The best things to 3D print for camping are light, low-stakes gear like a fork-spoon that takes 8 g of filament and 48 minutes, according to Jet L, a YouTube channel that printed 10 camping tools.
Dan Becker and Gordon Crum, who field-tested printed gear on YouTube, found some PLA pieces brittle and noted that a printed carabiner is not load rated. Joshua Briggs, an outdoors channel, called his printed storage stool a favorite.
Here are prints that work outdoors, which ones to skip, and the filament to use.
Best Things to 3D Print for Camping
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
Camp setup
- Guy-line tensioners and cord organizers
- Soft-ground tent stakes (carry metal backups)
- Lantern and S-hooks for tent loops
- Fuel canister stands
Camp kitchen and hygiene
- Bottle shower heads and wash kits
- Salt and pepper shakers and spice pods
- Collapsible cups (see the food-safety note)
Safety and navigation
- Tick removal tools
- Knot reference cards
- Whistles and map holders
Comfort
- Folding stools and tables
- Phone and light mounts
Fishing
- 3D printed fishing lures
- Rod holders and line spools
Filament for Outdoor Prints
| Filament | Use it for |
|---|---|
| PLA | Prototypes and single trips; softens around 60 °C, so not in a hot car |
| PETG | Gear that goes back in the bag |
| ASA | Gear that lives in sun or a hot vehicle |
Safety: Never trust printed carabiners or buckles for climbing or life safety. Be careful with food and water contact: printed layers are hard to clean. Keep plastics away from flames.
Best Printers for Camping Gear
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed for ASA outdoor gear | Check price |
| Bambu Lab P2S Combo | $779.00 | Enclosed with built-in filament drying | Check price |
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | Great value for PETG gear | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About Things to 3D Print for Camping
These are findings from popular YouTube videos, paraphrased from their transcripts and credited. They are the creators’ experiences and claims, not my test results.
- Jet L (Jet L: “These 10 3D Printed Camping Tools Are Genius!”) printed a bottle shower kit (about 64 g and 3.8 hours, by his slicer), a multicolor knot reference card (51 g), a tick tool and a combined fork-spoon that took just 8 g and 48 minutes.
- Dan Becker and Gordon Crum (Dan Becker and Gordon Crum: “I Tested 3D Printed Camping Gadgets… Some Were Awesome”) field-tested downloaded gear. They found some PLA pieces brittle, said a printed carabiner is not load rated, and suggested printing a trowel at 100% infill for strength.
- Joshua Briggs (Joshua Briggs: “5 Practical 3D Prints for the Outdoors!”) printed a compact fishing reel (gearbox in PETG to last), a portable table and a storage stool, which he called his favorite because it just works.
- On Reddit (r/CampingGear), users recommend tensioners, canister stands and cord organizers, and warn against printed parts for food and water storage.
Field-Testing Printed Gear
Frequently Asked Questions
What filament is best for camping gear?
PETG for most gear; ASA if it will sit in sun or a hot car.
Can I print tent stakes?
For soft ground. Carry metal stakes for hard soil.
Are printed utensils safe?
Printed layers trap bacteria and most filaments are not certified food-safe. Use them with care, or not at all.
Will PLA survive a hot car?
Often not; it can soften around 60 °C.
Sources
- Jet L: “These 10 3D Printed Camping Tools Are Genius!”
- Dan Becker and Gordon Crum: “I Tested 3D Printed Camping Gadgets”
- Joshua Briggs: “5 Practical 3D Prints for the Outdoors!”
- r/CampingGear: Best 3D printable camping gear?
- r/3Dprinting: PLA prints in hot cars
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: 3D Prints for the Garden | 3D Prints for Car Accessories | PLA vs PETG for Beginners | 3D Printed Hooks
Notes and disclosure
Note: Printer prices come from Amazon listings on October 16, 2026 and change often. The ideas below come from popular YouTube creators and Reddit threads, credited where used. My own hands-on results will be added after my planned test prints.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.