of camping is camp shoes. Most people bring a pair of Crocs to wear around the campsite, but after long days on the trail, your feet could use some extra pampering. That’s why I love slipping into my Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-ons; after a long day of hiking, stepping into them feels like instant relief for my feet. These close-toe, insulated camp shoes strike the perfect balance between cozy and rugged. The quilted ripstop upper keeps my feet warm, even when the ground is cold or damp. Plus, they’re treated with a water-repellent finish, which has come in handy for walks through dew-covered grass or surprise drizzles at breakfast.

But what I love most about my ReEmber Slip-ons is their versatility. They are rigid enough to handle quick scrambles around camp, yet soft enough to feel like slippers. The rubber outsole gives me confidence on wet surfaces, and the fold-down heel means I can slip them on or off in a flash when getting in and out of the tent. My only issue is that while they pack fairly flat, they’re still a bit bulkier than, say, a pair of flip-flops. So if you’re ultralight backpacking, you’ll need to decide if the comfort payoff is worth the space; for me, it always is. 

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle

REI

Clean water is non-negotiable when exploring the backcountry—one sip of unclean water can have life-threatening consequences. I’ve tried everything from handheld pump filters to purification tablets over the years, but the Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle is the one I always come back to. Weighing in at just over two ounces, this water bottle is super lightweight and collapses down to the size of a wallet when empty, making it easy to toss in a daypack, travel bag, or even my jacket pocket.

Another thing I really appreciate about the BeFree Water Filter Bottle is its ease of use. There’s no pumping, waiting, or dealing with tubes. Just fill it up at a stream, screw the lid back on, and squeeze. The flow rate is surprisingly fast, and the water always tastes clean, without any weird aftertaste. The two-stage filtration system is rated to remove bacteria, protozoa, and sediment down to 0.1 microns, which means I feel safe filling up in pretty much any clear-running source. However, the filter can clog quickly in silty or muddy water, so avoid using it in shallow or murky sources unless you absolutely must. And because the bottle is soft-sided, it can be a little tricky to stand upright or store like a rigid bottle—but for me, the tradeoff in weight and space savings is more than worth it.

REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite

REI

A compact, reusable towel is one of those underrated items that is indispensable for a campsite, and the REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite is my top pick. I’ve used it to dry off after chilly alpine swims, sop up tent condensation, wrap around my shoulders like a shawl during morning coffee, and even wipe down camp dishes in a pinch. It’s incredibly absorbent and dries in no time, which is crucial when you are trying to avoid mildew or having a soggy towel in your pack.

What sold me on this towel compared to many others on the market is its soft texture. It’s not stiff or scratchy like other quick-dry microfiber towels, and it comes in multiple sizes, so you can choose what works for your setup. I am petite at 5’3”, so I usually carry the medium Multi Towel Lite with me, on sale for $14. It’s big enough for a full-body dry but still packs down into a tiny mesh stuff sack. 

The hanging loop is great for airing it out on a tree branch, clothesline, or tent pole, and the towel never seems to retain funky odors, even after using it for days in the field. While it works great for multi-use purposes, I’ll admit that it’s not exactly luxurious or plush—expect functionality and portability rather than a spa-like experience.

Looking for more practical essentials to source for your camping kit? Here are five other favorite must-haves I recommend, starting at just $12. 

More Camping Essentials to Shop:

GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cubes

REI

Buff CoolNet Neck Gaiter

Amazon

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

REI

Leatherman Multitool

REI

The North Face Base Camp Gear Box

Amazon

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