9 RANDOM Camping Items I Wish I Bought Sooner

Let’s chat about some of the random camping gear and items that I wish I bought sooner! From camp kitchen gear to camping clothes, we cover some of the items that I love, but that don’t usually get much attention. See more below for all the items mentioned and links to other camping resources…
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ITEMS MENTIONED:
1) pocket bellows - amzn.to/3qtKoem
2a) double cooking iron - bit.ly/3eRxBMB
2b) single cooking iron - bit.ly/3Um0KA3
3) meat thermometer - amzn.to/3rjZZxd
4) Cooler Shock Ice Packs - amzn.to/3lKHeRc
5a) Big Agnes Mica Basin chair - bit.ly/3EqxmTc
5b) Big Agnes Big Six Armchair - bit.ly/45rLc2d (I don’t have this one, but it looks awesome!)
6) Exped MegaMat - bit.ly/36hW0Hd
7) Big Agnes tent lights - amzn.to/45pFWwe
8) Duluth jacket - bit.ly/3qtgiYs
9) Grayl GeoPress water purifier - amzn.to/3AIlbhM
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Microphone: amzn.to/3T7vILa
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[@amanda.outside]

What are some of the camping items you wish you bought sooner? Comment below! 👇

[@SharpBalisong]

Inflatable pillow.

[@user-hh6ex9md4w]

As an outdoor enthusiast and RV lover, I highly recommend the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series. With its massive capacity, waterproof design, and fast recharging capabilities, it's a game-changer for camping adventures. Plus, the smart app control feature makes it even more convenient. Trust me, this is one camping item you'll wish you had bought sooner! Happy camping!

[@bobbyhale4599]

I got a toilet lid that fits in a 5 gallon bucket. Love it. Lol.

[@BlackReign79]

I wish I would have brought an Exped mattress sooner! I've had REI and thermarest mats, and they can't even compare to my Exped megamat!

[@carolrooney3353]

Use a toilet paper roll to corral your string lights and extension cords. wrap them up then stuff them in.

[@clayparker5914]

I made my bellow out of old radio antenna and it works amazing

[@knemetz80]

Mine is a piece of copper tubing attached to aquarium tubing. Packs up nice and tiny.

[@roberttrinies7698]

On Vancouver Island we used kelp stalks for our bellow,it worked great! ✌️

[@christimartin8512]

That’s great! Radio antennaes can be difficult to find, so I made one out of a collapsible campfire roasting fork, from the dollar store. Just broke off the fork and boom, pocket bellows, for $1.25.

[@krielkip]

Antennas are easy to find in a thriftstore.@@christimartin8512

[@happysmile1185]

I hear you works quite well.

[@nate-beard]

Love the video. (as always) I love my exped. Mine was slow to inflate... I realized I could use the pump sack from my backpacking pad and that made inflation super fast. Items I wish I bought sooner: camp lighting, carbon steel pan, pop up tent, setpower fridge, first aid kit, 5 lb propane tank. The thing I really wish I did sooner was to have a clear distinction between what was camping gear and what were items from my house. I spent so long borrowing bowls and cups from cupboards, blankets and pillows from the spare bed, etc etc. Now I have a full set up that is always ready to go. And now the mission is to have two different set ups for backpacking and car camping. I'm 90% there and it's made life a lot easier since I camp all the time.

[@stevewilams867]

That’s a great setup too. The smart totes from Walmart. Those are really good for camping. I keep three kits. Big camp. Car camp. And backpacking camp. Each one has just a little more than the last. But the exped mats and the nemo mats. Those are kush. Very nice.

[@roxannewells6402]

I'm so grateful I came across your channel, I've been watching you for a while now and I've learned so much from you! Thank you for being so informative with everything that comes to camping/hiking. You have amazing tips and tricks that I appreciate, especially having so much knowledge about the gear you show us and what you highly recommend we should bring. I always look forward to watching all your videos 😊

[@kennethwilson8633]

If you want someone older to camp with you get them a cot so they aren’t crawling on the ground and they are better than any mattress but you can put it on top to for insulation in cold weather…Take my word on this over 20 yes Army experience.

