5 Foldable Finds From Harbor Freight That Are Great For Camping Trips

Camping's great, but it's the set-up and tear-down that can really be a pain. (Especially if you're short on space.) There's no two ways about it: Bulky equipment makes camping a much bigger hassle than it needs to be. And no matter if you're heading out in an SUV, a camper, or backpacking it, we could all use a little extra space where we can get it. That's why foldable gear is such a smart move. Campers can maximize their storage space without sacrificing utility.

One of the best places you can find all the foldable gear you need is Harbor Freight. The store might be best known for its affordable tools and garage equipment, but it also stocks its shelves with a ton of camping-friendly products perfect for your next trip. These five picks are all made to collapse and fold so you can and pack them down for easier, space-saving transport. Take a look before you hit the road next.

When the sun goes down, you can't realistically expect your campfire to light every inch of your campsite. That's why it's nice to have a flashlight handy. But even those can be inconvenient when you're stuck working with only one hand while you hold the light in the other. That's where a lantern becomes your best friend. And Harbor Freight has a slim, foldable model that's perfect for your campsite.

This rechargeable work light from Icon gives you up to 800 lumens of COB LED light. And unlike standard flashlights that only focus their beam in one narrow direction, this light spreads far and wide. Its magnetic foldable body packs super efficiently, too. It'll fit in a camping tote, a backpack, a glove compartment, you name it. It doesn't even matter that it was originally intended to brighten up your work area: Harbor Freight customers have a lot to say about its usefulness while camping. From its brightness to its portability to its magnetic base, one reviewer says you might just need multiple.

You might already have a set of camping chairs, but that doesn't mean you can't upgrade to better ones. Besides, we all know how uncomfortable those traditional folding chairs can be. Harbor Freight has a really smart take on camping chairs that adds extra convenience and comfort with built-in storage and a folding side table. This lightweight chair uses an aluminum frame with an extra-wide seat plus three side pockets and the spacious little table. It's way more roomy than other folding chairs, and all that extra storage is great for holding, snacks, sunscreen, utensils, even the aforementioned foldable work light.

Harbor Freight customers love it, and they'll be the first to tell you how much better these chairs are than the traditional camping chairs you're used to. One customer said they bought enough for their whole family, which isn't a bad idea. And because it all folds up for easy transport, there's no need to struggle trying to get all four legs into the sleeve like those other chairs in your garage. While you're at it, they're affordable enough to grab a couple more for Father's Day.

Of course, if you're going to have folding chairs, you're going to need a folding table. You might already have one, but how good is it really? We all know the kind: Black metal legs, a grayish-white plastic tabletop with that bumpy, dimpled texture, super heavy... They're what you've always used, but they're a pain to move around and a hassle to set up. That's why this version from Harbor Freight is so nice. This Foldable Camping Table is way more portable, much more lightweight, and still just as useful. Plus, you can get it in a matching color to the Foldable Aluminum Sports Chairs above.

The table includes four built-in mesh cupholders and a lower shelf underneath the table for even more storage space. It weighs less than six pounds, and Harbor Freight says you can set it up or tear it down in a matter of seconds. Customer reviews are very positive. Buyers call it sturdy, compact, easy to store, and with plenty of room to spare. Leave the old school folding tables in the garage and take one of these next time.

If you're a hardcore camper, you know how handy a shovel can be. From clearing fire pits to digging drainage trenches, you simply have to have one packed if you want to get things done. That's what's so excellent about this Foldable Utility Shovel from Harbor Freight brand Badland. It's designed specifically around portability without sacrificing usability.

Extended, it measures nearly two feet long. But folded up, this utility shovel collapses to under ten inches. That'll fit nice and easy in your car or your backpack. User reviews on Harbor Freight's site double as a list of things you can do with it: Clear small areas for tents, manage campfire pits, remove rocks, dig shallow trenches around tents... even roadside emergencies, like digging your tires out of muddy or sandy terrain. It's not going to replace your full-sized landscaping tools, but you don't need to. This thing made is for convenience out at the campsite, and that's exactly what it's good at.

Let's say you go to Harbor Freight and grab every single thing we've mentioned on this list so far. You're going to need a way to haul it all, not to mention the coolers, water jugs, bins, cooking equipment, and tents you're bringing along to the campground too. That's why it's worth adding one more thing to the cart: this 150 lb.-capacity Foldable Hand Truck from Franklin. It's just what you need for transporting all that heavy gear.

Its lightweight aluminum build doesn't stop it from supporting loads up to 150 pounds before collapsing flat for transport and storage. The 40-inch extendable handle, toe plate, and 7.25-inch wheels all fold down, helping it fit in much tighter cargo spaces than traditional hand trucks. For campers, that means way fewer trips to the car to unload or pack up. Customer feedback on Harbor Freight's site says it best: This is a must-have for your next trip.

To find the best foldable Harbor Freight products for camping trips, we searched Harbor Freight's online catalog for products that specifically listed foldable or collapsible in the name. From there, we looked for items that focused on portability, compact storage, or outdoor use. We also took customer feedback into account, only picking products that had overwhelmingly positive star ratings and reviews that specifically mentioned camping.