27 Camping Products From REI You'll Probably Bring On Every Trip

Buzz Feed

25-02-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
You know you have some good gear on your hands when you look forward to using it season after season.
1. A classic Coleman two-burner camping stove perfect for whipping up a full meal in the great outdoors. With two burners, a windshield, and heat control, you're gonna be the head chef of the wilderness, and everyone will be so glad to have a hot meal in their bellies before snuggling up for the night.
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Promising review:"We love our Coleman stove! This is the best car camping stove we have. I am mostly a backpacker, but car camping has become more frequent as of late so I decided to get a double burner stoves for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back of all our adventures." — roseferg
2. A Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler famous for keeping your food and drinks colder than you could ever imagine for days at a time. Especially if you pre-cool it before you load it up, everything from seltzers and beers for campfire time to bacon, eggs, and OJ for a special backcountry breakfast will be ready to rock.
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Promising review:"This is the first yeti cooler I have ever purchased and I am in love. We used this camping and the drinks were so cold they may have been in our refrigerator. We did prime the cooler to get it chilled before loading it up which was simple and made a huge difference! There was ice in our cooler three days after camping and the drinks were still cold after sitting in our house without AC for four days in 85/90-degree heat! (It's a bummer i know) That really says something about the quality! Love the king crab orange color 10/10 if your considering a Yeti, get a Yeti" — Steph_keen_
3. An REI Wonderland 4 tent because the best part of camping is that it's basically an excuse to have an outdoor sleepover with your besties, and this beaut is as spacious as can be!
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The tent is suited for three-season use and has a 69.4-square-foot interior. You can get the footprint for this tent here.
Promising review:"Best tent ever!!!! Tall enough that I can stand inside, but not too tall that I can't set it up. It's easy to set up and take off without help (just me), and yet it's big enough that it feels like a palace inside. Plenty of pockets inside and little hooks for lights and whatever. You can close up all the windows and rainfly or leave it completely open with just the screen and enjoy the view from your sleeping bag. Even the lines and shapes that it forms when you are inside are beautiful! It's on the heavy side, but because I only car camp, I don't care. I'm in love with this tent, and it works so well, and it's so amazing that it makes me want to go camping even more!" — Lucia
4. Or a Hornet Elite OSMO Ultralight backpacking tent available in a one- or two-person model. I have this tent, and when I first set it up, I swear I heard angels sing. It has all the features I need, nothing I don't, and is going to be my go-to for years to come.
When looking for your first ultralight backpacking tent, it's hard to know what features you'll be OK with giving up. With the Nemo Hornet Elite, I still have all the comforts of most car camping tents — an upper pocket, some freestanding poles, a rainfly, and a vestibule — just made of lightweight materials. It is semi-freestanding, meaning you need to stake some parts of it out to get it fully set up, but it's easy to do and a small trade-off for how well it packs down and how easy it is to carry. It's a happy medium between weightier freestanding tents and tents set up only with trekking poles.
I opted for the one-person size, which is *very* much the size of one camper, but to my delight, at 5'6", there's room at my feet to store my backpack at my feet if I want to. That, or the vestibule under the rainfly, also fits it perfectly. I've had zero problems with condensation or rain getting in (though I've gotten lucky and have only endured some sprinkles on trips in this tent).
It doesn't come with a footprint, but honestly, I just cut a blue tarp to size to use, and it worked perfectly (though you can get the official footprint here). And while this is for sure a backpacking tent, I love it so much that as long as I'm camping alone, it will be the tent I bring on car camping trips, too. Next up, Joshua Tree!
5. A Rumpl Camp Pillow if you refuse to go even one night without a snuggly pillow but don't want to sacrifice your home pillow to the wilderness gods. I *love* this pillow for its double-sided fabric (one cooling, one snuggly), perfectly plush feel, and ability to fold in half into this little stuff sack.
I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl way.
6. A Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system that blows any other system out of the — say it with me — water. It's adaptable and easy to use in almost any situation, planned or not. I've encountered some pretty sad excuses for water sources and have still been able to get liquid into the bag to be filtered and safely consumed.
The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, and protozoa such as giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Note: If you're immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it's safe for you.
I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game-changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend.
