This list includes 36 Camping Items and supplies that start with M, from “MRE” to “Mylar blanket”. They range from food and warmth essentials to tools and small comforts campers commonly pack.
Camping Items and supplies that start with M are gear and consumables you bring for shelter, food, or warmth. Many come from military, rescue, and outdoor traditions; for example, MREs and Mylar blankets have long field use.
Below you’ll find the table with [COLUMN_NAMES].
Item: The item name shows the specific gear or supply beginning with M, helping you spot what you may need.
One-line Usage: A concise usage line explains how the item helps on trips, letting you compare function quickly.
Popular Brands: Two to four well-known brands indicate reliable options you can research or buy from familiar retailers.
Camping Items and supplies that start with M
| Item | Category | Typical use | Popular brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Map | Navigation | Find routes, campsites, and trails | National Geographic, Rand McNally, USGS |
| Matches | Fire | Start campfires, stoves, and emergency fires | Coghlan’s, UCO, Diamond |
| Multi-tool | Tool | Cut, tighten, open cans, and small repairs | Leatherman, Victorinox, Gerber |
| Mess kit | Cookware | Cook, serve, and eat meals while camping | GSI Outdoors, Stanley, MSR |
| Mess tin | Cookware | Small pot for cooking over open flame | GSI Outdoors, Trangia, Stanley |
| Mug | Cookware | Drink coffee, tea, or soups at camp | Yeti, Stanley, GSI Outdoors |
| Mat | Sleep gear | Provide cushioning and insulation under sleeping bag | Therm-a-Rest, NEMO, Sea to Summit |
| Mattress | Sleep gear | Inflatable basecamp sleeping surface for comfort | Coleman, Exped, SoundAsleep |
| Manual pump | Inflation | Inflate air mattresses and sleeping pads | Intex, Sea to Summit, Coleman |
| Machete | Tool | Clear brush and process campwood or trails | Gerber, Cold Steel, Tramontina |
| Mallet | Tool | Drive tent stakes without damaging them | MSR, Coghlan’s, REI Co-op |
| Magnesium fire starter | Fire | Create sparks to ignite tinder in wet conditions | Light My Fire, UST, Coghlan’s |
| Microfiber towel | Hygiene | Quick-dry towel for showers and gear drying | Sea to Summit, PackTowl, REI |
| Merino wool | Clothing | Base layer for warmth and odor resistance | Smartwool, Icebreaker, Minus33 |
| Mittens | Clothing | Keep hands warm in cold weather | Outdoor Research, Black Diamond, REI |
| Moleskin | Medical | Protect blisters and tender spots on feet | Dr. Scholl’s, Compeed, Hansaplast |
| Mosquito net | Shelter | Protect sleeping area from biting insects | Sea to Summit, Coghlan’s, ENO |
| Mosquito head net | Clothing | Keep bugs off face and neck while active | Coghlan’s, Sea to Summit, Coleman |
| Mosquito repellent | Health | Apply to skin or clothing to repel biting insects | OFF!, Sawyer, Repel |
| Mosquito coil | Pest control | Burn near campsite to reduce mosquitoes in the area | Off!, Repel, Cutter |
| Mylar blanket | Safety | Retain body heat in emergencies and wet weather | SOL, Coghlan’s, Emergency Zone |
| Medical kit | Health | Treat cuts, sprains, and common outdoor injuries | Adventure Medical Kits, Surviveware, Red Cross |
| MRE | Food | Ready-to-eat meals for emergencies or remote trips | Sopakco, Mountain House, AmeriQual |
| Microspikes | Footwear | Provide traction on ice and packed snow | Kahtoola, Yaktrax, Hillsound |
| Monocular | Optics | Spot wildlife or views with a compact scope | Vortex, Nikon, Bushnell |
| Mirror | Safety | Signal rescuers or for personal grooming | Coghlan’s, SOL, UCO |
| Marker | Tool | Label gear, mark maps, or make quick repairs | Sharpie, Staedtler, Uni-ball |
| Masking tape | Repair | Temporary fixes and labeling around camp | 3M, Duck, Gorilla |
| Mesh bag | Storage | Store wet gear and improve ventilation for drying | Sea to Summit, REI, Outdoor Research |
| Map case | Navigation | Keep maps dry and readable during wet weather | Rite in the Rain, Aqua Quest, Coghlan’s |
| Measuring cup | Cookware | Measure water and ingredients for cooking | GSI Outdoors, MSR, Snow Peak |
| Mini shovel | Tool | Dig catholes, clear fire pits, or move soil | Gerber, SOG, UST |
| Mud mat | Camp accessory | Wipe boots and keep tent entrance cleaner | REI, Coghlan’s, Timber Ridge |
| Muck boots | Footwear | Waterproof boots for wet campsites and muddy trails | Muck Boot Company, Bogs, XTRATUF |
| Moisture-wicking shirt | Clothing | Pull sweat away to dry faster during activity | Patagonia, Under Armour, Columbia |
| Meal kit | Food | Pre-portioned ingredients for easy campsite meals | Mountain House, Backpacker’s Pantry, Good To-Go |
Descriptions
Map
Folded paper map for navigation when phones fail, showing trails, contours, and key landmarks.
