We've tested hundreds of products and equipment to find the best camping gear on the market.

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Travel + Leisure

Looking to upgrade your camping gear? We’ve been out in the field (though more often the woods) to put camping gear and equipment to the test — rain and shine, winter and summer. We’ve tried hundreds of outdoor products, from campsite essentials like tents, coolers, and sleeping bags to recreational gear like paddle boards and kayaks. During our months of testing, we evaluated comfort, performance, durability, portability, ease of use, and value to narrow our list to the best of the best for enjoying the great outdoors.

Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned outdoor adventurer, having quality gear is important for enjoying your outdoor adventure — and being prepared for the unexpected. From insulated sleeping bags to high-quality tents, we’ve compiled our picks of the best camping gear so you can spend less time shopping around and more time exploring.

Top Picks

Best Tent: Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent at Kuiu.com Jump to Review Best Backpacking Tent: Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Coffee Maker: nCamp Café Portable Coffee Maker at Amazon $49 Jump to Review Best Wheeled Cooler: YETI Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler at Amazon $475 Jump to Review Best Soft Cooler: RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag at Amazon $129 Jump to Review Best Camping Chair: Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair at Amazon $55 Jump to Review Best Reclining Chair: GCI Outdoors Zero Gravity at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Sleeping Bag: Nemo Coda Genderless Endless Promise Down Mummy Sleeping Bag at Amazon $399 Jump to Review Best Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Pillow: Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow at Amazon $44 Jump to Review

Best Tent

Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

Credit: Kuiu View on Kuiu.com Why We Love It

• This tent is roomy, easy to assemble, and packs into a compact bag.

What to Consider

• The clips are so small that those with larger hands can have some trouble.

For bikepacking, car camping, and hiking alike, the Kuiu Mountain Star tent is our favorite tent we’ve ever tested. Designed to house two adults comfortably, we had plenty of room to sleep soundly throughout our camping trips (even one with a dog in attendance). It took less than 10 minutes to set the tent up the first time we used it and no tools were needed to get it assembled. We also love that it comes with an attached vestibule where you can store your packs and muddy hiking boots.

The tent also exceeded our expectations for durability — the fabric is thick and high-quality and kept us dry in the rain and dewy mornings. However, we do recommend investing in a footprint to further protect you from the elements and preserve the lifespan of the tent. At 3.5 pounds, the tent is also lightweight and compact enough that you can hike with it for short periods (or separate the components to share the load).

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Best Backpacking Tent

Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Credit: REI View on Amazon $450 at REI $450 at Backcountry Why We Love It

• This lightweight tent offers plenty of protection and a quick assembly process.

What to Consider

• It can be hard to tell which is the correct way to apply the rainfly.

Avid campers will appreciate the versatile uses offered by the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent. The one-person tent weighs just over two pounds and has a floor area of over 20 square feet, making this tent light enough to throw in a backpack, but spacious enough to lounge comfortably at the end of a long hike. If camping with the two- or three-person model, you can divide the tent components and share the tent weight easily.

Throughout our campouts, we were impressed with the tent’s wind and waterproofing, especially given the thin feel of the materials. It takes less than five minutes to assemble and then disassemble, making this an ideal tent to have for those long days when you just want to pop your tent into place and climb into your sleeping bag.

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Best Coffee Maker

nCamp Café Portable Coffee Maker

Credit: Amazon $49 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Bespokepost.com Why We Love It

• The packable system is easy to assemble, use, and clean.

What to Consider

• We wish the handle was a bit thicker and easier to hold.

The nCamp Portable Coffee Maker helps take the hassle out of brewing fresh coffee on an outdoor adventure. We were pleased with how simple and straightforward the setup was and the instructions are helpful and easy to use. We appreciated the compact, nesting design for its packing efficiency. Roughly the size of a water bottle, it weighs less than two pounds and neatly fit into the side pocket of a daypack, so it was easy to tote around. It comes with one mug included that’s insulated with a rubber exterior to protect hands from the heat of freshly brewed coffee.

