Cabela’s Camping Gear Guide: 10 Essentials for Weekend and Family Trips

A great weekend outdoors starts with gear that handles the basics well. Reliable shelter keeps weather outside, comfortable sleeping equipment makes nights easier, and the right cooking, cooling, lighting, and seating setup keeps the campsite running smoothly.

Discover Cabela’s camping gear picks for weekend escapes and family trips. From rugged shelter and cold-weather sleeping gear to camp cooking, hydration, lighting, and portable power, each pick fills an important role in a practical campsite.

What Camping Gear Do You Need for a Weekend Trip?

A weekend trip does not require every piece of outdoor equipment on the market. Focus first on the gear that keeps everyone sheltered, rested, fed, hydrated, and comfortable.

A practical weekend camping checklist includes:

• Weather-appropriate shelter
• Sleeping bags suited to nighttime temperatures
• Cots or sleeping pads
• Camp chairs and a table
• A stove and basic cookware
• A cooler or safe food-storage system
• Drinking water and refillable containers
• Lanterns and flashlights
• Portable power when electronics are part of the trip
• First-aid supplies
• Rain gear and extra clothing
• Storage bins or bags

Family camping usually puts comfort and easy setup ahead of ultralight weight. Car-accessible campsites leave more room for spacious tents, strong camp furniture, larger coolers, and full-size cooking equipment.

Before choosing family camping essentials, consider your group size, trip length, expected weather, campsite facilities, and available vehicle space.

Top 10 Cabela’s Camping Gear Picks

Best For Four-Season Family Camping: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 6-Person Tent  

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Build a dependable base camp with the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 6-Person Tent. Designed around true four-season protection, this roomy shelter uses a geodesic shape and seven-pole support system to stay stable in demanding weather. The full-coverage rainfly adds a protected vestibule, while the coated bathtub-style floor helps keep ground moisture away from sleeping gear.

Key features include:

• Space for up to six campers
• Six shock-corded fiberglass poles plus one rainfly pole
• 75-denier ripstop polyester rainfly
• 2,000mm polyurethane waterproof coating on the rainfly
• 3,000mm-rated floor coating
• Three mesh roof vents
• D-style windows
• Integrated vestibule
• Interior organizers, cup holders, roof hooks, and gear loft
• Stakes, tie-downs, seam sealer, and repair kit included

The tent measures about 10'3"L x 11'10"W with a 6'1" peak height and weighs around 33 lbs. Its combination of interior space and weather-ready construction makes it especially suited to family car camping in changing conditions.

Prepare your campsite for rougher conditions with the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 6-Person Tent.

Best For Cold-Weather Camping: Cabela's Mountain Trapper 0°F Midsize Sleeping Bag

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Sleep more comfortably through chilly nights with the Cabela's Mountain Trapper 0°F Midsize Sleeping Bag. Its heavyweight cotton-canvas shell surrounds synthetic insulation, while the brushed-cotton-flannel lining creates a softer interior feel. Insulated chest and zipper baffles help reduce heat loss when temperatures fall.

Key features include:

• 0°F comfort rating
• 72"L x 32"W dimensions
• Heavyweight cotton-canvas shell
• Durable water-repellent finish
• Brushed-cotton-flannel lining
• 3 lbs. 7 oz. of synthetic insulation
• Double-layer offset stitching
• Insulated chest and zipper baffles
• Two-way YKK zippers
• Attached storage flap with buckle straps

At about 8 lbs. 4 oz., this substantial sleeping bag is built more for campsite comfort than lightweight backpacking.

Stay warmer after sunset with the Cabela's Mountain Trapper 0°F Midsize Sleeping Bag.

Best For A Roomier Camp Bed: Cabela's Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm

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Raise your sleep setup above rocks, roots, and uneven ground with the Cabela's Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm. Its oversized sleeping surface gives you more room to stretch out, while the built-in lever arm helps simplify setup and takedown.

Key features include:

• 85"L x 40"W sleeping surface
• 20" setup height
• 600-lb. maximum weight capacity
• Water-resistant polyester fabric
• Powder-coated steel frame
• Built-in setup lever
• Folding construction
• Carry bag included

The elevated design also creates storage space underneath. Shoes, bags, and other loose gear stay off the main tent floor and out of the way.

Upgrade your campsite sleep setup with the Cabela's Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm.

Best For Compact Campsite Organization: Cabela's Lightweight Table

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Create an extra surface for meals, drinks, games, cooking supplies, or campsite gear with the Cabela's Lightweight Table. Its aluminum build weighs only four pounds, making it easy to move from the cooking area to the tent or seating zone.

