3 days ago
Reviewers Say These 27 Things Are 'Perfect" For Camping
A Coleman lantern perfect for car camping trips — it's essential to keep your path illuminated (and stay safe) with this classic piece of gear.
The lantern requires four D batteries, but is also available in a rechargeable version!Promising reviews: "I don't think that you can have too many of these. They are perfect for camping, hiking, under-the-sink repairs, needing to go to the shed at night, power outages, or just porch-sitting. These lanterns have both a high and a low setting to accommodate whatever light is needed. They are super-durable both outdoors and inside. I received my first Coleman lantern as a gift from my sister, who had one on her porch, that I admired. This lantern has been through repeated power-outages, many campfires, small-space repairs, searching for small creatures at nighttime, and so much more. It hasn't once let me down!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $41.49.
A set of marshmallow (or hot dog!) roasting sticks that telescope all the way out to 34 inches for campfire time. Goodbye, singed knuckle hair! But don't worry, they collapse back to 10 inches for easy storage.
A Therm-a-Rest camp pillow because camping doesn't always mean forgoing all of your favorite creature comforts. It even has a smart little drawstring feature that lets you adjust the firmness so it's exactly to your liking.
Promising review: "Decided to try this pillow out after reading the reviews and researching other brands. I didn't want to spend too much right now, as I'm new to camping and not backpacking. What I like is that the large size is perfect for me and it's very comfortable. I have used this several times now, and each night I sleep great with this pillow. The material is soft and easy to fold up for traveling. I love the fun mushroom design, and the colors are vibrant. I'm glad I went with this pillow and the size large. I usually like a flatter pillow so I don't have a stiff neck. This was a great choice and had no issues. It was perfect and definitely recommend!" —Andreana AGet it from Backcountry for $25.56+ (originally $31.95+; available in three colors).
A lantern and fan hybrid that's as close as you're gonna get to sweet, sweet AC in the woods. I cannot help but stan a mini ceiling fan gadget, it's just so cute and helpful.
Promising reviews: "I went camping this week, and I just hate when it's sooooo darn hot in the tent, and of course there's no place to put a fan AND a light. This one worked perfectly. It hung by its built-in hook to the top of the tent, the light was just right, and the fan was quiet and effective for a two-person tent. Happy I bought it." —Kevin Gaither"This is a lifesaver. I bought it for camping, but really, I keep it in my car year-round. It's an extraordinary car light; the hook allows you to hang it under your hood if, for any reason, you need to pull over at night (which I did). The fan is tiny but mighty and a great accessory to a great light. Doesn't eat up its own battery while not in use, which is a blessing. Accidentally left its fan for a while without noticing, and it's still good as gold." —CloudGet it from Amazon for $18.89.
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!" —jsearlGet it from REI for $37.93+ for women's (available in sizes XS–3X and 10 colors) and $37.93+ for men's (available in sizes XS–XXXL, including some tall sizes, and 10 colors).
An inflatable sleeping pad to ensure you get the best night of rest that you can. Let's make sure you're sleeping LIKE a rock instead of ON a rock.
A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that famously come with a lifetime guarantee, because 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, 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: "Extremely comfortable socks. They look and feel nice. I have another pair of the same product and they've lasted years. They don't smell after many long days of wearing, making them perfect for camping or backpacking." —dominicGet them from Amazon for $24.95+ for men's sizes (available in sizes S–XXL and 12 colors) and $25+ for women's sizes (available in sizes S–L and seven colors).
A portable, hand-operated espresso machine so you can whip up the good stuff (yes, even the crema!) using just a little bit of boiling water and a pump mechanism — no electricity or stovetop required. *Swoon*
A Katadyn BeFree 3-liter microfilter for anyone who's tired of putting in the elbow grease with filters that require squeezing and just want to let gravity do its thing. With the BeFree, all you need to do is fill the bag, let it hang, and let your newly cleaned water flow into the vessels of your choice.
