27 Things For People Who Love Camping

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In which you'll find an ode to my new favorite tent.

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The tent is suited for three-season use and has a 69.4-square-foot interior. You can get the footprint for this tent here.

Promising review: "Best tent ever!!!! Tall enough that I can stand inside, but not too tall that I can’t set it up. It’s easy to set up and take off without help (just me), and yet it’s big enough that it feels like a palace inside. Plenty of pockets inside and little hooks for lights and whatever. You can close up all the windows and rainfly or leave it completely open with just the screen and enjoy the view from your sleeping bag. Even the lines and shapes that it forms when you are inside are beautiful! It’s on the heavy side, but because I only car camp I don’t care. I’m in love with this tent and it works so well and it’s so amazing that it makes me want to go camping even more!" —Lucia

Get it from REI for $499.

When looking for your first ultralight backpacking tent, it's hard to know what features you're going to 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 super nice rainfly, and a vestibule — just made out of lightweight materials. It is semi-freestanding, meaning you do 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 that set up only with trekking poles.

I opted for the one-person size, and it 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 if I want to. That, or the vestibule under the rainfly fits it perfectly as well. I've had zero problems with condensation or with 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's definitely going to be the tent I bring on car camping trips, too. Next up, it's coming with me to the San Juan Islands in Washington State!

Get it from Nemo for $549.95+ (available in one- or two-person versions).

The down is 550-fill and is rated to 20 degrees, making it a three-season bag.

An earlier model of this bag was my first actual backpacking sleeping bag and I've been thrilled with it. I'm still using it three years later! It fits perfectly into the bottom section of my pack and isn't *too* difficult to get back in its stuff sack. I'd call it an entry-level bag for backpacking since there are definitely lighter-weight (and ahem, much more expensive) options out there, but for a casual camper or backpacker, it really does the trick.

Promising review: "When planning for a backpacking trip I needed something more compact. My previous mummy bag was synthetic, 30-degree rated, and took up too much room in my pack. Did some research and this was smaller, lighter, rated 10 degrees warmer, and fit my budget. Down packs incredibly easy, I’ve come to find out, so packing it away is so much easier than synthetics. The bag itself is very comfortable. I appreciate the two-way zipper with the option of opening from the bottom. This bag kept me very warm (granted it was only low 40s on my first use). Built-in hood was also very warm and comfy, actually made my inflatable pillow more bearable too. Recommended product." —Armen

Get it from Amazon for $141.91+ (available in four sizes and two colors).

Promising review: "Lightweight and easy to set up and use. Sturdy, even temperature, roomy surface. Love everything about it. Easy to clean, too." —LJM

Get it from Amazon for $135.18+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "It's a fire grate — nothing fancy, but I've cooked many a meal on it, from grilling burgers and brats to using it to support my cast iron cookware for more complex meals. I can fit a 15-inch skillet and my Dutch oven, or the skillet and a griddle for cooking breakfast. It folds easy for packing and has held up through multiple uses now." —Carl Shipley

Get it from Amazon for $28.96+ (available in two sizes).

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 as well as protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

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 *or* screw it onto a water bottle and drink straight from the filter. 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. Game changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend.

Note: if you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

Promising review: "This thing is awesome, used it on our 3,500-mile trip stopping at various hiking spots and trails and camping, and having clean drinking water you can trust when on a long trip is vital. This gave me peace of mind that no matter where we filled up, creek or random water spigot, we had clean drinking water. The cleansing tablets are a must for outdoor on-the-go water sources but with this system you don't have to carry a lot of heavy water in your pack to slow you down. A friend of mine used this hiking on the entire Arizona Trail and some of the water he used in it I wouldn’t have let a dog drink but he did and this thing worked like a charm and cleaned the water for him to safely drink throughout the desert on his hike. From that point on I was sold." —Combustion Works

Get it from Amazon for $29.08.

On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags that each work double time. One serves as my clothes bag which doubles as a pillow at night when covered by my Buff. 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 *chef's kiss*.

