A good camp setup makes all the difference. Over the years, we’ve refined ours to make it quick to set up, comfortable, and functional – ideally without taking too much space in the car.
If you’re interested in how we light up our campsite at night, check out our camp lighting essentials.
Our Fresh and Black tent
Why we love it: Compact, easy to pitch, and dark inside – perfect for a good night’s sleep even when the sun rises early. We use a Quick Hiker version of the Decathlon Fresh & Black tent, which packs down really well. It’s small, but big enough for sleeping comfortably – we spend most of our time outdoors anyway.
Our tip: The black interior makes a huge difference in comfort and sleep quality.
Cool Cabana
Why we love it: It gives us both shade and shelter from light rain – and doubles as our beach setup too. It’s sturdy enough for windy days and creates a comfortable spot to cook, read, or relax. It’s so much easier to install and pack than a gazebo!
Our tip: The centre pole takes space, the low height can be tricky if you’re tall, and the Cool Cabana can’t be put up on hard ground. But for us, it’s worth it for the quick setup and versatility.
Picnic rug
Why we love it: It’s perfect for relaxing or simply keeping things off the dirt. Ours has a water-resistant side, which makes it ideal when the ground is wet from rain or morning dew.
Our tip: It also works well as an extra layer in our tent when we camp in winter to avoid having a cold floor.
Portable fire pit
Why we love it: It packs flat and is easy to clean, and the baseplate protects the ground. It’s lightweight enough to move easily, and we love how it’s just as practical for cooking as it is for keeping warm or creating a cosy campfire atmosphere.
Our tip: Wear gloves when handling the wood or moving the pit.
Folding camping table
Why we love it: Our folding table packs completely flat but has three height levels, which makes it super versatile – high for meal prep, mid for eating, and low for evening drinks. It’s sturdy and easy to clean, so it’s one of the first things we set up at camp.
Our tip: Always set it on level ground so it stays stable and things don’t fall off.
Compact high-back hiking chairs
Why we love it: They pack down surprisingly small yet are incredibly comfortable thanks to their high backs. They’re breathable, lightweight, and perfect for relaxing after a long day outdoors. Honestly, we wouldn’t go back to a low or backless model.
Our tip: Try a few different models before buying – comfort varies a lot depending on your height and posture.
