12 Essential Picks From My REI Camping Checklist

I’ve been camping for over a decade. I’ve backpacked through snowy Alpine glaciers, slept under the Utah desert stars, car camped in upstate New York, and so much more. With so much experience under my belt, you’d think that by now, I’d have my packing list down to a science. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I seem to forget an important item on almost every trip, whether that’s a portable charger or a cutting board.

In search of a comprehensive guide to reference the next time I pack, I came across the REI camping checklist — and it’s a total game-changer. The list is exhaustive, so I pared it down to the 12 most essential picks I wouldn’t leave home without. Prices start at just $5.

REI Camping Checklist

• Yeti Roadie 15 Cooler, $200

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 8-Inch, $25

• Stanley IceFlow AeroLight 2.0 Vacuum Water Bottle, $45

• Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove, $275

• OXO Outdoor Camp Kitchen Prep Set, $58

• Coleman Arch Bay 30 Sleeping Bag, $80

• Alpine Mountain Gear Enamelware Mug, $5

• REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair, $80

• Gerber Stakeout Spark Multi-Tool, $75

• Kelty Daydreamer 4-Person Tent, $180

• Zippo Heatbank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Power Bank, $51

• UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit, $13

Yeti Roadie 15 Cooler

With a 14-liter capacity, this Yeti drink cooler can fit up to 22 cans or 16 pounds of ice. It has a comfortable hands-free strap for easy hauling and flexible latches designed for one-handed access. A plug at the base makes it easy to drain melted ice at the end of the trip.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 8-Inch

This 8-inch version of our tested favorite cast iron skillet is perfect for camping trips. The material can survive years of wear and tear and is tough enough to cook camping recipes over a live fire.

Stanley IceFlow AeroLight 2.0 Vacuum Water Bottle

With its tough exterior, carrying handle, and leak-resistant flip straw lid, this 36-ounce Stanley water bottle is great for taking on the go. It’s narrow enough to fit in most car cup holders and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove

This portable appliance is a camping grill, stove, and griddle all in one. It has two wind guards to keep the flame going in any conditions, and can fit a 12-inch pan and a 10-inch pan at one time.

Its recessed carrying handle creates an ergonomic grip for easy portability.

OXO Outdoor Camp Kitchen Prep Set

If you’re starting your camp kitchen toolkit from scratch, this OXO set is the place to start. It includes a cutting board, two squeeze bottles, two spice shakers, and a chef’s knife (complete with a blade cover). It all comes in a convenient watertight case with slots for each included item, plus extra room for other camp cooking essentials.

Coleman Arch Bay 30 Sleeping Bag

This cozy sleeping bag has extra space at the top to keep your head or pillow off the ground. It’s insulated to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 30°F. It’s designed to last and even comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Alpine Mountain Gear Enamelware Mug

If you’re anything like me, coffee is a non-negotiable part of your morning routine — even when you’re off the grid. Durable and easy to clean, this enameled mug is ideal for sipping coffee, hot cocoa, or even soup around the campfire.

REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair

After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than sinking into a comfortable chair to read or relax. This durable model sets up easily and folds up just as fast. It comes in four colors: army green, oxidized yellow, orange, and a blue geometric pattern.

Gerber Stakeout Spark Multi-Tool

Camping trips can be unpredictable, but this multitool makes me feel prepared for anything nature throws at me. It includes 10 tools in one, including pliers, a bottle opener, a tent stake puller, a fire starter, and more. It has a built-in carabiner hook that clips onto your pack for easy access.

Kelty Daydreamer 4-Person Tent

If you love sleeping in or taking afternoon naps, this is the tent for you. It’s made from a genius “twilight tech” fabric that blocks out sunlight. It can comfortably fit up to four people.

Zippo Heatbank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Power Bank

This power bank doubles as a hand warmer that keeps your devices charged and prevents frozen fingers. It’s designed to fit comfortably in your hand or pocket and has a continuous runtime of up to 9 hours.

UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit

These stormproof matches light in almost any weather, saving you the time and headache of trying to light a fire in windy or wet conditions. The kit includes 12 matches, three strikers, a waterproof case, and a lanyard.