What are some handy items to have when camping? Here’s how to choose them and our recommended products

How to Choose Handy Items to Bring on a Camping Trip

"Convenience items" that make your camping life more comfortable and convenient.

Recently, there have been many excellent handy items released that make you think, “This is exactly what I wanted!”

While we call them “convenience items,” camping involves various scenarios—cooking, meals, relaxing by the fire, and sleeping—and since there’s an optimal item for each, it can be hard to know what to choose.

So, let’s introduce how to choose handy gadgets that are known for being “so useful to have!” as well as some recommended options.

If you’re unsure which gadgets to choose, be sure to check out this article to find the perfect item for you.

Tip #1: Choose Handy Items by Category

When buying camping gear, if you head to the store or browse online shopping sites without a plan, it’s easy to get distracted and end up wanting all sorts of things.

At a campsite, there are various situations, such as setting up your tent, arranging your gear on the site, building a campfire, preparing meals, eating, and going to sleep.

Therefore,

• Site Setup
• Cooking and Dining
• Inside and Outside the Shelter
• Sleeping

and so on—let’s look for items that you’d find “handy” in each category. Please also refer to our article on storing tableware-related camping gear.

How to Choose #2: Choose Products That Solve Your Problems

As you go on more camping trips, you’ll gradually encounter new challenges.

For example,

• It takes too long for the campfire to get going...
• I want my campsite to feel more organized...
• I wish I had a bench I could lie down on...

Make it a priority to look for handy gear that solves these kinds of personal concerns.

Tip #3: Choose items you can use at home to avoid storage problems

Some people may be worried that they can’t buy any more items because they already have the handy gadgets they want but no place to store them.

In that case, you won’t have any trouble if you choose items you can use at home without having to store them away.

A mini camping table can double as a side table at home, and a mess kit used for meals at the campsite can serve as a container for nuts or snacks at home... When making a purchase, try to imagine, “Could I use this at home?”

Camping Essentials by Category

Here are some handy camping items by category that are popular among both beginners and experienced campers.

Handy Gear #1: Tent-Related Items

Setting up your tent is the first thing you do at the campsite. There are some items that come in handy for this.

Multifunctional Hammer

A tent hammer is used to drive stakes into the ground when setting up tents or tarps.

While there are affordable, simple hammer-style models available, those with a built-in “peg puller” are convenient because you won’t need to bring both tools.

In addition to peg hammers, there are also multi-functional models that combine a wire cutter, mini saw, screwdriver, and knife.

Heavy-Duty Pegs

The pegs that come with a tent are limited in their usability. It’s a good idea to have some sturdy pegs on hand as spares.

The included pegs are not suitable for hard ground and are too short, so they may come loose on windy days.

For spare pegs, we recommend choosing from three types: high-strength forged, cast, or titanium. A length of around 30 cm is ideal.

Useful Gear #2: Campfire Accessories

Campfire Mat

Campfire mats serve the purposes of environmental protection, fire prevention, and preventing damage to the ground.

Unlike typical rectangular fire mats, the TOKYOCRAFTS “Fire Mat” is octagonal and features loops at each corner. By placing firewood on top and holding the loops, it doubles as a carrying bag; securing the loops with pegs also prevents the mat from flipping up in the wind.

Additionally, the silicone coating applied to both sides of the sheet alleviates the common issue of glass fibers pricking your hands, a common annoyance with fire mats.

Heat Reflector

The "Heat Reflector" solves common problems such as unstable campfire flames or flames that go out easily in windy conditions.

This canvas item, shaped like a triangular screen, is set up on the fire side to block the wind and stabilize the flames. Another benefit is that the metal plate reflects radiant heat, providing excellent heating efficiency.

With the Heat Reflector, you won’t have to panic every time the flames threaten to die out, allowing you to enjoy your campfire with peace of mind.

Magna Blaster

For those who struggle to get their campfire flames going, we recommend TOKYOCRAFT’s fire-blowing rod, the “Magna Blaster.”

Its thick tube easily draws in surrounding air and delivers a large volume of air to the fire,

making it easy to get the flames going or revive them when they start to die down.

It disassembles into three pieces, making it easy to clean the inside, and its compact size makes it easy to carry and store.

Useful Gear #3: Tables & Chairs

At a campsite, in addition to your main table and chairs, having a multifunctional side table that can be extended or connected, as well as a small outdoor chair, comes in handy.

Cord Unit

TOKYOCRAFT’s “Cord Unit” is renowned for expanding your possibilities just by having it.

This set consists of a stainless steel tabletop and folding legs; simply spread the legs into an X-shape and place the tabletop on top to create a side table.

• Can be used on its own
• Connect several units to create a larger table
• Stack vertically to create a rack
• Open the legs, attach the separately sold multi-bag to turn it into a storage box

—enjoy a variety of uses.