Promising review: "I used the 20 L as a bear bag and it worked great! Strong enough to hold several pounds of food and kept everything dry. My friend had the heavier version of this bag, but IMO this lighter version was sufficient (unless you’re boating)." —Becca C

Get it from Amazon for $11.96+ (available in seven sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "I'm not a small person, and I wasn't sure how it would hold me, but this chair is wonderful. I have used it all over! I took it camping, I took it to the beach, and I even sometimes blow it up and use it in my living room while watching TV. The hardest part is getting out of it gracefully!" —Limoncello

Get it from Amazon for $39.98 (available in 16 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "Tough and very good. I’ve used these a couple of times on extended backpacking trips — lightweight and cleans very well. I hate getting into my sleeping bag, dirty. Awesome." —Robb Hattem

Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $8.99.

The Rumpl blanket is also machine-washable and dryer-safe!

Promising review: "We took this king-size blanket with us on our camping trip to New Zealand. At first I thought it might have been too overkill since it took up a lot of space in my luggage and a duvet was included in our camper van rental. But we ended up using this every night, enjoying the warmth and breathable comfort even on fairly warm evenings. It was definitely large enough for two even with tossing and turning, we both had enough Rumpl to sleep well throughout the night. Great purchase, totally worth it." —becca606

Get it from Amazon for $93.75+ (available in 38 colors and designs).

Check out my full Rumpl blanket review for more deets on why I'm all-in on these insulated beauts.

I have this chair and it's great! It really is light, 1.2 pounds, and easy to put together. It's a perfect outdoor luxury item, especially for anyone taking a long day hike where they want to picnic or for a car camper who doesn't feel the need for a big, traditional camp chair.

Promising review: "Was very hesitant about spending over $100 on a camping chair, but I have to admit this chair is worth the money and the added weight, which is minimal. There were picnic tables at most the campgrounds on the trail, however being able to lean back and stretch my feet out after the long days of hiking was an added luxury. The chair strapped easily to the outside straps of my pack, never got in the way and often forgot it was back there. All in all satisfied with the purchase and will be bringing on all my backpacking adventures now." —Abby

Get it from Amazon for $149.95 (available in three colors).

The pillow is machine-washable.

Promising review: "The pillow packs down to a very small size, small enough to pack away for a weekend backpacking trip and is more comfortable than any of the inflatable pillows that save space. Well worth the space used!" —Billy Wyrick

Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in three sizes and five colors/patterns).

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: "This might make some of the best, fastest coffee I have ever had. I visited my cousin in Alaska and she used one EVERY day for her coffee. I forgot completely about it until it was time to take this camping trip, and I randomly found it on Amazon while searching for camping kettles — I am so glad I did. It is super compact, durable, and easy to use. You can have a real quick cup in 30 seconds, or you can wait a couple of minutes and let the flavors meld, the choice is yours." —Gordon Leonard

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in two colors).

The set includes the pour-over, a reusable metal filter, and a matching mug.

Promising review: "I make coffee in this at home or camping. Easy to wash. Keeps the liquid hot for a long time. I’d recommend 100%. I’d give as a gift for a camping friend who loves that hot cup in the morning but doesn’t want to make a full pot. 10/10." —sandarwarrior

Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I bought this power bank for overnight and multi-day backpacking trips. Works just as I had hoped — charges my iPhone quickly and doesn't add a ton of weight to my pack. Great product!" —MarketAce

Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

Promising review: "I purchased two of these and will probably get at least two more. Love how slim these are when they are folded up. We took these camping, they folded up slim enough to hang from a hook in our camper. They were great when we got back from canoeing to realize it had rained all over everything for hours, these chairs dried super quickly, everyone else we were with had wet chairs for the remainder of the trip." –shawnajab

Get it from Amazon for $52.99.

The pad comes with compression straps and buckles for easy rolling and storage.

Promising review: "I purchased the pad to use for camping. It is well made and very comfortable. Better than my own bed!" —JMKAY

Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in three sizes).

This sleeping pad has an R-value of 4.2, meaning it's rated to keep you warm for three-season camping and backpacking.