Key features include:

• Rugged aluminum construction
• 4-lb. overall weight
• 110-lb. maximum weight capacity
• Folding design
• Compact storage
• 24.2"H x 19.7"W x 19.7"D setup dimensions

Its smaller footprint works well at tighter campsites and makes a handy secondary table next to chairs, coolers, or cooking equipment.

Add useful surface space without adding much bulk with the Cabela's Lightweight Table.

Best For Comfortable Campsite Seating: Cabela's Big Outdoorsman Director's Chair

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Settle into a more supportive seat after hiking, cooking, or setting up camp with the Cabela's Big Outdoorsman Director's Chair. The oversized frame provides extra room, while foam padding in the seat and back adds comfort during longer evenings outdoors.

Key features include:

• 500-lb. maximum weight capacity
• 28"W x 17"D seat
• Foam-padded seat and back
• Powder-coated steel frame
• Water-resistant 600-denier polyester
• Flip-up side table
• Integrated drink holder
• 17" seat height

At 21.2 lbs., the chair prioritizes strength and comfort over lightweight portability. The built-in side table also keeps drinks, snacks, and small essentials close at hand.

Make campfire time more comfortable with the Cabela's Big Outdoorsman Director's Chair.

Best For Cooking Family-Size Camp Meals: Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Camp Stove

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Cook larger campsite meals with more room using the Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Camp Stove. Its two-burner layout provides a 32"L x 14"W cooking area, giving you enough space to prepare several parts of a meal at once.

Key features include:

• Two-burner configuration
• 32"L x 14"W cooking area
• Detachable legs
• Three-sided windscreen
• Independent burner controls
• Bulk propane-tank connection
• Compatibility with Camp Chef 14" accessories

The system also works with compatible griddles, grill boxes, and other Camp Chef accessories, giving you more ways to expand your outdoor kitchen over time. Cabela’s currently lists the Explorer 2-Burner model in its camping selection.

Make campsite cooking easier to manage with the Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Camp Stove.

Best For Multi-Day Food and Drink Storage: Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 100-Quart Cooler

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Keep food, drinks, and ice cold through longer camping trips with the Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 100-Quart Cooler. The large-capacity design uses all-around foam insulation and an airtight freezer-style lid gasket to help hold cold temperatures inside.

Key features include:

• 100-quart capacity
• All-around foam insulation
• Freezer-style lid gasket
• Up to 12 days of claimed ice retention under suitable conditions
• Bear-resistant construction
• Rubberized T-handle latches
• Molded padlock tabs
• Elevated non-skid feet
• Pressure-release valve
• Leakproof drain spigot
• Rope carrying handles

The cooler measures roughly 43.25"L x 22.25"W x 21.5"H and weighs 45 lbs. 11.2 oz., making it better suited to vehicle-based camping than frequent carrying. The model is currently listed as unavailable for online purchase, so check stock before planning around it.

Check current availability of the Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 100-Quart Cooler before your next multi-day trip.

Best For Hot and Cold Drinks Around Camp: Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle 1.5 QT

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Carry coffee, water, or another favorite drink all day outdoors with the Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle 1.5 QT. Its stainless-steel body uses double-wall vacuum insulation, while the leakproof construction makes it practical for packing in a vehicle or carrying around camp.

Key features include:

• 1.5-qt. capacity
• Recycled 18/8 stainless steel
• Double-wall vacuum insulation
• Leakproof construction
• Twist-and-pour stopper
• Collapsible carrying handle
• Insulated lid that doubles as a cup
• Dishwasher-safe design

Stanley lists up to 38 hours of hot retention, 35 hours of cold retention, and up to six days for iced drinks under its testing conditions.

Keep campsite drinks ready from breakfast to evening with the Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle 1.5 QT.

Best For Tent and Table Lighting: Black Diamond Moji Lantern

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Light the tent, picnic table, cooking station, or shared campsite area with the compact Black Diamond Moji Lantern. Its frosted globe spreads light evenly rather than directing a narrow beam, making it useful when several people need visibility around the same space.

Key features include:

• Up to 200 lumens
• Frosted globe for diffused light
• Adjustable brightness
• Strobe mode
• Dual-Fuel compatibility
• Three AAA battery operation
• Compatibility with a rechargeable BD 1500 battery
• Double-hook hanging loop
• IPX4 weather resistance
• Digital lockout

The Moji platform supports long low-level runtime, making it useful for tent lighting and evenings around camp when you don't need maximum brightness.

