I Just Got Back From a Glamping Weekend, and These Are 15 Surefire Ways to Level Up Any Camp Setup — From $6

As a travel writer, my favorite assignments to tackle are glamping articles. These experiences can vary dramatically as accommodations can be traditional camping tents, yurts, rustic cabins, or even luxurious cottages. And because they’re so different, I’m always excited to see how the adventure unfolds. On my previous assignment for Open Sky, we stayed in the Star Seeker, a 960-square-foot yurt with a clawfoot copper soaking tub, a spacious patio with outdoor seating, and an outdoor shower. It was an opulent experience for sure. For another glamping article, I stayed at a Hipcamp campsite in a small tent that was next to a busy road. My husband and I kept joking that the cars were going to drive right into our campground. 

When I got the opportunity to review the newly opened Snow Peak Campfield in Long Beach, Washington, I jumped at the chance. Snow Peak, a Japanese company, is best known for its high-end, minimalist camping accessories, equipment, and clothing. Although it has other campsites in Japan, this is its first location in North America. Nestled along the banks of Washington state’s Long Beach Peninsula, the property spans 25 scenic acres and is surrounded by lush nature. We chose to stay in the Jyukabo suites, adorable micro cabins designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma with a living area, kitchenette, and bathroom.

Though our accommodations offered a level of comfort unmatched by any ordinary camping tent, there were still products that I relied on to make my stay even better. From comfortable shoes and personal wipes to classic campsite must-haves like an outdoor blanket and a camping chair, these are the 15 travel essentials that leveled up my glamping experience — and they’re versatile enough to bring on any camping adventure so you can get the coziness of home out in nature.

Monos Metro Duffel

I’m a huge believer in packing light, so of course I used the trusty Monos Metro Duffel, which is my favorite weekender bag because it holds so much. Sleek and sophisticated, it’s water- and scratch-resistant, making it durable and functional. The interior is roomy with a separate 15-inch laptop compartment and several side pockets to keep everything organized. It comes with the Metro Classic Kit, which can be used to store travel-sized toiletries, paperwork, or other small essentials. Featuring the brand’s QuickSnap modular add-on system, the Metro Classic easily affixes to the outside of the duffel for easy access. Sometimes I even use it as a wallet or makeup bag. It’s super versatile and is an added bonus to the duffel. 

Vivitulip Women’s Full-zip Athletic Jacket

Snow Peak’s concept is simple: connect with nature and community in comfort. So when I was packing, I anticipated being outdoors a lot and planned my outfits in terms of layers. That’s why I brought Vivitulips’ Full-zip Jacket. Made with a lightweight, polyester-spandex blend, it offers a hint of stretch that’s great for layering, especially on chilly mornings. I wore it on hikes, trail runs, and while lounging around the campsite, and could easily sport it on a travel day if I needed to save space in my suitcase.

Brooks Ghost 15 GTX Running Shoes

I’ve been training in Brooks sneakers for as long as I remember, from road running to CrossFit. The Ghost 15 GTXs are the perfect shoes to pack for glamping because they’re waterproof and lightweight, making hiking and other outdoor pursuits comfortable, regardless of the weather. These are super functional and worth the investment. My husband’s also a huge fan of the brand’s Caldera trail running shoes, which feature extra cushioning for uneven terrain.

REI Co-op Cool Haul 24 Soft Cooler

A cooler is always nice to have (pro tip: It’s a good idea to bring additional food when camping or glamping because if you’re in a remote area; you might not have access to a grocery store). Not all coolers are equal in keeping your food and drink items insulated, but this is where REI’s 24 Soft Cooler excels. It’s rugged on the outside for all those outdoor pursuits. It’s also leakproof and seam-sealed to keep the moisture in and varmints out when camping or glamping. The top handle and padded shoulder strap allow for easy carrying; it also comes with an attached bottle opener for convenience.

Rumpl Puffy Blanket 

A cozy blanket keeps you comfortable when camping or glamping because it can keep you warm on chilly nights. It’s also useful for picnics, concerts, or trips to the beach. I’m a huge fan of Rumpl because its blankets are lightweight and available in the coolest colors and designs. Easy to pack, it’s also stain- and water-resistant. At Snow Peak, I’d use it inside our suite for our pups, Tonka and Paisley, to cuddle on. For chilly nights, I’d wrap it around to keep warm while we grilled dinner on our Takibi Kit, and we also laid on it as we stargazed.

Badger Bug Spray

I always carry this DEET-free mosquito repellent with me. Formulated with natural citronella and lemongrass to keep the bugs away, this small 4-ounce bottle is perfect for travel. If you’re not a fan of sprays, the brand also makes this balm version, which works just as well. If you’ve already been bitten, you don’t have to suffer with the discomfort. Instead, you can use the Heat it for Android: Smartphone-powered Insect Bite Healer, which relieves itching with concentrated heat to 124 degrees Fahrenheit. Entirely free of chemicals and safe to use, it offers 12 modes of treatment. It’s also battery-free, eco-friendly, and compatible with Android smartphones via USB-C. It’s also offered in an iPhone version as well.