Promising review:"I've taken this on a couple of backcountry/backpacking trips and it's so handy and easy to use. I find I prefer to carry two Smartwater bottles with me (one for dirty water, one for filtered water), screw the filter to the top of one, and squeeze clean water into the second bottle. I also love that it's small and lightweight. It's perfect for backcountry trips." — sarah279
7. A Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag if you're building out your car camping kit and want an affordable (under $50!) option that doesn't skimp on cozy. The 30-degree rating makes it suitable for three-season camping and its roomy rectangle sleep makes sure you can stttrrreeeetttch out to get comfortable, just the way you like.
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8. Or a Sea to Summit Spark 15 sleeping bag if you want a bag you can add to your backpacking setup (and probably cut some pack weight while you're at it!). 850+ fill goose down packs down ridiculously small, thanks in part to the included compression sack, and keeps you toasty warm, and its 15-degree rating means you can push into the shoulder seasons. More camping = more good days.
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I have this bag and while I haven't been able to take it out yet (curse you, work and grad school!), I can't WAIT to use it cowboy camping in the desert, aka sleeping outside without a tent. I've heard nothing but *chef's kiss* things from other backpackers and when I snuggled into it to "try it on" when it first arrived, know that I fully dozed off a little at 2pm.
9. A Stanley 14-Piece Wildfare Go Two Bowl Prep and Cook Set that has everything you need to prep, cook, and eat simple campground meals. Stanley may have recently gotten popular for their big ol' cups, but never forget they started in the rugged, reliable camp gear game.
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The kit comes with a1.5-liter saucepan with a fold-and-lock handle, a lid with vent and strain holes, cutting boards, removable trivets, two bowls, two two-piece sporks, and a two-piece spatula. And it's all dishwasher-safe so cleanup is super easy once you get home from your adventure.
10. A Coleman Classic 800 Lumen rechargeable lantern if you love the lanterns of yore (missin' u, propane models of my childhood camping trips) but want something a little more updated. This one is ultra-bright, has a long handle and carabiner for easy hanging, and its charging cord is even nested in the base so you never misplace it.
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Promising review:"This reliable classic pays homage to the original design: The charging port is where the pump used to be. The light I remember from childhood camping trips is now a reliable green-energy alternative to battery operated lanterns. We're giving them to all our family this Christmas. For those who don't camp, it's an excellent backup in case of storms and power outages." — MMS
11. Or a BioLite AspenGlow mini lantern that packs a whole lotta light into a teeny-tiny package. With a diameter of just three inches, it's a breeze to pop into any bag, and an integrated bungee makes it easy to hang almost anywhere. It's USB rechargeable and can run for 40 hours on its lowest setting, though it'll be hard to resist playing with the "party" setting, which cycles through its multicolor modes. Fun!
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This little lantern RULES. I'm just a huge fan of BioLite generally, but have been really impressed by how bright and reliable this little guy is. And at the end of the day, those are the two things you really want a lantern to be! The little bungee on the back really is useful for putting it up in your tent or somewhere unconventional, and the dimmer just rules.
Promising review:"Ordered this to have a light in our tent. It's small and compact — perfect for car camping. Also rechargeable. I also like that the lights can change color." — MLS
12. *OR* a BioLite Dash 450 headlamp if you want to go fully hands-free. Even for all my casual car campers out there, let me impart to you just how helpful it is to have a hands-free light at your disposal. Life. Changing.
BioLite
While most headlamps have a lot of weight up front where the light is, BioLite headlamps have their batteries on the back, which is just SO much more comfortable it's not even funny. But the weight is barely noticeable at all at just 2.75 ounces. The light is adjustable so you can angle it down where you're walking or running. And get this! It has five modes, ALL of which are dimmable. A dimmable red light?! I'm in heaven.
13. A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that famously come with a lifetime guarantee, they're that confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs this year and LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, well...darn tough!
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Hot tip for my hiking girlies with muscular calves: my life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a shoe size 8.5 and find that a men's M in these socks sits great. Not too big in the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY!
Promising review:"In my opinion, these the the best and last socks you will ever need. I threw all my cotton socks away that always stretch and slide down to my ankles. These socks are guaranteed for life. I've been wearing them for about 10 years now and have never had to replace one pair. I use this sock for everyday use. You can wear the same pair for a few days and they won't smell. You can't say that about cotton or other wool socks. I've tried other SmartWool socks and they would smell in a day. Not these." — Jim
15. Or a Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad if you want a pad you can roll up suuuuper small for convenience or to take on backpacking trips. I've had a Big Agnes inflatable pad for three years and it's pop-free, even after camping in the desert where basically everything is pokey.
