14 Nov 7 Underrated Items to Pack for the Best Lake George Camping Trip

With so many cool outdoor gadgets on the market today it can be overwhelming to decide what is worth purchasing and taking with you on a camping trip. Space in your camping backpack is sacred and we want to make sure you only pack items that you will actually use. To help you out, we have compiled a list of our favorite underrated things to pack on your next Adirondack camping trip at Lake George Campsites.

Portable Power Bank

Having a portable power bank to charge your phone and other chargeable gear like lanterns, flashlights, fans, etc. can be a lifesaver when you are camping off the grid. There are power banks on the market that can be charged using solar power so you don’t even need an electricity source. Campers rely on their cell phones for things like weather updates, navigation, and communication so having a power source to make sure your phone stays charged during your camping trip can be essential. The Base Charge 600 by BioLite is on the pricier side, but it can charge using a wall plug, car plug, or through solar. It has all of the essential ports and an easy-read smart dashboard with a message center. If you are looking for a more affordable option the Mophie Powerstation has 4.6 stars on Amazon and many glowing reviews.  Power banks are an inexpensive insurance policy so that you can truly enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about your batteries dying.

Multi-tool

True to its name, the multi-tool has multiple purposes and can come in extremely handy when on a camping trip. A solid camping multi-tool will be strong enough to help you drive in tent stakes when you are setting up camp. When it’s time to break down the campsite, use the awl to get under those difficult pegs and lever them out. If you find your camping lantern’s batteries have died, you can use the screwdriver to remove the battery flap’s screws and replace the batteries with ease. The can opener and bottle opener functions come in handy with eating and drinking while camping. Tools included in the Leatherman Surge include: needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, electrical crimper, wire stripper, knife, saw, spring-action scissors, awl with thread loop, ruler, can opener, bottle opener, wood/metal file, diamond-coated file, blade exchanger, large bit driver, screwdriver.

Portable Pocket Shower

After a sweaty day outside exploring in the wilderness, you are going to want to rinse off. While the cold lake is always an option, some might prefer something that feels more like a regular shower. Portable pocket showers are built into the base of a compact shower head that uses an on/off twist to manage the flow of water. Their black fabric soaks up the sun during the day at basecamp, prepping for a warm shower. Or you can add hot water directly to the bag. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower holds 10 liters of water which equates to about seven minutes of showering.

Duct Tape

There are so many times when you’re out camping that a roll of duct tape can come in handy. Maybe you break your tent pole, rip your tarp or accidentally step on your glasses. Duct tape can be your savior in any of those scenarios. Duct tape can be used as a fly trap if you are camping in a particularly buggy area. It can seal packages of food up so they don’t go stale or attract any animals nearby. It’s even handy in first aid situations and can be used to cover a blister or temporarily wrap a sprained ankle. Many experienced campers see duct tape as one of the camping essentials, but it is often overlooked by camping novices. An item this lightweight with so many potential uses should definitely be added to your kit.

Portable Fan/Heater

Depending on the season, a portable fan or heater can help make your camping experience a bit more comfortable, especially at night (it can get cool in the evenings in this region). Some of the best camping in Lake George, NY is tent camping, but if you’re sleeping in a tent chances are you won’t have access to central air or central heating, and therefore you are at the mercy of the elements. The Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater is extremely portable, lightweight, and great for heating a small tent. Ryobi makes a great hybrid portable fan that can be plugged in or run on a rechargeable battery.

Portable Mosquito Repeller

When you think about things that can quickly ruin any camping trip, pesky mosquitos are sure to be at the top of the list. The good news is that there are portable mosquito repellant products on the market that can ensure you have a bug-free camping experience (without having to lather on the bug spray every few minutes). Thermacell makes a great one where you can purchase long-lasting refills that are no-spray and scent-free. You simply clip it to yourself or place it next to you, turn it on, and enjoy maximum protection. There are also mosquito-repellant bracelets that are compact, waterproof, and perfect for camping.

Outdoor Speaker

What is a camping trip without a campfire? And what is a campfire without some tunes? There are tons of portable speakers on the market these days, and most are water-resistant and durable enough for outdoor use. The JBL Clip 4 Speaker is a great option for camping. It’s lightweight at only 8.4 ounces and can be clipped onto a belt, strap, or buckle for optimum portability. Just remember to download some music directly onto your phone before your trip in case you end up without cell phone service!

Ready to book your next camping adventure?

Lake George Campsites is among some of the best seasonal campgrounds in NY. The campground consists of 19 well-maintained cabins, 250 RV sites, and tent sites, and all the amenities you need for a successful family camping trip. Book your 2023 stay today! We open back up for the season in mid-May.