Camping can be a wonderful way to travel while saving a buck, and in many ways it has benefits that you never get in hotels or even budget hostels. One of the most popular ways to travel in France is camping. This country has everything from rugged Pyrenean farmhouse tent plots to elegant, waterfront four-star camp resorts. Make your camping trip to France a pleasant one with this list of top camping gear for camping in France.
If you want something lightweight that can handle almost any camping location or time of year in France, this is a great choice. Weighing in at a measly 2 pounds, 9 ounces, this tent won't weigh you down as you backnack, hike, or even just ride the train or buses around France. This is an ideal tent for a couple hitting the Pyrenees for some hiking, or even some of France's many city campgrounds.
You might be camping, but that doesn't mean you need to live like a savage. If you will be visiting France, you should enjoy the wonderful coffee for sale at any local market. This French press-style coffee maker is easy to use and does an outstanding job brewing (and, in fact, will taste better than your home drop coffee maker). It is also made of unbreakable polycarbonate makes it tough for camping. This little indulgence certainly earns the 12 ounces of weight it adds to your load.
If you will be camping and backpacking around France or Europe, this is a must-have. This ultimate long-travel backpack holds it all, yet it's comfortable even after heavy walking. It has a detachable daypack ideal for city romps. There is a bottom stuff sack great for laundry or a sleeping bag. It features a rain shell, and waist band. It weighs a mere 7 pounds, with a 5,400 cubic inch capacity,
You will carry all the basics for preparing a gourmet meal at the campsite with this great kitchen set. It comes inside its own mesh organizer bag, and inside you'll find eating utensils, cooking utensils, containers and more. It also features a hanging hook, making it easy to access for the campside chef. I love the cutting board, the pancake (or crepe) turner, mini can opener and mini whisk!
This is a classic and popular camping chair. It is amazingly comfortable, and folds into a small, packable size. It weighs a miniscule 26 ounces, unlike many other, heavier camping chairs. It comes in various colors or wacky patterns. It has handy mesh pockets on the back for magazines, travel guidebooks or water bottles.
I discovered the Platypus a few years ago, and have been a huge fan since. One of the cheapest camping gear items you will find, this is a few bucks very well spent. The durable bottle is great as a water bottle. When you're done with it, it collapses flat for easy packing.
This is one of the most important safety and security items you can pack. Be sure you will never truly be lost with this handy handheld GPS unit. The downside, as with most GPS units, is you still need to load European maps for travel in France. You also want to be sure you pack plenty of batteries. But it's essential for camping, and even handy for the roadrtrip, bus or train portions of your travels.
This is another non-negotiable item: the first-aid kit. You never know what will happen while camping, or how quickly help can be located. You should be prepared to handle minor incidents yourself. I like this pack, as it is small enough to take up very little precious pack space (at 11 ounces and 7.5 x 4.75 x 2.5 inches). It isn't just a small pack with ointment and bandages, though. This kit features medications, ointments, sterile dressing, gloves and forceps.
This towel almost seems like magic. It's tiny size shouldn't fool you, as it can hold water seven times its weight. It comes in two colors and various sizes ranging from a tiny 0.7 ounces to 3.6 ounces. For campground showers, I suggest going with the extra-large 27x50-inch bath towel.
There are many uses for this handy, inexpensive addition to your camping packing list. You can use it for dirty laundry, or to cram bulky items like jackets or sleeping bags down to a tiny size. Use it to compress a comfy pillow into a travel size.
