15 ’80s Camping Trends That Have Faded Away
These once-popular camping practices show how much outdoor life has evolved with technology and taste.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
In the 1980s, camping was a mix of low-tech grit, community rituals, and quirky gear choices. Families bonded over tangled tent poles, shared fire-grilled pies, and nightly bug battles under the hiss of a gas lantern. Though many of these trends are gone, they left a warm, nostalgic imprint on anyone who pitched a tent during that neon-tinged decade.
1. Canvas Wall Tents
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Back in the 1980s, heavy canvas wall tents were a staple of family camping trips. They were durable but weighed a ton and needed a team effort to set up. Today, lightweight nylon and instant pop-up tents have taken over, leaving the old canvas relics mostly in storage or at yard sales.
2. Coleman Catalytic Heaters
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These portable heaters were a godsend during chilly nights, even if they always smelled a bit off. Campers relied on them inside tents, despite the slight risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Modern campers now prefer safer alternatives with automatic shut-offs and built-in sensors.
3. Boom Boxes Around the Campfire
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Before Bluetooth speakers, there were boom boxes blasting mixtapes by Bon Jovi or Cyndi Lauper by the fire. They ran on huge D batteries and often had to be shared between friends, passed around like a prized possession. Today’s campers lean toward quiet, eco-conscious tech — or just the sound of nature.
4. Fanny Packs for Gear Storage
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Everyone wore a brightly colored fanny pack to hold matches, pocket knives, and hard candy. It was less about fashion and more about function, though they were somehow both at once. While they’ve made a comeback in streetwear, they’re rarely seen on the trails anymore.
5. Aluminum Lawn Chairs with Webbing
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These folding chairs with woven plastic straps were uncomfortable and left patterns on your legs, but they were everywhere. Tossed in the back of a station wagon, they made their way to campgrounds all across the country. Nowadays, padded camping chairs with cupholders rule the roost.
6. Plastic Igloo Coolers Without Wheels
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You’d lug around a heavy, ice-filled Igloo cooler and end up with sore arms and a wet backseat. Wheels weren’t part of the design, so dragging one across a gravel path was an exercise in patience. Today’s coolers have wheels, insulation that lasts for days, and even charging ports.
7. Trail Mix with M&Ms, Raisins, and Peanuts (Only)
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In the ’80s, trail mix was a predictable blend of chocolate, raisins, and peanuts. You’d grab a handful and hope for more M&Ms than raisins. Now, you’ll find trail mixes with dried mango, coconut chips, almonds, and chia seeds taking over store shelves.
8. Blue Enamel Cookware
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That speckled blue enamel cookware was practically required for any legit camping trip. It chipped easily and burned food if you weren’t careful, but it made you feel like a rugged pioneer. Stainless steel and titanium kits have since replaced it, offering better durability and heat control.
9. Sierra Cups Clipped to Belts
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Hikers wore metal Sierra cups dangling from their belts like badges of honor. They clanked with every step but were handy for scooping water or sipping coffee. These days, collapsible silicone mugs or insulated flasks are far more practical.
10. Campfire Jaffles (Pie Irons)
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Making grilled sandwiches in cast-iron pie irons was the height of campsite cuisine. Filled with cheese or cherry pie filling, they tasted amazing but required a lot of fire finesse. Now, campers often use lightweight cookware or just eat pre-made wraps and protein bars.
11. Sleeping Bags with Cartoon Characters
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Whether it was He-Man, Rainbow Brite, or Transformers, kids proudly zipped into sleeping bags that featured their favorite Saturday morning heroes. They were warm enough for summer but miserable in the cold. Today’s kids bring more weather-proof, technical sleeping bags, and the characters stay on screens.
12. Using Gas Lanterns for Light
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Gas lanterns, fueled by propane or white gas, provided the glow at every campsite. They hissed like snakes and had to be handled with care to avoid burns. Now, LED lanterns and string lights offer safer, longer-lasting alternatives.
13. Campground Bingo and Bulletin Boards
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Campgrounds often posted bingo nights or potluck announcements on a physical corkboard by the ranger station. Families walked over after dinner to check out what was happening. These community boards have mostly been replaced by mobile apps and campground websites.
14. Macrame Keychain Making and Lanyards
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Rainy afternoons at camp meant weaving long strands of neon plastic into zigzag lanyards. Campers traded them or attached them to their zippers like trophies. The tradition has faded, replaced by online games and curated outdoor programs.
15. Solar Showers Hung from Trees
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A black plastic bag filled with water and left in the sun was your best chance at a warm shower. You’d hang it from a branch and hope it didn’t leak mid-rinse. Nowadays, portable pressure showers and solar-powered shower kits are a huge upgrade.