33 Affordable Camping Essentials From REI

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3 days ago

A four-function whistle that's a compass, magnifying glass, thermometer, and, of course, emergency whistle all in one handy-dandy little tool. Perfect to clip onto your pack just in case.
Promising review: "Good multitool I like to have on my daypack. Clipped onto my sternum strap for easy access. Very lightweight." —Luis MPrice: $6.50
A Cotopaxi bucket hat to keep that beautiful face of yours shielded from the sun, especially on hikes or at campsites where you're especially exposed. I never thought I was a Big Hat Person...and then I started camping in the desert! Now, it's rare to see me without one when I'm outside, and boy, am I happy about it.
Price: $40 (available in five colors)
A four-person Coleman tent with a full-fly vestibule so you and your besties can enjoy the great outdoors side-by-side *and* have room for safe gear storage outside of your sweet digs.
The tent has a roomy 8x7-foot interior and a 4.6-foot ceiling height. A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one with room to spread out and for gear. In this case, if you plan on using the vestibule for gear, you probably *can* fit four people. The more the merrier! Yes, the price is above $100, but rest assured, this is about as low of a price point as you can find for a tent that will actually keep you shielded from the elements! But take good care of it and it'll give you years of enjoyment. And hey, campsites are (usually) pretty inexpensive, too!Price: $189.95
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.
Promising review: "Super warm, affordable sleeping bag! I was skeptical because of the price, but now I regret not getting it sooner! Definitely a new staple in my camping setup." —EnigmaPrice: $49.95 (available in two colors)
An REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie to keep your skin protected without having to get all kinds of greasy. UPF 50+ protection keeps your arms happy and the hood means you can cover up that neck, too, especially when you tuck it under or over a hat or helmet.
Promising review: "I LOVE this hoodie! I burn quite easily, and I can't believe I've gone this long without a long-sleeved UV shirt. I love the thumb holes. It fits true to size. I wore it for a four-day trip to Miami, in and out of the ocean, hiking in the Everglades, and out to eat for dinner. It works for everything!" —SarahPrice: $49.95 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 1X–3X in six colors and men's sizes XS–XXXL, including some tall sizes, in six colors)
An under-$20 Black Diamond headlamp so you can light your path hands-free at camp and bring *just in case* on long hikes. It even has dimming and strobe settings. Huzzah!
The headlamp requires 3 AAA batteries.Promising review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I'm glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I've never been disappointed by Black Diamond." —P HyattPrice: $19.95 (available in three colors)
A portable outdoor bidet — you heard me right — to get that tush of yours squeaky clean even if the nearest bathroom is miles and miles away. Just fill the chamber with water, squeeze it, and you're good to go.
Promising review: "I've been using a peri-bottle I once got at the hospital, but this thing is a seriously great upgrade. I bought it to go on a trip that requires wag bags and I didn't want to backpack out a bunch of used TP. The bulb and spout direct a cleansing stream of water right where you want it. After six days of using this and a Kula Cloth to pat dry, I was fresh as a daisy, as they say. Everyone who was on the trip wants one now." —Amy BPrice: $14.95
An 18-liter folding cooler so you can keep your car camping dinner and breakfast items nice and chilly overnight. Going to bed after a hot meal and a cold drink and waking up to a cold glass of OJ all in the middle of the woods is one of the great joys in life.
Price: $34.95 (available in three colors)
A mini multi-towel you'll find basically endless uses for while you're out on the trail. Trust me. And after you're done using it as a sweat rag, for cleaning your dishes, or drying your hands it folds up super tiny in its stuff sack ready to get machine washed when you get home.
Promising review: "Great sweat towel. I clip this on the strap of my backpack. Lightweight and easy to carry. If you get a little sweaty, just pull it out. After wiping the sweat off my face, it just hangs and the breeze dries it off, ready for the next time." —LeePrice: $9.95 (available in three colors)
An iconic Nemo Chipper seat pad so you can join the veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts who swear by this simple and elegant little "chair." Use it to keep your bum clean while you take a rest, give yourself a little more padding wherever you need it when you sleep, as a placemat...the list goes on and on. Plus it's made out of reclaimed and remolded foam scraps, hence the funky, cool colors.
