I've traveled and trekked all over the world — these are the 10 camping essentials I want in my kit

Sleeping on the ground is never as comfortable as sleeping in a hammock, especially if the ground is wet or damp. At a whopping 70% off, this hammock is the perfect addition to a camping kit, especially since it packs up small and can easily fit in a backpack. In Vietnam, sleeping in a hammock is preferable to sleeping on the ground, too — you get a lot better airflow and stay cooler. 

When the time comes that you do have to sleep on the ground, a quality pad is essential for protecting you from the cold. There was one particular night in Japan when I slept under a gazebo beside the water— this sleeping pad would have made it so much more comfortable. This ultralight, inflatable sleeping pad has everything you need for a great night's sleep while on the trail. It even includes a patch kit and is available in loads of colors (though the orange and black option is the best price). 

The LifeStraw is well known — mainly because it's such a practical travel essential. Just stick it into a water source and you'll get filtered, clean water from just about anywhere. In some countries, you don't want to drink the water, and having a way to get extra clean water without dipping into your canteen is important. I wouldn't — and don't — travel without it. 

Anyone who tells you that you can't cook delicious food while camping just hasn't been shaken out of their granola-overdose delusions. You can cook a tremendous amount of food over a campfire, and this easy-to-store kit has a pot, pan, spot, spork and several other accessories that will help you crank out gourmet-worthy eats, even in the middle of nowhere. 

I visited both Vietnam and Japan during some of the warmest months of the year, so suffice it to say, I spent a lot of time drinking water. Carrying an empty water bottle around is a waste of space, which is why this collapsible bottle is so useful. You can shrink it to a much smaller size and store it in a side pocket of your backpack, rather than hauling it around and feeling it swing up against your back with every step. 

Ever tried to set up a tent in the dark? Let me tell you, it's a pain. That's why a headlamp is important, and a better option than a flashlight — you can stay hands-free and still see. This two-pack is just $18, which means you get these headlamps for $9 each. It's a small investment that will go a long way. This headlamp is especially cool because it has a red light option, which I recommend for late-night tent-pitching sessions. You'll be able to see clearly and won't mess with your night vision as much. 

When I camp, I try to avoid electronics — but I still carry my phone with me in case of emergencies. I like to have a backup power source, just in case, and these Loveledi chargers provide 15,000mAh of charge and are just $8 each. 

Do us a favor: Please don't think you can break wood with your hand or your foot. That's the surest way to get an injury on your trip. A small, handheld hatchet can have you break wood for a fire or a shelter setup with ease. Sometimes branches are too thick to be safely used in a campfire, but a few strikes with this axe will bring them down to size. It has an anti-slip handle to avoid any unfortunate accidents in the woods, too. 

Once you settle into camp, you might not be ready for bed yet. Maybe the sounds of wildlife are keeping you up, maybe you want to play cards for an hour or so or maybe you just want to read a Stephen King story in the middle of nowhere (not that we recommend that) — whatever the reason, you can get four camp lanterns with up to 50 hours of light for just $6 each. 

Camping is no excuse not to have great coffee. I can't start the day without it, and the Aeropress actually IS one item I carried across multiple countries. It made it easy to brew up a pot of coffee first thing in the morning and made even the cheapest coffee grounds taste delicious. If you wake up and can't fully open your eyes until that first cup of joe, add this to your kit.