[@SMafam5]

My 80 yr old Dad called our new set up his palace. Iclimb cot, night bucket (pine pellets in a bag), chair, table for his suitcase. No bending down low in a tent you can stand in. 👌

[@SMafam5]

Best advertisement for Gazelle overlanding pop up! I second the pop up tent - have never looked back having an easy, fast set up/ takedown - with standing height!!!

[@kimkremer8915]

I live in Washington State. For the past half-dozen years, state parks & the US Forest Service have banned campfires from mid-summer until late fall -- sometimes, the fire danger doesn't pass until the snow falls. I no longer expect to be able to have a fire when I car camp. Thus, no cooking irons.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

Try a portable propane fire pit. We have the Little Red Campfire.

[@kimkremer8915]

@@j.patrickmoore9137 We thought about it, but decided against it. It's one more thing to pack, and we don't need a fire.

[@Cbbartelt]

I bought those cooler shocks off of your recommendation, and they are so good. My “I wish I bought it sooner” is a tent, fan and light that is also a portable charger if needed. The fan is just just enough to knee some air movement in the tent and the light is bright enough that my daughter, who has some night blindness, can see more than just shadows when she’s awake but it’s dark in the tent. Thermacell is another one but we use our thermacells all the time, not just camping.

[@KBeast27]

Duluth clothes for the win! Lol Not many people that I know have even heard of them, but their shirts, pants, jackets, etc. are all amazing! I'm glad they finally got a shoutout! I also like the red string lights idea! The red light doesn't attract bugs so it's definitely worth it!

[@lesleeallen5965]

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your meal planner template. It is awesome! I makes planning our meals so much easier! It’s very generous of you to give this to us and support the camping community! Keep up the wonder videos. Stay safe and may God bless you!

[@joeking5435]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXm1gqqwa9WVrM0si=Gb0C11ceMjHT1Gqo summer camp ideas, summer camp ideas for kids, summer camp ideas at home, summer camp activity ideas, what is a summer sport, what is the most popular summer sports 👈👆

[@erick6715]

Love the cooler shock ideas …. Got to get some… great video 🍺🍺

[@sparkeespud]

I completely agree about the sleep situation. Waaay better when you can at least not be super tired!

[@name.terrie]

Thanks for the gear tips and links. Best wishes!

[@lightwalker4558]

Nice video. Thanks! Those sleeping pads are wicked comfortable and good R value too for cold weather camping. 😊

[@KarinaMartinez-qi6sc]

Wish we bought a bigger tent sooner! For a few years my husband and I were camping in a backpacking two person tent but recently bought a 4 person tent and will never look back 😂

[@CorHor]

That's very common, you don't know until you know

[@RJ-ek7ov]

Funny I am a solo camper with a 6 person tent. Being able to stand in your tent is life changing.

[@elisadelaurenti2516]

Solo in a 6 man tent. I want a 1 person tent to put inside it when it's cold.

[@Stop-All-War]

Probably best to have more space in warmer weather, air moving around.

[@deejay3522]

I use foam interlocking mats. They're cheap, firm and can't puncture. You use as many or as little as needed.

[@hypo345]

That’s all very well and if you are happy with that that’s cool but I can tell you from experience the Exped will is about the best you an get thermally and for comfort.

[@roncardiff6641]

Really cool stuff! Thanks for the tips.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Amanda, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing your informative video. You always do a great job on.your videos. Stay safe out there. 🤗

[@Amy-gi7jo]

It’s not so much about what I wish I’d bought sooner… I wish I’d found your channel sooner! 😂 Most of my gear is for backpacking, and your videos are all super helpful for the car camping trips that are happening more often now. Thank you for sharing!

[@amanda.outside]

You're so welcome!! Glad you found my channel! 🤗

[@Orangeshebert]

I wish I’d found your channel sooner! Great information. I’m going to review your previous posts. I’m sure there are nuggets of information that I need.

[@foreverirish132]

Love all the gear ideas 💡

[@rodoutdoors]

Great list. The meat thermometer is definitely something I wouldn't think to bring.

