Top camping & leisure essentials for the adventurous lifestyle

by Stef Calimlim (Content Editor)

Photo by Matt Gross on Unsplash

Interest in camping and outdoor leisure activities among new and experienced campers have been rising even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Camping consumers view outdoor recreation as a time to relieve stress, reflect, have fun, connect with nature and escape from everyday life. According to Mordor Intelligence, the camping equipment market was valued at $13,954.86 million in 2020 and is expected to reach a CAGR of 6.68 percent from 2021 to 2026. The report added that the health crisis had a positive impact on the market growth as leisure trips, specifically in the North American region, increased from 11 percent to 16 percent post-COVID-19 situation.

Manufacturers and suppliers of camping and leisure equipment and other essentials have been focusing on R&D, releasing items that use high-quality materials, and ensure higher safety, comfort and convenience. A selection of these durable, versatile and reliable camping and leisure products are available for sourcing at competitive rates via Global Sources.

Sleeping bags

The boom in e-commerce and rise in popularity of outdoor recreational activities are creating significant opportunities to the sleeping bag market. In terms of shape and size, the product is classified into rectangular, mummy, double and infant sleeping bags. In terms of temperature, the sleeping bags can be segmented into summer, three season and winter types. The typical materials used include nylon, polyester, polar fleece, plush and cotton, and most have zippers. As for the filling, down feather, hollow fiber and spray-bonded cotton are the common options. When choosing the best sleeping bag, consumers opt for those that are lightweight, compressible and well-insulated. Some manufacturers offer kinds that are water-resistant, flame-retardant, machine-washable, hooded, and have USB charging and heater functions.

Beach umbrellas

Designed for outdoor recreational use, beach umbrellas are a must-have in beaches, backyards, pools, hotels, resorts, gardens, patios and outdoor commercial dining areas. The growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, increase in outdoor activities and urbanization are expected to boost the demand for beach umbrellas. Suppliers offer these umbrellas in various sizes and designs. Most umbrellas use aluminum, aluminum alloy or iron frame and rod. The canopy is made of polyester, nylon, oxford, pongee, cotton or straw, and have superb water resistance and UV protection capabilities.

Camping tents

The increase in tourism and camping activities for the past years has been a boon for the camping tent market. While there was a decline in these activities at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more campgrounds have started to operate again as vaccine rollouts began and economies reopened. Moreover, experts have also identified camping as a low-risk activity, provided COVID-19-related guidelines are observed. The camping tents available in the market vary in size and design. The most common selection in the market includes dome, frame, inflatable, pop up, tunnel and teepee tents. These can be made of polyester, PU, oxford, canvas, nylon or polyester taffeta fabric and fiberglass poles. Camping tents that are ultralight, portable, and have excellent water and UV resistance are popular among consumers.

Beach towels

Typically bigger than regular bath towels, beach towels are not just for drying up but also used as bedding on the sand. They are generally made of polyester, polyester and polyamide, cotton, microfiber, terry, velour or jacquard fabric, with some meeting Oeko-Tex Standard 100 guidelines. The most common beach towels offered in the market come in rectangular and round shape, and have quick-dry, super absorbent and sand-free properties. Designs can be embroidered, embossed, silk-screened, reactive and digital sublimation printed.

Rucksacks

Rucksacks are a popular travel and camping must-have for their durability, versatility, reliability and impeccable construction. They can be made of rPET, Tyvek, PU, polyester, PVC, oxford or canvas and mesh materials. Manufacturers offer them in various styles and designs, including variants with laptop compartments, built-in USB chargers or solar panels and sunshade. Other rucksacks are resistant to crush, water and dusts, and have multiple pockets and anti-theft features.

Camping tables

Camping tables are popular because they are portable, lightweight and foldable, making them suitable for outdoor cooking and dining, playing games and picnics. According to 360 Research Reports, the global camping furniture market is projected to reach $227.9 million by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, in Grand View Research’s report, tables are expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 5.4 percent from 2019 to 2025. The current selection in the market today is generally classified according to material such as aluminum, solid wood, oxford and canvas fabrics, and plastic. In terms of features, some camping tables have built-in solar panels for portable charging, cooler bags and cup holders, and built-in sink and faucet.

Rechargeable flashlights

Rechargeable flashlights are widely used for outdoor recreation and home security. As outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hunting, hiking and fishing are increasing, so is the demand for rechargeable flashlights, specifically LED types, which are know for their high brightness and low energy consumption. In general, these flashlights run on 26650 or 18650 lithium or Li-ion batteries and have 1 to 20W power rating. They usually have 200 to 4,000 lumens brightness, lighting distance of up to 800m and various lighting mode. Some flashlights are water-resistant, zoomable, solar-powered, magnetic, designed for self-defense and have a built-in radio.

Camping cookware

The camping experience will never be complete without a camping cookware. Unlike usual kitchen cookware, camping pots, pans and utensils are specifically designed to make outdoor cooking easier and more convenient. Camping cookware can be sold per set or per piece. Common materials used include cast iron, aluminum and stainless steel. Products popular in the market today include portable charcoal grills, outdoor cassette and mini stoves, portable camping stove burners, mini raclettes, pots, collapsible water carrier, insulated folding cups, nonstick roasting and frying pans, BPA-free bowls and utensils, portable cutting boards, teapots, knives, tongs, scissors, can openers and corkscrews.