We found it performed well on both camping stoves and an indoor range. It had no trouble reaching a boiling temperature or percolating during testing, and — most importantly — we never found coffee grounds in our mugs. Though we’ve noticed some charring on the stainless steel, which can be easily scrubbed away, there hasn’t been any sign of wear or tear after multiple uses.

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The 9 Best Camping Coffee Makers of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Best Wheeled Cooler

YETI Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler

Credit: Yeti $475 at Amazon $475 at REI $450 at Backcountry Why We Love It

• This rugged cooler offers top-notch insulation and maneuverability for multi-day camping trips.

What to Consider

• It offers leak resistance, but not a leakproof design.

The Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler provides excellent insulation and protective latches to keep camp provisions fresh and safe from wildlife. It boasts a 57-liter capacity, which is equivalent to 62 pounds of ice or 53 cans with ice. We love the Roadie’s mobility, even when the 29-pound cooler is packed to the brim with ice, drinks, or food. Its puncture-resistant tires easily traverse tree roots, rocky terrain, and sand to get to wherever you’ll be setting up camp or spending the afternoon. The Roadie’s telescoping handle is also built for off-road use and retracts for convenient storage. In closer quarters, the cooler’s indented handles deliver solid grip for lifting and moving it. An included dry goods basket comes in handy for storing anything you don’t want to get wet. And as ice starts to melt (days later), the Roadie easily drains with a simple pull of the plug.

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Best Soft Cooler

RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag

Credit: RTIC $129 at Amazon View on Target $125 $102 at Walmart Why We Love It

• This cooler is well-insulated and plenty tough for outdoor adventures.

What to Consider

• The shoulder strap design isn’t the most comfortable to carry long distances when fully loaded.

The RTIC Soft Pack offers ample storage and insulation for a weekend camping trip. It’s made with 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation and a tear-resistant exterior liner. We love how well it stands up to wear and tear and how durable the zipper feels. Together, these components contribute to the Soft Pack’s leakproof construction and ability to float, which comes in handy when canoeing, kayaking, or swimming about. The Soft Pack cooler comes in four sizes (12-can, 20-can, 30-can, and 40-can) and nine different colors, offering plenty of options to match your intended use and style.

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Best Camping Chair

Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair

Credit: Walmart $55 at Amazon $40 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Walmart Why We Love It

• It’s a portable and durable chair that’s well-suited to a range of outdoor activities.

What to Consider

• The back is at a reclined angle that may not be comfortable for all.

From camping trips to outdoor sporting events, the Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair has you covered. We found it easy to set up — just pull it out of the bag and spread the armrests until the legs fully extend. Once the legs locked into place, the camping chair felt incredibly sturdy to sit in, as the feet ensured stability in sand, dirt, and grass alike.

When it’s time to head home, the chair easily fit back into the included drawstring bag. Equipped with a shoulder carry strap, campers can free up their hands to carry other gear or better navigate uneven terrain. We also loved the airflow and quick-drying capabilities afforded by the mesh chair back. With cupholder and pockets built in, you may not want to move from this seat after a long hike.

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The 8 Best Camping Chairs of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Best Reclining Chair

GCI Outdoors Zero Gravity

Credit: Amazon $120 at Amazon View on REI $100 $70 at Dicks Sporting Goods Why We Love It

• This chair offers excellent support and versatile seating positions for relaxing outdoors.

What to Consider

• It’s heavier and less portable than most camp chairs.

