Going glamping? You’ll need to set a glamping gear list to make the most out of your trip! Though certainly not the most standard type of camping activity, glamping aims to take the “barebones necessities only” approach out of braving the wild and turn it into a luxurious and glamorous adventure. To that end, you’ll need an extravagant glamping tent, great quality bedding, some form of harnessing energy from the elements (like solar panels), and a well-kitted-out kitchen to host outdoor shindigs as if the wilderness was one huge back garden! For our complete list of recommendations for the best camping gear for glamping, read the rest of the article.
What Is Glamping?
The term itself comes from combining the words “glamorous” and “camping.” Out of the two, “glamping” was coined to signify a more luxurious style of spending time in nature.
Glamping resorts often accommodate guests in comfy sleeping arrangements, such as heated and air-conditioned tents that often come with glass covers or even glass domes to let as much natural light in as possible. Each temporary lodging has access to all possible amenities like running water, wireless Internet, and power outlets.
You’ll also find that top-end glamping trips often include plenty of other luxurious hallmarks, such as copious amounts of champagne and—get this—home-cooked meals, prepared however you like! The latter is possible because some of the most lavish glamping resorts often give their guests access to fully-equipped kitchens. Your mileage may vary, though, as that depends on your destination.
Is Glamping Controversial?
All this talk of cushy living might make you stop and think “Hang on, isn’t this precisely the opposite of going camping?” Indeed, many outdoor enthusiasts will agree with that sentiment and proudly shun glamping as a bastardization of what it means to enjoy nature. For them, camping is about reconnecting with nature in the rawest conditions possible, embracing the challenge of living without access to modern conveniences, let alone luxuries like plush beds and ambient lighting.
The counterargument to that is that for many, glamping provides an escape into nature for those intimidated by the more traditional activities like kayaking, backpacking, or hiking. Regardless of your stance, it’s pretty clear that glamping has established itself within a previously unfilled niche. It’s very different from what we’d call traditional outdoor adventures, sure, but that’s not a reason to gatekeep people and prevent them from enjoying nature the way they want to.
Best Glamping Gear – Stuff You Need for a Magical Nature Sleepover
Before you start packing, you’ll need to look up what the glamping resort provides by default. While many will already offer you comfortable bed linens and a bathroom, that’s where the extras often end and where relying on what you bring yourself begins.
With that said, here’s your glamping gear list for a 2024 adventure:
Sleeping Essentials
Transforming your glamping yurt or tent into a 5-star sleeping setup is certainly possible and in keeping with glamping's purpose. If the compound doesn’t provide you with comfortable sheets and bedding, it’s recommended to bring a memory foam topper and an air mattress alongside your comfy sleeping bag.
Fancy Lighting
Fairy lights or austere lanterns go incredibly well with the glamping aesthetic, enhancing the cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring a few flashlights and a headlamp, though—you’re still likely going to be in a remote area out in nature, where safety is never not a concern.
Cooking Gear
This, again, will depend on the amenities available on-site. Bringing a portable camp stove, a mini-grill, or even a cast iron skillet will be a good idea if the site doesn’t provide you with a sufficiently-equipped kitchen. Additionally, for many glampers, must-have kitchen gear lists include collapsable sinks or biodegradable dish soap and utensils. And, don’t forget to bring a cooler along that keeps food fresh and drinks chilled!
Bathroom Luxuries
For a comfy stay, you’ll want to make the most of the available bathroom amenities—something that traditional camping or bushcraft camping doesn’t really allow for. Bring eco-friendly toiletries and quick-drying towels plus whatever else you desire.
Outdoor Gear Setup
An immense part that complements the charm of glamping involves creating a cozy outdoor area. For that reason, we couldn’t omit comfortable camping chairs or even hammocks from our glamping gear list.
Comfort Items & Entertainment
To make your stay as relaxing as possible, bring along some of your creature comforts. Coffee when camping is a no-brainer for many, but other items like board games, books, or card games also come to mind.
The Takeaway
So, to recap, what’s the best camping gear for glamping? You’ll have to pick and choose depending on what the on-site amenities are, but the truth is—there’s no real limit! Glamping is all about enjoying nature without the extra stress of survival elements. If you want to be lazy, be lazy. If you want your trip to involve cooking meals over a campfire, so be it. That’s the true beauty of glamping.
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