As the summer's first substantial heat wave continues to pummel much of the US there's little to do but crank the AC and dream of a campsite beside a cool stream somewhere. Which begs the question, what’s stopping you from finding your own little slice of paradise? Well, jobs, duh, but forget that. Call out sick. Play hooky. It’s the perfect time to update and upgrade your camp setup, and then put it to use.

So, to help, we selected three key essentials for elevating your camp experience, whether you’re aiming to bag a summit or simply pitch a tent in your local state park.

Nero Equipment: Galaxi 3P Tent

First off, when a tent billed as a three person it’s perfect for two. Yes, three can fit, but who wants to sleep like sardines? Use the extra space to store gear away from morning dew, or fill it with a trusty pooch. Trust, the few extra ounces of weight are more often then not well worth it. The Galaxi 3P Tent features dual zippered doors, a full mesh canopy for star gazing, sturdy aluminum poles, and all the other good stuff you’d expect from a proper backpacking tent.

Snow Peak: Cooking Starter Kit

Aside from shelter, a proper cook kit is key when venturing into the outdoors. It’s no secret Snow Peak is a favorite here at TF. The Japanese brand has been making some of the most attractive, functional gear for over half a century now. And the Cooking Starter Kit is no exception. The highly packable kit contains a GigiPower Auto backpacking stove, Trek 700 titanium cookset, and titanium spork (especially handy for raking in IG likes via #sporklife). You’re all set.

Cotopaxi: Sueno Sleeping Bag

The three season Sueno Sleeping Bag uses 800-fill water-resistant duck down to achieve a 15 degree rating and pack down small. Ideal for both backpacking and car camping, the lightweight design will keep you cozy from spring through fall. Dual side zips allow you to fold down the top section on warm nights, or unzip it entirely into a blanket—a solid mid summer approach. The classic mummy shape and roomy footbox ensure you stay comfortable, and an insulated media pocket protects your phone’s battery from draining due to cold nights.