My 5 Must-Have Luxury Items for Backcountry Camping
- Tori Baird
- May 26
- 3 min read
Because roughing it doesn’t have to mean suffering.
Let’s get one thing straight: I love backcountry camping. I love the simplicity, the rhythm of the days, the fresh air, and the sense of self-reliance that comes from being deep in the wilderness. But I also believe that comfort and joy have a place in the backcountry, and a few small luxuries can totally transform your experience.
I’ve done enough remote trips now to know which “extras” are actually worth their weight in gold (or at least worth carrying on a long portage!). These are the five luxury items I bring every single time — and I never regret it.
1. Helinox Camp Chair
Sitting on a rock or log is fine… until it’s not.
This little chair has become my ultimate backcountry indulgence. It’s lightweight, packs down small, and after a long day of paddling or hiking, it is so satisfying to sit in something that supports your back. It’s a small comfort that makes camp feel more like home — whether I’m sipping coffee at sunrise or enjoying a fireside dinner.
2. Helinox Ultralight Camp Table
No more playing the balancing game with bowls on your knees.
I didn’t think I needed a table… until I brought one. And now? Total game-changer. The Helinox table is ultra-light, easy to set up, and perfect for prepping meals, playing cards, or keeping gear clean and off the ground. It elevates your whole camp setup (literally and figuratively) and makes everything feel more organized.
3. Nalgene Containers (in all sizes)
Because packing smart is part of the luxury.
I’m slightly obsessed with Nalgene containers. From snack-sized to large enough for oatmeal or chili, they’re leak-proof, tough as nails, and perfect for organizing food, toiletries, or even mixing pancake batter. Clear containers make it easy to find what you need, and they just hold up trip after trip. It’s such a simple thing, but being able to pack and unpack efficiently takes so much stress out of the backcountry routine.
4. Watershed Dry Bag
A splurge, yes. But the kind that earns its keep.
Watershed dry bags are seriously waterproof. Like, submersible-proof. I use mine as a "day bag" meaning it's where I keep things I want access to throughout the day. It opens up like a duffel so it's easy to actually see what's in there instead of digging through the black hole that is a typical roll-top dry bag. The zip-dry seal is incredibly secure, and the material is burly. I have a 55L that I've used on our family canoe trips and I'm currently considering buying a 22L for my solo trips!
5. Barrel Organizer Bags by Recreational Barrel Works
If you’ve ever dug elbow-deep through a food barrel, you’ll get it.
These round, zippered bags are made to fit perfectly inside your food barrel, and they’ve completely changed how I pack. No more pulling everything out to find the peanut butter buried at the bottom — just lift out a labeled bag and boom, done. I use one for breakfast, one for snacks, one for dinners, etc. It keeps things tidy, fast, and frustration-free. Total game-changer, and 100% worth the spend.
Final Thoughts: Luxuries That Work Hard
Some people think luxury has no place in the wild. I disagree. When chosen thoughtfully, “luxury” items can boost your morale, keep you organized, and help you feel just a little more like yourself — even when you’re miles from the nearest road.
These five things aren’t “essentials” in the traditional sense… but for me, they’ve become absolutely essential to a more enjoyable trip.
What are your favourite comfort items to bring on backcountry trips? Let me know — I’m always looking to upgrade my kit (as long as it fits in the barrel 😉).
Happy camping,
Tori
Paddle Like a Girl
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