Heading outdoors for a camping adventure doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, there are affordable gear options that can make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. In this article, we've curated a list of the Top 20 essential camping items, each priced under $20, to ensure you're well-equipped for your next excursion. From ingenious sleeping pad connectors for couples to eco-friendly wilderness wash, these budget-friendly picks promise quality without the hefty price tag. Dive in and discover top-rated gear that's both pocket-friendly and practical for your outdoor adventures.
Great For Couples
SeaToSummit Mat Coupler Kit
Planning a weekend camping trip with your partner? Opt for the Couples Mat Connector to connect your sleeping pads, making it easier to snuggle up. Sea to Summit offers an affordable strap system to keep your pads together.
Safety First
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Day Tripper Lite Medic Kit
Always stay prepared for unexpected blisters, cuts, or abrasions during your outdoor adventures. This lightweight medic kit contains all the essentials you need for a day on the trail, complete with a handy reference guide for quick first aid solutions. At just $16.99, it's an affordable and essential addition to your gear.
Get Dry Quickly
PackTowl Luxe Towel
Whether you're rinsing off in a backcountry stream or using the campsite shower, a pack towel is a must-have for easy drying. This soft towel comes with a hanging loop for convenient drying and is available in various sizes and colors to suit your needs.
Not Your Average Pillow
TETON Sports XL Camp Pillow with Pillow Case
After a long day of hiking or lounging in your hammock, ensure you have a comfortable camp pillow to rest your head on. Teton's packable and washable camp pillows, priced at just $15, offer convenience and comfort.
Super Bright & Comfortable
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
A headlamp is an indispensable tool for any camping trip. Whether you need to navigate the trail before sunrise or find your way to the campground restroom in the dark, the Black Diamond Astro 300 is a stormproof headlamp that delivers 300 lumens of illumination. It can be powered by either 3 AAA batteries or a rechargeable lithium battery and features a lock mode to keep your preferred light setting in place.
Ultralight & Powerful
MPOWERD Luci EMRG Light
Make your evenings in the tent more comfortable with a solar lantern that can provide up to 7 hours of light and recharge in 8 hours of direct sunlight. This versatile light has five different modes, is waterproof, and is an excellent and affordable investment for your camping needs.
Great For Collecting & Carrying
SeaToSummit Kitchen Sink
Don't forget the kitchen sink! This 5-liter capacity bowl serves multiple purposes, from washing camp dishes to taking a camp bath or even serving as a dog bowl when assembled with the included steel ring. It's designed to withstand boiling water when filled gradually and collapses into a micro-sized stuff packet when the ring is removed.
Reliable Quick Start
Ooni Premium Natural Firestarters
Save time and effort with a natural firestarter made from wood shavings and wax. Stash some in your pack for quick and hassle-free fire starting during your camping trips.
Great For Kayaking & Rafting Camping Trips
Stormproof Waterproof Matches
Ordinary matches won't suffice in wet or windy conditions, but stormproof matches are built to light fires or stoves in any weather. These windproof and waterproof matches come in a watertight case, making them a crucial $10 investment for your camping kit.
Great To Have On The Campsite
Folding Stainless Steel Camping Trowel / Shovel
When nature calls and there's no toilet in sight, a foldable, lightweight, and stainless steel camping trowel becomes a necessity. It comes with a velcro strap to secure the handle when folded, all for under $8.
Your Pup Will Thank You
Nite Ize RadDog Collapsible Bowl
Keep your furry friend fed & hydrated on camping trips with a packable food/water dish made of polyester and featuring a waterproof liner to prevent leaks. No need to worry about your dog's bowl anymore.
Who Said It Couldn't Fit?
Frelaxy Compression Stuff Sack
Whether you're stuffing sleeping bags or day-old clothes, compression stuff sacks are convenient for saving space and maintaining efficient storage. Frelaxy offers a range of sizes (11-52 liters) under $20, all made from tear-resistant polyester with four compression straps for durability and space-saving.
Durable & Practical
PAUJI Bamboo Cutlery Set
Embrace sustainable dining with Pauji’s Bamboo Cutlery Set. This all-in-one set, including a bamboo fork, spoon, knife, chopsticks, stainless steel straw, and cleaner, ensures versatility and convenience. Housed in a stylish drawstring pouch, it’s the perfect eco-friendly companion for meals at home or on the go. Currently on sale for $15.
Stay Clean On The Go
SeaToSummit Citronella Wilderness Wash
Stay clean while keeping pesky bugs at bay with a wilderness wash that's gentle on the environment and your skin. This versatile cleaner also doubles as a bug deterrent, working on everything from pots and pans to gear and your body. The sandalwood and citronella essential oils provide a pleasant scent while keeping bugs away.
Keep Your Tent Where You Left It
AnyGear Aluminum Tent Stakes
Having spare tent stakes is never a bad idea. Be prepared to replace old or broken ones or secure your tent during windy outings with AnyGear's Aluminum Tent Stakes. These tent stakes are made from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and measure 6 inches in length for secure anchoring.
Hopefully She Will Share It With You
Big Agnes Gear Loft
When you have a lot of gear and limited space, a gear loft for your tent is the perfect solution. Made of nylon mesh, this loft attaches to the tent's hang loops and can be easily packed with the tent when not in use.
Coffee Is Best Enjoyed Outdoors
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless 15oz Camp Cup
Keep your beverages at the right temperature with a 15 oz stainless steel camp mug. Its double-wall design ensures your drinks stay hot or cold, and it comes with a lid to minimize spills. At just $19.95, it's an affordable choice for your camping trips.
Great For Your Camping Kitchen
SeaToSummit X-Seal and Go Small Container
Store your extra food conveniently in a collapsible container that can also double as a bowl. This durable container is made from food-grade silicone and features a polypropylene lid. It packs small when not in use, making it ideal for camp cooking.
An Important Layer Between You And The Ground
Clostnature Tent Footprint & Waterproof Camping Tarp
If your tent lacks a footprint, a tarp is an excellent way to keep moisture away from the tent's bottom. It can also serve as an entry mat for shoes before entering the tent. The Clostnature's camping tarp is made from ripstop polyester and is waterproof, providing multiple uses while packing small.
Poker Just Got More Interesting
Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
Enjoy card games during camping rainstorms with these weatherproof and flexible playing cards. They are easy to use and must-haves for entertaining evenings in your tent, regardless of the weather outside.
These budget-friendly camping gear items offer great value and are sure to enhance your outdoor adventures without breaking the bank. If you think there are items that should have or shouldn't have been on this list, please let us know! @campingiseasy on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & TikTok.
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