8 Sam's Club Camping Finds Worth Buying Before Your Next Outdoor Adventure
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There's nothing better than a good camping trip for getting out into the great outdoors and leaving your everyday worries behind. Whether you're heading just outside your back door or packing up for a long summer adventure, it's the ultimate budget-friendly vacation. (Check out these apps to find free campsites). It's convenient too, with the freedom to throw a few essentials in the car and leave at a moment's notice. But while you may be happy roughing it in the wild, a few well-chosen pieces of gear can make all the difference between an enjoyable stay under the stars or a not-so-stellar experience you'd rather leave behind.
Even if you want to keep things simple, there's no reason to sacrifice convenience and comfort. Assuming that you've dusted off your tent and chased the spiders from your sleeping bag, it's worth taking a look at what's available at Sam's Club. There are a few discounted finds worth investing in for your next outdoor excursion. From space-saving bunkable cots, backpack coolers, flashlights, power stations, cozy chairs, first aid kits, and paddleboards through to the all-important bug spray, here are eight Sam's Club camping finds you'll be thankful you invested in before you hit the road.
Large Disc-O-Bed Bunkable Cots
Getting a good night's sleep isn't always easy on a camping trip, especially if you enjoy your home comforts. And while the thought of taking bunk beds on a camping trip may seem a little absurd, for anyone who doesn't want to end up in a pile of bodies in the far corner of the tent, these bunkable cots could be the solution. Quick and easy to assemble and extremely versatile, they can be used as two separate beds, bunk beds, and a bench to relax on during the day. They go for $279.98, and there's a smaller model for kids too.
Member's Mark Waterproof Backpack Cooler
After a few hours out on the trail, nothing is more disappointing than getting a mouthful of lukewarm water. This lightweight, spacious backpack cooler keeps your drinks at a refreshing temperature all day long, even if you're out in the sunshine. Being waterproof, it also provides protection if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Whether you're heading to the beach for a picnic, spending the day out in the wild, or just sitting around the campfire, this $69.98 backpack has room enough for up to 24 cans.
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent
Nothing can ruin a camping trip or woodland walk quite like a swarm of hungry mosquitoes. If you're not getting eaten alive while partaking in a spot of fishing, you'll likely spend the evening itching and scratching before waking up looking like you've caught chicken pox. Avoid this misery by taking OFF! Deep Woods insect repellent with you. A camping essential, this bug spray is available as a pack of three, so there's no fear of running out. It costs $14.73, provides long-lasting protection, and makes ticks think twice about hitching a ride on your leg.
Member's Mark 8,000 Lumen Dual Power Flashlight
This is for the inevitable 3 a.m. outhouse trip, after you've spent the last two hours crossing your legs in the hope you'll be able to last until morning. But alas, we all know getting back to sleep just ain't gonna happen, and you're going to need some light for the journey. This powerful dual-power flashlight will serve you well. It has adaptable lighting, which makes it multi-purpose, with a soft in-tent glow to a powerful strobe for any emergency situations. It runs either on batteries or rechargeable power, is waterproof, and costs $39.98.
Aviva S200 Portable Power Station
Even if you're planning to completely switch off in the wilderness, it's always reassuring to know you have power for your phone if you need it in an emergency. This lightweight 140W Aviva portable power station has ports for laptops and other devices, and a charging pad for phones and earbuds. Priced at $99, it also has a built-in LED lantern and a solar panel for recharging. It also makes a neat little gadget for your desk when you get back home.
Member's Mark Cozy Club Chair
Who says you need to sacrifice comfort when you're camping? Whether you need to rest your weary legs after a day on the trails or you're exhausted after a few hours figuring out how to put the tent up, this cozy club chair is made for relaxing. Not only is it sturdy and waterproof, it also has that essential cupholder, so no need to move once you're securely wedged in place. That's if the dog hasn't got to it first. In which case, at a reasonable $49.98, you can always buy two.
Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit
It's one of those items that always seems to get forgotten, but it's nevertheless an essential piece of kit, especially if you have accident-prone children accompanying you on your trip. This 351-piece, OSHA-approved first aid kit costs $28.52 and is a smart investment with a wide range of medical supplies to help you out in a sticky situation. It houses an assortment of bandages, compresses, and gels, so you'll have everything you need for cuts, scrapes, bites, scratches, and burns, making you the go-to medic in the camp.
Aqua Marina PURE AIR NOVA Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The perfect addition if you're camping near a lake, perhaps at Lake Tahoe's best beaches for lakeside camping, this inflatable paddle board has everything you need to spend some quality time on the water. Avoid the disappointment of arriving only to discover there are no boards left to hire by bringing your own. Deceptively lightweight, weighing in at around 19 lbs, it's easy to carry and folds down into a compact all-in-one pack containing the paddle, safety leash, and pump. Costing $199.98, it's a fun addition to your essential camping list.