11 best camping essentials in UAE, for 2024

"Dubai's Al Qudra Lakes has a massive ground allocated for camping - you'll see swans, ducks and deer first thing in the mornings. There's Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah, as well. I think it's the best spot for families because it has public toilets. For other spots, make sure to watch out for no-camping signboards or else, overnight stays can land you with a fine," said Sumithran.

Whether it's an overnight trip or a two-night affair, you'll need essentials to weather the outdoors. Sumithran says for those just starting out, calculate your basic necessities like water, food and power, per your stay duration.

"Keep your cabin lights, travel appliances and entertainment devices powered with a portable battery pack for camping. These are large, all-purpose batteries that don't drain your car's power," advised Sumithran, who adds that overnight lights are important for keeping curious animals at bay.

Bring along an affordable gas stove, a travel-sized spices kit and reusable cutlery to prevent any littering. If a barbecue is on the agenda, then buy a portable grill from our picks of 2024. Read on to shop for the most important things you’ll need when you go camping, according to our expert. Order these items through Amazon Prime delivery and get them delivered to your doorstep!

1. Best Camping Tent: Coleman Instant Tent

If you're a beginner at camping, start with this Coleman tent that assembles in under five minutes, per reviews. The tent is spacious and a perfect fit for four people - choose your capacity for up to 10 persons in the available options. It's made of double-thick Polyguard fabric, making it your go-to tent season after season. The WaterTec system's inverted seams keep you dry even if the ground is damp. You're getting five windows and large dimensions that can fit a queen-sized air bed. Happy campers pick this tent as their best experience yet, tagging it as a long-term solution for years to come. However, do note that it's not suitable in the rainy season.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh58.45 for 12 months with select banks.

Warranty: The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.

2. Best Sleeping Bag: Venture 4th Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Sumithran highly recommends resting in a sleeping bag inside the tent. It adds another layer of protection from critters that can crawl into your sleeping quarters. Use this lightweight sleeping bag by Venture 4th to rest up on breaks during your camping adventures. It can be easily compressed and carried around in a small travel pouch, and is ideal for both adults and children up to 180cm in height. The high-grade 210T polyester feels gentle on the skin, and unzips at the feet and the head. It can be used in environments where the temperatures range from 0 to 25 degrees Celsius. Even people who are taller than the stated height say the bag has been comfortable for them. Reviews also highlight how easy it is to repack after use.

3. Best Camping Lights: Consciot Camping Lanterns

Pros

Cons

While the starry night sky is a wonderful sight, it’s a good idea to have enough light sources with you on your trip. These Consciot lanterns are lightweight and portable. Each lantern offers full 360-degree illumination, and you can select from four light modes: cool white, warm white, combined white, strobe mode. Or, if you prefer, hold down the button for stepless dimming. Crafted with anti-slip rubber and shockproof materials, they can withstand harsh weather conditions. The lanterns' IPX4 water-resistant rating means it's strong enough to handle splashes of water, or rain. You just need three D-cell batteries to power one. Reviews say they light up a sizeable area and last through three nights on several hours of use. With a built-in handle on the top for carrying, and a recessed hook on the bottom to be hung upside down, these lanterns offer you flexibility and convenience.

4. Best Camping Battery: Powerology Portable Power Generator, 62500mAh

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Cons

Boasting a battery capacity of 62,500mAh, this portable power generator packs enough juice to charge multiple devices. Power your smartphone 10 times over, speakers five times and a mini fridge for three hours. The best part is that it recharges using solar energy when plugged into a solar panel, so it's perfect for outdoor use. There are a variety of input and output ports on the back to accommodate all your devices, from USB-C to carports. Some reviews have also powered their sleep apnea device while camping, using this generator.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent installments and pay Dh70 for 12 months with select banks.

5. AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press Kit 

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Cons

One of the most popular coffee brewers on the market, with close to 10,000 five-star reviews, the AeroPress Go is small enough to fit into a backpack, incredibly lightweight and perfect for camping trips. The coffee maker produces one to three cups of smooth American coffee, and can also brew espressos that you can use to make your own lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks. Want a cold brew? Just add ice from your cooler box, and milk. Reviewers say the 444ml travel mug (with lid) included with the AeroPress is convenient and perfect to sip while enjoying the sunrise. Some, however, found the filter paper holder to be irrelevant, since it can only store a few filters at a time.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty for Dh12, and two-year extended warranty for Dh17.

6. Best Camping Backpack: Hap Tim Picnic Backpack 

Fit all your camping essentials in this handy backpack. Made of nylon and a polyurethane coating that is durable, the backpack also looks fashionable. There is adequate storage space for clothes, food, and toiletries. It comes with a cutlery set that includes four stainless steel knives, forks, spoons, dinner plates, cotton napkins, a cheese cutter knife, two salt/pepper shakers, and a plastic chopping board. The backpack also has a water-resistant fleece blanket to wrap yourself with on cold desert nights. The backpack comes in four different colours – coffee, blue, grey, and dark grey.

Warranty: The manufacturer offers a 185-day warranty.

7. Best Foldable Table and Chair Set: VOL Folding Picnic Table with 4 Chairs

Sumithran suggests a portable table with chairs that fold into a compact carry-on. This four-person setup consists of a sturdy table made from 600D oxford cloth and aluminum alloy, that folds by rolling up, and comes with four chairs. The materials are all rust-resistant, waterproof and lightweight. Once packed into a bag (included), the picnic set can be carried like a suitcase to your camping spot and back. Buyers say set-up takes just three minutes to complete.

8. Best Portable Toilet: Serenelife Outdoor Portable Toilet With Carry Bag

If public toilets are not an option, consider the convenience of a 5.3-gallon travel toilet. It has a detachable tank and includes a sealing slide valve to lock in odours and protect against leakage. Its 3.2-gallon fresh water tank lets you flush over 50 times - you don't need power nor any external water supply. The polyethylene material used in the construction of these toilets makes them compact and lightweight. You can empty the tank as and when it gets full, which won’t be too often, as the tank has a high-volume capacity. Campers in the reviews recommend the portable toilet for its ease of use, cleanup and strong flushing pump. It's also of a comfortable height and doesn't sit too low.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh55.38 for 12 months with select banks.

9. Best Gas Stove: Campingaz Camp Bistro 2

With access to a portable gas stove on your camping trips, you no longer need to survive on protein bars and biscuits, in lieu of wholesome food. Use Campingaz's Camp Bistro 2 gas stove to make meal times a breeze in the great outdoors. It uses the Campingaz CP250 gas cartridge to power the flames via a piezo ignition dial, so no electricity is required. A single one can give you a cooking time of one hour and 15 minutes. Make sure your pans and pots are under 26cm in diameter for the perfect balance. The stove comes with a carry briefcase. Reviewers even mention using it as a backup stove for the home.

10. Best Camping Spice Kit: Mongpiens Camping Spice Kit 

Season your meals as you would at home, by carrying all the basic spices in a portable camping kit. The Mongpiens waterproof wax canvas bag holds nine reusable spice jars, and comes with a collapsible, food-grade silicone funnel to make refills from your kitchen pantry easy. The jars are leak-proof, so you can pour in oils and sauces, as well. You have the option of hanging the bag from a tree branch or your backpack, using the included carabiner. Reviews attest to the no-leak quality, having carried vinegar and oil in the jars. It even makes for a thoughtful gift for a camping enthusiast in your life.

11. Best Mess Kit: REDCAMP Camping Cookware Mess Kit (13 pieces)

This multi-piece cookware set is designed for camping - it's small, lightweight and portable. With a pot, a frying pan, a ladle, bowls and many more items included, it ensures you have everything you need to cook up a nourishing meal outdoors. The cookware is made from high-quality anodised aluminium and is easy to clean. The pieces stack on top of one another and pack into a polyester cloth bag that can be hung from your backpack - the set weighs less than a kilogram. Reviews mention cooking breakfast and dinner in these pots and call it a decent starter mess kit.

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