Travel & Culture

Camping With The Girls: Don’t forget To Pack These 8 Outdoor Essentials

July 31, 2024

Every summer me and my six best girlfriends get together and go camping. We may be past the point of sleeping in a tent and instead opt for an air-conditioned trailer, but we still cook our meals outside, spend the days lounging lakeside, and enjoy evenings by the fire under the stars. Because we’re all moms, it’s a welcome break from every-day life, and while we’re okay with a bit of “roughing it,” we still like bringing face masks and other little treats, and we never shy away from having a few drinks and indulgences. But you still gotta be smart about things—you’re still away from home, out in nature, and that requires some planning (something moms are great at!). So, it’s all about having the needs as well as the wants.

If you’re planning a girl’s camping trip, add these necessities and niceties to your packing list. —Jennifer Cox

Go-Girl Female Urinate Device, $20, available at Sports Experts

Let’s be honest: the number-one concern of us 40-somethings when we’re planning our camping trip is nighttime pee breaks. Luckily, we have a toilet in the camper. But for those who are into hardcore camping, a little gadget like this can definitely come in handy! Discreet and hygienic, the Go-Girl allows you to urinate standing up. It’s perfect when you go in an unsanitary public toilet or aren’t near a proper toilet (heaven forbid!).

Hatley Teal Hiking Trail Women’s Sleep Shorts, $20

Why is it so much fun to have something matchy-matchy when you’re camping with your besties?? Last year I got everyone camping socks. This year I think it would be fun to have matching pajamas, and these little shorts are not only adorable, but I think they’d be universally loved too. They have a functional drawstring and are super cozy – everything you want in camping attire.

295mL Wine Tumbler from Yeti, $35

Every gal needs a good wine tumbler for camping, one that had a lid, just in case (okay, yes, it’s a grownup sippy cup and I love it). Splash resistant and dishwasher safe, this will be mama’s best friend while she’s with her best friends. They come in lots of fun colours too, so everyone can have their own shade (and there will be no confusion as to who’s whose).

Simons Beach Trip Tent, $259

You’ll want (need) shade on your camping trip. Whether you create a cozy shaded sitting area or need some cover over your eating spot, a pop-up tent like this is a good idea. It comes with everything you need: an awning, ropes and clips, stakes, lightweight and adjustable aluminum poles, a mallet, and a carry bag with instructions.

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Camper Cookset, $90, available at Revzilla

The tricky thing about camping is ensuring you have all the essentials. This camper cook set has everything you need for a hot meal or drink for up to four people in a compact, convenient set-up. It includes a 3-liter pot, 2-liter pot, strainer lid, frying pan, four mugs with insulated sleeves, four bowls, four plates, 4 sipping lips, a folding pot gripper, and a storage bag that doubles as a sink.

Classic Cozzzy Sandal from Crocs, $65

I fought the Croc trend for many years, and now I embrace it, especially when I’m outdoors. These Crocs are the perfect combo of useful and comfortable too. The new sandal features a soft, fuzzy liner, style-forward heightened outsoles, and two upper straps that offer enhanced foot security. They slip on and off easily as you move around your campsite.

Dakine Catch-All Tote Bag, $80, available at Altitude Sports

When you’re camping with the girls, you need a large bag that can keep up with you and take anything you toss into it. This tote is designed to do just that, with ample throw space for every-day items, from clothes to beach towels and picnic blankets (and maybe bottles of wine too). It’s made of double-sided, PVC-coated tarpaulin material, it’s extremely durable, and it’s easy to clean too.

ULINE Survival Backpack, 165

Nobody plans for an emergency to happen, but unfortunately, they do. And it’s best to be as prepared as possible. This emergency survival backpack will help you through any emergency or disaster. It includes food bars, water packets, flashlights, hand warmers, a light stick, and more. It just makes good sense to have this on-hand while camping.

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