The reservoir you put dirty water in holds 3 liters of water, and it filters at a rate of 2 liters per minute. Whoa, that's faster than I thought! Maybe it's time I finally try one! Backpackers love this system, but they'd also be great for car camping trips where you have access to nice, running mountain water. Sure, you could pack your own, but drinking the water you find in the backcountry really is a special experience, especially when you have confidence it's safe to drink after treatment. Promising review: "Only used once in 50 degrees. Stream was clean, running fast, and filled the bladder in seven seconds. Flow rate was perfect for my needs. Perfect holding points especially at intake side for submerging. First, BeFree, so will see how long it lasts with a good flow rate. I'll likely carry an extra filter if out solo. Weight is perfect for the benefit. Last thing I want to do is squeeze a bag for my water after a long hike and setting up camp. Now I know why I see a lot of gravity filters are hanging. The holding strap was a bit much for my needs unless someone uses it as a shoulder-carrying strap. I changed that up." —DilfGet it from Backcountry for $79.95.
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!
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 is so easy to dial in. 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." —MLSGet it from REI for $49.95 (available in two colors).
An REI Co-Op Base Camp 4 Tent so you and your camping crew have the perfect place to lay your heads at night, safe from the elements and ready for anything. Two big doors provide excellent ventilation and ensure you don't need to crawl over sleeping friends to get in and out and big ol' vestibules give you the perfect place to put extra gear.
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 review: "REI's Basecamp four is a well-designed tent that works perfectly for two adults, a dog, and gear. The dual vestibules are a nice feature; they come in handy for keeping gear dry, but dirt out of the tent. The rain fly holds up well in a rainstorm. The many options for venting are also a great feature." —TravisGet it from REI for $474.
Or a North Face Wawona 6 Tent if you want something so roomy you can literally stand up in it and walk around — a wonderful quality, especially if you happen to find yourself rained in for the day. You could also set up a little seating area in there, or better yet, invite basically everyone you know to join you on your next adventure. The more the merrier!
Promising review: "I've had the tent for just over a year now, I wanted to try it a few times before putting in a review. I can confidently say there is a bit of a learning curve on setup for the tent itself. Once you get used to it, it's great! and definitely seems built to last, the seams are pretty well weatherproofed. I wanted a tent that I could stand up in and could fit my cot without worrying about hitting either side of the tent and messing up the water tension when it rains. I don't do any backpack camping, so I just needed it to be able to throw it in the car and set up wherever I want to stay for the weekend. This was perfect. It's definitely oversized for what I needed. It could definitely be used as a glamping setup for two people and would still have extra space. I do recommend keeping track of the instructions/diagram sheet that comes with it, at least for the first few times of setting it up. Set up is easiest to do with two people, but I've set it up by myself on solo trips. Have learned the trick to go ahead and clip in the rain fly before putting in the main tent poles because once it's fully stood up, it can be a struggle for a short person like me to get it over. Only comments/downsides would be that the bag the tent comes in is not structured. And because of all the different parts, it can be a bit chaotic if you're having to pack up quickly and just tossing everything into a bag. The tent stakes that come with the tent aren't the sturdiest. You can always try it and find out if they'll work for you, but I would recommend also picking up some spares from a camping store." —campsmokieGet it from REI for $550 (available in two colors).
A compact broom and dustpan for sweeping dirt out of your tent quickly and effectively. It may seem inevitable, but there's nothing worse than a super dirty tent floor.
Promising reviews: "OXO, quite by mistake, has created the best tent broom I've ever used. I know they had other things in mind when they designed this, but it is perfect for car camping (a little too big for backpackers). The bristles are soft and fine enough to get the sand off your taffeta tent floor without damaging it. The cup-style dust pan holds your sweepings so you don't have to resweep after you accidentally tip them. The whole kit packs together securely so nothing gets lost. 5-star performer." —H BartGet it from Amazon for $9.99.
