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Family camping trips get a lot easier with these 4 items 

Emily Pidgeon
By

A weekend in the woods is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors and bond around a campfire. But when it comes to packing, some parents may be wondering what gear for family camping trips is needed. Camping life is meant to be a bit simpler but not uncomfortable. We’ve put together a list of some of the best camping gear that will make your next trip more relaxing, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Drifting off to dreamland under the stars 

Sleeping out under a blanket of stars, with nothing but the sounds of nature, can be a very relaxing and comforting way to be lulled into a deep sleep. This four-to-six-person tent from Ayamaya is perfect for families looking for that lull, and to relax and unwind.

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In addition to its front and rear door, this tent is also equipped with four ventilation windows, perfect to catch a cool spring or summer breeze. Furthermore, it is an instant tent. This means you can simply open the carrying case and toss the tent, allowing it to open instantly. Afterward, all you need to do is anchor the tent to the ground and tie it down firmly. If that isn’t reason enough to pack up your family and hit the road, we don’t know what else is!

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Shed a little light on the situation 

Having a light source while in the woods is an absolute must when it comes to packing essential items. After the sun goes down, it’s important to have a way to see in the darkness, especially for families with children. Whether it’s for your tent or other necessary tasks, a bright and long-lasting light is highly valuable. This lantern/ceiling-fan combination from Odoland is ideal for warm summer days and nights to keep you cool, while also keeping the air circulating. The constant air movement is especially helpful to keep bugs from landing — like those pesky mosquitos! This light/fan requires two D size batteries for 37 hours of continuous LED light, 20 hours of high fan speed, and 15 hours of low fan speed.

Always be prepared 

Losing precious things is never easy. That’s why helping your children feel safe while camping is just as important as purchasing tents, lanterns, emergency kits, and food. Having an extra line of defense against wandering minds and bodies is a wonderful insurance policy parents can utilize while building lasting memories in the great outdoors. These emergency whistles are perfect for nervous kiddos — and nervous parents — about their time outside. Constructed from lightweight plastic, these emergency whistles from Outdoor Life Adventures are affixed to an equally lightweight, nylon lanyard to prevent them from being lost or forgotten. Additionally, and most importantly, this whistle can be heard from up to a mile away.

Relax and recharge

Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are part of our everyday lives, even in the woods. While there are plenty of folks who enjoy electronic-free weekends or time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, others enjoy having their devices with them while sleeping under the stars. Whether it be to take photographs or videos, or simply catch the score of the game, you want your device to be ready when you are. That’s where the LuminAID PackLite 2-in-1 charging station and lantern come into play. This compact, lightweight, collapsible, and rechargeable solar-charging station is perfect for a family’s needs while roughing it between the trees. The station’s built-in solar panel allows it to recharge during the day while also charging devices.

If you and your family are looking into what to bring on a camping trip, we hope to have pointed you in the right direction — or have at least got the ball rolling on important items you will need. Every family dynamic is different, and not all families travel or pack the same. Nor do all families feel the need to bring the same kind of items with them while kicking it in the sticks. If you are struggling to find the gear you need and our list hasn’t satisfied your searches, then we’d like to suggest thinking about the most important four or five items your family would want or need in a crisis, then build from there. After all, necessity is the mother of invention!

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Emily Pidgeon
Emily Pidgeon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Emily's work has appeared in the Tube City Almanac, Tube City Online and our Affinity Sites. When she's not writing, she is…
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