As a travel writer, my favorite part of the job is writing about glamping. Glamping experiences are so varied—traditional camping tents, yurts, rustic cabins, luxury cottages, and more. And because they’re so different, I’m always excited to see how the adventure unfolds. In my previous job with Open Sky, I stayed in the Star Seeker, a 960-square-foot yurt with a clawfoot copper bathtub, a spacious patio with outdoor seating, and an outdoor shower. It was a luxurious experience, for sure. For another glamping story, I stayed in a tiny tent next to a busy road at a Hipcamp campground. My husband and I kept joking that a car would pull into our campground.
When I had the opportunity to review the newly opened Snow Peak Campfield in Long Beach, Washington, I jumped at the chance. Snow Peak is a Japanese company well known for their premium yet minimalist camping gear, equipment, and clothing. They have campgrounds in Japan, but this is their first in North America. Nestled on the shores of Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, the campground sits on 25 beautiful acres and is surrounded by abundant nature. We chose to stay in the Jukabo Suite, an adorable micro-cabin designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma that includes a living area, kitchenette, and bathroom.
Although our accommodations offered far more comfort than your average camping tent, there were still some products I could rely on to make my stay even more comfortable. From comfortable shoes and personal wipes to classic campsite essentials like outdoor blankets and camping chairs, these are the 15 travel essentials that took my glamping experience to the next level. They’re versatile enough to bring on any camping adventure, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of home in the middle of nature.
Monos Metro Duffle
Monos
I believe in packing light, so of course I went with my trusty Monos Metro Duffel. It’s my favorite weekend bag because it holds so much. It’s sleek and sophisticated, waterproof and scratch-resistant, durable and functional. The interior is spacious, with a 15″ laptop compartment and several side pockets to keep everything organized. It comes with the Metro Classic Kit, which can hold travel-sized toiletries, documents, and other small essentials. With the brand’s Quick-Snap modular add-on system, the Metro Classic easily attaches to the outside of the duffel for easy access. I sometimes use it as a wallet or makeup pouch. It’s very versatile, which is a plus for a duffel.
Vivitulip Women’s Full Zip Athletic Jacket
Amazon
Snow Peak’s concept is simple: connect with nature and community in comfort. So when I was packing, I expected to be outdoors a lot and planned my outfits with layering in mind. To that end, I brought my Vivitulips full-zip jacket. It’s a lightweight polyester-spandex blend with a bit of stretch, making it perfect for layering, especially on chilly mornings. I wore it while hiking, trail running, and lounging at campsites, but it could easily be worn on a travel day too if you need to save space in your suitcase.
Brooks Ghost 15 GTX Running Shoes
Amazon
I’ve been training in Brooks sneakers for as long as I can remember, from road running to CrossFit. The Ghost 15 GTX are the perfect shoes to take glamping, as they’re waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable for hiking and other outdoor activities no matter the weather. They perform well, so they’re worth the investment. My husband is also a big fan of the brand’s Caldera trail running shoes, which offer great cushioning on uneven terrain.
REI Co-op Cool Hole 24 Soft Cooler
Ray
A cooler is always handy to have (pro tip: it’s a good idea to bring extra food when camping or glamping; if you’re in a remote area, you might not have access to a grocery store). Not all coolers are equal at keeping food and drinks warm, but that’s where REI’s 24 Soft Cooler excels. Its sturdy exterior makes it suitable for any outdoor activity. It’s also leak-proof and seam-sealed to keep moisture in and pests out while you’re camping or glamping. A top handle and padded shoulder strap make it easy to carry. It also comes with a handy bottle opener.
Rumple Puffy Blanket
Nordstrom
A cozy blanket keeps you warm on cold nights and keeps you cozy while camping or glamping. It’s also great for picnics, concerts, and trips to the beach. I’m a big fan of Rumpl. These blankets are lightweight and come in the coolest colors and designs. They’re easy to carry and stain and water resistant. At Snow Peak, I use them to cuddle my dogs Tonka and Paisley in our suite. On cold nights, I’ve wrapped myself up in them to keep warm while I grill dinner on my Takibi Kit or to lie down and watch the stars.
Badger Bug Spray
Amazon
I always carry this DEET-free mosquito repellent with me. Formulated with natural citronella and lemongrass to keep bugs away, this little 4-ounce bottle is perfect for traveling. If you don’t like sprays, the brand also offers a balm version, which works just as well. If you’ve already been bitten, there’s no need to suffer through the discomfort. Instead, you can use the smartphone-powered insect bite healer “Heat it for Android: Smartphone-powered Insect Bite Healer,” which provides focused heat up to 124 degrees Fahrenheit to relieve the itch. It is completely chemical-free, safe to use, and has 12 different treatment modes. It’s also battery-free, eco-friendly, and compatible with Android smartphones via USB-C. There’s also an iPhone version.
