📦 How We Pack Our Gear

Before diving into the gear itself, let’s talk about packing. One of the best decisions we made was investing in a large storage container that holds all of our smaller camping gear (think cookware, hammocks, camping stove, sleeping bags, and more).

The only things that live outside the box are our tent and sleeping pad. This system has made packing and unpacking a breeze. When it’s time to hit the road, we just load the box, grab the big pieces, and we’re off. After every trip, everything gets cleaned, dried, and repacked right into the bin—ready for the next adventure.

⛺ Our Tent Setup

Tent: REI Wonderland 4

Two years ago, we upgraded from a cozy 2-person tent to a spacious 4-person tent—and it changed everything. Why?

  • Wendell (our 60lb dog) has his own bed.

  • We can fit a full-size, mega-comfy camping mattress.

  • We can stand up while getting dressed.

While REI no longer carries our exact model, the Wonderland 4 Tent is the updated version—and honestly, it looks even nicer.

🛏️ Sleeping Pad: MegaMat Max Duo Sleeping Pad

This pad is a dream. It has a foam core for insulation and support, which means it stays comfy even if it deflates a bit overnight (which, let’s be honest, all air mattresses do eventually).

As a side sleeper, camping used to mean tossing, turning, and waking up sore. But this pad changed that. It’s supportive and cushy no matter how you sleep and it makes crawling into bed at camp something to actually look forward to.

We even use it when traveling instead of an air mattress. It's THAT comfortable. 

💤 Sleeping Bag: Exped MegaSleep Duo 25/40

We’re not fans of mummy bags, so a double sleeping bag was a must. This one is lightweight but warm, and has dual temperature ratings:

  • One side is good down to 25°F,

  • The other side is rated for 40°F flip depending on the weather.

It also completely unzips into two separate sleeping bags, which is perfect for backcountry trips when we need to split the weight. Cozy, functional, and adaptable.

✨ Twinkle Lights: LuminAID Solar String + Area Light

Our latest favorite addition. These solar-powered string lights add such a cozy glow to the tent. They have multiple twinkle and dimming settings for winding down at night, plus a lantern mode and a built-in phone charger. Big win for both vibes and functionality.

🐾 Make It Cozy (Personal Touches Matter)

At the end of the day, the magic is in the little things. We always bring our own pillows (inflatable camp pillows just don’t cut it), and Wendell gets his own camping bed too. Having a few home comforts makes the tent feel like a sanctuary—and turns a simple trip into a true retreat.

🪑 Lounging Around Camp

The Perfect Camping Chair: Kelty Low Loveseat

If you’re car camping, don’t get caught up in buying lightweight backpacking chairs. They might look compact and easy to carry, but after a few hours your butt will go numb and you’ll be wishing for something more comfortable.

The Kelty Low Loveseat is one of our all-time favorite pieces of gear. It’s incredibly comfy, sturdy, and perfect for sitting around the fire. Whether I’m cozying up with my husband or Wendell, I always appreciate the extra space and comfort this loveseat gives us.

Camping Hammock: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock

We always bring our hammock. Even if we don’t find the perfect trees to set it up, it’s one of those things that just makes camping feel more relaxing. There’s nothing like laying back outside the tent and watching the trees sway.

Skip the expensive ENO hammocks. The Wise Owl Hammock is just as good and comes at a much more affordable price. It’s durable, packs down small, and is perfect for lounging.

🦟 Plan for Bugs

Don’t forget to pack bug spray. Most of the time we count on the campfire smoke to keep the bugs away, but I’ve definitely had trips where the ticks and mosquitoes were too much.

Bug spray made all the difference. Now it’s a non-negotiable in our kit.

🔥 Cooking at Camp

Best Cooking Set: GSI Camp Kitchen Kit (24-Piece)

We picked up our GSI Camp Kitchen Set from Costco last year and it has been amazing. It includes all the essentials—spoons, forks, knives, and other tools—in one compact and convenient travel case.

Even if Costco doesn’t carry this exact version anymore, you can find a similar one at REI. Having a complete kitchen kit makes meal prep and cleanup so much easier.

Miscellaneous Kitchen Must-Haves

There are a few extra kitchen items we always pack, no matter what. These simple supplies make cooking at camp more flexible and way less stressful.

Here’s what we bring:

  • Trash bags

  • Tin foil

  • Paper towels

  • Oven mitt

  • Coffee

Depending on the campsite and our mood, we’ll cook directly over the fire, in our Dutch oven, or use our cast iron skillet. It’s all about having the right tools and letting yourself enjoy the process.

☕ Coffee, Coffee, Coffee: Stanley French Press Mug

The best cup of coffee is always the one you drink right after waking up at camp. There’s something about sipping a hot cup surrounded by fresh air and quiet that just hits different.

Having a reliable way to make coffee is essential. Our friends recently introduced us to the Stanley French Press Mug and I absolutely loved it. It brews a strong, delicious cup and keeps it hot for hours. If you’re a coffee lover, this is a must-have for your camping setup.

🍳 Camping Stove Setup

Boiling water is one of the most important parts of camping; whether it’s for coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or cooking up a meal.

I love using the PocketRocket 2 Stove paired with the Halulite Boiler Pot. The stove has a wider burner than most ultralight options, which makes it perfect for car camping. You can actually use a skillet or pan on it without worrying about balance, which opens the door to cooking real meals, like steaks or stir-fry.

When choosing camping pots, I recommend finding one with measurement markings inside. It makes it way easier to follow recipes and portion out meals correctly.

Cooking at camp is one of our favorite parts of the whole experience. We always bring an ice chest packed with snacks, drinks, and pre-cut & marinated ingredients for our camping meals.

If cooking over the fire isn’t your thing, here’s a great tip: make a big batch of chili, stew, or soup at home ahead of time. Freeze it, then reheat it in a large pot (we use our dutch oven) once you're at camp. It’s easy, filling, and super comforting, especially on chilly nights. Plus, it makes cleanup easier and gives you more time to relax.

🐾 For Your Dog

Dog Booties: Protector Bootie

Dog booties might seem like an extra, but they can be a total lifesaver. Wendell has torn his paw pad before while hiking on rocky terrain and these saved the day. We cleaned the wound, put a bootie on, and he was back to normal in no time. 

It’s so easy for a small cut to turn into something more serious if it gets dirty or goes untreated. Having booties and a first aid kit on hand is a must!

LED Collar: Nitehowl Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace

We absolutely love our light-up collar. We call it the party light, and it goes on as soon as the sun starts to set. It makes it so much easier to keep track of Wendell when he’s off leash, especially when we’re backcountry camping.

Bonus: it gives off just enough light in the tent to help us wind down at night without needing flashlights or lanterns.

Always Bring a Toy

Don’t forget to pack a toy! We always bring a ball for Wendell that’s easy to clean and can’t be torn up. It’s going to get dirty no matter what, so choose something durable and simple to rinse off.

🌲 Final Thoughts

Camping doesn’t have to feel like roughing it. It’s not about how rugged or stripped down your setup is—it’s about getting outside, slowing down, and reconnecting with nature in a way that feels good to you.

Whether you’re sipping coffee under the trees, watching the stars from your hammock, or curling up in a cozy tent with your dog, camping is about creating space to breathe and just be.

With the right gear and a little preparation, the experience can be both comfortable and deeply restorative. So pack what brings you joy, leave behind what doesn’t, and let nature do the rest.

After five years of trial, error, and too many cold nights on thin pads we’ve finally nailed down the ultimate car camping setup. At this point, we’ve got it down to a science. Here’s what we pack, how we pack it, and why we swear by each piece of gear.

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