An REI Co-Op Siesta 20-degree sleeping bag that's oh-so-roomy, oh-so-cozy, and the perfect place for you to snuggle up on car camping trips where you can really make yourself at home. Reviewers especially love that you can unzip just the bottom for ventilation or even unzip it all the way into a quilt. Where are my "sticks one foot out of the blanket to sleep" friends at? This is the sleeping bag for you.
Promising review: "I've been using a 30-degree F sleeping bag I bought 20 years ago. It's a high-end product, and it served me well, but this time, I decided to upgrade to a 20-degree F bag from REI Co-op and grabbed a new mat too. The price was affordable and reasonable. So, I tested it out with a couple of nights under the stars—camping without a tent at BLM in the Grand Canyon, New Mexico, and at Mirror Lake in Wyoming. With the Milky Way stretched out above me and the sound of insects all around, I felt like I was truly living in the wild, part of the vast universe. Arizona's Page felt like I was among the stars, while the forests of Mirror Lake felt like pure Earth. The sleeping bag was almost too warm, even in just shorts and a T-shirt. But when the temperature dropped at dawn, it held up perfectly. This sleeping bag helped me live out my dream of sleeping directly on the ground, under the open sky. Absolutely incredible." —KitaGet it from REI for $149 (available in medium, medium wide, long, and long wide sizes).
A pack of two LED headlamps so you (and a friend!) can always ensure the path ahead is illuminated. Whether it's just in case for a late-night hike, finding your way to the bathroom at 2 a.m., or reading in your tent, it's always a good idea to have one of these bad boys nearby.
A fire-starting necklace that features an ambidextrous steel striker and a ferrocerium rod for creating fire as quickly possible. Holding the ability to create flame right around your neck... What power! What responsibility!
A pair of collapsible dog bowls with carabiners so your pup is always nourished on the go. Gotta keep your #1 camping buddy ready for adventure!
Promising review: "These bowls are great. Took them camping with my dog. Worked perfect. Hooked them to my backpack so we have a way to give the dog a drink on our hike." —Jennifer a pair from Amazon for $5.99 (available in two colors and two sizes).
A LifeStraw personal water filter if you need a little peace of mind for a "just in case" water filtration situation. This little device allows you to safely drink from any water source and is small enough to tote along anywhere.
The straw's microfiltration membrane eliminates bacteria and parasites so you can safely drink from any available water source without if you're immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it's safe for review: "The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. It's perfect for hiking with its reliable 5-star performance, keeping me hydrated wherever I go. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry. While the flavor of water isn't perfect (four out of five), its unparalleled filtration makes up for it. Overall, a lifesaver for camping, travel, and emergencies!" —Ana CunhaGet it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in three colors).
A Stanley cook set for two equipped with a stainless-steel pot and two nesting cups (that can double as bowls, of course). Your signature meal of instant ramen with fun and funky toppings is served.
A cot and air mattress if sleeping on the hard ground is a hard no from you. Sleeping under the stars is rad, but sleeping in a BED under the stars? Unbeatable.
Promising review: "My husband and I purchased this in hopes that we could enjoy tent camping without compromising our fragile backs. Wow, not only is it easy and fast to set up, but it's also easy to tear down and pack away. We have never struggled with fitting it back in the bag. And my god, we got better sleep than we do at home! We've taken those glorious accidental naps, and slept the whole night through, waking up feeling refreshed. Again, we don't even feel refreshed in our own bed at home. Love this cot, best purchase of the year. No buyer's remorse here! It's also perfect for those low-key bougie folks like me that love to make tent camping feel luxurious." —Kelsea HinojosaGet it from Amazon for $229.99+ (available in twin and queen sizes).
An inflatable lounge chair that will make a sunny outdoor nap feel like the height of luxury. You inflate it just by whipping it in the wind, meaning no pesky hand pumps or electricity needed!