Matches
Simple sticks to light fires; waterproof and windproof options are common for camping.
Multi-tool
Compact hand tool combining knife, pliers, screwdrivers and more; versatile for many campsite tasks.
Mess kit
Lightweight set of pots, pans, and utensils designed to stack for easy packing and cooking.
Mess tin
Compact metal pan often used for boiling or frying; popular with backpackers and minimalist campers.
Mug
Durable cup for hot and cold drinks; insulated versions keep beverages warm at camp.
Mat
Thin sleeping pad that adds comfort and warmth between you and the ground.
Mattress
Larger inflatable mattress for car camping that offers mattress-like comfort at a campsite.
Manual pump
Hand or foot pump for inflating pads and mattresses when no power is available.
Machete
Long-bladed tool for chopping vegetation, useful for campsite clearing and wood preparation.
Mallet
Soft-faced hammer used to seat tent stakes; gentler than metal hammers to avoid damage.
Magnesium fire starter
Compact block with magnesium and striker; scrape shavings and spark to start fires reliably.
Microfiber towel
Thin, absorbent towel that dries fast and packs small—ideal for backpacking and showers.
Merino wool
Natural wool fiber that stays warm when wet, resists odor, and is comfortable against skin.
Mittens
Warm handwear that traps heat better than gloves, useful in cold camps and winter trips.
Moleskin
Soft adhesive padding used to prevent or protect foot blisters during long hikes.
Mosquito net
Fine mesh canopy or tent insert that keeps mosquitoes and bugs away while you sleep.
Mosquito head net
Lightweight mesh worn over a hat to protect the face from biting insects while hiking or cooking.
Mosquito repellent
Spray, lotion, or wipes that reduce bites and lower insect-borne annoyance or disease risk.
Mosquito coil
Slow-burning coil used outdoors to repel mosquitoes; good for sitting areas but not for enclosed spaces.
Mylar blanket
Thin reflective emergency blanket that reflects body heat and packs tiny for survival kits.
Medical kit
Compact first-aid kit stocked with bandages, tape, antiseptic, and supplies for basic care.
MRE
Prepackaged military-style meal requiring no cooking; durable and shelf-stable for emergencies.
Microspikes
Lightweight spikes that strap over boots for better grip on icy or snowy trails.
Monocular
Single-eye compact telescope alternative to binoculars, lighter and easy to pack.
Mirror
Small signaling mirror or general mirror useful for emergencies and campsite hygiene.
Marker
Permanent marker handy for labeling equipment, marking routes, and filling in logs.
Masking tape
Light adhesive tape for quick repairs, bundling, and marking gear or routes.
Mesh bag
Breathable bag that packs wet clothing or gear and helps items dry while stored.
Map case
Waterproof sleeve or case that protects paper maps from rain and dirt.
Measuring cup
Small lightweight cup with measurement marks for accurate water and ingredient measuring.
Mini shovel
Compact folding shovel for digging small holes, campsite chores, and emergency use.
Mud mat
Small outdoor mat that keeps mud and debris out of the tent and gear area.
Muck boots
Waterproof, insulated boots designed to keep feet dry and warm around wet campsites.
Moisture-wicking shirt
Technical shirt that helps evaporate sweat quickly to keep you comfortable while hiking.
Meal kit
Prepackaged meal boxes or kits that simplify cooking at camp, often dehydrated or requiring minimal prep.