[@WhereWeWild]

Great vid! The bellows is coool 🔥😎 Haha definitely gotta grab one of those! 1 must have for us that I wish we had sooner gotta say is our camping fan! Half lantern/ half fan, hangs at the top of the tent. It’s pretty sweet. Just makes being in the tent that much more comfortable, and obviously there’s your light too! 🤷🏻‍♂️ Win win. 😊🤙🏽

[@adventurecreations3214]

Wonderful, straightforward information that is entertaining to watch. Nice work

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

Good list! Pocket Bellows are awesome!!! I wish I got mine sooner! Great list and I love the jacket (my puffy has a couple a holes from those "pops"! I like the loops on the lights as well! I had some multi-color fairy lights from Amazon that worked well until they didn't (user error). I'll check those out! The icepacks!!! Yes! And on a related note, one thing I wish I got sooner was a GOOD cooler; I recently picked up an Rtic with ice packs.

[@amanda.outside]

I agree - a good cooler is totally worth it!!

[@jessys9868]

Lots of good ideas! I may get one of the Big Agnes chairs.

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

Great suggestions! Loved your dad’s Mega mat response!

[@mtcsypkens]

Agree on the Megamat! It's great! Also I really love my partygrill. Great when you go car camping and can't light fires. Can use it as a stove, grill, oven, al sorts. And not too big as well.

[@joeking5435]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXm1gqqwa9WVrM0si=Gb0C11ceMjHT1Gqo summer camp ideas, summer camp ideas for kids, summer camp ideas at home, summer camp activity ideas, what is a summer sport, what is the most popular summer sports 👈👆

[@maryblakley3590]

We bought a multi-package of the pocket bellows as stocking stuffers for our friends that like to camp! My fave gear upgrade this year is a Flextail air pump. It's so convenient!!

[@amanda.outside]

I need to check that out! Such an interesting idea.

[@namelessone5200]

And if you pick the right outer diameter of the pocket bellows it fits perfect on the rubber air nozzle, so you can use the Flextailgear pump to blow into the starting fire 🙂

[@HostileTakeover2]

I have one of those Flextails as well and occasionally I'm too lazy to blow into the bellows so attach the Flextail with one of the silicone tips 😝

[@Natureartschool]

Great... Useful information ❤️

[@JonasRosenven]

I'm not sold on those ice packs - or any ice packs for that matter. Freezing some bottled water is way cheaper and then they also double as a drink when they melt a little.

[@RayPerkins01]

Last year, for the first time, I took a hot water bottle with me. It was fantastic! So cozy, warm and comfortable.

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Really like a lot of that stuff. Thanks for sharing!

[@beverlypeacock8201]

I love the Exped. I went with the wider and bit longer one just to have a bit of extra room. I find if I get it set up as soon as I put up tent I only have to use the little pump a little bit to get it to my desired level.

[@frankmansfield4202]

Mini air pump works way better than a fire bellows. I have used both and won't go back to the bellows anytime soon

[@SMafam5]

A comment up above uses them both together as his bellows diameter fits his tiny flex pump. Best of both.

[@susanp.collins7834]

Those jaffel irons are AMAZING! You put a slice of bread on each one, pop your sandwhich filling on one side, clamp it shut and put it on your gas burner or fire. Mine is OLD and it looks vintage and beautiful.

[@Ira88881]

Is that what they’re called?

[@jennag3226]

We had one when I was a kid. I remember my mom putting in slices of bread and canned pie filling. Turned out yummy

[@BlackReign79]

Exped for the win! Without a doubt, the megamat was the very best piece of kit I purchased last year.

[@summitmail9821]

Greetings from Canada! I actually found THIS video to be the best of all your videos (for me)! I've been searching for RED lights to use at night while camping (because I'm so sensitive to blue light keeping me awake). I'm glad you showed these string lights! exactly what i'm looking for, but I did not know about them. This was so helpful! going to buy them today! Thanks Amanda! love your videos, with all your tips and ideas.

[@amanda.outside]

You're so welcome! Glad this was helpful. I really love those red lights. It's nice to hang out in the tent and not have to wear a headlamp!

