Get your kindling ready! Spring is upon us, and summer will be remarkably close behind! The trees will be green, the sunsets will be late, and if you are anything like me, you will want to spend every spare minute soaking up the sun and breathing the fresh air. Whether you like fishing, hiking, tossing a frisbee around, relaxing in a hammock, or any other activities, there is something out there for everyone. Camping is a great recreational activity, and we here at Acme Tools want to ensure everyone is ready for the season! We have compiled this list of must-haves to ensure you get the most out of your time spent outside.
40 Tools You Need For Camping
1. Swiss Army 56931 FieldMaster Multi-Tool
Let us start with the basics. Swiss army knives have become an internationally recognized symbol of versatility, and this one certainly lives up to the reputation. With fifteen tools in one neat package, this little monster has everything you need in the wilderness, from a toothpick to a wood saw.
2. 3M 67442 Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion (2oz)
Bug bites can ruin an entire trip, but they are entirely avoidable. There is no excuse not to have bug repellent, and this is truly the best stuff: it is splash—and sweat-resistant and lasts up to twelve hours. Do not let the mosquitoes win.
3. Aervoe 7805A Snap Light Combination Lantern, Flashlight, and Small Electronics Charger
Big tripod lights are great for lighting outside your tent, but something smaller is needed on the inside, and this Aervoe combination light has you covered. Hang it from the ceiling as a lantern, use it as a flashlight to find your way back to the car in the middle of the night, and even use it as a power bank to charge your phone so it is fully juiced up for the morning. It also glows in the dark so you can easily find it and flashes red to signal in an emergency. What more can you ask for?
4. ERB 17139 10-Person ANSI Economy First Aid Kit with Plastic Case
No one wants to think about emergencies when planning a fun trip, but accidents can happen to anyone. Part of camping means being prepared for bumps and scrapes; those band-aids in your glovebox will not cut it. This first aid kit covers all the basics that you might need in a pinch, and you will be thanking yourself when the time comes for you to use it.
5. Gorilla Glue 6035060 35 yd Tape
They say that anything can be fixed with enough duct tape, and Gorilla Tape can fix anything but with less. Fix a ripped tent, cover a broken car bumper, make a boat, you name it; the list is endless. This tape is the stuff of magic, and you will not regret having a huge roll of it with you.
6. Fiskars 378501-1002 14 In. Hatchet
Fiskars do not just make scissors; they also make the best cutting equipment for any use, including camping! This lightweight hatchet has a 12-inch composite handle and a hardened steel head covered with a non-stick coating to cut less effortlessly. It also has a sheath to keep it safe and sharp while storing or transporting it.
7. CLC 1140 EasySeat Bucket Lid
Turn any standard 5-gallon bucket into a stool, and you will have the most comfortable chair for the campfire, guaranteed.
8. Stanley 57-522 10 Oz. Hickory Handle Rubber Mallet
It would be best if you somehow pounded those tent stakes into the ground.
9. Nite Ize SLP2-10-R3 Red LED SlapLit
Are you going for an evening bike ride? Hiking on the roadside before the sun comes up. No fear! This light is like the slap-bracelets from when you were a kid; slap it, and it wraps around your wrist, bike tire, backpack strap, you name it! It runs for one hundred hours and is small and easy to store away.
10. Wiss W812S 8-1/2In Stainless Steel Scissors
You might not have used a pair of scissors since arts and crafts hour in elementary school, but you never know when they might come in handy in the great outdoors.
From cutting a snagged fishing line to opening a stubborn package of beef jerky with cold hands, these steel scissors can do it all! You just never know, and it’s always best to have the right tool for the job!
11. Outdoor Edge SX-100 Sharp –X Sharpener
Knives are only helpful if they are sharp! The two-stage sharpener reshapes your blade, finishes it, and folds flat for minuscule storage. This compact contraption keeps all your camp cutlery crisp and cropped to keep carving for your excursion.
12. Bondhus 10937 Set of 13 Hex L-Wrenches with Color-Coded Case
Suppose you are biking while on your camping trip; a good set of hex wrenches is invaluable to have in your pack.
Be ready for those trail-side repairs with this set of L-wrenches, featuring ball heads that can reach and turn screws even at a 25-degree angle!
13. Nite Ize FFD-08-07 Flashlight LED Light-Up Flying Disc
Keep that game of Ultimate Frisbee going all night long. A 20-hour battery life keeps the LED lights cycling through the color spectrum, and the disc even floats on water in case it lands in the lake. Weighs 185 grams.
14. Grip Rite TARP1216 Economy Duty Tarp – 12 x 16 Ft.
Tarps have more uses than we can list here. They can cover your boat, keep your firewood dry, or lay them on the wet grass before pitching your tent. Available in sizes from 8 x 10 ft. to 40 x 60 ft., there is a perfect size for any use you might need.