Promising review: "This is a luxury item but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, lightweight, and versatility. I'll throw it in both a backpacking pack and a day pack. I've used it under my sleeping pad to add a little more padding under my hips, to make a picnic bench cleaner and softer, to sit on in a parking lot while changing shoes, to widen the top of my hammock so it's not closing in on my head, and of course just to sit on when taking a break. I rest my pack against a tree and use it and the Chipper to make a nice recliner in the woods." —GorillaJasonPrice: $19.95
A wide-mouth Nalgene because once you make the switch to this lightweight, affordable bottle it's hard to go back to bulky metal ones, especially for outdoor adventures. My love for Nalgenes is well-documented. They're everything you need and nothing you don't, and indestructible to boot.
Promising review: "These things are practically indestructible (cap attachment excluded, but I have a solution for this). I have to repurchase these because I lose them, not because they break. I've tried knock-off brands and have experienced them breaking in some bad places — a few miles into a hike, etc. My Nalgene? Rolled off a cliff ledge and was still intact when I hiked down to get it. I recently purchased a stainless steel ring separately that fits on the Nalgene with a carabiner loop. This should hopefully fix the reason I lose them: I clip it to my bag by its lid, and after a few years, the lid strap breaks, no longer able to do this, *then* I leave it places. I will purchase these again and again! Love this purple color!" —NNYOutdoorsPrice: $17 (available in four colors)
A Patagonia hip pack so if you venture out from camp for a day hike short enough that all you really need is your phone and a snack bar, you don't need to bring a whole pack if you don't want to. There's something to be said for staying lightweight! It's also just a cute bag to use in town in your regular life, not gonna lie.
Promising review: "This hip bag is so cute! It reminds me of an upgraded version of the black hole hip pack that Patagonia makes. The waist strap is longer — finally, Patagonia made the strap longer! I got the luminous pink one. It's a beautiful bright pink color. There are other color options, too, which are nice. It has a small key clip in the small zipper section, packs into itself, and the fabric is such that you can fit a lot into this tiny pack. I plan to use it for short walks with the dog, small day hikes or running errands. It can fit a phone, small wallet, lip balm, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and tissue. Shipping was fast, too. Thanks, REI." —CaitlynPrice: $35 (available in six colors)
A Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package for any new climbers looking to get an amazing deal on all the gear they need to get started. It comes with a harness, ATC belay device, locking carabiner, chalk bag, and chalk, all for $100. Woohoo! Your mother would be proud you got such a score, but mayyyybe don't tell her you're super into dangling off cliffs yet.
$$$ can be a real barrier to entry for starting to climb since you need some gear to get started, but I really do think this is a sweet deal! Just nab some shoes and you're good to go for literal YEARS. One and done until the gear gives out, which should be a long while when you're buying from a trusted brand like Black Diamond.Promising review: "A great all-around harness! I've been using it for about three months now for several outdoor all-day climbing trips and at the gym three to four times a week. It's been comfortable for everything from rappelling to crack climbing. It's easy to fit in my bicycle bag and can tuck nicely into any of my backpack pockets. The gear loops are well-designed, and the placement was clearly thought through. The right side loops are great for my chalk bag and anchor kit, as they are easy to access! My left-side gear loops work great for carrying quickdraws, ATCs, or anything else I need! Great harness for climbers of every level while sport climbing. I would love to see a bit more adjustability in the leg loops, but other than that, wayyy better than the gym rentals I had been using before!" —AndyPrice: $99.95 (available in men's sizes XS–XXL and women's sizes XS–XL)
A camp spork so you're ready for scoopin', stabbin', and eating an all-around delicious backcountry meal.
