When it comes to camping gear, there are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming to figure out what to bring..

I’ve been hiking and camping for almost a decade now, tried out a lot of different equipment and have settled on a few favorites that I think are worth investing in. Here are my top picks for camping gear:

Sleeping bag:

Mammut Women's Perform Down Bag -10C
While this is on the slightly heavier side for sleeping bags, I do love this. It keeps me warm, comes with a little pocket, the zipper is not on the side which as a side sleeper I personally really enjoy and the hood is lined with cotton, so it’s not loud and hair doesn’t get static when tossing around at night. Sleeping bags can be crazy expensive and this one is relatively affordable when on sale (which is how I purchased mine). For those who usually camp in wet environments or simply don’t want a down sleeping bag: they also make pretty much the same sleeping bag as a non-down version. Plus points for that.

Sleeping mat:

Sea to Summit - Women's Ether Light Xt Insulated Mat
So far I haven’t run into any issues with this, however I started using the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Regular mat underneath and it’s made a big difference for me. I enjoy cowboy camping (sleeping without a tent) and this has definitely made this a lot more comfortable and made me not having to worry about pinching my sleeping mat on a rock. Update: I did purchase a Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated mat earlier this year but haven’t had the chance to try it other than putting it on my floor. I just like having lots of space when sleeping and this one is slightly wider and longer. Will keep you updated.

The Tent:

If you're a seasoned camper, you know that having a reliable and durable tent is crucial to a good night's sleep. That's why I invested in the Hilleberg Anaris tent after my previous tent, the MSR Hubba Hubba, started to fail me. While the Hubba Hubba was easy to set up and pack down, the zippers began to come apart, and the rainfly let in water, leading to a damp and uncomfortable night.

The Hilleberg Anaris, on the other hand, is a two-person tent that weighs only 1400g, with a minimum weight of 640g, making it easy to split the load with a hiking partner. The tent requires hiking poles for set up, but the benefits of its lightweight and sturdy design more than make up for this. Of course, with a price tag of around 745€, it's not a budget-friendly option, but the quality of Hilleberg's products is well-known, and you may even want to consider purchasing one second-hand as Hilleberg tents and shelters have a lifetime warranty against defects in material and craftsmanship.

I did my research on the Hilleberg brand before making my purchase, watching countless YouTube videos and consulting with friends who have owned Hilleberg tents for years. I decided on the green color, which makes me feel like I'm waking up in a forest, and the first time I used it, I was impressed. Despite strong gusts of wind, the tent remained stable, and the fabric was impressively silent. Even when it's windy outside, the Anaris has been great for light sleepers like myself.

In addition to the Hilleberg, I've also tried the Big Ages Tigerwall Bikepacking tent, which (as the name suggest) is more suited for bike camping. While it's easy to set up and aesthetically pleasing on a sunny day, I would recommend it mainly for good weather conditions. The rainfly fabric is quite loud, and camping on rocky terrain requires extra care to avoid ripping holes in the tent. However, it's the perfect tent for a calm, sunny day at the beach.

Cooking System:

After trying out numerous cooking systems I finally settled on the MSR Pocket Rocket and a 600ml Snow Peak Cup made from titanium. This combination has proven to be a reliable and efficient cooking system for my camping trips. The MSR Pocket Rocket is compact and easy to use, with a powerful flame that can quickly boil water or heat up food. The Snow Peak Cup is lightweight, durable, and the perfect size for a single serving of oat meal in the morning. It's made from titanium, so it’s easy to clean and makes it both lightweight and strong. Additionally, I always bring along a titanium fork and spoon. Together, this setup makes for a simple and effective cooking system that meets all my needs while camping.
Ahead of that I did use the JetBoil Mini Mo, which is also great but a little on the bulkier side. I unfortunately broke on me last year and I didn’t repurchase it so far.

The Backpack:

Selecting the right backpack is crucial for any outdoor adventure, and after trying out a few, I finally found the perfect one. My Fjällräven Kajka 65 W backpack was undoubtedly great with excellent support systems. However, it was also quite heavy, adding up to the weight of my camera gear and other equipment.

In search of an ultralight backpack to help reduce my base weight, I discovered Hyperlite, a brand specializing in ultralight gear. I settled on the 2400 Junction backpack, a 40l pack that is ideal for 1-3 days of hiking. The backpack's external pockets provide an additional 10l volume, perfect for carrying water, extra clothes, and snacks that I want to access quickly.

Since switching to this backpack, I have not experienced any shoulder pains due to heavy loads and it has made hiking more enjoyable. I highly recommend this backpack for anyone looking to lower their base weight while still having enough space to carry their essentials. I have a few long hikes planned for 2023, so I am upgrading to the 3400 Junction backpack, which has a 55l volume with an additional 10l volume provided by external pockets.

If I knew I was gonna hike through an area with lots of rain, having to fight my way through bushes and being able to just throw my pack on the ground I would still go for the Fjällräven one I think as the Hyperlite requires is a little more care in my opinion.

Not an essential but a really nice-to-have item is a camping pillow. I've been using one for a while now, but my friend has been raving about his Stuff Sack Pillow by Hyperlite, so I've been eyeing it all last year. It's a stuff sack with a comfy fleece material on the inside. So you pretty mich turn the sack inside out, stuff it with your down jacket and just like that you have a comfy pillow. It's a great solution for those who don't want to carry a bulky pillow around. I recently ordered one, and I can't wait for it to arrive.

Alright, so there you have it - the main basics of camping gear that have stood the test of time for me. Of course, I'll continue to update this list during camping season, add new items to it, or even write another blog post about non-essentials, clothing, food, and more.

If there's anything specific you'd like to know or have any questions about the gear, feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM via Instagram @frauki.

Just to be clear, none of these items are sponsored, and I couldn't find any affiliate links that work for all countries. But I'm confident that you'll find the best prices when you do your own research.

With that said, it's time to gear up and enjoy camping season to the fullest!