Brighten tents and shared campsite spaces with the Black Diamond Moji Lantern.

Best For Campsite Charging and Backup Power: Goal Zero Yeti 500 Portable Power Station

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Power phones, lights, cameras, compatible portable appliances, and other electronics with the Goal Zero Yeti 500 Portable Power Station. Its 499Wh LiFePO4 battery puts AC, USB, and 12V outputs into a unit weighing about 16.1 lbs.

Key features include:

• 499Wh battery capacity
• LiFePO4 battery chemistry
• 500W continuous AC output
• 1,000W surge output
• More than 4,000 rated battery cycles
• Two household-style 120V AC outlets
• USB-A and USB-C ports
• 12V connections
• IPX4 water-resistance rating
• Built-in status display
• Smartphone app monitoring
• Solar, wall, and vehicle charging options

Bass Pro Shops lists a 90-minute full charge through 500W AC charging. Actual runtime depends on the devices connected and their energy demands.

Keep essential electronics running away from standard outlets with the Goal Zero Yeti 500 Portable Power Station.

How to Choose Camping Gear Based on Your Group and Campsite

The best camping gear for weekend trips depends on where you are going and how many people are coming along. A family at an established campground needs a different setup from a solo camper carrying equipment into a remote site.

Solo Camping

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Keep the setup simple and easy to manage.

Prioritize:

• Compact shelter
• Streamlined sleeping system
• Small cooking setup
• Lightweight lighting
• Portable water storage

Large furniture and oversized coolers quickly take up space that a solo trip rarely needs.

Camping as a Couple

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Share the larger pieces of equipment rather than packing duplicates.

Prioritize:

• A roomier tent
• Shared cooking equipment
• Two comfortable chairs
• Mid-size cooler
• One central lantern
• Organized storage

A setup like this adds comfort without filling the vehicle with unnecessary gear.

Family Camping

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Family camping essentials should focus on space, easy setup, and organization.

Look for:

• A larger tent
• Comfortable sleeping systems
• Dedicated chairs
• A stable table
• A larger cooking setup
• High-capacity cold storage
• Several lighting sources
• Easy-access drinking water
• Clearly labeled gear bins

A little extra room usually pays off during family trips, especially when clothing, bedding, and other supplies need to stay inside the tent.

Campground vs. Remote Campsite

Established campgrounds make comfort-focused gear easier to use. Vehicle access means cots, larger chairs, heavy coolers, and full-size stoves stay practical.

Remote campsites shift the priority toward compact and lightweight gear. Focus on smaller packed dimensions and equipment you can comfortably carry over distance.

Pack Smarter Before Leaving Home

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Good camping organization starts before the vehicle leaves the driveway.

Organize Gear by Use

Group equipment into separate bins or bags for:

• Shelter
• Cooking
• Food
• Clothing
• Lighting
• First aid
• Toiletries
• Campsite extras

Clear labels help everyone find what they need without opening every container.

Keep Setup Gear Easy to Reach

Place the tent, stakes, mallet, chairs, and shelter accessories near the rear of the vehicle.

These are some of the first items you will need after arriving. Packing them underneath luggage and coolers creates extra work before camp is even established.

Test Equipment at Home

Set up the tent before the trip. Turn on the lantern. Check batteries. Charge portable power. Inspect the sleeping bags and cot.

Testing equipment at home gives you time to replace missing or damaged parts before reaching the campsite.

Keep Daily Essentials Accessible

Store these items within easy reach:

• Drinking water
• Flashlights
• First-aid supplies
• Rain jackets
• Sunscreen
• Bug protection
• Snacks
• Campground information

Beginner Camping Safety Checklist

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Good camping gear for beginners improves comfort, but basic preparation still matters more than any single product.

Before each trip:

• Check the weather forecast
• Review campground and fire regulations
• Tell someone where you are staying
• Bring enough drinking water
• Pack a stocked first-aid kit
• Carry backup lighting
• Charge phones and emergency electronics
• Bring spare batteries
• Store food securely
• Keep rain gear accessible
• Inspect tents, poles, cords, and stakes
• Learn how fuel-burning and electrical equipment operates
• Keep emergency contact information available

Match sleeping gear and shelter to expected conditions. A warm-weather sleeping bag is not a substitute for a properly rated cold-weather setup, and a basic summer tent should not be treated like a four-season shelter.

Follow manufacturer instructions closely when using camp stoves, batteries, lanterns, portable power stations, and other equipment involving fuel, flame, or electricity.