15. Weber 1141001 Go-Anywhere LP Grill
Need to cook in even less space? This is genuinely the grill for you! Powered by disposable LP cans, its one-tough electronic ignition will have you up and cooking in no time! The legs fold over the grill lid to keep it all together for easy portability when lunch is done! It also comes in a charcoal-burning model, 121020.
16. Helly Hansen 70129-480 Mandal Jacket Army Green
This jacket is the perfect way to stay dry and stylish outdoors. It is waterproof, chemical, and mildew-resistant. Moreover, this model features a drawstring hood and two pockets to hold your tools and personal devices or even to rest your hands. It is available in sizes S-XXL and yellow sizes L-4XL.
17. Leatherman 831103 Super Tool 300
If your Swiss Army knife can’t solve all your life problems, Leatherman is ready to fill the gaps. Nineteen tools fill this tool’s roll, which is still casing, including a ruler and some pliers!
You can use the pliers to pull the hook out of the fish’s mouth, then use the ruler to show how much longer it is than your friends caught last weekend!
18. Milwaukee 2111-21 USB Rechargeable Hard Hat Headlamp
Do you need both hands but still need a flashlight? Use your head! Adjustable to seven positions, it has spot, flood, and spot/flood modes and a battery that can power the unit for 31 hours! It also recharges using a standard Micro USB cable, so no extra cords get tangled in your pack.
19. Carhartt Hoodies & Sweatshirts
You might be warm sitting next to the fire, but night air gets cold fast, and you must stay warm once the fire goes out! Carhartt is here to help with just that: this heavyweight sweater has a water-repellent finish, spandex-reinforced cuffs, a waistband to keep the heat in, and a large front pocket for your hands. There is even a hidden security pocket for your valuables in the main pocket! It is also available in gray in case black is not your thing.
20. Honda EU2200I 2200W Generator
Are you going glamping?
You will need this: the newest and greatest ultra-quiet generator from Honda. The EU2200I has the same excellent inverter technology but delivers 10 percent more power than its predecessor! You can still get hours of power without shouting at your friend ten feet away! It features two GFCI outlets and a low-oil shutoff, and you can also run it in parallel with another Honda 2200W generator for twice the power! It is also available in camo and a companion model with a 30A 125V locking plug.
21. Makita XRM06B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Bluetooth Job Site Radio
Add some tunes to wherever you are spending time together, whether on the boat, tenting in the mountains, or just in your backyard! Please tune in to your favorite radio station, connect your phone with Bluetooth, or connect with the auxiliary port. It can last up to 20 hours when using an 18-volt Makita battery! Compatible with Makita 7.2V, 12V max, 12V max CXT™, 14.4V, and 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, you will always be ready to jam out! It also has a carrying handle and only weighs 11.5 pounds with a battery attached, so you can take it anywhere.
22. Milwaukee 48-22-8250 Jobsite Cooler
Need a cooler just for one meal? Check out the Milwaukee Jobsite Cooler! It is the perfect size for a picnic or to keep just enough food cold for the night. This Milwaukee cooler holds ice for up to 24 hours and has three inside and five inside pockets, including a tech pocket for your phone or tablet and a dry pocket for anything else you do not want to get wet. It even has a built-in bottle opener on the side. What more do you need?
23. Ergodyne 12910 Shax 6010 10Ft x 10Ft Lightweight Tent
You no longer need to suffer through the rain, sun, or wind. Cover your table, your chairs, or even your car! The legs can even be lengthened to adjust the height between 10 and 14 feet, and you can get additional detachable walls to provide even more shelter from the elements!
24. Eder Flag 080696 12 x 18 Cocktail Time Flag
Ensure everyone on the lake or in the neighborhood knows where the real party is! This flag will not fade in the sun, so the fun will last if needed!
25. Milwaukee 2130-20 M18 Rocket LED Tower Light
Setting up camp after dark is never fun. Light up your entire campsite with the Milwaukee M18 Rocket LED Tower Light, and wake up everyone in neighboring lots while you pitch your tent for the night.
26. Bayco Products TAC-360XL Extreme Lumens Metal Multi-Function Tactical LED Flashlight
Check out Bayco Products’ Tactical LED Flashlight if you need a more powerful flashlight. These are authentic. Super bright LEDs rated at 350 lumens and a high-efficiency deep parabolic reflector create a usable beam as far away as 190 meters! The light is also made from aircraft-grade aluminum and is waterproof, so you do not need to worry when it falls into that puddle. Just do not shine it into your eyes by accident—ouch!
27. Rubbermaid 1949208 35 gal ActionPacker Cargo Box
Carry your entire camp kitchen in this monster of a carrying box. Durable, lockable, and water resistant, these boxes will keep all your gear together and safe in the truck or once you are at the campsite. Unique grooves on the lid allow them to stack and synchronize to tie down on your trailer or truck bed. Just make sure you make them light enough to carry!
