Spending time in nature can be a great way to unwind and reconnect with the natural world. But if you’re going to camp, you’ll need a lot of gear to make it comfortable, safe and enjoyable. From high-tech sleep gear to portable power systems, we’ve rounded up the best camping gadgets and supplies best camping gear to make your trip the most memorable it can be.
A tent is the heart of your camping experience and a good quality one doesn’t come cheap, but we’ve found some solid options for all budgets, including this four-person car camping tent from Kelty that has a rainfly and a roomy footprint to give you plenty of space without making it feel cramped.
If you want to be able to enjoy a drink on the go, a thermos is a must-have piece of camping gear. This durable stainless steel pick from Hydro Flask can keep liquids hot or cold for up to 24 hours, and it packs down small when not in use. For an added layer of security, this model comes with a built-in lock to prevent unauthorized access.
Even if you’re car camping, it’s a good idea to bring along a camp table to give you a place to set up your tent and do activities like eating, playing games or cooking. This foldable table from Rock Cloud is easy to carry, takes up minimal space in your trunk and is sturdy enough for meals.
When you need a light to read or cook by, a headlamp is essential camping gear that’s both convenient and portable. This Black Diamond model has 700 lumens and a multi-mode interface that lets you select lens modes. Plus, the rechargeable battery keeps you powered for a long camping trip.
Nothing ruins a camping trip more than bugs, and we love this deet-free bug spray from Thinksport, which is designed for athletes like mountain climbers and surfers who need it to last all day in the sun. We also recommend packing a pair of binoculars to take in all the sights while you’re at your campsite.
A hammock is the ultimate camping luxury and a great way to rest your sore feet after a hike. This lightweight model from Eno Hammocks is super packable and comes in single or double sizes, unique colors and top-quality materials.
Camping is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at a few outdoor skills, and a fire-starting kit is a must. This kit includes a firestarter, flint and steel striker to get the flames rolling quickly, plus a waterproof matches pouch to protect your lighter from rain. This kit also has a compact folding knife and a wood saw to handle any cutting tasks you might need to do at the campsite. If you’re planning to camp near a body of water, bring this water filter from TrailShot so you can avoid having to haul multiple jugs of filtered water into your campsite.