Whether you’re camping in a tent or a massive RV, you can find inexpensive tools to enhance your camping experience.
The best camping tools serve multiple purposes and make your life easier; the small price tag is a bonus.
You never know what your camping adventures will throw your way, so it’s crucial to have a variety of tools. We’ve found 11 essential camping tools under $11 that you should add to your tool bag. Let’s dive in!
What Tools Should I Bring Camping?
When you’re getting started, it can be tempting to bring practically every tool you own. You’re likely going to get tired of packing up and lugging around a bunch of tools you never use.
It’s a good idea to have at least a hammer/mallet, screwdrivers, and duct tape. Every time you go camping, make a list of tools to make the trip easier. The more you camp, the more you’ll expand your tool bag and skills. You’ll soon be able to handle many unpredictable situations while camping.
11 Essential Camping Tools Under $11
Not every essential camping tool has to break the bank. You can get quite the bang for your buck with these 11 essential camping tools. Let’s get started!
1. Bovgero 15-in-1 Mini Multitool
About: Why waste space and weight when you can have this 15-in-1 mini multitool? The stainless steel construction can handle even the toughest of adventures. At 3.18 ounces, you may barely notice it. You could forget it’s in your pocket.
This multitool is precisely what its name implies; it contains multiple tools in one. You’ll find everything from a glass breaker, bottle opener, saw, and even a can opener. You can attach it to your keychain so it’ll be ready to get the job done at a moment’s notice.
Price: $5.00 – $10.00
2. Extremus SwitchBak Tie-Down Bungee System
About: You never know when you’re going to need a set of bungee cords. These tools can keep you organized, hold items in place on a kayak adventure, or ensure supplies don’t fly away while traveling. These easy-to-use bungees have practically infinite possibilities for their use.
They come in 6,” 8,” and 10” lengths with multiple colors.
Price: $10
3. Aitsite 18-in-1 Snowflake Multi Tool
About: The 18-in-1 snowflake multi-tool not only looks fascinating but is also incredibly versatile. Whether you need to adjust a mountain bike, open a bottle of your favorite beverage, or tighten various bolts and screws, this tool can help.
The stainless steel construction ensures it’ll last for years to come. At less than 2.5,” this tool has a very compact structure and weighs only 3.52 ounces. It can easily slip into a jacket pocket, toolbox, or any other accessible storage location.
Price: $7
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to also pack everything on our First Aid Checklist You Need For Camping.
4. Dinoclier Survival Hammer
About: This 13-in-1 survival hammer from Dinoclier has just about everything you could need while camping. It’s compact enough to fit in your pocket or your vehicle storage compartment.
The hammer is tough enough to handle practically any cutting, prying, twisting, or clamping you need. It’s a must-have item for anyone fishing, hunting, and camping. The tool includes multiple screwdrivers and blades and a bottle opener, a fish scaler, a hex wrench, and a nail file.
Price: $9
5. YamaziHD Lightweight Mini Shovels
About: This lightweight mini shovel from YamaziHD collapses into itself and comes with a convenient carrying case. It’s great for those looking to do backcountry camping who need to dig a hole for waste.
You can toss it into a backpack, and at 3.7 ounces, you’ll have an essential item without a tremendous amount of weight. It’s made of stainless steel and has a sharp tip that can cut through even the most rugged terrains.
Price: $10
6. HAKDAY Portable Female Women Urinal Camping Travel Toilet Device
About: When you have to go, you have to go. However, males typically have more flexibility to pee in the wilderness than ladies. This portable female urinal can make it much easier to answer when nature calls.
It is also a great option if you want to avoid venturing out of your tent in the middle of the night to use the restroom. You can use this funnel to ensure you don’t have any accidental spillage in your tent.
Price: $6
7. LED Flashlight Gloves
About: You want to be able to see when you’re camping. These LED flashlight gloves are great options for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. It frees up your hands and makes it easy to complete tasks around the campsite.
These gloves are beneficial when you drive late to your camp after a long travel day. You can stay safe by maximizing your ability to see what you’re doing.
Price: $8
Pro Tip: Knowing how to stay safe while camping is crucial. Make sure you know all of The Dangers of RV Camping (as told by YouTubers) before you go on your next camping trip.
8. Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Cooking
About: Eating undercooked meat can cause stomach and health issues. Preparing your food while camping can be challenging, as you need to regulate the temperature.
This is where the instant Read meat thermometer comes into play. You can pull this out while camping and stick it into any piece of meat to confirm your meat is safe to eat. It has a large display that makes it simple to read the temperature and display temperatures from -58 F to 572 F.
Price: $11 – $17
9. 4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent
About: You’ll want to dry off after taking a dip in the lake or river, which is why you may need the 4Monster camping towels. They’re super absorbent, come in a compact carrying case, and dry quickly. You can hang it from a tree branch, and it’ll be ready to use again or put into storage in no time.
With a variety of colors, you can get one to fit the personality of everyone in your family and know who the guilty party is when they don’t put their towel away!
Price: $9
10. SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool
About: A knife is practically useless if it’s not sharp. Serious injuries can occur when you struggle to cut through items, so you want your knife to be as sharp as possible. This 6-in-1 tool comes with a knife sharpener, an emergency whistle, and a fire starter. Y
ou’ll have just what you need to keep your knives sharp and create a fire or signal for help when on an adventure in the wilderness.
Price: $9
11. X-Plore Gear Firestarter – 3-in-1 Survival Multifunction Tool
About: This 3-in-1 survival tool from X-Plore Gear can help you start a fire in practically any weather condition. You can create one of the hottest sparks possible to get the fire going to generate warmth and prepare your meals.
It lasts for thousands of sparks and strikes, which means years of camping. The tool comes with a built-in compass and emergency whistle. This compact and convenient multi-functioning tool is essential for any outdoor survival kit.
Price: $7
Are Camping Tools Worth It?
The more tools you acquire, the better prepared you can be for your camping adventures. However, you don’t want to weigh yourself down or waste storage space with tools that aren’t essential.
This is why the best tools serve various purposes and can withstand use from camping. Be sure to add many of the vital tools we’ve suggested today to your cart so you’re ready to go for your next adventure!
What is one essential camping tool you don’t head out into the wilderness without packing? Tell us in the comments!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: