The Ultimate Camping Packing List

No matter your experience level, there are essential items like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment that you’ll need for a safe and fun outdoor adventure. I prioritize durability and performance when choosing my gear, as these items will endure the most frequent use and need to withstand variable weather conditions. I also factor in comfort and weight into my decision making to ensure I’m creating a home away from home that’s enjoyable and easy to transport.

Besides experience level, consider your camping style, location, and personal preferences when selecting your essential gear. Living in New York State, many of my favorite camping spots involve boat travel, so gear that’s lightweight, packable, and multipurpose is always a plus. And being 6 feet 4 inches tall, some of my essential gear picks reflect my height. For more compact tent dimensions, the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent is great for car or boat camping, while the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent is a lightweight choice for backpackers. The Jetboil Flash Stove is another favorite of mine that I reserve for backpacking trips.

Best Tent

MEC Cabin 2.0

View on Mec.ca

Being 6 feet 4 inches tall, I’ve longed for a tent with ample headroom for quite some time. The MEC Cabin 2.0's ample height means I no longer have to stoop or crouch while moving around and get in and out the tent. Height aside, the 8.5 x 9 foot floor area affords ample space for several campers with room still for pets and gear. There are also eight storage pockets to keep valuables and essentials in quick and easy reach. When nature calls, I appreciate having the option to exit the tent from either side without disturbing fellow campers. On warmer summer nights, I love unzipping the mesh flaps on the dual doors to create a cross breeze. Meanwhile, the denier polyester canopy and rain fly have reliably withstood rainstorms and strong winds.

Best Sleeping Bag

Nemo Riff Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag

$360 at Amazon View on Nemoequipment.com

The Nemo Riff Endless Promise Sleeping Bag boasts a range of comfort and sustainability-oriented features that make it easy to sleep at night. While I appreciate the swaddled comfort of a mummy-style sleeping bag, the extra width in the Riff’s lower half and footbox allows me to effortlessly stretch out my legs. The hourglass silhouette of Nemo’s Spoon bags is cut wider near the elbows, too, to allow side sleepers like myself to shift sleeping positions without hassle.

I’m also a big fan of being able to control temperature with the Thermo Gill vents rather than fussing with the main zipper. The hydrophobic down in the sleeping bag performs well even when wet, plus it’s PFAS-free and Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified. When the sleeping bag is nearing its end of life, Nemo can recycle 100 percent of the materials. The Riff is available in men’s and women’s models, as well as regular and tall sizes— all weighing in the vicinity of two pounds. It comes with both a stuff sack for compact transport and storage bag to keep the down from compressing between uses.

Best Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad

$237 at Amazon $240 at REI $63 at backcountry.com

Our Ratings

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

The Therm-a-Rest Mondoking 3D Sleeping Pad offers ample thickness and insulation to rest easy, regardless of temperature and the terrain underfoot. The pad measures 4.25 inches thick when inflated and boasts an R-value of seven for all-season use. Its StrataCore construction integrates a continuous layer of thermal foam to maintain warmth and support along the sleep surface. The vertical sidewalls make a noticeable difference in preventing sagging and maintaining the pad’s full size. The TwinLock valve system makes set up a breeze thanks to its self-inflating capabilities and clear distinction between the “in” valve for inflation and “out” valve for deflation. I find the large (77 x 25 inches) to be sufficiently sized for my tall frame, though it’s also available in XXLarge (80 x 30 inches).

Best Camping Pillow

HEST Camp Pillow

$89 at Amazon $89 at REI $19 at backcountry.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

To ensure a good night’s sleep while camping, I turn to the Hest Camp Pillow for its ergonomic support and plush size of 22 x 15 inches. The exterior is equipped with a soft stretch nylon that keeps cool, while the interior features a blended polyester and memory foam core that adapts to your sleeping position. The curved, dog bone-like shape cradles the neck and helps keep the pillow in place — solving a persistent issue I’ve had with other camping pillows.

In place of a stuff sack, the Hest Camp Pillow folds into itself, and zips shut for transporting in a more compact 14 x 9 inch package. I find this design feature incredibly helpful for keeping things clean when sharing a tent with dogs (or other untidy campers) prone to tracking in dirt and debris. And whatever happens, the water-resistant cover is machine washable.

Best Water Bottle

Hydro Flask 24 oz. Wide Mouth With Straw

$38 at Amazon $40 at REI $45 at backcountry.com

The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is an all-around performer that I use for camping, flights, and office days alike. The vacuum insulation holds up longer than it takes me to deplete whatever I’m drinking. With a 0.7-liter capacity, the Hydro Flask requires refilling at least a couple times a day, but the wide bottle opening promotes easy refilling, whether pouring from a water jug or kettle. The Hydro Flask weighs 0.8 pounds (when empty) and neatly tucks into most water bottle sleeves or car cup holders. I opt to use it with the Flex Straw cap to have the option of one-handed use if I’m on the go.