Athleta Trekkie North Mid-Rise Bermuda Shorts
Athleta
Athleta makes some of my favorite activewear, including their Elation Ultra High Rise Shorts, which are perfect for yoga or Pilates classes. These shorts are perfect for yoga or Pilates classes because they have compression in all the right places to stay in place while you move. Meanwhile, these super comfortable ripstop pants are perfect for hiking or kicking out. The lightweight material keeps you cool while the two-way stretch allows for maximum mobility. The two zippered side pockets are perfect for storing cash, credit cards, and keys. This fabric also offers UPF 50+ protection with excellent sweat-wicking properties.
Glerups slip-on shoes with natural rubber sole
Amazon
Slip-ons are a must for glamping, and Snow Peak has found them to be convenient to put on and take off when entering and leaving your suite, especially when walking the dog or grabbing something from the kitchen while barbecuing outdoors. The high-quality wool conforms to the shape of your foot, while the rubber sole provides support and grip. They come in 21 fun colors and sizes from 5 to 11. We also love this company’s premium indoor slippers, which offer a nice cushioning on hard floors, whether at home or in a hotel.
LightingEver LED Camping Lantern
Amazon
The lantern will add a great ambiance wherever you are in a tent, yurt, cabin, or anywhere else. This lantern is waterproof and has 4 different light options, making it perfect for your glamping adventures. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, and works equally well indoors or outdoors. With a long battery life, this super cute and compact light will last up to 12 hours.
Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair
Ray
This easy-to-fold camping chair can be easily set up indoors or outdoors, and is portable enough to take to a picnic, enhancing your camping experience. What I like about this chair from Coleman is that it is lightweight, comfortable, and can hold up to 250 pounds. The mesh lining keeps you cool in the heat. The cup holders on the sides are perfect for placing your drinks. It also comes with a carry bag for easy transport. This outdoor brand also offers a one-year limited warranty on its products. At this price point of $30, it is definitely worth it. I have used it for backyard barbecues and get-togethers as well.
Outdoor Indoor Backyard Racket Set
Ray
Between hiking and setting up camp, you’re bound to have some downtime. What better way to reconnect with loved ones over a fun activity? My husband and I loved this racket set that came with two rackets, three badminton birdies, and a ball. Whether we were good at badminton is still up for debate, but we had a ton of fun. Our pups loved chasing 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
Amazon
At the end of a day of adventure, I couldn’t wait to change into my cozy Fable England pajamas. The soft, dreamy satin fabric makes glamping even more comfortable and makes me feel right at home. They also feature an elastic drawstring waistband and two side pockets, and I love the fun, whimsical pattern. Changing into my pajamas and munching on s’mores after relaxing in the heated pool and cypress sauna at the camp’s Ofuro Spa was one of the highlights of my stay.
You’ll probably be lounging around your campsite and roasting s’mores, so why not look stylish yet comfortable? If you’re on a budget, check out this equally comfortable and chic offering from Amazon’s popular brand Ekouaer. It comes in over 30 colors and patterns and costs just $36.
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipe
Ray
Even though I had access to showers while traveling, I always bring these compact Wilderness Wipes with me when I travel because they’re a great way to quickly refresh skin. They can be used on both the face and body, and ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E help cleanse and moisturize. Best of all, they’re 100% compostable after use.
Snow Peak Iron Grill Table Set of 4
Snow Peak
Snow Peak’s Iron Grill Table was so great that we’re thinking of buying one for ourselves for future camping trips. While camping, everyone had access to a table (loaded with functional and beautiful accessories from the brand). It made prep and cooking so much more efficient. There was space to spread out ingredients and utensils, just like on a countertop at home. The best part is, when you buy an IGT, you can customize the size, height, and design. It’s made of sturdy aluminum alloy with stainless steel legs, and it folds up easily for storage.
Tea Bags Single Serve Coffee Pouches
Amazon
If you’re a coffee drinker like me, you know how important a cup of coffee first thing in the morning is. Not all accommodations stock coffee or the essentials for making it. That’s why I bring Steeped Coffee tea bags with me every time I travel. It’s as easy as making tea – just add water and wait a few minutes. Unlike instant coffee pods, I find it cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient. Plus, it tastes amazing – you get that deep, full-bodied coffee flavor in every sip.
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