The Best Camping Gear We’ve Ever Tested

Best Six-person Tent

Marmot Limestone 6-person Tent

$529 at REI $529 at Dicks Sporting Goods $529 at Marmot.com

The Marmot Limestone 6-person Tent affords ample room for camping with friends, family, pets, and plenty of gear in tow. Its floor area measures approximately 10 x 8.3 feet, or 82.9 square feet, while the vestibule area offers 40.9 square feet of covered storage space. The tent’s pre-bent pole design forms vertical walls for more interior space and headroom, which reaches an impressive max height of 76 inches. We love that this high-capacity tent is incredibly portable at 17 pounds and comes with an open-ended drawstring bag for transport and storage. However, rolling the detachable rain fly and tent tight enough to fit in the storage bag is easier accomplished in pairs. Despite its size, we found the Limestone tent was a breeze to set up. The color-coded poles slipped seamlessly through their corresponding sleeves and secured easily into the pole clips and corner attachment points.

Best Four-person Tent

Nemo Aurora Highrise Camping Tent

$400 $320 at Amazon $400 at REI $400 at Backcountry

Equipped with near-vertical side walls and a peak height of 75 inches, the Nemo Aurora Highrise 4-person tent lives up to its name. This design gives plenty of headroom and space to move about in the tent’s 62.5-square-foot floor area. The tent has two large doors on either side (a major plus when camping with a group) with door flips for easy in and out. While the vestibules aren’t especially large at 19.5 square feet, the Aurora Highrise has multiple gear pockets to keep things organized. Additionally, the tent ceiling is equipped with Nightlight Pockets that filter out the blue light from your headlamp for atmospheric low lighting when it’s time to wind down. We loved the views and ventilation afforded by the large mesh windows when the semi-detachable flaps are unzipped. The rain fly extends out over the windows to keep moisture from coming through the mesh.

Best Two-person Tent

Nemo Dagger Osmo 3 Person Tent

$600 $439 at Amazon $600 at REI $530 at Backcountry

Avid campers will appreciate the versatile uses offered by the Nemo Dagger Osmo 3. With a packed trail weight below 4 pounds and a floor area measuring 43.9 square feet, the tent is light enough to throw in a backpack but spacious enough to lounge comfortably. If backpacking, campers can use the Divvy Cube stuff sack to divide the tent components and share the tent weight. We were impressed with the tent’s wind and waterproofing, especially given the amount of mesh used in its design. The Dagger Osmo 3 has two vestibule storage areas to keep a clutter-free sleeping area. The addition of two large doors, fitted with clips, makes it easy to get in and out without disturbing fellow campers. It also boasts sustainability credentials to reduce campers’ environmental impact. The tent fabric is made from 100 percent Global Recycled Standard-certified materials that avoids the use of PFAS or PFCs. Additionally, the fly and floor materials are Bluesign-approved.

Best Grill

Weber Portable Gas Grill

$287 $259 at Amazon $260 at Target $259 at Walmart

Need the ideal gift for an outdoorsman? Equipped with two porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and folding work tables, the Weber Q12 Gas Grill brings the comforts of home cooking to the outdoors. It produces up to 8,500 BTUs of heat, which reached up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit during our testing. Whether cooking burgers or slowly reheating leftovers, the heat is evenly distributed across the cooking surface thanks to the burner design spanning the length of the grill. We loved the excellent temperature control and responsiveness provided by the infinite control burner valve. The control knob is marked with high, medium, and low settings, plus an indicator to set for lighting the grill with the push ignition. An integrated lid thermometer and removable catch pan for grease add further convenience to this camping grill.

Best Coffee Maker

nCamp Café Portable Coffee Maker

$73 at Amazon View on Ncampgear.com

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.

Best Hard Cooler

YETI Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler

$450 at Amazon $450 at REI $450 at Dicks Sporting Goods

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.

Best Soft Cooler

RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag

$115 $99 at Amazon $115 at Target $99 at Walmart

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.

Best Camping Chair

ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair

$60 at Amazon View on Cabelas.com View on Basspro.com

From camping trips to the beach, the Alps Mountaineering Getaway 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 chair felt incredibly sturdy to sit in, as the wide 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 backpack carry straps, 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. The seat of the chair is just 12 inches off the ground. While we found that the lower seating position took pressure off the back, it may not be ideal for campers with knee problems or limited leg strength.

Best Reclining Chair

GCI Outdoors Zero Gravity

$100 at Amazon $93 at REI $100 at Dicks Sporting Goods

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.

Best Sleeping Bag

Sea To Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag

View on Amazon $429 at REI View on Seatosummit.com

The Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag offers three-season performance in a relaxed mummy-style design. We found the openness at the legs and feet to be a big boon for comfort, making it easy to turn over and stretch out in the night. We also loved the versatility of the triple-zip system to regulate temperature, plus the option to connect with another Sea to Summit sleeping bag to make space for two. Whereas most sleeping bags open from one side, the Ascent has zippers along both sides, as well as the footbox. When all three are unzipped, the bag can be worn like a hooded pullover to stay cozy outside the tent. On colder nights, cinch the hood and close the zippers to get the most out of the bag’s 750+ fill-power goose down. Meanwhile, the exterior nylon shell is made with recycled materials and a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish to trap out wind and moisture.

