The 10 Best Summer Camping Essentials Under $15

After camping for over 12 years, I never venture into the great outdoors without my essentials, like a portable grill and a sturdy hard cooler. I’ve also accumulated many other must-haves that make my camping experience run smoothly, and you can grab them all for under $15. My most-recommended gear includes a leakproof OXO food container, an insulated REI camp mug, a useful multitool, and more.

The Best Summer Camping Essentials Under $15

• OXO Good Grips Prep and Go Leakproof 2-Cup Divided Container, $10 at amazon.com
• Fangfo 14-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool, $10 at amazon.com
• Lepro LED Headlamp, $8, originally $12 at amazon.com
• Aotu Portable Camping and Backpacking Stove, $8, originally $11 at amazon.com
• UCO Fire-Starting Kit, $5, originally $6 at rei.com
• REI Co-Op Solid Graphic Camp Mug, $11, originally $23 at rei.com
• GSI Outdoors Slim Can Cooler, $13, originally $20 at rei.com
• UCO Eco 4-Piece Mess Kit, $14, originally $20 at rei.com
• Klean Kanteen 8-Ounce Insulated Tumbler, $14, originally $20 at rei.com
• Amphipod Ultra Strobe LED Clip Light, 2-Pack, $10, originally $20 at rei.com

OXO Good Grips Prep and Go Leakproof 2-Cup Divided Container

Snacking on a hike is easy with a divided food container like this one from OXO. It’s ideal for packing chips and salsa for the trail or apple slices and peanut butter to enjoy by the campfire. I especially like that the leakproof lid has a silicone gasket and snapping locks to keep contents from spilling.

Fangfo 14-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool

I don’t think I could ever go camping without my multitool. Similar to this stainless steel one, my multitool has 14 functions to address any campground tasks that may arise. Be it whittling a stick for s’mores or taking the cap off a bottle of root beer, this gadget is ready for anything, and it’s only $10.

Lepro LED Headlamp

I love my headlamp so much, I sometimes use it at home when I’m doing chores around the house. Just as it’s great for lighting my way from the campsite to a restroom, it excels at illuminating dark, dusty kitchen corners that I need to clean. This one has six lighting modes and offers up to 50 hours of light on its lowest level.

Aotu Portable Camping and Backpacking Stove

I don’t go backpacking often, but when I do, I bring along a tiny stove attachment like this pocket-sized one to cook my meals on the trail. At just $8, it has a useful flame control valve and a lightweight construction to maximize gear storage.

UCO Fire-Starting Kit

I consider this fire-starting kit to be a camping gear necessity. It comes with 12 rain-proof matches, three fire starters, and two replacement strikers. Avoid the frustration of trying to start a fire after the rain by grabbing one of these. You’ll be able to preheat your cast iron skillet over roaring flames in no time.

REI Co-Op Solid Graphic Camp Mug

For enjoying my morning cup of tea or coffee by the fire, I turn to my REI Co-Op travel mug. Its double-wall insulation keeps beverages hot or cold or hours, and I like the comfortable handle. The sipping lid fits tightly onto the mug to prevent splashes.

GSI Outdoors Slim Can Cooler

I abhor letting a crisp can of sparkling water get too warm, so I always keep a can cooler handy to keep my drinks cool while I’m enjoying them. I especially like that this one has a textured exterior to prevent condensation, allowing for a comfortable grip.

UCO Eco 4-Piece Mess Kit

I ditched paper plates and bowls long ago when I switched to reusable mess kits. This one comes with a bowl, a plate, and a utility spork that all fit together into one package for easy transport.

Klean Kanteen 8-Ounce Insulated Tumbler

Another go-to travel mug of mine is this Klean Kanteen 8-ounce tumbler. It’s the ideal size for a small cup of coffee or tea, and I appreciate how the handle-less design fits easily into a car cupholder. Plus, the tight-fitting lid does a good job of preventing splashes when I’m on the go.

Amphipod Ultra Strobe LED Clip Light, 2-Pack

Camp lighting is important, and not just for setting up a cozy atmosphere. These LED clip lights can be attached to backpacks, clothes, or nearby branches to provide additional lighting for all your camping tasks.