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4 Must-have pieces of multi-purpose camping gear

By: Ann-Marie Brissett + Save to a List

Presented by Eddie Bauer.

When deciding which gear to take on a 48-hour car camping trip, what do you look for? I like to pack lightweight things that serve more than one purpose and are easy to pack down. Here are four critical pieces in my camping gear kit!

1. A comfy, packable camp chair

Having an easy-to-pack, comfortable camp chair is key for relaxing outdoors. The Eddie Bauer Packable chair is lightweight and packs into a small sack, allowing me to take a seat anywhere! I use mine at campsites enjoying s’mores around the fire and even on day hikes! It's stable and sturdy on tent pads or even on smooth river rocks!

2. A waterproof outdoor blanket

Camping conditions can change so quickly. Cool mornings or temps dropping at night call for a little extra warmth. Cuddling up around the fire with a blanket is always a cozy idea! However, what about taking a day hike and having a blanket to take with you as well? It's refreshing to lay down a blanket and create your own little spot wherever you are. It's even better when you can sit on a blanket that does not care too much about wet grass or minor spills! The Eddie Bauer Water Repellent Outdoor Blanket is a lightweight, portable blanket that can take you from campfire cuddles to waterfront views. Not worrying about sitting in a damp space is a bonus!

3. Kitchenware that does double-duty

Drink wear that doubles as dinner wear is my go-to camp gear. I like containers large enough to hold breakfast oatmeal on the trail or fill with my favourite warm beverage before bed at camp. The Eddie Bauer 24-Oz Enamel Mug does both, and it's durable, so you don't need to worry about flimsy plastic or fragile ceramic/glass.

4. An easy-to-carry cooler

A navy nlue backpack with an orange chair and colorful outdoor blanket strapped to it. The items are sitting on round river rocks with green trees and blue sky in the background.
Photo by Ann-Marie Brissett.

I think about transporting camp gear when considering what to pack. Having a bag that can hold anything and is easy to organize is extra helpful! The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler is a great option. It's insulated to keep beverages and foods cool in camp and has several compartments that make keeping things together a breeze. I strap a lot to the outside of the bag, too, thanks to the extra exterior straps!

    Camp gear that is lightweight, packable, and offers organized storage earns a place on my camp gear list! From campsite to the trails, multi-use gear can help make adventuring simple.

    Get out there and explore on your next car camping trip!

    We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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