camping gear guides
We obsessively test and research camp gear so that you buy right the first time.
We want you to find camping gear you love that will last a long time—so it won't go to a landfill or hog up space in your garage.
We're dedicated to making an inclusive outdoor space where everyone—regardless of how you do the outdoors—can make smart gear decisions.
Buy less junk. Help the planet. Tent time for everyone.
Camping Essentials
Tested on ice and snow from Maine to Alaska for 5 years, here’s our review of the best men’s winter boots for warmth, water resistance, fit, comfort, and traction.
We spent 8 years testing the top women’s winter boots for ice and snow from Maine to Alaska. We review the best boots for warmth, water resistance, fit, comfort and traction
We researched the 100 most popular winter gloves, liner gloves, heated gloves, and mittens to find the best gloves for running, cycling, extreme cold, and touchscreen usage.
We tested outdoor and camping blankets on flights, desert trips, summer camp, fishing trips, and festivals for warmth, water resistance, packability, and durability.
We spent 400+ nights testing the best headlamps for brightness, battery life, comfort, and ease of use for backpacking, hiking, running, climbing, and camping.
We test 30+ camping lanterns from battery powered lights for survival to lightweight packable lanterns for backpacking and solar lanterns for backyard picnics
We tested 22 portable coffee makers for flavor, weight, cleanup, and durability. Find the best brewers for travel, backpacking, bikepacking, and car camping here.
We field-tested hiking fanny packs, waist packs, and lumbar packs for comfort, fit, storage, bounce, and durability. See our top picks for 2026.
After a year of field testing, these six camping hammocks stood out for comfort, portability, value, bug protection, and treeless campsites.
We tested the most comfortable sleeping pads to find the best mattresses for camping. From the best self-inflating to the best for couples, see our top picks.
The best plus size camping and backpacking gear for 2026, tested on trail by a plus size hiker — sizing, fit notes, and where to buy.
We tested the best plus-size outdoor clothing for hiking and camping, including hiking pants, rain jackets, fleece, base layers, footwear, sports bras, and more.
Stay safe, stay connected, and stay found in the backcountry with a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon.
Ultra-thin 1.4" profile vs performance tradeoffs: our GSI Pinnacle Pro review covers design innovation, cooking speed, and premium camp stove value.
We researched and tested dozens of camping chairs from Coleman, Kijaro, Helinox, Yeti, including camp chairs for beach day, bad backs, tailgating, and portable seats for music festivals.
We review 18 portable foldable tables to find the best camp tables—including best camp kitchen cook station, sturdy camp dining table, and folding ultralight table.
Discover the best quick-dry towels for travel and camping. Explore top picks for efficiency, convenience, and versatility to enhance your outdoor adventures.
We researched and tested 25+ rotomolded camping coolers to find the best performance for ice retention, best for the money, best wheeled, and best Yeti alternative. Then we tested to verify our findings on camping, fishing, white water rafting trips.
We tested the REI Co-op Westward 6 at the campground. Here's how the vestibule, 77-inch peak height, and weather protection actually perform for family camping.
The best solar shower bags and electric portable camping showers for campers, backpacking, overlanding and emergencies. We test for temperature, speed to hot water, water pressure, and ease of use.
Take your camp cooking to the next level with a portable camping grill, whether you like propane, charcoal, wood, electric, pellet or a fire pit.
Do you really need camp shoes? We say yes! Read why – and how to find the best camp shoes for backpacking, van life and getting around the campsite or ski hut.
One of the best ways to move from surviving to thriving in nature is to sleep in a well-ventilated, durable, weatherproof camping tent. We found camping tents that are easy to set up and durable.
We tested and compared 22 camping sleeping bags to find the best for car camping. Whether you're family camping, want a mummy bag, or a budget sleeping bag, we found warm, comfortable, versatile synthetic and down bags from Kelty, Nemo, Coleman, REI, Teton, and more.
Sleep better outdoors with top-rated pillows tailored for backpackers! Our testers found lightweight, compact, and durable options for every budget.
We tested rain pants for 2 years from thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail to the forests of South America, from Colorado’s high country to winter in New York. Our expert guide provides field-tested recommendations, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable on the trails.
Whether you need a lightweight pair of hiking pants that will keep you cool in high temperatures or a heavy-duty pair that can handle the most demanding of terrains, here are our winners for the best hiking pants for men.
Power your phone and electronics with our review of the best portable solar chargers and panels with power banks for camping, basecamping, and outdoor adventures.
We review human waste bags and wag bags for ease-of-use to find the best odorproof and leakproof toilet kits for camping, climbing, backpacking, rafting and emergencies
We tested 35 SPF lotions to find the best body sunscreen for outdoor activities and best everyday sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection.