Top 17+ Problematic Camping Essentials From the 1970s

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

Camping is a favorite American pastime. The fresh air, the shining stars, and the serenity of nature appeal to those from all walks of life. Still, camping isn’t without hassle; from the bugs to the baggage, it needs plenty of planning. Fortunately, modern-day camping involves less “roughing it” than required years ago, with better gear, innovative gadgets, and woods-inspired wisdom. But that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about the outdoor staples of decades past. Below is a list of 1970s camping essentials; they’ll take you on a trip down memory lane while revealing how far camping convenience has come.

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

Putting up a canvas tent wasn’t a task for the camping novice; it involved several must-follow steps and heavy materials that were much more difficult to maneuver than synthetic options. It was challenging enough to lead to palpable frustration and marital spats. Who knows? Maybe these tents were a leading cause of divorce in the ‘70s.

#3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked)

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

The Coleman Camp Stove was a popular ‘70s camping accessory, even if it was as well known for leaking propane as it was for cooking grub. The negatives didn’t stop there: This stove was weighty, lacked decent heat control, and only worked when it wanted. It was also hard to tell if the stove was completely off, something you don’t want when camping in the middle of the woods. 

#4: Wool Blankets

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

Wool blankets were once a popular outdoor choice due to their warmth, but their heaviness, scratchiness, and high maintenance (they require special care) left campers looking for more comfortable options. They also attract pet fur. If they became covered in dog hair, there was little point in trying to remove it; it was yours forever.

#6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

The ‘70s cast iron Dutch oven was once sought-after by nature lovers, even though it was expensive, hulking, and prone to rust. It was also non-stick, with food adhering to its surface, and it used enamel easily damaged by high heat (ironic since it was literally a vessel of hotness).

#7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

Ice boxes were the predecessors of modern-day coolers (as campers weren’t quite ready for the Yeti). While ice boxes had similar downsides to any cold-storage equipment (such as ice melting too quickly and difficult-to-control temperatures), they were generally heavier than the gear popular today. When made of metal, they were noisier, too.

#9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

MRE stands for Meal, Ready-to-Eat; these supplies were formally adopted by the Department of Defense in 1975 (although other versions of government-rationed food date back to the Revolutionary War). They consisted of several different units, including meat (such as chicken or turkey loaf, ham slices, and tuna fish), bread (such as crackers and pretzels), dessert (such as sliced peaches, halved pears, and pineapple chunks), and spreads (such as peanut butter, cheese, and jam). Some MREs were fancier and included spaghetti with meatballs, beef in spice sauce, and pork steak cooked in juices. Present-day choices have even more variety.

#10: Hand-Pump Water Filters

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

Hand-pump water filters were a common way to filter water in the ‘70s but not particularly effective. Old models could sufficiently weed out bacteria and protozoa but weren’t great at removing viruses. This left drinkers at risk of cholera and typhoid (among other things). While some new models are more efficient, certain ones work better than others. In short, drink beer; it’s safer.

#12: Inflatable Air Mattresses

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

While modern-day air mattresses aren’t exactly beacons of comfort, those made in the ‘70s were even worse. They offered limited support and lacked durability, and they had a talent for squeaking any time someone moved. They deflated easily, too, urged on by temperature fluctuations and elevation. Anyone who slept on one was highly likely to wake up on the ground.

#13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

Few things channel the ‘70s as much as heavy metal camp chairs; these chairs sacrificed comfort and aesthetics for durability. In other words, they lasted forever, even though you didn’t want them to. They weren’t the safest choice either; while metal doesn’t attract lightning, it does conduct it, which is why it’s not something you want to be anywhere near when the skies get dangerous.

#15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

No ’70s campground was complete without a 5-gallon water jug, which is fitting since these jugs felt like they weighed about 70 pounds (technically, they weighed just over 40 pounds when full). While they weren’t a bad idea in terms of water supply (campers generally need to increase water consumption), their sheer heaviness made them less attractive than easy-to-maneuver models. With so many water bottles on the market today, you can find a jug that meets your needs without tearing your bicep.

#16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

#1: Canvas Tents with Metal Poles, #3: Coleman Camp Stove (That Always Leaked), #4: Wool Blankets, #6: The Cast Iron Dutch Oven, #7: Ice Chests Instead of Coolers, #9: The Classic “Army Surplus” MREs, #10: Hand-Pump Water Filters, #12: Inflatable Air Mattresses, #13: Heavy Metal Camp Chairs, #15: The 5-Gallon Water Jug, #16: Hammocks with No Mosquito Nets

Hammocks without mosquito nets were a real buzzkill, as mosquitos are very common around campsites, particularly if you camp near any type of stagnant water. A mosquito net makes your hammock session more relaxing while making it safer: Mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world; they’ve killed the most people due to their transmission of malaria, dengue fever, West Nile, and more.

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