Athleta Trekkie North Mid-rise Bermuda Shorts

Athleta makes some of my favorite activewear, like the Elation Ultra High-rise shorts that are great for yoga and Pilates classes because they’re compressive in all the right places and stay put when you’re on the move. These super comfortable ripstop pants, however, are great for hiking and kicking around in. The lightweight material helps you stay cool while offering two-way stretch for maximum maneuverability. Two zippered side pockets are great for holding cash, credit cards, and keys. The fabric also has UPF 50+ protection with impressive sweat-wicking and quick-dry properties. 

Glerups Slip-on Shoe With Natural Rubber Soles

You’re going to need a pair of slip-ons when glamping. I found these useful at Snow Peak for slipping on and off when going in and out of our suite, especially to walk the dogs or grab something from the kitchen while we were grilling outdoors. The high-quality wool molds to the shape of your foot and the rubber soles provide support and traction. They come in 21 fun colors with sizes ranging from 5 to 11. I’m also a huge fan of the company’s luxurious indoor slippers, which offer nice cushioning on hardwood floors, whether at home or in hotels.

Lighting Ever LED Camping Lantern

Lanterns create such a great ambiance, whether you’re in a tent, yurt, or cabin. I love this one for our glamping adventures because it’s waterproof with four different light options. Lightweight and portable, it’s just as effective inside as it is outside, and with an extended battery life, this super cute and compact light lasts up to 12 hours.

Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair

Easy-to-fold camp chairs elevate your experience because they’re easy to set up indoors and outdoors, and they’re portable enough to bring along on picnics. What I love about this one from Coleman is that it’s lightweight, comfortable, and can also hold up to 250 pounds. The mesh backing allows you to stay cool even in the heat and a side cup holder is a great place to set your drink. It comes with a carry bag for transporting. Also, the outdoor brand offers a one-year-limited warranty on its products. At this $30 price point, it’s definitely worth it; I’ve even used it for backyard barbecues and gatherings.

Outside Inside Backyard Racket Set

In between hikes and setting up camp, chances are you’ll have some downtime. What better way to reconnect with your loved ones than with a fun activity? My husband and I loved this racket set, which includes two rackets, three badminton birdies, and a ball. Although it’s still up for discussion who was better at badminton, we had tons of fun. Our pups were chasing after the birdies and running around with us. Packing board games, like this Fireside Gaming Kit, is also a great idea.

Ekouaer Satin Long-sleeve Pajama Set

At the end of a day of adventuring, I couldn’t wait to get into my cozy Fable England pajamas; they made glamping more comfortable and reminiscent of home with their soft and dreamy satin fabric. They also boast an elastic drawstring waistband and two side pockets, and I love their fun and whimsical pattern. One of the highlights of my stay was slipping into these pajamas and nibbling on s’mores after taking a relaxing soak in the hot pool and cypress sauna at the camp’s Ofuro Spa.

Chances are, you’ll also be lounging around the campsite and roasting s’mores, so why not stay comfy while staying stylish? If you’re on a budget, check out this equally comfy and chic one from Amazon-loved brand Ekouaer, which comes in over 30 colors and patterns and only costs $36.

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes

Even though we had access to showers during our trip, I carry these compact wilderness wipes whenever I’m traveling because they offer a quick refresh for my skin. You can use it on both your face and body. Ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E help to clean and moisturize. Best of all, it’s 100 percent compostable after use.

Snow Peak Iron Grill Table 4-unit Standing Set

Snow Peak’s Iron Grill Table was so awesome that we’re thinking about getting our own for future camping trips. At the camp, everyone had access to the table (which was fully stocked with the brand’s functional and aesthetically pleasing add-ons), and it made prepping and cooking super efficient. Similar to a countertop at home, we had space to spread out our ingredients and cooking utensils. The best part is that when you purchase your own IGT, you get to customize the size, height, and design. Made from sturdy aluminum alloy with stainless steel legs, it’s easy to collapse and store. 

Steeped Coffee Tea Bags Single Serve Coffee Pouches 

If you’re a coffee drinker like me, you know how important that first cup of joe is in the morning. Not all accommodations will have coffee or java-making essentials on hand. That’s why I love bringing Steeped Coffee Tea Bags on all my trips. They’re as simple as brewing tea; just add water and wait a couple of minutes. Unlike instant coffee pods, I find these more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient. Plus, the flavor is amazing; you can taste the coffee’s deep richness in every sip.

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