We at Hit City U.S.A. love a weekend camping trip and make a point to spend at least a few days in the great outdoors every month. Over the years, we've tried and tested almost every brand and type of camp gear in the market. The following are some of our favorite pieces of gear we personally recommend from repeated use, perfect for new and avid campers alike.
This 32-ounce collapsable water bottle is exactly the type of product design we look for in camp gear: It is light, functional, affordable and stylish. The Vapur weighs less than 1.4 ounces, rolls into a tightly compact unit when empty and is remarkably durable. These bottles never leak or pop open, are comfortable to grasp, and can even be frozen. The bonus carabiner is useful when carrying gear or to keep your hands free on a hike. The flip top cap is pleasant to drink from, producing a steady stream to keep you hydrated without having to break a stride. The Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle is 100% BPA free, dishwater safe, made in the U.S.A.
The Böker Plus series of knives are some of the coolest, most practical and well made knives we've ever used. This little beauty weighs only 3 ounces and is so thin and compact that it fits nicely in the coin pocket of jeans without pressing in any way. Despite being small, this knife feels rock solid in the hand and provides excellent control: Its razor sharp pointed blade is perfect for precision work ranging from light food prep to wood work, the thumb studs make it easy to open, the locking mechanism keeps it secure, and the 440C stainless steel blade maintains its sharpness well. At just $33, we've got to hand it to the Böker Plus Subcom Knife as the highest quality and most affordable knife of its kind.
Here's a camp cookbook written by a food writer, recipe developer and avid camper. Packed full of over 100 amazing recipes— see the grilled eggplant parmesan and simply perfect guacamole—Campfire Cuisine has easy to follow recipes that require minimal cleanup and very little prep work (perfect for a camp trip). In addition to delicious and healthy recipes, this compact cookbook goes over must-have equipment, provides detailed meal plans, and even compiles shopping lists. Try out a few of these satisfying recipes on your next camping trip, you'll never go back to canned chili and hot dogs again.
After a long day in the outdoors, there is nothing more gratifying than plopping down into a comfortable camp chair. The Picnic Time Foldable Sports Chair is the best of the best with two drink holders, four pockets, a key holder, padded polyester seats, and a collapsible table. The seat is higher than most other competitors and the width of the chair accommodates the large campers (up to 350 lbs). The only downside of this near perfect chair is that everyone else always ends up sitting in it.
We love the Teton Queen Size Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag and can't imagine sleeping alone — or with company — in the woods again without it. It is rated to 0-degrees Fahrenheit, has easily enough space for two large adults, a soft cotton flannel interior, durable outer layer and tons of cool features. Check out the built-in pillows, quality zippers on both sides, and the drawstring mummy-style hood. Though its heavier than your typical bag, it's perfect for car camping, and will keep you and maybe that special someone cozy all night long.