[@felicawilkerson1999]

guess Im lucky I found your site when I did, getting ready for my FIRST camping trip with my son. I've searched all over for the stip lights and cant find them. can you share what they are called please!also love the idea about freezing the bottle of water instead of using ice

[@hypo345]

Exped megamats are superb, as good as a home mattress and you will never be cold from the ground. A flextail (or similar) pump makes inflating and deflating the megamats a lot quicker and easier, the model I use has a light and can be used as power bank. Grayl also an excellent piece of kit.

[@amywert8088]

The ice packs, you fill them with clean filtered water and then freeze it, you could then drink that water later. That's COOL. lol

[@Dean-O-Holics]

LOVE Exped mega mat. I bought a full used and then bought a new twin. Have to have an Exped for all occasions!

[@mcj19991]

Can you do a video on camping //hiking shoes, clothing, undergarments, sleep clothes, other items that you prefer and 2ndary suggestions etc. thx

[@agentcannabis]

Love your vibe and camping stuff is so informative and cool stuff

[@timothyorendorff7642]

I have overlooked the usefulness of the “pie irons” now anxious to add them.

[@HamboneSupafly]

Thanks Amanda!!

[@karenmcdaniel9331]

100% agree on the Grayl GeoPress water purifier. We use ours all the time.

[@amanda.outside]

Yea I absolutely love it!

[@watsomd]

how does the water taste out of it, does it give you diarrhea?

[@karenwendt4058]

How does it compare to say, a BFree?

[@DottiH1]

I watched your video on storing your camping gear. I also live in a condo and was wondering what you do to store your camp stove fuel (butane?). Thanks

[@tikoy1955]

Good informational video. Some good items to think about.

[@amanda.outside]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

I love that EXPED. I used it as a sleeping pad in my house for 30 days when I was relocating. Just keep the pump it comes with away from a 4 month old puppy or your pump will RIP!

[@tgilbs]

An EZ up or any kind of shade system! Lol, I don't have one yet, but I borrowed a friend's for a recent camping trip and wow was it nice to have. Just getting out of the sun during the hottest part of the day was great! I also like my thermacell mosquito repellent! Works better than not having it.

[@stevehori673]

I like my Moonshade, it fits any vehicle from van to truck to SUV. Easy to put up and cheaper than most "overlanding" awnings.

[@amanda.outside]

Love the idea of the shade system!

[@davidhubble6556]

❤ your picks I need to go shopping

[@207ice2woods]

Awesome vid thank you!

[@DonParsons-zx5eb]

Great job !

[@ElizabethDermody]

Your dad is awesome 5:37 😂😂😂😂😂 He's exactly like my dad 😂😂😂

[@rosesevers5181]

Some really good items 😁

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

thanks for the tips

[@gregchandler900]

New to the channel. loving it!!!

[@WildAtoms]

Great video!!

[@Traveloutdoor]

I wished I had the cooking irons, I want one of those jackets for sure

[@randywilson1134]

Bought cooler shock as you were showin, and have had my grayl geo for several years, thanks

[@deborah3709]

You had me at pocket bellows!!

[@Ira88881]

I love those pie pans! I just wish they had them with shorter handles.

[@joeking5435]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXm1gqqwa9WVrM0si=Gb0C11ceMjHT1Gqo summer camp ideas, summer camp ideas for kids, summer camp ideas at home, summer camp activity ideas, what is a summer sport, what is the most popular summer sports 👈👆

[@carolannmiller7911]

great info...thank you.

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome!

[@Champaign1117]

After a few injuries from breaking down wood limbs to fit in the campfire, I finally decided to spend some fun tickets on an electric chainsaw. One of the best purchases I've ever made. Saves time, energy & my body thanks me. First time I've come across one of your videos. You offer solid practical advice here. Nicely done.

[@capthappy345]

Like the lights and agree with the grayl

[@elizabeththompson4424]

looks like the v3 pocket bellows is LONGER, my v1 is kinda short... I added a metal tube with short rubber hose to a plastic manual inflator I have I can blow on a stubborn fire all day with that! I got a similar tent light, use it at home for power outages

[@NJames-lc7zt]

That Ex Ped definitely changes the camping game. I love mine.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

We have a couple of half gallon milk jugs, cleaned out and filled with water then frozen.

