How to curate a black camping gear collection

You want to create a campsite filled with your favorite gear, using black camping equipment. However, you might be unsure whether you should start by replacing your tent, or if you should gradually collect smaller items first.

If you already own gear, start with the small items you use most often. If you are just starting out or looking to replace your current setup, begin with the tent, which serves as the centerpiece of your campsite. Starting by matching your current equipment will help you see which piece to choose next.

On this page, we will introduce how to collect black camping gear and how to coordinate colors and materials, using six items from BlackishGear as examples. Please enjoy black camping at your own pace while making the most of the gear you already own.

How to collect black camping gear

Table of Contents

First, decide: "Small items" or "The tent"?

If you want to utilize your current gear, start with frequently used small items

If you want to change up your usual camping routine, try incorporating black into the tools you reach for most often. If you enjoy campfires, consider a fire blower; if you love cooking, a pair of BBQ tongs; or if you enjoy a drink after a meal, a pint glass.

Next, by expanding to the table where you place those items, the scene in front of you will start to look more cohesive. This method involves organizing little by little in the order of "frequently used small items → table area → tent and sleeping quarters."

When deciding on a budget, start by choosing one piece you want to use on your next trip. Imagining yourself using that gear makes it easier to understand what your priorities are.

If you are just starting out or replacing gear, start with the tent

If you are collecting camping gear for the first time or thinking about replacing your tent, using a large-scale tent as your starting point makes it easier to define the atmosphere of the entire campsite.

First, choose a tent that fits the number of people and the setup location, then move on to the mat used inside, the table for your living space, and small items for cooking and campfires. By deciding on the scale first, it becomes easier to think about the usability of your layout.

If you are planning to stay overnight, check equipment that fits the season and your lifestyle, such as sleeping bags and lighting. Keeping both your aesthetic budget and your essential equipment budget in mind will help you decide the order of your purchases.

3 tips for collecting black gear

1. Decide where to prioritize black first

Start by focusing on one specific area, such as "on the table" or "inside the tent." If it's the table, focus on tongs or glasses; if it's inside the tent, focus on the mat. This helps narrow down your choices.

Even if your current tent is beige or olive, you can enjoy coordinating with small black items. Gradually expanding the area occupied by black while keeping your favorite gear is one way to build your collection.

2. Enjoy the variety of textures within the same black

Black fabric, metal, wood, and glass each have a different feel. You can combine the soft texture of fabric with the contours of metal, or add a translucent glass to a black wooden grip. Even with the same color, changing the material creates more depth.

When looking at product photos, pay attention to the luster and texture as well as the color. You can enjoy combinations by considering whether to choose items with textures close to what you already have, or by adding contrasting textures.

3. Consider placement and order of use

When arranging black gear, deciding where to place items based on usage makes it easier to balance aesthetics and convenience. Place cooking/serving items in the kitchen area, and keep drinks in a stable spot reachable while seated. Don't forget to secure walkways for entry and exit.

It is also recommended to place your gear as you normally would and then step back to view the site from a distance. Not only will you notice the colors, but you will also spot areas that are too cluttered or spaces you want to keep open.

6 pieces of black camping gear by scene

From here, we will introduce BlackishGear items according to the area you want to set up or the time you want to enjoy. Check out the items you want to add to your current gear.

The center of the site | Black One-Pole Tent

BLACK TIPI V2's black canopy and front awning

BLACK TIPI V2 is a one-pole tent using black TC material. It comes with a full inner tent, one main pole, and two sub-poles, allowing you to enjoy arrangements like lifting the front to create a canopy.

The tent body dimensions are 250cm wide, 210cm deep, and 200cm high. When considering the setup location, be sure to check not just these dimensions, but also the space needed for guy ropes and the front canopy extension.

The key to choosing is the number of people sleeping and the space for luggage. Since a pole stands in the center, try visualizing your sleeping arrangement and entry paths based on the size of your mat. This tent serves as the perfect starting point for those who want to build their entire campsite around a black theme.

See the size and accessories for BLACK TIPI V2

If you are unsure about the layout of your bedding or the setup space, our guide, "How to choose a black one-pole tent | Size, material, and setup space," introduces points to check before you buy.

Bring black inside the tent | Folding Camping Mat

Unfolded BLACK ZONE MAT with black on both sides

BLACK ZONE MAT is a folding mat that is black on both the front and back. You can choose this when you want to unify your sleeping area—visible from the tent entrance—in black.

When unfolded, the size is 185cm long, 60cm wide, and 2cm thick. Before purchasing, verify if it fits your physique and the size of your sleeping area. Checking the size when folded will also make it easier to plan storage and transportation.

When choosing a mat, insulation and cushioning properties that match the season and the condition of the ground are also points you'll want to verify.

See the size and specifications of BLACK ZONE MAT

If you are unsure about thickness, insulation, or carrying size, our guide, "How to choose a folding camping mat | Thickness, insulation, and storage size," introduces points to check before you buy.