If your ideal camping trip includes stargazing or a post-hike nap in a reclining camp chair, the GCI Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair is a must-have addition to your camping essentials. The chair frame is made from powder-coated steel, while the seat and backrest is constructed from mesh for ventilated comfort. This also allows the Zero Gravity Chair to quickly dry out if left out in the rain. It’s equipped with a padded, adjustable headrest to fit a range of heights, plus armrests to keep the entire body supported while lounging. It comes with two seating modes: Freeform and Zero Gravity. When reclined in Zero Gravity mode, the chair gives a weightless feeling that provides relief to the back and weary legs. Whereas Freeform mode functions like a recliner with a handle to raise and lower the legs. As you go between settings and dial in the fit, the Zero Gravity chair locks into place for safety.

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Best Sleeping Bag

Nemo Coda Genderless Endless Promise Down Mummy Sleeping Bag

Credit: Nemo Equipment $399 at Amazon $470 at Backcountry View on Nemoequipment.com Why We Love It

• This packable bag delivers exceptional insulation, comfort, and plenty of room to stretch out your legs.

What to Consider

• It can be a bit constricting when fully zipped.

The Nemo Coda Genderless Endless Promise Sleeping Bag offers three-season performance in a relaxed mummy-style design. It has a durable construction and plenty of insulation; plus, it comes is short, long, and regular lengths so campers can get the most comfortable fit for their height. The mummy-style shape may take some getting used to, but it traps in heat well for chilly nights out: it has a 10-20 degree Fahrenheit temperature rating. If you feel like you're getting too warm, you can also unzip the footbox to let in a bit of air. While a bit heavy at 2.2-2.8 pounds (depending on size), it packs down in a small, compact bag for easy packing.

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Best Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad

Credit: Thermarest $120 at Amazon $120 at Backcountry View on Linegear.com Why We Love It

• It offers a lightweight design that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or size.

What to Consider

• We found it to be a little bulky when stored in the stuff sack.

The Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad achieves an ideal balance between lightweight backpacking pads and the comfort and size of a standard camping air mattress. Though it’s just two inches thick when inflated, we found it to be shockingly comfortable and were surprised we couldn’t feel the ground underneath us throughout the night. That being said, campers who sleep on their sides may feel less padding than those who sleep on their back or stomach.

We found it super easy to set up, with no pump or equipment required thanks to the self-inflating WingLock valve system. The pad was mostly inflated after just a few minutes, and we blew into the valve for an additional two minutes to get it all the way full. We were impressed by the high-quality and durable materials and how it stayed perfectly inflated throughout testing. Deflating when it’s time to go is quick and trouble-free as well. However, it takes up a good amount of storage space once rolled out and packed away in the included stuff sack.

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Best Pillow

Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow

Credit: Amazon $44 at Amazon View on Thermarest.com Why We Love It

• The non-slip material is comfortable and stays in place, even on sleek sleeping bags.

What to Consider

• It's not the most adjustable pillow.

Sleeping on a comfortable camping pillow can help you get a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors and the Therm-a-rest Air Head Lite Pillow is our go-to lightweight option. We love how soft the outer polyester cover feels and that its ergonomic shape cradles the head and neck. The inflatable pillow pops up after just a few breaths of air and does not deflate in the night. We also love its lightweight design and how easily it squishes down in its stuff sack to carry in a backpack or fanny pack.

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Best Daypack

Gregory Women’s Swift 22 H20 Backpack

Credit: Gregory $140 at Amazon $140 at REI $130 at Backcountry Why We Love It

• It has excellent padding, multiple adjustment points, and the ideal capacity for a day hike.

What to Consider

• The hydration reservoir takes a while to dry out after holding water.

The Gregory Swift 22 H2O Backpack is well-suited to both casual and advanced hikes. The size is optimal for packing a day’s worth of supplies and gear without getting too heavy for a day trek — ticking many boxes for ideal hiking gear. While features like trekking pole loops, a 2-liter hydration bladder, and an adjustable hip belt cater to more technical treks. Wherever adventure takes you, the Swift 22 H2O keeps things comfortable with generous padding on the back panel and straps. The multi-layer 3D foam on the back still allows airflow for ventilated relief while hiking. We loved the customizable fit of all the straps, providing comfort and a full range of motion for optimal maneuverability. And when you’re not exploring the outdoors, simply swap out the hydration reservoir and use the compartment as a laptop sleeve for weekend getaways or commuting.

