Latest news with #REIWonderland4
Buzz Feed
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
REI's Anniversary Sale Is Back With Up To 30% Off
It's our favorite time of year, gear heads. The REI Anniversary Sale is here! With up to 30% off on the best hiking, backpacking, running, climbing, everything gear on the market, it's time to stock up so you can take on your next adventure. REI Co-op members can also get 20% off one full-price item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item by entering code "ANNIV2025" at checkout. I've been an REI Co-op member for many years and always look forward to picking out my special Anniversary Sale items! Here are some of the most exciting discounted items, ready to join your gear list: An REI Wonderland 4 tent for 30% off 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! 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!" —LuciaPrice: $300.29 (originally $429) A classic Coleman two-burner camping stove for 25% off 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. 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." —rosefergPrice: $97.49 (originally $130) A Rumpl Camp Pillow for 25% off 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 $36.69 (originally $49) A Traverse 60 backpacking pack for 30% off 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. Promising review: "I was hoping for a smaller pack, but after trying out 4 packs with 40 lbs, this pack checked the most boxes for me. I love the front access zipper to the main compartment. The 2 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: $174.29 (originally $249; available in men's sizes S–3XL and two colors and in women's sizes XS–3X and two colors) A Hest Foamy Sleeping Pad for 25% off for anyone who refuses to be any less comfortable sleeping outdoors than they would in their comfy bed back home. More power to ya! This rollable pad has two layers of memory foam, a waterproof bottom in case your tent gets wet, and has a compression harness that doubles as a welcome mat. Aw, home sweet home. Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or extra bed in a hotel this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230lbs and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." —JlendoPrice: $186.69+ (originally $249+, available in short, regular, and regular wide sizes) A 20-liter soft cooler for 30% off to keep your tasty picnic, camp dinner, beach lunch — anything! — nice and cold until it's ready to enjoy while you enjoy your time in the sun. Cracking a can of Coke after a hike? No better feeling. Promising review: "Needed a cooler for drinks and snacks for long drives and weekend camping trips. Have found myself using this for all sorts of things including tossing any frozen or refrigerated food from grocery store. This thing does a great job (as with all coolers it works way better if you pre-chill it) and is easy to open and close and carry." —xentexflyPrice: $90.89 (originally $129.95, available in two colors) A Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag for 25% off if you're building out your car camping kit and want a super affordable option that doesn't skimp on coziness. 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: $37.39 (originally $49.95, available in two colors) A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil roll-top dry sack for 25% off 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." —JenniPrice: $17.19+ (originally $22.95+, available in six sizes and four colors) A Garmin inReach Mini 2 for 25% off (that's $100!) 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. 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." —ElysePrice: $299.99 (originally $400, available in two colors) A Black Diamond sun hoodie for 25% off 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 FPrice: $81.69+ (originally $109, available in women's sizes XS–XL and two colors) An REI Co-op Flash 22 pack for 30% off 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. 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: $41.89 (originally $59.95, available in four colors) A Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad for 25% off if you want a small, lightweight pad you can 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. 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!" —Ciao90Price: $89.89+ (originally $119.95+, available in five sizes, including a double size) An ENO DoubleNest Hammock for 25% off 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. 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." —JenniferPrice: $56.19 (originally $74.94, available in eight colors) A Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket for 25% off 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 is 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: $111.69+ (originally $149+, available in two sizes and five colors)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. A Sea to Summit Spark 15 sleeping bag for 25% off 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. 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. Price: $411.69+ (originally $549+, available in regular, long, and double sizes) A pack of Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes for 25% off 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, 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." —kbhobbyhikerPrice: $4.39+ (originally $5.95+, available in two sizes) An REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie for 30% off 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 thumbholes. 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: $34.89 (originally $49.95, available in women's sizes XS–XL and 1X–3X in seven colors and men's sizes S–XXXL, including some tall sizes, in seven colors) A pair of Tifosi sunglasses for 25% off 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: $29.89+ (originally $39.95+, available in three colors and polarized or non-polarized) A pair of collapsible trekking poles for 30% off 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 in which these 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: $55.89 (originally $79.95; available in two colors) A Black Diamond headlamp for 25% off so you can light your path hands-free at camp and to bring *just in case* on long hikes. It even has dimming and strobe settings. Huzzah! The headlamp requires 3 AAA 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: $14.89 (originally $19.95, available in three colors) A wide-mouth Nalgene for 50% off 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, 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: $8.49 (originally $17, available in four colors) A self-inflating sleeping pad for 30% off 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. 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: $59.39 (originally $84.95, available in short, regular, regular wide, and long wide sizes) A Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package for 25% off 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 WELL under $100. Woohoo! Your mother would be proud you get 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 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: $74.89 (originally $99.95, available in men's sizes S–XL and women's sizes XS–L) A basic REI base layer for 30% off 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: $38.39 for women's (originally $54.95, available in sizes XS–3X and five colors) and $38.39 for men's (originally 54.95, available in sizes S–XXXL, including some tall sizes, and six colors) A reflective vest for 25% off 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: $26.19 (originally $35) A pair of La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes for 25% off 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. 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 snug, 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 find that they worked well for me, even on tricky routes where you have to really trust your feet. These are good." —Cnst730Price: $66.69 (originally $89, available in women's EU sizes 34–42 and men's EU sizes 38–47.5) A Nathan QuickSqueeze Plus Insulated Handheld Water Bottle for 25% off 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: $26.19 (originally $35) A four-person Coleman tent for 25% off with a full-fly vestibule so you and your fellow campers 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 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: $142.39 (originally $189.95) So what are you waiting for? Get out there, shop the REI Anniversary Sale with up to 30% off your gear list, then get on outside and enjoy the summer! And don't forget that REI Co-Op Members get an extra 20% off one full-price item and 20% off one REI Outlet item with code "ANNIV2025" at checkout. You have until May 26 to take advantage of these stellar deals!
Buzz Feed
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Buzz Feed
27 Camping Products From REI You'll Probably Bring On Every Trip
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. REI 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. REI 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! REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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! REI 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, tough! REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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. REI 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.
