I Camp Twice a Month, and This Is the Gear I Rely on for Quick, Last-minute Weekend Trips—From $10

Travel + Leisure

25-07-2025

I go camping a few times a month, and while the occasional long-haul trip can be fun, I've come to appreciate the beauty of the quickie campout. I'm talking a last-minute Friday night decision, a short drive to a local(ish) spot, and just enough gear tossed in the car to sleep under the stars in relative comfort. It's low-stress, low-commitment, and honestly, exactly what I need most weekends—a reset button that doesn't require PTO.
Turns out I'm not alone. According to Kampground of America's 2025 Camping Trends report, more travelers are leaning into "snapcamping"—a.k.a. quicker, more flexible camping getaways that don't require a ton of travel. More people are getting outside on trips that prioritize convenience over planning. Take it from me: If you want to try snapcamping this summer, you don't need much—just a solid base kit of essentials to make the experience cozy, functional, and fun. Below, I've rounded up my go-to camping gear picks that help me get out the door faster and enjoy the great outdoors without overpacking or overthinking.
Snapcamping doesn't always mean car camping, nor does it always mean having a tent that takes an hour and five people to set up. For that, I recommend the Kelty Daydreamer, which you can pitch on your own in under 10 minutes. The Quick Corners and color-coded buckles mean there's no confusion around what goes where (great for beginners!).
It also features blackout fabric to block early morning sun (a game changer), and the mesh roof lets you stargaze when you roll the fly back. And while I prefer to drive mine to the campsite, the tent's manageable weight and packability make it a solid choice for short hikes into your site, too.
I'm a horrible sleeper in my bed at home, which means I'm extra picky about what I sleep on outside. This means I don't go anywhere without my Nemo Roamer Sleeping Pad. This plush double sleeping pad self-inflates into a four-inch-thick, queen-sized cloud, so you and your tentmate (or just you, I use it solo all the time!) can stretch out and sleep through the night.
It blows up in minutes and rolls up surprisingly small considering its size, making it ideal for car campers who want quick setup and cozy vibes. Bonus: It's quiet when you move around, unlike some crinkly sleeping pads that sound like potato chip bags. If you're only gone for a night or two, you'll want those hours of sleep to count—this pad helps ensure they do.
I've been loving Rumpl's new Wrap Sack, which combines the warmth of a 20-degree sleeping bag with the snug wraparound feel of a quilted blanket. Unlike most mummy bags that can feel constricting, the Wrap Sack lets you tweak your sleeping style to your liking. Open up the panels for a cooler, roomier feel, or layer in more blankets and wrap it up tight on chillier nights. It also stuffs down into a lightweight, packable stuff sack that's easy to toss into the car on a whim when you get the itch to camp.
Don't forget your pillow. More specifically, don't forget this pillow from Klymit, which puts all other travel pillows to shame. Camping pillows are notorious for being either too flimsy or too bulky, but the Klymit Drift hits the sweet spot. It's a memory foam pillow with a removable, machine-washable cover, making it both supportive and easy to clean. The best part? It flips inside-out into a water-resistant travel case for easy tossing into your car or backpack.
Whether you arrive at your campsite late or with a full day ahead, you'll eventually want a comfortable spot to relax by the fire. The Wekapo Inflatable Lounger sets up in seconds—no pump needed. Just whisk it through the air with a few quick motions (it might take a couple of tries), and it'll stay inflated for up to six hours. When it's time to pack up, simply deflate it and tuck it into the compact carrying bag. Bonus: it's just as handy for the beach, music festivals, backyard lounging, and more. $325 at Amazon $325 at Yeti.com
For storing a weekend's worth of provisions, you'd be hard pressed to find a better cooler than the Yeti Tundra 45L. It keeps food and drinks ice-cold for days, is crazy durable, and just the right size for a long weekend's worth of meals. The non-slip feet keep it from sliding around in your trunk, and the sturdy handles make it easier to lug to the campsite. Is it a splurge? Yes. But for gear that works this hard and lasts forever, it's well worth it. (Plus, it doubles as a seat around the campfire if you're really tight on space.)
I cobbled a camp kitchen of random cookware and utensils for too long, which is why I can't stop singing this cookset's praises. It's got everything you need for a weekend away with a group of friends—a saute pan, a stock pot, two lids, a mixing bowl, four bowls and plates, and a hot plate/strainer—all stacked in a neat, nested design for convenient packing. Yes, you can make do with granola bars and jerky strips for a couple of days. But if you enjoy camp cooking and want something quick to pack and clean up, this is the set for you.
I keep a pack of these lighters in my camping tote at all times. Between stoves, candles, and campfires, you never know when you're going to need a lighter. I prefer the extended wand for reaching deep into kindling or lighting propane, and the flame holds up against breezes better than a match. At $18 for a multipack, you can stash one in your kitchen bin, glovebox, and gear tote.
Another win for camp chefs is this handy camping stove that will make you rethink outdoor cooking for good. The Kodiak Camp Stove makes it easy to cook real meals at your site, with two 10,000-BTU burners that light instantly and cook evenly.
The stainless steel drip tray makes cleanup a breeze, and the push-button ignition means no fumbling with lighters (see above). It's compact, folds into a carry case, and fits neatly in your trunk, which means it can go with you to tailgates, barbecues, and other outdoor events where you might want a hearty meal.
Staying hydrated (and putting out the campfire) is a lot easier with a sturdy water container on hand. This 3.5-gallon water jug has a built-in spout that makes it easy to pour without spilling, plus a top handle for effortless carrying to and from the car. It's BPA-free, doesn't leak, and the flat design makes it super easy to store.
Keep your campsite clean—and leave it better than you found it!—with this pop-up trash can. It folds flat for easy packing, then springs up to hold garbage, recycling, or extra gear. A zippered lid keeps critters out, and the side handles make it easy to carry when it's time to haul out your trash. Plus, it's way easier than trying to hang a full garbage bag on a tree branch.
This little power bank is so convenient for charging my phone, headlamp, and other gadgets on camping adventures. It's completely solar-powered, so I'll leave it in the sun when I'm out hiking or away from camp, and come back to a full charge that's powerful enough to charge up my phone for the night (all without an extra cord, might I add—it can wireless charge, too). There's also a built-in flashlight, which is convenient for when you need an extra light in your car or tent.
Speaking of light, you're going to want to pack a headlamp and a lantern to hang when the sun goes down. I actually keep this Duracell lantern in my car in case of emergencies, and also in case I go camping on a whim. It's compact, affordable, and super bright—2000 lumens bright.
I'll dangle it from a tree branch and turn on one of the six settings when we're making dinner or chilling by the campfire. It also makes a great companion for late-night bathroom breaks.
A first aid kit is another must-have that I store with all my camping gear, so I never forget it. Things happen! Cuts, bruises, sprains—you want to be prepared, even if you're away from home for just the night. This compact kit includes 140 pieces (think bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape) in a water-resistant pouch that fits easily in your pack or car. It's only $10, and for peace of mind on the go, adding it to your cart is a no-brainer.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.