It’s easy to make the last-minute decision to embark on a weekend camping trip but in order to make the outing enjoyable, you’ll need to make sure you’re equipped with the proper gear. From camp kitchen knives to durable clothing to tent setup tools, the right accouterments will make all the difference. Here are our favorite outdoor essentials for hitting the trails and campsite this summer.

Gerber ComplEAT Knife Set 

Don’t bring along your favorite kitchen knives on your next camping trip. Instead, get yourself a set that’s purpose-built for the job. Gerber’s ComplEAT Knife Set features a trio of full-sized blades for the outdoors: a 3.25-inch paring knife, a 6-inch serrated utility knife, and an 8-inch chef knife. Equipped with a glass-filled polypropylene sheath and polyester webbing carrying case, each tool pairs German 4116 stainless steel for optimal edge retention with overmolded handles that are supremely comfortable in your hand. 

Vacation After Sun Gel

We all have our favorite sunscreen, and Vacation’s is considered the best-smelling option around. However, once your day of exploration is done, it’s important to give your skin some rejuvenation with the proper care. Vacation’s After Sun Gel is an aloe vera-based solution with cucumber, prickly pear, and some extra vitamins for soothing and hydrating your skin.

Florence Airtex Boonie

Perhaps no hat is more appropriate for summer adventures than a boonie. This Airtex option from Florence features built-in paneling for ventilation, a water-resistant fabric, and an insulated EVA brim to make it easier to wear all day. If that’s not enough, there’s also a hidden interior pocket for storage.

GCI Outdoor Rocker Camping Chair

This summer, don’t get to the campsite without a place to sit after a long, hot day of hiking. GCI’s camping chair is not only budget-friendly (so you can buy more than one) but it features a nice rocking function and a cupholder for drinks. Weighing just over 12lbs, this chair is also extremely comfortable.

AeroPress Go Plus Portable Coffee Maker

If AeroPress’ revolutionary coffee making unit wasn’t already a camping essential, then its new all-in-one travel system, which now includes a durable, double-wall vacuum-insulated 18/8 stainless steel tumbler and leak proof lid for drinking throughout your morning.

Coalatree Trailhead Shorts

When it comes to trail-ready comfort, few put together quality garments like Coalatree. Incredibly durable and stretchy thanks to its nylon-Spandex blend, the Trailhead Shorts are tear resistant, odor resistant, and can also pack down into its own pocket and double as a travel pillow if needed.

Gerber Camp Setup Kit

If you’re worried about coming prepared to the campsite, then consider grabbing Gerber’s Camp Setup Kit, which features the brand’s StakeOut multi-tool, Pack Hatchet, and Fire Starter. Equipped with everything you’ll need for camping, the StakeOut itself comes with eleven tools, including a 2.2″ plain edge Scandi grind blade with frame lock, scissors, a stake puller, a saw, and tweezers, just to name a few. Meanwhile, the Pack Hatchet is a compact unit perfect for chopping up firewood or basic survival.

Danner Joseph Leather Sandal

Whether you’re hanging out for morning breakfast or going on a quick jaunt through the woods, this outdoor-ready Joseph Leather Sandal from Danner will do the trick. Its magnetic buckle makes it easy to take on and off while the Vibram Traction Cascade outsole gives you enough traction for both wet and dry surfaces.

Smith Embark ChromaPop Sunglasses

Perhaps the most important thing to have for a weekend in the sun is a pair of quality sunglasses. Smith makes several great pairs for the outdoors but these Embark shades stand out for their versatility in style (i.e., they don’t look like your traditional outdoor sunglasses), their spectacular visual clarity, and their removable side shields for extra coverage.

JBL XTREME 4

When it comes to the ultimate speaker for camping, JBL’s latest XTREME 4 is the one to beat, with an IP67 rating for waterproof and dustproof, improved sound quality over the outgoing model, and AI-assisted sound boosting technology.