5 Things You Need to Upgrade Your Next Camping Trip

Camping, for most people, is all about toughing it out in the great outdoors. But that doesn't mean you can't upgrade the experience a little, right?

There's no harm in a few creature comforts, and there's no reason that a few handy tools would lessen your time out in nature. You can still connect with the earth (and disconnect from reality) with a little additional help. In fact, having the right tools might even encourage you to head outdoors more often.

That being said, here are some great upgrades for your camping arsenal. 

A Power Source

The whole point of camping is to break away from technology and the constant influx of work-related and even social demands. However, staying connected these days is pretty important. 

Investing in a portable generator will change your camping trips forever. You'll be able to power your devices if you want to use them, stay connected to your loved ones, do some serious cooking, and even host an outdoor movie night. Having a power source will make the possibilities of your trip unlimited. 

A Portable Speaker

There's nothing like camping out with a big group of family and friends, but decent music is the backbone of every good get-together.

A high-quality portable speaker will turn your camping trip into a real party! If you charge it up before you leave the house, it won't require any power and you'll have background music to accompany your campfire downtime. Just remember to keep the volume reasonable and turn the speaker off if someone whips out a guitar. 

Some Cooking Gear

If you're new to camping, you might need to splash some cash on the essential camp kitchen gear. Being able to cook up a decent meal will make your camping experience one hundred times more enjoyable.

Instead of relying on canned goods or pre-packaged items, you can cook up a full and delicious meal with the right cooking equipment. You might also want to bring along a tub to wash up your dishes and avoid littering the area with used paper plates and cups. 

A Bug Light

We all know the dreaded buzzing sounds that go hand-in-hand with sleeping in the great outdoors. We love to be in nature, but nature doesn't always love us back. 

Bringing a bug zapper on your camping trip is a good idea to help you keep the creepy crawlies and flying critters at bay. However, keep in mind that these aren't always effective for mosquitoes, so if you're trying to avoid bites, don't skip out on the bug spray. 

A Sleeping Mat

Upgrading your sleeping gear is one of the best decisions a frequent camper could ever make. 

While your traditional sleeping bag will keep you warm, a sleeping mat is way better for your back health and overall comfort. Plus, there are loads of ways to keep warm if you're camping in cooler weather. Grab a great sleeping mat, and bring along your favourite pillows and blankets for the most comfortable camping snooze you've ever had.