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The 9 Best Hiking Backpacks for Women of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Best Bug Spray

Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent

Credit: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at REI $12 at Dicks Sporting Goods Why We Love It

• This repellent delivers up to 12 hours of protection.

What to Consider

• The spray is very narrow, so you have to rub it in.

Keeping mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests at bay can make the difference in being a happy camper. We didn’t experience any bites while wearing the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent when camping in Illinois, Wisconsin, Wyoming, New York, and Maine. We appreciated that it absorbed into the skin easily without leaving a residue or chemical scent, but you do need to rub it in slightly to spread it around. The repellent has 20 percent picaridin, which is gentle, yet effective for camping and hiking alike. It also provides lasting protection against mosquitoes, biting flies, and, ticks.

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I Had Malaria, and These Are the Bug Repellents I No Longer Travel Without

Best Car Roof Carrier

Thule Motion 3 Large

Credit: Thule $1,000 at Amazon View on Thule.com Why We Love It

• This spacious carrier is exceptionally lightweight, durable, and easy to take on and off a vehicle.

What to Consider

• The carrier is best for campers in need of storage for larger equipment or lots of gear.

The Thule Motion 3 lives up to the brand’s reputation for practical, user-friendly vehicle storage. We found it incredibly easy to pop up and secure the four legs over the car crossbars. Once in place, simply twist the levers inside the carrier for a secure fit. The intuitive locking mechanism and ability to open the lid from either side makes for hassle-free loading or unloading. The carrier’s legs can be moved closer or farther apart depending on the crossbar design — a major benefit for households with multiple vehicles. It didn’t move an inch during our test drives, and we felt secure with it overhead thanks to its numerous clamps and aerodynamic design. We were also impressed that the exterior didn’t dent or scuff during six months of testing.

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Best Inflatable Paddle Board

SereneLife Stand-up Paddle Board

Credit: Amazon $240 $200 at Amazon Why We Love It

• It’s incredibly stable for beginners while offering solid performance for more seasoned paddlers.

What to Consider

• It’s a tight fit to get the board and accessories back into the carry bag.

The SereneLife Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard is a travel-friendly way to explore lakes, rivers, and even oceans while camping. The board measures 10.5 feet long and 32 inches wide, giving it excellent balance and performance in windy conditions. We found it to be reliably stable, even while paddling with a dog that was less inclined to stay put in one place, making it a good option if you’re looking for a beginner’s inflatable paddle board. It’s fitted with three fins to enhance maneuverability, though the larger central fin can be detached if paddling through shallower water or rocky rivers. It took us just over eight minutes to inflate the board before quickly attaching the handle and clicking the paddle together. We love that the handle is height adjustable and easy to use — we made modifications out on the water without issue. Weighing just under 14 pounds, the 10.5-board isn’t cumbersome or awkward to carry while inflated. However, the paddleboard and the included hand pump, paddle, fin, ankle strap, and repair kit can go back in the carry bag, though we found it took some effort to get it all in.

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Best Camping Lantern

Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern

Credit: Amazon $40 at Amazon View on Ustgear.com Why We Love It

• We were impressed by the durable design and varied brightness settings for different uses.

What to Consider

• We wish it had a rechargeable battery.

The Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro is our favorite camping lantern for every setting. After popping in three D-cell batteries, it’s ready to light your way. It comes with four settings: high (700 lumens), medium (140 lumens), low (30 lumens), and SOS flashing for emergencies. We found the brightness on high to be great for lighting up the trail ahead while hiking at night, whereas the warm light on low was perfect for using inside the tent. We love the compact size and that it comes with a handle for carrying and a hook for hanging on tent loops or nearby branches. During testing, it fell from a hanging tree branch and there were no marks or scratches. Even after months of use, it still looks new. It also handled getting a bit wet and cold in the snow without issue.