Best Camping Stove

Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove

$100 at Amazon $100 at REI $100 at backcountry.com

The Coleman Cascade Classic Camping Stove is a great companion for group camp trips. The 21-inch two-burner cooktop affords plenty of space for me to cook with a pot and frying pan side by side. I appreciate that the grate design is easy to remove and clean around, as well as sufficiently level for accommodating a griddle across both 10,000 BTU burners. Even on windier days, the twin wind guards, and top lid shield the burners from flickering out. While I’m broadly supportive of the shift to sleeker, lightweight gear, the Cascade Classic’s vintage aesthetic has a nostalgic feel amid modern camping essentials.

Best Cook Set

Gerber ComplEAT Cook Set

View on Cabelas.com View on Basspro.com View on Gerbergear.com

As someone whose first camping cook set consisted of mismatching plates, cutlery, pots, and pans in an open storage bin, the compactness and uniformity of the Gerber ComplEAT Cook Set is a game changer. The 16-piece set has everything you’ll need for a group camping trip — and nothing you don’t. This includes a sauté pan with detachable handle, hot pot, 1.4-gallon stock pot, two lids, four bowls, four plates, and a mixing bowl. I love that the lids include strainer holes, and that plates and bowls have different colors to easily distinguish whose is whose. The full cook set stacks together like nesting dolls to fit neatly in a carry bag with a drawstring closure. Though it’s fairly intuitive to reassemble, I appreciate that Gerber added a diagram to the bottom of the carry bag showing how to repack the set.

After taking care of essential gear, it’s key to leave room for accessories. Whether to explore the outdoors, stay entertained, or provide some creature comforts, these items are meant to enhance your camping trip.

The Wonderboom 3 Bluetooth Speaker is my go-to choice for campsite tunes for its compact, waterproof design and quality sound. The lightweight Helinox Table One is another campsite staple for its cup holders and folded packability. I also prioritize accessories that help keep me organized, including the Radius Outfitters Large Camp Kitchen Organizer for storing kitchenware and the Stansport Collapsible Camp Sink for collecting and washing dishes.

Best Binoculars

Celestron Nature DX ED 8x42mm Roof Binoculars

$160 at Amazon $160 at Target View on Celestron.com

I always pack binoculars to take in the scenery and in the hopes of spotting wildlife (at a safe distance). The Celestron Nature DX Roof Binoculars offer an ideal combination of durability, compactness, and clarity at a moderate price. The multi-coated lenses and phase-coated BaK-4 prisms enhance the light transmission for vivid images, even at dawn or dusk. As a novice user, I appreciate how the focus knob locks in place once you stop moving it. The Nature DX binoculars are waterproof and come with a neck strap, making them well-suited for paddling excursions.

Best Lantern

LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern

$80 at Amazon $80 at REI View on Luminaid.com

I always try to find multipurpose gear to simplify my packing list, so I love that the LuminAID 2-in-1 Power Lantern serves as both a lantern and charger for my portable speaker and phone. The self-inflating lantern weighs just 0.78 pounds and packs flat for easy storage when not in use. It delivers 300 lumens of light and multiple brightness settings, including a red-light mode for enhanced night vision. I’m a big fan of the adjustable strap, which effectively makes any tree branch or tent loop a suitable location for hanging the 2-in-1 Power Lantern. I also appreciate that it can be pre-charged by outlet at home, and then recharged by solar panels while camping off the grid.

Best Headlamp

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

$50 at REI $50 at backcountry.com $45 at Walmart

A trusted headlamp is key for hands-free navigation in the dark, whether collecting firewood or searching for the privy. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is a well-rounded design, boasting 400 lumens of brightness, waterproof construction, and up to 200 hours of battery life. It includes multiple light settings, including proximity which I use for washing dishes and red LED night vision that’s perfect for using in the tent before turning in for the night. Between the comfortable strap and 0.17-pound weight, I hardly notice it’s there while wearing it.

Best First Aid Kit

Breakwater Supply Waterproof Marine First Aid Kit

$40 at Amazon View on Breakwatersupply.com

The Breakwater Supply Waterproof First Aid Kit has been my go-to for preparing for the unexpected. Since I primarily camp by boat in the Northeast, the dry bag’s waterproof protection is a must in case of capsize or rain. The kit contains everything you need for treating cuts and more serious trauma, plus a range of supplies like rope, emergency blanket, whistle, and light sticks to be ready for an emergency on the water. I love that the dry bag is bright red and comes with a handle so it’s easy to find and grab when needed.