Promising review: "I bought two of these, one for each of my kids, for a backpacking trip we took together. They loved the novelty of this spork and how light it was in their pack. I had one of these 15–20 years ago, and it was one of my favorite pieces of equipment. My kids are hard on gear, and I can tell that these are going to hold up well. They clean easily with soap and a little brush, and the tines are wide enough apart that you can get any "stuck in there" food out easily. I do regret getting the dark blue as it would be hard to see if you dropped it. The pale teal one was easier to spot." —Kristy SutinPrice: $4.95 (available in three colors)
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.
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 LPrice: $29.95 (available in three styles)
A Nathan QuickSqueeze Plus Insulated Handheld Water Bottle with a phone pocket and adjustable strap so hydration is always at your fingertips on trail runs.
Promising review: "Perfect size for an hourlong run! Holds car keys, credit cards, and a gel or two, and is super easy to hold." —MCTPrice: $35
A pair of collapsible trekking poles for aiding your climbing (and making you look super legit). Yes, they help you get up the mountain, but we're not talking enough about how useful they are for getting down. Step with certainty and do your knees a favor by getting yourself a reliable pair!
You don't want to skimp on quality with a piece of gear you're putting your weight on, uhhhhh next to a cliff edge. Under-$100 is a nice little price point for a high-quality set that's much cheaper than the alternatives while still making sure they're going to be safe and last you a long while. Promising review: "For the price, these are excellent trekking poles. I've brought them on day hikes and multi-day camping trips which prop my tent up. They're significantly cheaper than carbon and weigh nearly the same. If you're getting into hiking and aren't sure what to get, go for these, they're the best all-around introduction to trekking poles." —EKTPrice: $79.95
A self-inflating sleeping pad so you don't have to huff and puff into your pad after hiking all day and setting up your campsite. I recommend this pad for car campers or backpackers looking to get their feet wet and start to build out a kit. It's not the lightest, *but* at under $100 it's a great deal for the quality and on the low end of the price spectrum of what the typical backpacking pad costs.
Promising review: "I love this pad so much. It keeps me warm in the winter, is the most comfortable pad I've ever slept on, and the material doesn't stick to you. 10/10 recommend. I love it so much I just deal with the weight and take it on my backpacking trips too." —HarryAHPrice: $84.95 (available in short, regular, regular wide, and long wide sizes)
An ultra-classic enamel camp mug because sometimes doing the cartoon version of camping is the best. Look at this thing! It's The Camping Mug dreams are made of.
Promising review: "Very nice. Used this for drinking tea while camping, and it worked great. Looks good too." —RemiPrice: $4.95
A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that are a little bit of moolah up front but last forever and 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 I LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, well...darn tough! Look at me walkin' around on that campground gravel!
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: "Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. The price, I feel, is justified not only by how comfy they are but the lifetime warranty as well. Just don't lose them!" —JakePrice: $26 (available in men's sizes M–XXL in seven colors and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors)
An REI base layer because layering is the name of the game when it comes to getting dressed for the outdoors. These make the perfect under-jacket short for cold hikes or a perfect PJ top, even on cool summer nights. But regardless, it'll help you retain some heat without feeling scratchy. Thanks, flat-seam construction.
Promising review: "I was looking for some base layers for running and hiking, and this has been perfect! It's comfortable, fits true to size, and wicks moisture nicely. Would definitely recommend!" —jsearlPrice: $54.95 for women's (available in sizes XS–3X and five colors) and $54.95 for men's (available in sizes XS–XXXL, including some tall sizes, and five colors)
A cute little camp table so you have a place to rest your drinks, play cards, you name it! You'll never be mad to have a spare surface around that's not uhhhh the cold, hard ground (no offense to the cold, hard ground).
Promising review: "We had one of these tables, liked it so much, we bought a second. Extend the legs, then flip it out to set up. Takes 15 seconds. It's very stable and great for a side table or a table for two. Very nice quality." —Camp4smorePrice: $43
A Traverse 60 backpacking pack so you can finally take that backpacking trip you've always dreamed of. Experiencing nature night after night is such a unique and beautiful experience, and this pack will help you do it. It should be just the right size for a medium-length trip, so you can really get a taste for the trail.
