The Best Camping Gear We’ve Ever Tested

Best Six-person Tent

Marmot Limestone 6-person Tent

$529 at REI $529 at backcountry.com $529 at Dick's

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Performance
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5

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

$500 at Amazon $400 at REI $80 at backcountry.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

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 at REI $500 at backcountry.com View on Nemoequipment.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

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

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

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 Coffeemaker

Bestargot Titanium Camping French Press

View on Amazon View on Bestargotcamp.com

The Bestargot Titanium French Press is easy to use, lightweight, and long-lasting — all ideal attributes for camping cookware. The French press includes a titanium pot with engraved measuring marks, lid, and plunger. The pot, which brews up to three cups of coffee, can be used on a camp grill or over a campfire to bring water to a boil. This design also makes it adept at preparing other meals that involve heating liquid, such as soup, rice, or ramen noodles. A handle across the top allows campers to safely remove the press from the cooking surface, while a second handle on the side aids in pouring when it’s ready to serve. All components of the Titanium French press are easy to clean and dry, even when water is scarce.

Best Hard Cooler

Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler

$450 at Amazon $450 at REI $450 at Dick's

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

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

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Insulation
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5

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 Chair

Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair

$45 at Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Portability
  3.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

From the campsite to the beach, the Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair delivers convenience and comfort when spending time outdoors. The folding chair is designed with taut ripstop polyester that provides a firm, yet supportive seat to kick back and relax in. We were impressed by the level of support offered by the armrests as well. The seatback features a large mesh panel to allow airflow and keep things cool in summer or around the fire. Its dual lock feature ensures the chair stays securely folded up for smooth transport and locked open when in use. Equipped with two cup holders, a zippered pocket, and a mesh cell phone pouch, the Dual Lock Chair covers the bases for storing essentials. This all adds up to an incredibly durable and versatile chair that supports a max weight capacity of 300 pounds.

Best Lightweight Chair

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair

$100 at REI

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

If you’re packing for an overland trip, going canoe camping, or simply prefer traveling light, the REI Co-op Flexlite Chair has you covered. The one-pound chair packs down to 4.5 x 15 inches when stowed in its stuff sack — making it a great camping folding chair to take along on your trip. Yet, this understated chair delivers a comfortable seat by cradling the sit bones and lower back. It’s designed with water-repellent ripstop nylon fabric and a four-leg aluminum frame that’s capable of supporting up to 250 pounds. We love the intuitive setup process and how easy it is to break down the chair to put it back into its bag for transport. Assembling the Flexlite chair is as simple as popping the tent-pole-like aluminum frame into place and slipping the pole ends into the four built-in pockets on the back of the seat.

Best Reclining Chair

GCI Outdoors Zero Gravity

$77 at Amazon $93 at REI $110 at Dick's

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Portability
  1/5
• Durability
  3/5
• Value
  4/5

If your ideal camping trip includes stargazing or a post-hike nap, 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

Marmot Sawtooth 15 Sleeping Bag

$299 at REI $319 at backcountry.com $319 at Dick's

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Warmth
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Portability
  4.5/5

When it comes to high-quality sleeping bags, the Marmot Sawtooth 15 delivers reliable comfort and warmth in a durable, compressible package. As its name suggests, the three-season sleeping bag is designed to handle temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s stuffed with 650-fill-power down to trap body heat, and it kept us warm and toasty during five nights of temperatures in the mid-40s. The nylon shell and lining, which are made with recycled materials, form a protective, yet soft layer around the down insulation. We love the Sawtooth’s extra features for heat control, including temperature control wings that unzip near the arms similar to pit-zips found on a raincoat. Its mummy design offers a snug and cozy fit, though anatomical design choices like extra width at the hips and the expandable footbox allow some wiggle room. Alternatively, campers can undo the bag’s dual zippers to use it like a blanket with a sleeping pad.

Best Double Sleeping Bag

The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double 20 Sleeping Bag

View on Amazon $149 at REI View on Backcountry.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Warmth
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5

The North Face Eco Trail Double SI lets you comfortably cozy up with a partner. The sleeping bag is rated for use in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and we stayed toasty even when conditions dipped into the 30s. Its rectangular design gives adequate wiggle room for couples, too. We love the soft fleece material used along the collar and top of the sleeping bag. The Eco Trail offers solid temperature control; campers can tighten the drawstring hood to achieve a snugger fit or undo the wraparound footbox zipper to allow airflow. This double sleeping bag also boasts sustainable construction — the lining, fleece, and down are all made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Best Air Mattress

Alps Mountaineering Queen Air Bed

$180 at Amazon $150 at Target $150 at REI

Our Ratings

• Durability
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Portability
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5

Roughing it isn’t so rough with the Alps Mountaineering Vertex Queen air mattress. It’s portable, easy to set up, and gives campers 6 inches of plush protection from the ground underfoot. The queen mattress is designed with air coils for distributed support that relieve pressure on contact points. The rechargeable pump was the most powerful of any we tested — inflating took just three minutes. We were impressed that the mattress showed no signs of air loss after a night’s sleep. And the durable polyester exterior feels capable of withstanding years of use. Deflating and packing away the mattress took just a couple minutes thanks to the Boston valve and spacious stuff sack. Weighing in at 6.4 pounds, the Vertex Queen packs well for car or canoe camping.

Best Cot

Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot

$60 at Amazon $63 at Walmart View on Osagerivergear.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

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

$40 at Amazon View on Backcountry.com View on Moosejaw.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Portability
  4.9/5
• Value
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

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

$129 at Amazon $130 at REI $98 at backcountry.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5

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 I

$55 at Amazon $9 at Target $7 at Walmart

Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Coverage
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Smell
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5

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 XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier

$950 at REI $950 at L.L.Bean View on Thule.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Stability
  5/5
• Security
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

The Thule Rooftop Cargo Carrier lets you easily and securely store gear and equipment overhead so there’s more room for you and your camping crew. The carrier is designed for durability and aerodynamics. We love that the lid opens from either side and stays propped up while loading and unloading gear. Note that the key can’t be removed until the carrier is locked again. The spacious carrier comes with several straps to secure items in place, helping to protect our camping gear and equipment. It only took us 20 minutes to set up the Rooftop Cargo Carrier. Once assembled, it’s easy to pop it on the roof thanks to the PowerClick mounting system. Both the mounting system and SideLock lid will audibly click when locked, adding peace of mind that it’s properly secured before taking off on the road.

Best Duffel Bag

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

$250 at Amazon $250 at Dick's View on Yeti.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Portability
  3.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5

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

$396 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Portability
  4.5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

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. 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

$699 at REI View on Orukayak.com View on Moosejaw.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.