Since they’re lightweight and fold flat, they’re easy to carry even if you have multiple units. Their simple, stylish design also makes them a great addition to your home decor.

Micro Chair

This small, foldable micro chair—which has no backrest and consists only of a seat—is a handy item that many people say is “a must-have for camping!”

True to its name, it’s a simple, compact chair just big enough to sit on, and setup is a breeze—simply spread the X-shaped legs. It folds down compactly after use, making it convenient to carry around.

While it’s not ideal for sitting and relaxing for long periods, it’s a versatile item that’s great for perching on while doing small tasks or for placing items like your smartphone—which you might not want to put directly on the ground.

Camping Essentials #4: Sleep-Related Items

Whether it’s a nap or a night’s sleep, “how to get a comfortable night’s rest” is a key concern when camping.

Let’s take a look at some handy sleep-related items that can help you get a better night’s rest.

UT Cot

The "UT Cot" by TOKYOCRAFT is a camping cot that can be used not only as a bench but also as a bed to lie down on or as a storage shelf.

It features adjustable height, is easy to assemble, and folds down compactly for easy transport. Thanks to its simple design, it blends seamlessly into your home decor.

Pillow

“Pillows” are designed to make sleeping while camping more comfortable. You can place them under your head, of course, or use them as cushions by placing them on the back of a chair.

There are various types available, including inflatable sponges that you fill with air, and stuff sacks that you can pack with towels or clothes.

We recommend deciding what’s most important to you—comfort or affordability—before you start looking.

Flame-Retardant Blanket

A flame-retardant blanket is a handy item perfect for winter camping, when you might feel cold on your back or feet even with a campfire.

Be sure to choose products labeled with "flame-retardant" or "fire-resistant" to ensure safety even if sparks from the campfire fly your way.

Useful Gear #5: Cooking Accessories

Let’s introduce some popular TOKYOCRAFT items that are “incredibly handy for cooking and mealtime!”

Messer Cup

A metal Sherpa cup that can be used in various ways—as a drinking cup, a serving dish, or a cooking utensil.

TOKYOCRAFT’s Shera Cup features measurement markings on the inside, making it convenient for cooking rice. Place the lid on top and set it over a campfire to make stews or steamed dishes.

Zikama Cutting Board

The Jikamanita is a thick, natural wood cutting board with foldable legs.

Of course, you can use it as a cutting board, but you can also place food directly on it and use it as a wooden serving platter. The legs fold away for a compact design, making it easy to carry.

Outdoor Spices

"Tagi" and "Shin" are versatile spices that enhance the flavor of any dish with just a sprinkle.

"Tagi" uses garlic and herbs to bring out the umami of meat, while "Shin" is a blend of kombu and bonito flakes.

Both pair well with any dish, elevating outdoor cooking—which can often fall into a rut—to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to carry around multiple heavy condiment bottles.

Useful Gear #6: Lighting

As dusk falls at the campsite, lighting is essential. With some clever and convenient gadgets, you can enjoy a comfortable evening.

Sunset Hanger

The "Sunset Hanger" allows you to hang a lantern from above. It’s easy to set up, and unlike traditional straight lantern hangers, you can adjust the height, direction, and angle to your liking, making it very convenient.

Lantern Case

If you pack or carry a lantern without protection, the glass is prone to breaking. We recommend storing it in a lantern case to protect it from impact and make it easier to transport.

Multifunctional Light

It’s reassuring to bring a multifunctional light—not just for illuminating your campsite, but also for placing on a table, carrying as a flashlight, or switching to emergency SOS mode in a pinch. It’s also a great idea to keep one near your campfire table.

Useful Items #7: Seasonal Essentials

In the summer, be sure to bring handy items to help prevent heatstroke and keep bugs at bay.

Insect Repellent Items

Be sure to bring insect repellent spray, camping mosquito coils, and battery-powered portable repellents that can be hung from your waist. Don’t forget itch relief for when you get bitten.

Cooling Items

There are various cooling items to help prevent heatstroke, such as neck-worn cooling fans, towels that cool when wet, and battery-powered handheld fans.

If you freeze soft ice packs and pack them in a cooler, they’re handy for cooling your neck or head when it gets hot.

Portable Power Station

With a portable power source, you can use electric fans in the summer and electric blankets or mats in the winter, even at campsites without electricity. Having one on hand will come in handy for backyard BBQs, picnics, and during disasters.

Make Camping More Comfortable with Handy Gadgets

To make your time in the great outdoors more comfortable and fully enjoy your camping life, use handy gadgets to eliminate those little inconveniences and frustrations you might otherwise just put up with.

Find items that make you think, “This is exactly what I wanted,” and take your camping style to the next level.