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Inflatable pads are particularly greta for side sleepers, and this 3.25-inch thick one provides tons of comfort. It has an R-value of four, meaning it'll insulate you well through spring, summer, and fall.
Promising review:"I slept on this over five weeks on a bike tour during a very rainy Norwegian autumn. The product dries quickly, is durable, and I found it very comfortable. I wish it compressed to a smaller size, but I didn't want to spend the extra money and it probably would have sacrificed some durability. I always woke up refreshed after a long day of biking. Five stars!" — Ciao90
16. A Kula Cloth, aka the most amazing reusable pee rag money can buy. It has a waterproof external layer (that's the pretty printed one), an antimicrobial ~wiping~ side, and snaps that keep the cloth closed when you're not using it. If you're tired of doing a weird pee dance or straight up damp underwear after going in the woods, here is the long-awaited solution! If you didn't know, now you know.
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Yeah, the Kula Cloth is life-changing if peeing in the woods gets you down. It's also super useful for general travel if you're traveling anywhere with an unreliable TP situation. There's also a little loop on the corner so you can just carabiner it to the outside of your pack if you're backpacking. Ya know how people who drive Jeeps nod at each other on the road. People with Kula Cloths on their pack nod to each other on trail. It's a thing.
Promising review:"I've had one for years now and it has been such a game changer from backpacking, camping or just hiking. We take them everywhere outdoors and I consider this one of the best outdoor inventions ever. If you don't want wet panties or to have to be packing toilet paper into a baggie to pack out this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" — outdrgrl
17. A small medical kit, because it's a good idea to have first aid supplies on hand when you're out in the wilderness, full stop. This one has everything you need and is quite well organized, which is actually very important in a real emergency.
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This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more!
Promising review:"It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." — Josh L
18. A Black Diamond sun hoodie that's a personal fave for camping, sunny hikes, climbing, and backpacking trips. Basically if I'm outside, I'm wearing this. I've started to take sun protection super seriously, so a long-sleeve UPF 50+ option is a must. And even as the sweatiest person alive who refuses to pack deodorant when backpacking (extra weight? No thanks), it keeps me dry no matter how many miles I trek.
Other things I love? It's washed and dried super well in the two years I've had it, and there's a little zippered pocket on the side, which stores important little doo-dads like keys and headphones securely.
Promising review:"I bought this shirt over a year ago, and since then have worn it hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing and mountain biking. I took a fall while mountain biking and ended up getting a small hole the size of a needle... but when I took the shirt off I was surprised to find the elbow pad I was wearing underneath was ripped, and my arm was all scraped, but the shirt was fine! I've hiked with it in 70/80 degree weather and haven't been sunburnt. I sweat a lot and this shirt dries pretty quickly so I stay pretty dry. I'm really happy with this shirt. The only thing I wish was that it had a thumb hole and a pocket on the other side as well to balance it out." — Pei F
19. A pack of Alpine Start, the most delicious instant coffee in the land. I know what you're thinking, but believe me, it HITS. I tried it for camping and backpacking trips and ended up loving it so much I keep it on-hand in my house all the time for mornings when I'm feeling lazy and need some java. Yes, that's every morning, get off my case.
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Promising review:"This is just hands-down the best camping coffee option there is. I love the bulk size so you can easily make everyone's cup of coffee in the morning and it's easy to make it stronger or weaker depending on preference. The best part is not having to deal with the mess of using real beans and having to clean it up. Highly highly recommend. You won't regret." — Moot
20. An REI Co-op Flash 22 pack so you have a simple, well-designed daypack ready to go if you want to go on hikes from camp. It's on the budget-friendly side of high-quality gear, coming in at $60, and it's money well spent. REI brand gear tends to really hold up, so get ready to reach for this bag for years and years to come.
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21. A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil roll-top dry sack because keeping your camp clothes and electronics dry is absolutely essential for any fun, safe camping trip. My love for these lightweight waterproof bags can't be stifled.
