The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Camping Gear

Before adding anything new to your camping collection, take a solid inventory of what you already have. Start by pulling everything out of your storage spaces, whether that’s a corner of the garage, basement shelves or a self-storage unit, and lay it all out. Look for duplicates, outdated items and things that haven’t made it on a trip in years. Then inspect each piece closely: Are your tent poles intact? Does your camp stove still light reliably? Is that sleeping bag really warm enough for chilly nights?

Sort gear into three piles: keep, upgrade and donate/discard. If something is still functional but doesn’t suit your camping style anymore, it’s better off with someone who’ll use it. This is also a great time to consolidate items into clear bins and take note of what needs replacing. You may discover you already have a great setup, buried under years of mixed gear.

Once you’ve taken inventory, it’s easier to see where a few strategic upgrades can transform your setup. Focus on gear that saves space, speeds up setup or makes camp life more comfortable, as those are the upgrades you’ll appreciate every single time you use them.

Shelter and Sleep System

Start here. If your tent takes forever to pitch or doesn’t hold up to rain, consider a newer model with quick-setup poles and better ventilation. Upgrading to a sleeping pad with built-in insulation or a packable cot can dramatically improve sleep quality, especially on rocky or uneven ground. Here are some tents we recommend:

• North Face Wawona 6 Tent
• Mountain Hardware Mineral King 3 Tent

Camp Kitchen

In the camp kitchen, look for nesting cookware sets, compact stoves with push-button ignition or a collapsible sink for easier cleanup. A cooler that holds ice longer (or better yet, an electric one with a rechargeable battery) can change the way you prep food for multi-day trips. Don’t overlook small things like a spice kit, a proper cutting surface and reusable silicone bags (these upgrades keep things tidy and reduce waste). Upgrade your outdoor cooking gear with some of the following items:

• AeroPress XL Coffee Press
• Radius Outfitters Camp Kitchen Organizer
• Ignik FireCan Deluxe Fire Pit

Tools and Safety

Swap bulky flashlights for lightweight headlamps or solar-powered lanterns. Multi-tools with pliers, scissors and screwdrivers are more useful than you’d think. A power bank with a built-in solar panel means you can keep your phone or GPS charged even when you’re off-grid. Some important tools you should have on hand:

• Scosche Portable Battery
• Adventure Medical Kits (Watertight)
• Yaktrax Hand Warmers
• Leatherman Wave Multitool

Comfort and Entertainment

If you have space, comfort items like ultralight camp chairs, compact hammocks and a waterproof speaker can make downtime more enjoyable. Remember, the goal isn’t to overpack, so be intentional. Every upgraded item should earn its spot by solving a problem, saving time or improving comfort without adding unnecessary bulk. Ease into a relaxing camping experience with the following:

• TRIBIT StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker
• Helinox Chair One
• Warbonnet Original Hammock

Not all camping setups are created equal, and your gear should reflect how you actually spend time outdoors. Whether you're in a tent, car or RV, here’s how to tailor your upgrades for maximum convenience and minimal hassle.

If you’re a tent camper:

• Prioritize gear that’s lightweight, compact and easy to carry
• Choose a tent with quick-pitch features or color-coded poles
• Invest in a high R-value sleeping pad for better insulation on cold ground
• Use dry bags or waterproof bins to keep gear organized and weatherproof

If you’re a car or truck camper:

• Maximize trunk or truck bed space with stackable storage bins
• Look for foldable camp tables and chairs that tuck away easily
• Upgrade your cooler to a longer-lasting or electric model
• Keep a small toolkit and jumper cables handy, just in case

If you’re RV camping:

• Optimize your setup with modular storage solutions and drawer organizers
• Replace bulky appliances with dual-use or space-saving versions
• Consider a water pressure regulator, surge protector or portable leveling blocks
• Bring along the gear that makes outdoor lounging easy, like awnings, mats and bug screens

Upgrading your gear only gets you halfway. How you maintain it matters just as much. A quick inspection and refresh between trips helps prevent surprises when you’re already out in the woods. Here’s a checklist to make sure your gear is in top shape:

• Test all electronics (flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, power banks) to make sure they still work and are fully charged
• Check tents and tarps for mold, mildew, broken zippers and bent poles
• Wash sleeping bags, cookware and utensils before and after trips to keep them fresh and ready
• Replace missing parts, like tent stakes, fuel canisters or latches on storage bins
• Pre-pack essentials (first aid kits, matches, toiletries) in labeled pouches so you can grab and go without repacking each time
• Restock consumables, including bug spray, sunscreen, wipes and propane or butane
• Store items by category (kitchen, sleep, hygiene, tools) for easier packing next time

Where and how you store your gear between trips plays a huge role in how long it lasts and how quickly you can pack for your next adventure. Designate a specific area for camping supplies, whether that’s in a garage, closet, attic or self-storage unit. Group items by category so they’re easy to find, and use clear bins or labeled containers so you’re not digging through mystery boxes. Keep anything fabric-related, like sleeping bags or tents, clean and completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.

If you’re tight on space at home or don’t want your gear cluttering up living areas, a self-storage unit can be a smart way to create space at home. A non-climate-controlled, drive-up unit is often sufficient for weather-resistant gear, while climate control might be worth it for electronics, textiles or anything particularly sensitive to temperature and humidity.

Final Tips for a Hassle-Free Camping Upgrade

The best camping upgrades aren’t always about the latest tech or the most expensive gear, but rather about making choices that genuinely improve your experience. With that in mind, we recommend focusing on one area at a time instead of overhauling everything at once. Watch for seasonal sales or clearance events to score deals, and consider renting or borrowing higher-end gear to test it out before committing. If you’re replacing items, donate or sell the old versions if they’re still usable — many outdoor organizations and youth programs accept gently used gear! Lastly, keep a running list of what worked and what didn’t after each trip. That way upgrading becomes an ongoing process, not a last-minute scramble.

Ready to find a storage unit for your belongings? Use our Storage Locator to find a facility near you. For more tips on staying organized while traveling, camping or moving, head to the SmartStop blog.