Best Double Sleeping Bag

Nemo Jazz Double Sleeping Bag

$350 $245 at Amazon $350 at REI $350 at Backcountry

The Nemo Jazz Double Sleeping Bag earned our topic pick for campers looking to comfortably cozy up together. The softness of the taffeta liner and the mummy-style hood for two stood out to us. We are fans of the pillow pocket and integrated pad sleeve to help keep our pillows and sleeping pad from sliding about the tent. We also loved the ventilation near the feet of the bag. Equipped with double zippers on both sides, each camper can manage the airflow and temperature on their respective side if preferences differ. The built-in bedsheet was another thoughtful feature for its added warmth and removable design, so it can be washed between camping trips.

The sleeping bag is rated for 30 degrees, but we didn't feel cold at any point of our six months of testing, even when temperatures dropped to 25 degrees during a November camping trip. While the duffel-style carry bag isn’t the easiest to hold, the nearly nine-pound double bag is a good choice for car or canoe camping.

Best Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad

$161 at Amazon $155 at Backcountry View on Thermarest.com

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.

Best Cot

Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot

$60 at Amazon $50 at Walmart View on Osagerivergear.com

Sleeping on the ground isn’t for everyone, which is where the Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot comes in. It’s made from heavy-duty 600D PVC coated polyester that’s resistant to inclement weather and carbon steel legs capable of supporting 300 pounds. The cot rises 18.5 inches high and measures 28 x 75 inches, which is just short enough to fit in many multi-person tents and wide enough to sleep on your side or back. It’s also fitted with an elevated headrest and wide plastic feet for stability. We love how convenient and easy it is to set up — just take it out of the carrying bag, stretch it out, push down in a couple spots, and it’s ready to go. It was also a breeze to fold it back up and tuck into the carrying bag without hassle. 

Best Pillow

Exped Deep Sleep Pillow

View on Backcountry $35 $27 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Publiclands.com

Sleeping on a comfortable camping pillow can help you get a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors and the Exped Deep Sleep Pillow is our go-to. We love how soft the outer nylon cover feels and that its ergonomic shape cradles the head and neck. Both the upcycled foam filling and nylon exterior are made from recycled materials. It’s fitted with eyelets that allow it to attach to your sleeping mat — adding convenience and practicality to this snug pillow’s perks. We also love its lightweight design and how easily it squishes down in its stuff sack to carry in a backpack.

Best Daypack

Gregory Women's Swift 22 H20 Backpack

$130 at Amazon $130 at REI $130 at Backcountry

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.

Best Bug Spray

Off! Active Insect Repellent

$40 at Amazon $9 at Target $7 at Walmart

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 Off! Active Insect Repellent. We appreciated that it absorbed into the skin easily without leaving a residue or chemical scent. The aerosol repellent is easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. Off! Is made with 15 percent DEET and is resistant to sweat — a notable benefit for summer camping and hiking. It provides lasting protection against mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas.

Best Car Roof Carrier

Thule Motion 3

View on Thule.com

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.

Best Duffel Bag

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

$302 at Amazon $250 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Yeti.com

The Yeti Crossroads 60L is a great option for transporting clothes and gear for a car camping trip. The bag is made with 700D TuffSkin nylon that holds its shape and boasts water and abrasion resistance. Meanwhile, the base of the bag has a PU-coating, making it durable and easy to clean off dirt. It’s equipped with two removable divider panels, forming three separate compartments to stay organized or separate dirty and clean clothes over an extended camping trip. There are also internal pockets for stowing valuables and two external stash pockets for quick access to essentials like bug spray. The Crossroads comes with a detachable shoulder strap and three handles — one on top and a pair on opposite ends — for versatile carrying options.

Best Portable Paddleboard

SereneLife Stand-up Paddle Board

$300 $270 at Amazon

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.

Best Portable Kayak

Oru Lake Sport

$739 at Amazon $699 at REI View on Orukayak.com

Oru has made a splash with its convenient folding kayaks, and the Lake+ is no exception. When folded, it measures 42 x 21 x 11 inches, which is a perfect fit for most trunks and backseats. This includes the paddle, which disassembles into four components for compact transport. The Lake+ weighs just 18 pounds and has a padded handle to carry like a briefcase. On the first paddle, we did not expect the amount of force that was required to fold the panels. But the Lake+ is incredibly durable, and once we got the hang of it, we got the assembly down to about five minutes. While Oru Kayak’s portability captures the most attention, we were also impressed with the spaciousness and performance offered by the Lake+. We easily fit a 30-liter dry bag behind the seat and were pleasantly surprised to find there was ample room for a larger bag or cooler. There’s also space in front to stash essentials and a life jacket.

Best Camping Lantern

Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern

$35 at Amazon View on Ustgear.com

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.