[@jonesnbones]

We're absolutely on a thick foam mattress. Getting into solar power is fun.

[@MarshaMarsha885]

Bought a straw bellows few years ago. Game changer

[@frankmarullo228]

This is a good video Amanda,, thank you for this one. I love camping videos of any kind.. My friend. will be to visit from New York in september I'm gonna take him camping in the mountains. ( he is scared to get eaten by a grizzly ,THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.....

[@insidedianeslife2456]

How often do you need to replace the filters on the Grayl GeoPress water purifier?

[@mediumtraceylockwood]

Very very helpful

[@haggardtree9611]

Always used frozen water bottles in the cooler. Paired with my yeti they last for a few days and then you have ice cold water.

[@kays749]

That bellows is genius. How many faces full of ashes and smoke will that save me?

[@jbach1265]

If the ice packs are filled with water then frozen, how can they be colder than ice?

[@susanp.collins7834]

I have an idea they have a chemical that makes things freeze colder. You just add water.

[@CampgroundViews]

Our internet plan, counterintuitive but it would have sped up work way quicker which means more outside time (we live in our rv full time too!)

[@22ERICSHELLY]

I am new to your channel. Glad I found you. May Jesus continue to bless you and your family

[@justinross7469]

You had me at pocket bellow

[@yaz397]

I really like ur tshirt. Would u mind sharing what brand that is? Thank you for all ur tips.

[@Fronzel.Neekburm]

Colder than ice???? WTF.. Why have I got the phrase "but its got electrolytes " running through my head at the moment.

[@sageata_verde]

Thats not breakfast thats desert, and also only if you go with a car you can carry cast iron stuff. Also who cooks while camping? you go for 3-4 days, you have instant soup, instant noodles and instant whatever, the rest will go bad unless you use them first day. no amount of cooling will make up for a 40+ degree weather. now if its late summer or autumn and its around 20 degrees you can go around for about 2 days with a decent cooler.

[@lawrencefox563]

Cast iron frying pan with lid ie dutch oven/wok ,metal handle too

[@DustinBernier]

great video!

[@kyracollins1719]

What kind of tent do you have?

[@polysemiclove]

I got the exped mega mat on your suggestion and I love it! It takes up a good chunk of my tiny hatchback’s trunk but my joints say NO REGRETS

[@polysemiclove]

Lolll I have the tent lights too 😂😂 just realizing you have informed most of my camping purchases this season. Thanks Amanda!

[@RTFLDGR]

Does the water filter, filter ground source water bacteria like E. Coli and Giardia?

[@lanetteprice7508]

We call the cooking irons Mountain pie maker. Yummy

[@SequoiaX]

Thank You ♥

[@JCraftvfx]

Dang it! So many good items I need to buy now, and here I am trying to save money

[@DLM440]

I really like the red lights ❤

[@kriszamora]

On the Duluth jacket . Whats the men’s version of that one ? Or do they have one ?

[@user-ll4ur2do4k]

Where did you get your jacket from please

[@Mishalace]

For newer campers you can search around. Their advertisements are for high-cost items. You can find better deals. Don't give up.

[@gitakiss5801]

I have that same thermometer. Its amazing and magnetic:D

[@jerryjerrylee]

Grayl is a game changer. At first, I thought, how much???? Now, I'm like, give me two!!!

[@Swearengen1980]

Clearly this is car camping, so my personal (better) alternatives: A double brazier (18th century style, not modern). Charcoal or wood works and it has grates to sit your pans on top. Your cast iron pans, that is. Preferably a restored Griswold. You can get an iron poker that's hollowed out to double as a blow tube. I have one of those cheap collapsible blowtubes in my hunting/camping pack and it's 1/10th effective as a poker blowtube.

[@tictachikes6156]

7:17 boooop. Love it!

[@katherinepelepchan210]

How long do the ice packs actually last?

[@richardjohnson4052]

I have three E-ped megamats, one double and two singles. I just wish the double were actually rectangular. They shaved ounces by making the foot narrow which I dislike.

[@CharlesHarpolek4vud]

Choose camp chairs that avoid having legs that come down to a point because where that point hits the earth it could hit a ground cover and penetrate it.