The 15 Pieces of Gear That Will Transform Your Camping Adventures

There’s no better way to commune with nature than sleeping under the stars. These items make it all the more pleasant.

binoculars in a desert landscape with a camp headline and outdoor badge icon

By Hayley Helms

Published June 13, 2023

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Updated June 15, 2023

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This story is part of the 2023 Outdoor Awards. To see the full list of winners, click here.

Sleeping under the stars, breathing in fresh, crisp air and listening to the sound of a crackling campfire … is there anything that tops camping out in the wild? It’s the closest many of us get to our ancestral habits — but, y’know, without a lot of the bad things we left behind when we invented civilization.

Camping elicits a feeling of connection and calm that is hard to beat. And with the right equipment, the calm can continue for days and days and days. Setting up camp shouldn’t be a hassle; with the well-equipped line-up below, we don’t think it will be. Just don’t forget the s’mores supplies, okay?

Best Sleeping Bag

The North Face One Bag Sleeping Bag

$360.00 at REI

With a temperature range spanning from 5º Fahrenheit to 40º F (thanks to a modular zipper) this sleeping bag can hold its own on almost any adventure. Stomach and side sleepers will still find comfort within its cocoon shape, and at less than four pounds, it can even come backpacking with you.

READ MORE: The Best Sleeping Bags of 2023

Most Comfortable Air Mattress

Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad

$240.00 at thermarest.com

Aptly named, this king of kings is the most comfortable air mattress our testers have caught some zzz’s on. That’s thanks to its layer of thermal foam nestled in-between alternating ridges of air and yes, even more foam. Sleeping under the stars never felt so good.

Best Headlamp

Biotlite HeadLamp 325

$50.00 at BioLite

This marvelously versatile headlamp outshines its predecessors in a number of ways: it’s lighter, has the same run time, comparable brightness and a rechargeable battery — all for less than 50 bucks.

Best Camping Blanket

Kammok Bobcat 45°F

$220.00 at kammok.com

Thanks to cinching top and bottom hems, concealed button snaps and loops that allow you to connect the sides, and a DWR waterproof coating, this cozy camp blanket can pull double-duty as a sleeping bag, in a pinch.

Best-Looking Camp Lantern

Snow Peak Hozuki Lantern

$108.00 at snowpeak.com

Spending time outdoors doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste, and no brand knows that better than Snow Peak. The purveyors of “things made for camping that you would totally put in your house” made this hanging camp lantern, which is equal parts functional and cool.

Best First Aid Kit for Camping in Groups

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

$25.00 at REI

At 7.2 ounces, this teeny-tiny overnight first aid kit packs a pretty big punch: it comes with almost everything you’d need for first aid in the wild. At less than 30 bucks, this is a well-equipped bargain that can go just about anywhere.

Best Camp Chair

Helinox Chair One

$110.00 at helinox.com

With the One, it’s love at first sight. This is the camp chair that sets the standard for all four-legged adventure seats, with its lightweight fabric, aluminum construction and easy set-up.

Best Overall Tent

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 3 Solution-Dyed Tent

$500.00 at REI

Super light? Yes. Easy to set up? Yup. Made with planet-friendly, solution-dyed fabric that’s UV fade-resistant? You got it. Sleep easy in our staff-favorite tent.

READ MORE: The Best Tents of 2023

Most Durable Flashlight

MagLite Mag-Tac TRM1RA4

$86.00 at Amazon

Impressive battery life, a quick charge time and an efficient crowned bezel make this the utilitarian, tough-as-nails option you need almost any scenario.

READ MORE: The Best LED Flashlights

Best Campsite Storage

Sidio Crate Pro Pack

$221.00 at Amazon

Whether it’s a weekend getaway, an overlanding adventure or you live full-time in your van and want a little more organization, Sidio’s crates are ideal for keeping stray cords, camera gear, survival gear and dry goods in their proper places.

READ MORE: How Sidio Mastered the Milk Crate

Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars

Coolest Looking Binoculars

Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars

$95.00 at Huckberry

Go birding in style with these fun, functional and very affordable binos. The colorways look great and, if you go for a bright option, help you keep track of them in your bag. Win-win.

Best All-Around Wood Axe

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

$192.00 at Amazon

$219.00 (12% off)

This heirloom-worthy workhorse, built for felling trees, is forged by smiths in one of Sweden’s three remaining axe forges. The special carbon-steel alloy axe head and hickory handle will do their job for years to come.

Best Dry Bag Duffel

Filson Medium Dry Duffle Bag

$75.00 at Filson

$98.00 (23% off)

The highlighter-green colorway of this lightweight, well-built dry bag will help you keep an eye on it during travel — and its 840-denier nylon will keep your essentials dry and protected.

Best Camp Table

Nemo Moonlander Table

$150.00 at REI

Sure, this camp table is easy to set up, lightweight at just five pounds and packs down to a fraction of its size — but it’s the adjustable height that steals the show for us.

READ MORE: The Best Camp Tables of 2023

Best Camping Cooler

Yeti Tundra Haul

$450.00 at Yeti

It’s no secret why Yeti’s coolers remain at the top of many “best of” lists: they’re incredibly durable, perform better than lookalike competitors and continually keep things fresh with new colorways — like this Baywatch-inspired red.