On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags that each work double time. One serves as my clothes bag and the other is my food bag since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring another for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. But enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home.
Promising review:"Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) to stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, so I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fit easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." — Jenni
22. A Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket to stay comfy outside whether you're in need of extra warmth in your tent, the perfect picnic blanket, or anything in between. With a small packed size, lightweight, tough fabric, and dirt- and water- resistance, this blanket up for basically any and all adventures. My personal favorite feature? It's machine-washable and dryer-safe!
The extra features on this blanket feel limitless. Oh look, a little zipper pocket on the corner! Oo, neat, a paracord loop on the other corner! Hey, a cape clip so you can wear the darn thing! I've been rocking the same original Rumpl blanket since 2019 and have loved it from day one, but the Backcountry model is a really tasty upgrade. Highly recommend for anyone who goes outside, and yes, I know that means basically everyone.
Price: $149+ (available in five colors and two sizes)
Also check out my full review on the OG Rumpl blanket for more deets on why I've been all-in on these insulated beauts for years.
23. A pair of Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking shoes that have become a real go-to of mine for all things outdoors. From long meandering hikes to car camping trips, their grippy Vibram sole keeps you feeling secure and a breathable upper ensures you don't overheat.
Plain and simple: this is a great outdoor shoe. Especially if you're looking for On Pair To Rule Them All, as it were, I think this is an excellent one to go for. Boots can be overkill, but some trail runners are a little *too* flimsy. These Merrells have some extra meat to them without feeling heavy or bulky.
24. An ENO DoubleNest Hammock for relaxing amongst the trees. I literally can't imagine anything I'd like to do more than chill in a hammock on a camping trip.
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Check out the ENO Atlas straps for simple setup!
Promising review:"The best hammock I've ever bought! I swear there is something magical woven into the material, because the moment you slide in = instant relaxation mode! I wish I purchased this hammock earlier in the season. Super easy to set up (you do need to have your own anchor straps), and VERY dog friendly. I'm excited for many years of magical moments with my pup in this hammock. Worth the price tag! Very well made and VERY cozy." — Jennifer
25. A pack of Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes so you can freshen up a little bit between showers, much to the satisfaction of your campmates' noses. These specific wipes never dry out my skin, and the resealable packaging really does stay closed in my experience, keeping the remaining wipes moist and ready to use whenever you need 'em.
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I looooove these wipes, and you'll usually find at least a few in my backpacking and camping setup!
Promising review:"I couldn't have gone without these, 5 days no running water (or baths) and these got pine tar off super easily AND helped keep the BO to a minimum. 10/10 would bring again." — kbhobbyhiker
Price: $5.95+ (available in two sizes)
26. A Garmin inReach Mini 2 to help you stay in touch with loved ones or in case of emergency when you're out in the backwoods with no cellphone service. A huge relief to have for hikers of all kinds, especially if you love nothing more than a good solo trip.
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To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $14.95+ (or $11.95+ if you opt for an annual contract). But don't worry, if you're just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure.
Promising review:"Recently used the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a seven-day backpacking trek in the northern Yosemite wilderness. I kept it on during the day, sent two to three preset check-in messages per day, and turned it off overnight (and kept it in my sleeping bag). After six nights/seven days like this, I still had 40% battery life left. Messages usually took about a minute to send with no/minimal tree cover, and the Bluetooth-connected phone app makes typing messages from your phone very easy. I'm so glad I had it with me to get info about the Washburn fire that started while I was on the trail. Overall, I (and my loved ones back home!) am very happy with how the Garmin performed." — Elyse
Price: $400+ (available in two colors)
27. A full-zip Cotopaxi fleece jacket that's the perfect weight for chilly nights by the fire. After all, the key to staying comfy while camping is layers! The pretty colorways aren't too shabby, either.
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Promising review:"Love my new fleece Cotopaxi hoodie. It fits me more like a jacket. I am going to Alaska, and I wanted a new hoodie. I bought a 1X and it is roomy enough for a layer underneath. 1X is usually too big for me, but with this brand, it's about an XXL. I love the color, and I feel it's a little more stylish than a regular hoodie. I got mine on sale, but it's worth the full price. I am going to get a lot of use out of it. It's very well made." — Rose
Price: $97.93+ (originally $140, available in sizes XS–3X and three colors)
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.