Here are some of my most used camping gear from my time camping and trekking in 2021. I don’t need much but when I did need some things these were the items I reached for the most so here is my 2021 camping gear review. Enjoy!
Links for Camping Gear Info
- Sony A6600 info
- Sony FDR-AX53 info
- DJI Mavic Air 2 info
- Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone Info
- Sony VPT1 mini tripod info
- Jackery 240 Watt Battery Pack Info
Cooking
I prefer to cook over a campfire most of the time but sometimes when it’s too windy or too late I have a small burner. I use the Canyon Cooker model CI-201. This is just a simple burner and uses 8 oz butane fuel cartridges that can be bought at places like Walmart or REI.
I use this fuel type mainly because replacement cartridges can be bought at most nationwide chains. It is a one-burner because I don’t normally need it because I prefer campfire cooking. I use this setup mainly for tired or late nights where I don’t want to make a fire. It worked great for my time on the road in 2021. I’d probably get something bigger and better if I were on the road full time but for 1-3 week trips it’s worked perfectly
I also use an old cast iron pan for cooking. It’s an older pan I have so I don’t really care if it gets dirty from soot or food burns on it. It’s not the end of the world if it’s not in perfect condition. I use it regularly and I use it over the camp cooker or over the fire.
Cameras
Camera for Pictures
I use the Sony A6600 as my main picture-taking camera. It is a 24.2MP APS-C mirrorless camera from Sony. It also has the ability to shoot 4K video and has stabilization. It’s part of their Interchangeable Lens Camera System and takes their E-mount lenses. One drawback is there is no flash. I kept an older Sony camera with a flash for nighttime situations I may need flash photos but I rarely use it.
Camera for Video
I use the Sony FDR-AX53. This is an awesome workhorse camera! It has 4K, photos, image stabilization, and timelapse options all of which I have used. The quality and color are good. It has some more bespoke options if you want more color or contrast options which I use sparingly but I usually keep it in auto and it does great!
Drone
I use the DJI Mavic Air 2 for my drone pictures and videos. This is another go-to piece of equipment I use in many different situations. I obviously use it during camping and trekking trips but I also use it whenever I’m on just road trips or going through places to get some cool shots. There is a 48MP camera, panoramic photos, 4K video, stabilization, timelapse, and 8K video options. I’ve used all of these options but mainly stick with the image and automatic quickshot 4K video options. There are HDR and other video and image options that I rarely use but are there if you need them. I bought the “fly more” option which includes 2 additional batteries and it’s worth having extra batteries.
Accesories
I also use the Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo microphone and Sony VPT1 mini tripod. These are my main accessories and they are interchangeable between the FDR and the A6600 cameras. It’s a small tripod with a micro USB connection to connect to the cameras and allows you to press buttons on the tripod to control the camera. You can zoom in and out, take a photo, or start video recording – all from the tripod controls. One drawback is the fact this isn’t a battery pack.
Power and Battery
I use the Jackery 240 Watt battery pack. My battery pack didn’t come with solar panel but it hasn’t been a problem. I usually have enough power for a few days and I charge the battery from the 12-volt outlet when I travel every few days. The battery pack has a 110-volt regular outlet, 2 USB-A outlets, and one 12V outlet. It’s worked well for camera charging and plugging in my Macbook power plug.
Camping Gear Review Conclusion
These items are my go-to things when I’m in a crunch while I’m truck camping. Food, cameras, energy usually fix most of my problems! This camping gear review isn’t meant to be all-encompassing but rather just a nod to some of my most used items while I’m on the road.
The Canyon Cooker stove was probably the most essential item I used. I was able to cook a lot of places but obviously, a warm-cooked meal can go a long way!
The FDR-AX53 has better video quality but I can’t change any lenses on the FDR. I do use the A6600 sometimes for zooms or on-the-move videos to save space.