Boy, oh boy, can backpacking packs be expensive, but under-$300 is a great place to end up with your first. It really is an essential piece of gear since it's what allows you to...well...backpack! If a pack rubs you the wrong way (literally) it can be a real trip ruiner, so investing in one that's comfortable to wear and fits everything you need without tipping over into too big territory is the first gear decision every backpacker needs to make. Promising review: "I was hoping for a smaller pack, but after trying out four packs with 40 lbs, this pack checked the most boxes for me. I love the front access zipper to the main compartment. The two-way water bottle pouches on both sides that I can actually reach are great. The waist belt pockets open and close easily compared to other packs I've used. It's pretty comfortable even after many miles with lots of weight. So far, I dig it." —Quig in the PNWPrice: $249 (available in men's sizes S–3XL and two colors and in women's sizes XS–3X and two colors)
A pair of La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes for anyone who's ready to make the leap from rental gym shoes to a pair of their own. Tackle gym climbs or head out on outdoor climbing adventures with confidence that your feet are gonna stick, stick, stick. Leather uppers will form to your foot in no time, and at under $100 they're a great deal for a technical shoe from one of the most trusted climbing brands around.
If you've been bitten by the climbing bug, getting your very own pair of shoes is an exciting next step! They're definitely not a cheap piece of gear, but under $100 is REALLY the sweet spot for getting a shoe that will actually help you improve your footwork without it being a total $$ hemorrhage. And hey, it means you can finally stop paying for shoe rentals!These lace-up Sportivas should be the perfect beginner pair: Not too arched and comfortable for long-term wear while still giving you a nice edge to get onto teeny-tiny edges with confidence. Remember that climbing shoes should ideally fit pretty snugly, and the leather will stretch with time. Promising review: "These were my first pair of climbing shoes, and I absolutely love them! No pun intended, but they left big shoes to fill. I'm currently breaking in a pair of more aggressive La Sportiva and find myself reverting back to these to send the harder climbs. For an entry-level shoe, these are just great. The laces can be a little bit cumbersome, but not a huge dealbreaker. As these were my first climbing shoes, I actually bought them true to size and found that they worked well for me, even on tricky routes where you have to really trust your feet. These are good." —Cnst730Price: $89 (available in women's EU sizes 34–42 and men's EU sizes 38–47.5)
Some salted caramel latte-flavored energy gel to give you a nice little boost of energy just when you need it! Mmmmm tasty.
Price: $1.95
A pair of Tifosi sunglasses if "sleek" is your trail name. Apparently, it's mine since these are actually the sunglasses I wear for all of my outdoor activities. From backpacking to white water rafting and climbing, they've gone everywhere with me for almost a year, and boy oh boy, have they saved my eyeballs from some glare.
Promising review: "I purchased the black polarized version. I like that you can rest the frames on a hat rather than directly on your ears. I use these often when golfing — they don't slip or bounce when you swing. Very comfortable and stylish." —AnonymousPrice: $34.95+ (available in three colors and polarized or non-polarized lenses)
A Stanley 14-Piece Wildfare 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.
The kit comes with a 1.5-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. Price: $45
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 soft), 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.Price: $49
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.
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 packs nod to each other on the 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 have to be packing toilet paper into a baggie to pack out, this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" —outdrgrlPrice: $20 (available in seven patterns)
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, 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.
Promising review: "Took this down to the Smoky Mountains last week, and it was great! It is well-made, has lots of pockets, and is super lightweight. It even has a built-in whistle! Highly recommend." —LesleyPrice: $59.95 (available in four colors)
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 fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —JenniPrice: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and four colors).
A reflective vest to make sure drivers see you in the dark when you're running super early or late at night. This vest isn't restrictive and is very adjustable, so throwing it on under whatever layers you have, depending on the season, won't be a problem.
Promising review: "I feel much safer riding after dark now that I have this. The reflective bands are really bright. It is easy to adjust its size so I can wear it over a heavy or light jacket (or no jacket at all) depending on the temperature." —GeorgePrice: $35
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.
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, five days with 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." —kbhobbyhikerPrice: $5.95+ (available in two sizes)