Camping basics
Clear answers for camping gear and trip care
Find plain guides on tents, stoves, cookware, sleep gear, RV add-ons, and packs. Learn how to choose, use, and care for each item.
Clear wording
We keep each guide short, plain, and easy to follow.
Helpful sources
We use product details, care notes, and maker info when we write.
Kept current
We review guides as gear and product details change.
Clear disclosure
Affiliate links are labelled. See how we earn on our disclosure page.
What we cover
Guides by topic
Pick a topic and get straight answers for your next trip.
Camp Stoves
Camp stoves compared and explained: stove types, which to buy for family or backpacking trips, and how to use and clean one safely.
Tent Care & Fixes
How to waterproof, clean, store and repair a tent, plus the common reasons tents leak, get mouldy or condense.
Camp Cookware
Camp cookware sets compared by material, what a family trip really needs, and how to clean burnt pots and pans.
Sleeping Bags & Pads
Sleeping bag temperature ratings explained, choosing a bag or pad for your sleeping style, and how to wash and store them.
RV & Camper Accessories
Useful RV and camper accessories: leveling blocks, kitchen and storage ideas, and must-have items for new owners.
Backpacks & Hiking
Choosing a hiking backpack size and fit, daypack vs overnight pack, hiking gear basics and how to clean your pack.
From the blog
Latest guides
See the newest guides on camping and hiking gear.
-
What to pack in a hiking backpack for a day hike
Pack one liter of water per 2 hours, plus food, navigation, sun protection, insulation, first aid, headlamp, and a charged phone.
-
RV sewer hose storage tube vs box: Which is better?
A storage tube is the better choice for most RV sewer hoses because it is cheaper, lighter, and simpler to mount; choose a box…
-
How to fix a tent zipper that won’t close or stay zipped
Clean and lubricate the zipper teeth first; if the zipper still separates, pinch the slider slightly. If that fails, replace the slider or zipper.
-
How to store a down sleeping bag to prevent clumping
Store a down sleeping bag loose or hung, not compressed. This guide covers moisture checks, detergent residue, clumping fixes, and loft recovery.
-
How to choose the right camp stove fuel for your trip
Choose camp stove fuel by temperature, trip length, resupply access, and stove compatibility. Match canister, white gas, alcohol, or wood fuel to the trip.
-
Best small hiking backpack for short trails and light loads
A 20L hiking backpack fits most short trail days with water, snacks, and a shell. Use the quick picks to compare 12L and 20L…
Start here
How to use this site
Pick a topic
Choose the area you need help with from the topics above.
Read the guide
Each guide answers one question in plain English.
Compare and check price
Follow the product links to compare options and check the current price on Amazon.
About
About CampingtheCamp
CampingtheCamp publishes plain guides on camping and hiking gear. It covers tents, stoves, cookware, sleep gear, RV parts, packs, and care tips.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this site. Read our affiliate disclosure.
How we write our guides
- Research-basedGuides start from real search questions and product details.
- Plain EnglishShort answers first, with no jargon.
- Updated when products changeWe revisit guides as products and advice change.