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The Best Camping Lanterns of 2025 for Every Type of Camper, Tested and Reviewed

Our Testing Process

T+L has tested over 100 camping-related items to identify the best gear for enjoying the great outdoors. We took equipment out on numerous outings and multi-day excursions to see firsthand how they perform. For all categories, we evaluated the comfort, durability, portability, quality, and value to select the best camping gear. When applicable, we also tested the ease of use and ease of setup (and disassembly) according to the manufacturer instructions if provided.

Prior to taking gear out into the field, we examined each item to assess the quality of the materials and ensure that everything from straps to handles, wheels, and zippers were functioning properly. We rated each piece of camping gear on a scale of one to five across the testing categories and provided detailed insights and candid feedback, helping us make comparisons between products and compile our picks for the best camping gear.

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Tips for Buying Camping Gear

Prioritize the essentials

There’s a myriad of camping gear and equipment out there, with some being more practical than others. No matter your camping style, focusing on the essentials is a good place to start. Generally speaking, your campsite essentials should address food, shelter, and clothing. Camp stoves and cookware are available in minimalist, collapsible designs or more deluxe varieties suited for gourmet cooking or larger groups. Choosing a quality tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camping cot, and camp pillow are also essential for an enjoyable camping experience. Adding a headlamp or lantern and first aid kit to your list of essentials is also recommended for safety.

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Invest in durability

Investing in camping gear made from quality, weather-resistant materials can provide you with many years of adventure. What’s more, durable equipment and gear is less likely to leave you in an uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situation. Durability varies between materials and equipment type. Across the board, it’s a good idea to choose gear with waterproof protection and abrasion resistance.

Consider the length and style of your camping trips

The gear you’ll need for a camping trip depends a good deal on the type of trip (backpacking versus canoe camping versus car camping), but the duration is also an important consideration. For longer trips, having a reliable cooler for food storage, such as the sophisticated Yeti Roadie, or opting for freeze-dried provisions may be necessary unless you have access to grocery stores or restaurants. Bringing activity-specific gear, such as paddleboards and kayaks, or other entertainment like card games and books, can help fend off boredom on longer trips. A beach blanket can also come in handy for water activities by the ocean or lake.

The type of camping gear you need also depends on the style of camping you plan on doing. Backpackers will naturally lean toward lightweight, packable gear. Those camping by car or RV have much more wiggle room in terms of the weight and volume of gear and supplies. For instance, unlike backpack camping, you can secure a car roof tent onto your vehicle instead of having to find an appropriate spot to pitch a tent. More space also means the ability to pack more creature comforts and equipment for different outdoor activities, such as kayaking or mountain biking. Still, using camping gear storage, such as dry bags and gear cases, can help with organization and weatherproofing.

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Think about seasonality

The time of year you plan on camping is an important consideration for selecting gear. Seasonality primarily impacts the type of apparel, tent, and sleeping equipment that you’ll need to stay comfortable and safe while camping. However, some gear like rain tarps, sunshades, or mosquito nets could be essential items based on the time of year and local climate. 

Tents and sleeping bags typically include season ratings. For example, our two-person tent pick, the Nemo Dagger Osmo, is rated for three-season performance. This means it’s designed for use in spring, summer, and fall, but not harsh winter conditions. Similarly, sleeping bags can have seasonal ratings: summer, three-season, and winter. They may also include specific temperature ratings, such as 15 or 30 degrees Fahrenheit. For added comfort, you might also consider heated jackets for extra warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Kevin Brouillard is a writer who specializes in outdoor gear and apparel. He is an avid camper, hiker, and paddle-boarder and used his camping experience and testing insights from T+L’s outdoor experts to curate this list of the best camping gear we’ve ever tested.

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