28. Wilton 50836J 8 lb Head, 36 In. BASH Splitting Maul
Have you ever had a wood-splitting contest? We highly recommend them! This hammer is made from Wilton’s unbreakable handle technology, meaning you can trust the newbie to swing and miss as many times as they need, and it will never snap in two. The anti-vibe neck also saves your hands for those rare times you miss the log, and the non-slip grip gives you a secure hold on this monster. Their $1000 guarantee also backs Wilton BASH, so they have complete faith that this is the most brutal hammer you will ever buy!
29. Wild River WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad – Lighted Backpack
Stay fishing from sunrise until sundown with this lighted tackle pack. Keep all your tackle neat and organized with up to four medium PT3600 trays, and keep track of everything with the integrated LED light system. A protective rain cover keeps your gear safe and dry when the sun is not shining. Includes 2 AAA batteries.
30. Classic Accessories 55-185-015101-EC Ravenna Jumbo Log Carrier
Who does not love the smell of a campfire on a fantastic summer night? Carry all your wood in this convenient and durable bag. The reinforced handle makes carrying easy, and the bag has no open ends for dirt to fall out and dirty the trunk of your car. It also folds flat to pack it down small.
31. DeWalt DCL079B 20V MAX Cordless Tripod Light
Another great option if you need to get set up in the middle of the night is to fold it and hold it over your shoulder like a light bazooka! It’s perfect if you already have any DeWalt 20V MAX tools or batteries, and it even works with FlexVolt!
32. Ergodyne Arsenal GB5030L Large Water Resistant Duffel Bag
Could this be the only bag you will need for the entire trip? 155L of water-resistant gear storage can be carried as a backpack or duffle bag. Close it with heavy-duty YKK zippers and an additional flap to remove unwanted moisture. Four compression straps inside the bag help you save space you did not even know you had, and an additional ID and documents pocket on top of the bag makes that trip up to Banff easier than ever.
33. Allied International 84025 Cargoloc 4 pc 1 In. x 12 Ft. Ratchet Tie Down w/S-Hooks
Keep everything tight and secure on your trailer! These tie-downs are easy to use, weather resistant, and can hold up to 430 pounds each! The s-hooks make them easy to attach, and they have rubberized grips and releases, so they are easy on your hands. Plus, they come in a 4-pack; these are a deal of a deal!
34. Pelican 32-150Q-MC-WHT 150 qt Elite Cooler
Keep your entire week’s worth of food in the ultimate cooler! Weatherproof, drop-tested, and secure from wildlife, this cooler has extreme insulation that can keep ice for up to 10 days! All hardware is made from stainless steel, so you will not need to worry about corrosion even after leaving it out in the rain and the elements all week. It is also lockable, and the hatches are too wide even with gloves on.
35. Yeti 17045010000 Tank 45 Ice Bucket – Desert Tan
What camping list would be complete without Yeti? This bucket is the perfect size for your smaller parties to keep all the drinks cold. It holds up to fifty-six cans and keeps them cold all day, whether at the beach, a cookout, or a casual gathering with friends. DoubleHaul makes moving easy, and the Vortex drain plug at the bottom drains it so you can be ready for your next gathering.
36. Makita DCM501Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Coffee Maker
I know too well that I cannot function without my coffee in the morning. If you are anything like me, this tool is a gift from the heavens. Keep your morning nectar even if you do not have a Starbucks nearby. Use any Makita 18V battery and get your mornings going early!
37. Yeti YRAMOGJ Rambler 1 Gallon Jug
Carry your entire water supply for the day in this one bottle! An inch of insulation keeps your drink nice and cold on hot and humid days.
38. Keg Sales 124000K Keg-a-Que Portable Gas Toolbox Grill
The perfect grill for the space-challenged BBC chef! This grill looks like a toolbox from the outside, but the inside is much tastier. It has a mess-free design, so it will not leak ashes or grease, meaning you can toss it right back in the trunk of your car once you are done with it. This model also locks shut and has a convenient carrying handle, just like a tangible toolbox, so you can carry it anywhere you need! Furthermore, it is available in a charcoal model, too.
39. Fall Tech 8150T Vertical Lifeline Rope
You never know when you are going to need a rope. From towing to making a portable clothesline to creating a tip wire to creating a food line, you never know when an excellent heavy-duty rope might be handy!
40. Weber 40020W1 Smokey Joe Gold Charcoal Grill
The classic charcoal grill is for the hotdog purist. It is perfect for any outdoor setting, baseball game, cookout, or camping trip with your friends. Do not criticize the critics; we all know that the taste of charcoal has no genuine replacement.