Promising review: "This product is easy to use, very comfortable, sturdy and easy to pack up and store! What more could you ask for! Our friends have a similar item from another company and this one was far more durable and comfortable. We used it at the beach and while camping. It's a perfect to rest, read or relax in. Highly recommend!" —Lenna Vanden HoovenGet it from Amazon for $39.98 (available in 21 colors and patterns).
A Kelty tarp to get yourself and your fellow campers some shade and rain cover should you need it. And if you're super hardcore, this could be your shelter for the night!
Promising review: "Just used this car camping this past weekend in the Adirondacks and it was perfect!! It was a little tricky to put up with high winds, but it held up super well once we got it situated and in place. It survived 15-20 mph gusts, mid-heavy rain, and snow!! Absolutely loved it and worth the price." —Alyssa PGet it from Backcountry for $79.95+ (available in two sizes).
An Aeropress coffee and espresso maker — with a stellar 4.6-star rating from over 24,000 reviewers — that brews top-notch coffee anywhere boiling water is available. It's also small, durable, and easy to clean, so bringing it to the ends of the Earth with you is a no-brainer, especially when a hot bevy in the morning is considered essential.
The set comes with the chamber, plunger, seal, filter cap, funnel, filter holder, scoop, and stirrer. Here's a super informative video on how to use the Aeropress (while camping, even!) made by the coffee smarties at Stumptown. Promising review: "I love this AeroPress! Easy to use, very easy to clean, and perfect for camping! Small, unbreakable, and portable!" —Angelynn HallGet it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in two sizes and eight colors).
A pack of cleansing wipes so you can freshen up a little bit between showers, much to the satisfaction of your campmates' your own, honestly.
Promising review: "Perfect for outdoors. I do a lot of camping and these are perfect. No water needed. Keeps you feeling fresh and clean." —Scott a 25-pack from Amazon for $8.99.
A tiny, foldable backpacking stove to help you whip up delicious backcountry meals, make coffee in the morning, and sanitize water in case of emergency. Just screw it onto a fuel canister, and voilà! Your kitchen awaits you. Even for car camping trips, if you don't feel like lugging around a large stove, you don't need to forgo a small hot meal or a tasty cup of coffee.
There are loads of fancy name-brand backpacking stoves out there, and I have no doubt that they're great. But ya know what? I've exclusively used a random, inexpensive one that was probably already 10 years old when it found its way to me, and it honestly works perfectly. Sometimes, with gear, price is directly related to quality or longevity, but when it comes to these little stoves, it seems like just getting your hands on one is enough. Building out a kit is expensive enough — might as well save where you can (especially when there are good reviews to back up your purchase, like with this stove). Promising review: "Used it several times on the AT and it's always performed just fine. I just heat water for coffee and instant food. I would not try to really cook or scramble eggs because the pot could easily fall off, but it's perfect for hiking." —Russ CherryGet it from Amazon for $16.90.
A four-pack of lightweight collapsible silicone mugs with lids so you don't have to drag around an awkwardly shaped mug around if you're trying to pack nice and light or are headed out backpacking.
Promising review: "We bought these a year ago to bring on backpacking and camping/hiking trips and they have worked perfectly for when we want to drink something other than the water in our Nalgenes (Tang, hot chocolate, or coffee). Very lightweight, helpful measurement lines, attached cover to keep it clean when hanging on the outside of your backpack, durable, and easy to clean. Love them!" —M. R. a four-pack from Amazon for $13.49 (available in five color combinations).
A Trail 25 day pack that's perfect for toting all of your snacks, layers, first aid supplies, and other essentials to and from camp or out on a day hike. Committing to carrying a water bottle in your hands while you trek? Never the move!
Promising review: "Great pack for short trips. The bag has plenty of intuitively-placed pockets for storage and ease of access. I used it for a five-day trip to Jeju Island, Korea and it was perfect. I didn't carry it all day but it was fine for a few hours at a time. The color is distinctive without being too loud." —Jack in DCGet it from REI for $99.95 (available in sizes XS–4XL and five colors).