Organize your gear | Black 3-Tier Side Table

BLACK ARRAY TABLE's 3-tier shelves and leg frames

BLACK ARRAY TABLE is a black side table with three tiers, allowing you to organize your gear. It is perfect when you want to coordinate your tabletop area in black as well.

When assembled, it is 65cm wide, 18cm deep, and adjustable in height from 35cm to 55cm. Before choosing, check the height of your current chair and main table, as well as the available space next to them.

Separating the tools you reach for often from the items you just want to keep stored allows for a more efficient layout. Since it is 3cm thick when stored, it is an easy piece to visualize for packing in your car or storing at home.

See the size and height adjustment for BLACK ARRAY TABLE

If you are unsure about the height of a side table or storage methods, our guide, "Is a camping side table necessary? Choosing by height, storage, and placement," introduces points to check before you buy.

For campfire time | Retractable Black Fire Blower

BLACK BLAZE WAND's Naguri-processed grip and retractable pipe

BLACK BLAZE WAND is a fire blower combining a black wooden handle with a Naguri-style finish and a retractable pipe. Use it whenever you need to send air to your campfire.

The total length when extended is 60cm, and it shrinks to 15.5cm for storage. When choosing, check both the length during use and whether it fits in your usual gear bag.

For those who spend a long time enjoying campfires, this is a great candidate for a small item to add black to early on. You can create your own personal style starting from the color and texture of the tools you hold in your hand.

See the retractable size and grip of BLACK BLAZE WAND

For those choosing a fire blower for the first time, our guide, "Is a fire blower necessary? Usage and how to choose a retractable one," introduces useful scenarios and basic usage.

For your culinary handiwork | Black BBQ Tongs

BLACK EMBER FANG's black tip and wooden grip

BLACK EMBER FANG are BBQ tongs for food, combining black stainless steel with a Naguri-style wooden grip. The total length is about 27cm. This is a candidate for those who enjoy cooking while camping and want to add black to their kitchen area.

You can also enjoy matching the look of the Naguri-style wooden grips with the BLACK BLAZE WAND fire blower.

Before purchasing, compare the length and storage space with the tongs you currently use. Since these include wooden parts, please follow the care instructions on the product page.

See the size and care instructions for BLACK EMBER FANG

If you are unsure about length or material, check our guide, "How to choose BBQ tongs | Choosing by length, material, and care," to learn the basics of matching tongs to your grill and maintaining them.

For a relaxing drink | Black Pint Glass

BLACK MISTA's smoky black and deeply black options

BLACK MISTA is a 490ml black pint glass. You can choose from two expressions: translucent black or deep black.

For those who want to enjoy the aesthetic of the glass itself and the time spent pouring a drink. As a piece to incorporate black into your table area, imagine using this both at the campsite and at home.

When choosing, check the dimensions (9cm diameter, 15cm height) and how you will protect it during transport. Since it is not heat-resistant glass, please choose it for enjoying cold drinks.

See the two colors and handling instructions for BLACK MISTA

If you are unsure about capacity or how to carry it while camping, please also see our guide, "What is a pint glass? Capacity, shape, and how to carry it to camp."

Things to check before you buy

Once you've found an item you're interested in, imagine using it with your existing gear and check these three points:

  • Size when in use and stored: Does it fit in your tent, next to your table, in your car trunk, or in your storage space at home?
  • Material and care: Does it fit your lifestyle, including where to dry it, how to wash it, and how to protect it during transport?
  • Accessories and combinations: Check what is included with the product and confirm whether your current tools are sufficient or if you need to add anything extra.

Please check the latest information on pricing, stock, and delivery dates on each product page.

Frequently asked questions about collecting black camping gear

Should I try to make all my gear black?

To what extent you incorporate black is entirely up to your preference. You could unify just the tabletop in black, or make your tent and mat black while using your favorite gear as an accent color. Start by collecting items for the places you look at most often.

Can I enjoy combining items from other brands?

Absolutely. It is easy to achieve a cohesive look by keeping colors and luster similar, or you can create variety by combining different materials like wood and metal. In addition to visual combinations, thinking about where and at what height you place things will help you plan a campsite that is easy to use.

Does black camping gear show dirt easily?

When dry dirt, sand, or dust gets on them, the black surface may appear whitish. How to remove dirt varies depending on the material, so please follow the care instructions for each item. For painted gear, check which detergents or tools can be used so that you don't scratch them by scrubbing too hard.

Start with a piece you want to use on your next camping trip

Unify your cooking area in black. Coordinate your sleeping space in your favorite color. Build your entire site around a black tent. There are many ways to enjoy "Black Camping" tailored to your own style.

Start with one piece you'd like to use on your next camping trip. Using that tool as a starting point, gradually collect the items you want to place around it and the areas you want to coordinate.

Become the "black" that remains untainted by any other color. Find your own black with BlackishGear.