Promising review: "It is the most comfortable sleeping pad I have ever tried. It is easy to sleep on my side with this thing. I don't feel it getting cold at night, it properly reflects the heat off my body. It has both a two-way valve and a one-way valve. The one-way valve makes it so you can blow up the thing all the way without needing an air pump. My only complaint is that it is not a camouflage color such as beige. It packs down way smaller than I expected it to. I have room to put it on the inside of my backpack. It's fairly easy to fit it in its sack when rolled up. The sack isn't too tight." —John Morris Beck

Get it for $149.95+ from Amazon (available in seven sizes) or Backcountry (available in one size and an orange color).

Promising review: "These sticks are awesome. I love them. In the wintertime I use them at the gas stove. They are perfect for a picnic. I have not tried hot dogs on them but I do not think they are sturdy enough for that. They are awesome for marshmallows." —Mom

Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $11.99.

Promising review: "Genius! Lit immediately and our wood was soaking wet! It’s a must-have for all camping/fire-pit events! No more newspapers, boxes, or lighter fluid!" —Mcee

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $21.99.

Promising review: "This is the most AMAZING camping bed I've ever used, and I've camped my entire life. Not only is it up off of the ground, so my 36-year-old disabled ass doesn't have to cry every time I get in and out of my sleeping bag, my suitcase FITS UNDERNEATH THE BED. Then, there's the cot itself. Mmm...comfy. There's an included air mattress! But won't that just fall off of the cot? That's where the genius of Coleman comes in, kids. They added a pocket made out of super soft microfiber material that feels like your favorite grand-mammy's sheets and zippers open to slide the PREMIUM COLEMAN AIR MATTRESS WITH DOUBLE AIRLOCK MAGICALNESS inside and then you ZIPPER IT SHUT AGAIN. But wait. There's more. HOW CAN THERE POSSIBLY BE MORE?! YOU'VE ALREADY GIVEN US SO MUCH, COLEMAN! Mother-loving side tables, Batman. They snap on right where you want them. With holes for all of your beverage-holding needs. And just enough room for a Kindle, a phone, and an adult beverage." —dammit Liesl

Get it from Amazon for $150.99+ (available in twin and queen sizes).

Promising review: "This is the best cooler I have ever owned! It's quite expensive but well worth the price. I have used it for beach days and camping multiple times and I love it!" —Gruber

Get it from Amazon for $275 (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "This little device was surprisingly WONDERFUL! My hubby hesitated to put it on his 'precious' YETI cooler, but after putting it in, we both were astounded! We never thought about how much easier it would be on our tent camping trips to be able to easily see into the cooler after dark! This was a game changer for us! It works exactly as described. It comes on when opened and goes off when closed — just like your fridge!" —Suzyzzle

Get it from Amazon for $12.11.

Promising review: "You are camping and backpacking in the forest for weeks. You and your campmates have nothing left to say. To save your smartphone battery, you don't dare turn it on. You're on your last milliliter of whiskey. What's a person to do. Play cards of course! These cards worked amazingly well on my backpack/camping trip. These also do well as temporary coasters or when you need to keep something off the dirt. After a couple of days of rain and humid evenings, one expects a simple set of cards to perform and these did indeed." —paititi

Get them from Amazon for $6.97.

The lantern requires four D batteries, but is also available in a rechargeable version!

Promising review: "A convenient alternative to the old Coleman camping lanterns that used a fabric mantle and burned gasoline fuel. Hangs easily on a loop in a tent or on a stretched line. Provides plenty of light. Well-suited for camping and other outdoor uses, but too large for backpacking." —D E Conner

Get it from Amazon for $16.84+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "One of my favorite shoes I’ve owned! Took them on a hiking trip without breaking them in first — NO problems. So comfortable. Hiked 10 miles through dry and wet and they were a godsend! Awesome!" —Morgan

Get them from Amazon for $37.84+ (available in sizes 5–13 and 19 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "This was very useful for backpacking. Makes a good balaclava, neck warmer, and I am bald so it has enough material I can put it on just my scalp, twist it twice and double down for total coverage as a beanie with no gap at the twist. Also can be wetted and draped over neck for cooling. HIGHLY recommend. This is true excellence." —Drumdogma

Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in four colors).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.