Camping is a great way to connect with family and friends or to escape and spend time resetting in nature. Whatever your camping style, you’ll need some supplies. We’ve put together a checklist of camping essentials as well as upgrades. If you’re heading out for a quick overnight trip, you probably won’t need as much, but if you want to go further, stay longer, or take more people with you, a few of these upgrade items can make your camping trip more enjoyable.

Download a Printable Camping Checklist Here

In NZ perhaps just as important than what you do need to pack is what you don’t need to pack. New Zealand holiday parks and campsites vary in their facilities, from well-equipped holiday parks to barebone Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites. If you’re hiking to your camping destination, then you’ll want to pack even less. Find out what you don’t need to pack for camping in New Zealand by simply looking up the campsite facilities on the holiday park or DOC website.

Our Favorite Goal Zero Camping Products

We’re big believers in getting away and figuratively unplugging, but you don’t always need to literally unplug to enjoy nature and relax with loved ones. A little bit of power can help you keep devices charged and running, which can increase your safety, improve your meals, and keep you entertained at the end of a long day of exploring. Here are some of the products we have on our personal camping checklists.

Lights

Lighthouse 600

This lantern is packed with clever little features that make it perfect for camping. It has built in collapsible legs that make it easy to stand on a flat surface or to hang above you. You can recharge it from USB or from solar, but it also has a hand crank you can use to power it up in a pinch. Plus, it has a USB port you can use to charge your phone and other small devices.

TORCH 500 MULTI-PURPOSE LIGHT

Designed for multi-functional use, the Torch boasts 500 lumens of bright LED light dispersed across spotlight and floodlight options. Recharge from the sun with the built-in solar panel or from any USB source, and charge up your phone in a pinch from the increased 5200 mAh battery.

Power Banks and Power Stations

Venture 75

This convenient power bank is dustproof and waterproof. It can recharge your phone up to five times and comes with a rubber casing so it can withstand your adventures. It also has a built-in emergency light.

Yeti 500X

This power station is perfect for powering a campsite. It’s only 13 pounds so it’s easy to carry, but it’s powerful enough to run a portable fridge and comes with a wide variety of ports so you can plug in multiple devices at a time.

Solar Panels

Nomad 10

This tiny solar panel weighs just over a pound, but it can recharge phones, power banks, head lamps, and other small USB devices. It also includes a built-in kickstand that makes it easy to set up and adjust throughout the day for ideal sun exposure.

Nomad 50

This 50-watt panel can charge your Yeti 500X or your power bank. It’s lightweight and foldable, with built-in cables for easy connection to a power station. Plus, it has loops that make it easy to hang.

We hope you have the chance to get out and go somewhere soon. Have fun and stay safe on your next campout!