*Camping outside of Sipapu, New Mexico.*

*Update: I have to add the Ooni Gas pizza oven. I just got it for my husband for Christmas, and we have already used it nonstop. Its a portable gas pizza oven, and we took it up for a day trip up in the mountains, made a fire and pizzas after sledding. We also took it up to Angel Fire, NM and made pizza for all my family. So easy, and SO YUM.

Kelty Low Loveseat Camping Chair

This chair is amazing. We initially got it for music festivals where ‘low’ chairs were required. I thought that might mean a little uncomfy for us tall-folks, but this chair is AMAZING! Probably my favorite piece of camping equipment. Why you ask, am I so obsessed with this? Well most of camping is outside, cold, and to cuddle right up next to your loved ones while camping is the best.

2. Insulated French Press

We’ve done all things coffee while camping. Aeropress, bike-pump espresso, and well, an insulated French Press is the best. We actually bring two–one for regular coffee, and the other for decaf. For those lazy camping days where you just want to read and sip mug after mug of coffee, a French Press makes a big pot and keeps it hot.

3. Hammock

Hammocks are so relaxing. Except when you have kids, then they all the sudden become amusement rides, or Amazon river rafting or whatever their imagine gives them… Either way, lots of entertainment (and a bit of having to yell at them to NOT try a 360 with their two-year-old brother), but again fun for all.

4. Mini Guitar

I feel like most of us people want to learn a couple chords on the guitar, or at least pretend to know something while belting out Kumbaya. I’m lucky enough to be married to someone who can actually play the thing while I read a book and drink wine. Our daughter plays it and makes up songs. Overall, entertaining and bonding. This coupled with a simple song book makes a great gift. (Or if you’re me playing, a painful interruption to camping, but at least I’m having fun!)

5. Awning

I can’t count how many times we went camping and it rained. Which, rain while camping is actually quite nice when you have an awning. You can hang out underneath, cook, whatever. And, if your in the southwest, you have shade.

6. Waterproof Rug

Okay, okay. My #1 reason for loving the rug is because they make your campsite so cozy! But really it’s nice to have a place to sit that’s not in mud, or the kids can play.

7. Katanaboy or Pocket Chainsaw

The men on my last cam-trip (my husband and a family friend) tapped into their manliness by competing the Kitano Boy and Chainsaw. They ultimately decided the Kitano Boy and the Pocket Chainsaw did an equal job , after working up a sweat and appetite for beer, and creating a nice pile of firewood. We had quite the bonfire that night.

8. Floatie and Pump

This feels ridiculous saying you need this, but wow, they provide so much fun even if you camp in New Mexico like us and every campsite we’ve gone to has had a tiny-weeny little creek. Just pump up the raft and the kids just play in and around it for hours. Or I sit in it. One creek was so small, the kids spent hours building a dam, and then the raft had a little pool to float in! Playing in a creek is such a good way to cool off, especially if you have a floaty to relax on.

9. Pocket Knife

Nothing like the classic Swiss Army Knife. The kids have spent hours whittling and carving sticks with a pocket knife. It’s really a good skill to have, and they really enjoy creating their little weapons or marshmallow sticks or what have you. I’m not gonna lie, my favorite tool is the wine bottle opener.

10. Rubber-soled slippers or Uggs/Emos

Camping with cozy warm shoes makes all the difference on whether you want to actually go outside each cold morning. Love these shoes.

Brenda Fleming Graphic Design