The Best Camping Gear
Camping can bring you closer to nature, family, and friends. But to truly enjoy your excursion into the wilderness, you'll need the right gear. After all, nothing spoils a day of hiking like a sore back or a restless night. That's why we decided to round up a list of the best camping gear on the market so that you can heed the call of the wild in comfort.
What to Look For
We’ve had more than enough camping experiences that proved the importance of quality gear, so we searched the market for the absolute best options. We used four primary questions to guide us: Is it made of durable, high-quality materials that will last through a rugged excursion into the wild? Is it easy to use? Is it lightweight in design and reasonably priced? Several camping tools stood out as essentials. For starters, Vont’s LED lantern proved its worth with an incredibly robust construction and power-efficient design. Plus, it comes in a two-pack for a bargain price. And if you need something for sleep, consider adopting the hammock life with Wise Owl Outfitters’ comfy hammock kit. There’s a lot to consider, so read on for our in-depth reviews.
Vont LED Camping Lantern, 2 Pack
Illuminate the night
Fumbling around in the dark isn’t anybody’s idea of a good time. With Vont’s LED camping lanterns, you can easily illuminate your campsite for hours. Indeed, with just three AA batteries, one of these lanterns can provide dozens of hours of light. And if the brightness is too much, you can easily adjust the luminosity by simply lowering or raising the height. Best of all, these things are built like tanks, with a water-resistant construction that can take quite a beating.
Pros:
- It collapses into a compact size, roughly the dimensions of a soda can, and the weight is light. This makes it an excellent choice for backpackers.
- The price is amazingly low considering the long expected service life.
- They last an incredibly long time before needing a battery change, most likely due to the power efficiency of the LED lights.
Cons:
- We generally prefer rechargeable batteries, though the ability to swap out disposables may be seen as an advantage to some.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
Rock the cradle
Some outdoors enthusiasts are die-hard hammock fans and for good reason. Hammocks have several undeniable advantages over tents, which is why this camping hammock from Wise Owl Outfitters is so high on our list. For one, it weighs about 1.5 pounds, so it can replace all those heavy tent stakes and poles with its lightweight design. Plus, it comes with all the straps and carabiners you need to string it up in just a couple of minutes. Most importantly, this particular option is made out of a strong nylon material that’s soft to the touch.
Pros:
- This hammock is available in a wide range of color options.
- The single hammock can support an impressive 400 pounds, so you don’t need to worry about falling through while you slumber.
- Once you get the “hang” of the setup, it can be assembled and ready to go in about a minute. Then, you can lounge in your hammock while your friends struggle with their tents.
Cons:
- Not everybody sleeps well in a hammock, so it’s worth testing out in a backyard before committing to a multi-day trip.
Sleepingo Ultralight Sleeping Pad for Camping
Give your back a break
Although inflatable sleeping pads used to be wildly expensive, the times are changing. This option from Sleepingo comes at an affordable price and offers all the quality, ease of setup, and comfort that we look for. Whether camping in your backyard or embarking on a long journey, this lightweight pad is a practical option for providing cushioning, warmth, and support. Best of all, it collapses into a tiny roll that weighs about 0.9 pounds. The ground just got a whole lot softer.
Pros:
- It has thermal insulation that helps reflect heat back into your body, keeping you toasty all night long.
- The material may be light in weight, but it resists tears well and can even be used on uneven ground.
- You can inflate it in about a dozen breaths, so there’s no need to sit there huffing and puffing.
Cons:
- It’s 21.5 inches in width, so campers with broad shoulders may have to place additional cushions on the sides for their elbows.
Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set, Kettle with 2 Cups
Rugged and ready
Enjoying a warm meal after a long day of outdoor activities is blissful. But while the market is flooded with cookware for camping, none deliver the goods like this cooking pot from Stanley. Simple, sleek, and stainless steel, this 24-ounce pot is a rugged workhorse that can potentially last a lifetime. It’s the perfect size for placing on top of a mini camping stove, and the tall shape heats up quickly and efficiently. Add the included cups, sturdy handle, and vented lid, and you have the pinnacle of camping kettles.
Pros:
- While many camping cookware sets are made out of weak aluminum, this one is stainless steel. That means not only is it stronger, but it’s also easy to clean and safe to use.
- Many gas canisters fit perfectly inside the kettle with room to spare. That way, you can store an entire cooking kit right inside the pot.
Cons:
- The nesting cups take up a lot of room inside the kettle, so you may have to leave them behind if you want to store your full cooking kit inside the kettle.
Cliq Compact Camping Chair
Kick back in comfort
Traditional camping chairs are notoriously heavy, bulky, and a pain to set up. That’s why we were so impressed by Cliq’s design, which weighs less than four pounds, collapses down to about the size of a water bottle, and can be set up in a few seconds. Of course, ultralight backpackers may find this chair an unnecessary luxury, but arriving at a campsite without a comfy place to park could change their minds. Indeed, this camping chair is a versatile piece of gear that just about anyone will appreciate.
Pros:
- It feels surprisingly sturdy to sit in, even for us heavier folks. The four legs provide support no matter which way you prefer to lean.
- Truly ready for the outdoors, this chair can handle rain and shine. It dries quickly, too.
Cons:
- The advanced compact design comes at a premium price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear do I need to go camping?
The answer to this question depends on the environment in which you plan to camp. For example, staying warm in a tropical climate is less important than staying hydrated and dry. In such places, a hammock is ideal since it keeps you off the wet ground and away from creepy crawlies. You will likely also need mosquito netting and bug spray. However, cold, dry climates will require different gear. In these cases, you should focus on insulated sleeping bags, fast-drying clothing, and building up a campfire. In other words, you should research the demands of the environment and plan accordingly.
Can I camp anywhere I want?
You should always check the local laws to make sure camping is allowed. In many parks, there are strict rules about making campfires, waste disposal, and food storage. These laws vary from place to place, so a thorough web search is always recommended.
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