Best Camp Chair

Helinox Chair Two

$140 at Amazon $140 at backcountry.com

While many campsites provide picnic tables, I much prefer the flexibility and comfort of a camp chair outside mealtime. The Helinox Chair Two is a favorite for its ergonomic support, stability, and packability. The high-back design offers both head and neck support, and I love that the carry bag doubles as a pillow. Simply stuff it with a sweatshirt or fleece and attach it to the headrest. The Chair Two’s three mesh panels provide air flow while the recycled 600D polyester seat material delivers lasting durability and weatherproofing. Assembly is incredibly intuitive — just pop the legs in the hubs after the shock-corded pulls lock into place. Then, slip the cover over the frame, starting with the top of the chair and then pulling tight to secure the seat. The 2.6-pound chair has an impressive weight capacity of 320 pounds. It measures 18.1 x 4.7 5.1 inches when packed, so it’s easy to tuck away in a backpack or gear storage.

Best Sunscreen

Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen

$15 at Amazon $16 at REI View on Gothink.com

Our Ratings

• Feel
  4/5
• Transfer
  4.5/5
• Opacity
  5/5
• Water Resistance
  5/5

More time outdoors calls for top-notch sun protection. I’m a fan of Thinksport Clear Zinc SPF 50 Sunscreen for its lasting performance and suitability for sensitive skin. It offers continued water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes, allowing plenty of time for paddling and swimming before needing to reapply. The formula is vegan and dermatologist recommended for those with sensitive skin. It rubs in quickly without any oily residue or grease, though it leaves a fairly noticeable white cast.

Best Bug Spray

Sawyer Insect Repellent

$9 at Amazon $9 at REI

After relying on DEET repellent for two years during my Peace Corps service in Cambodia, I’m a late convert to picaridin repellent for its odorless and less greasy application. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent uses 20 percent picaridin to protect against ticks, mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, and other biting insects. It provides up to 12 hours of protection, so a little bit goes a long way. The spray pump bottle is easy to use and effective at applying repellent without over spraying. I also appreciate that picaridin doesn’t damage synthetic materials, such as nylon and spandex, which is another drawback of DEET bug sprays.

Best Portable Coffee Maker

GSI Outdoors 30 Fluid-ounce JavaPress

$40 at REI

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  3/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Brew Quality
  3/5

I take the GSI Outdoors Java Press on all my car and boat camping trips for its ease of use and ability to make four cups of coffee in one go. The French press comes with an insulated nylon sleeve that aids in heat retention and provides a handle for easy pouring. The pour-through lid offers further insulation with its double-wall construction. The silicone ring plunger fits very snug to the press, which helps separate grounds from the brew, though it took some getting used to. I thought it might have been stuck during my initial uses before learning that the plunger works best with a slow, steady push. Weighing 0.64 pounds, it’s not the lightest design, but I store my ground coffee bag in the press to optimize storage.

Best Cooler

Yeti Roadie 48 Rolling Wheeled Cooler

$400 at Amazon $400 at REI $400 at Dick's

When I need to keep drinks and perishables cold for days, I turn to the Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler. It has 45 liters of interior capacity, or the equivalent of 76 cans or 54 pounds of ice. Even when I pack the Roadie to the brim, the puncture resistant NeverFlat wheels and Telescoping Periscope handle make it easy to transport it across tough and bumpy terrain.

The length of the extendable handle is a major plus, as I don’t have to stoop while wheeling the cooler along. And when the Roadie arrives at the campsite, the handle neatly tucks away. Both sides have indented handles if I need to shift it around or tilt it to drain melted ice. The interior of the cooler measures 14.5 x 11.4 x 15.8, which can accommodate most food and drink items, including a wine bottle. I typically add in two dry good baskets (one comes included) on the top for storing butter, lemons, and smaller items I use frequently or don’t want to get wet.

Best Gear Storage

Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60 Gear Case

$300 at Amazon $300 at REI $300 at Dick's

Perhaps better known for their insulated coolers, Yeti translates the durability and quality construction they’re reputed for to the LoadOut GoBox 60 Gear Case. The Wildproof design is fully submersible and dust-proof, adding assurance that gear and equipment is protected from the elements and critters alike. The 60-liter case can accommodate three removable cargo trays (two come included) and two removable dividers to partition the main compartment. Though the dividers work well, I’ve taken them out to fit larger gear like camp chairs, folding tables, and cooking equipment. Campers with storage needs beyond 60 liters should note that the GoBox is designed to be stackable with other Yeti gear boxes: either three LoadOut GoBox 15s or one GoBox 15 and one GoBox 30.

It’s important to account for the local climate and seasonality of your camping trip when selecting shoes and apparel to pack. Regardless of what the weather forecast shows, I like to be prepared for unexpected rain and cooler temperatures. I also prioritize apparel and footwear that I can wear multiple times to leave space for other camping gear and accessories. For clothing, I also opt for items containing merino wool, which has natural odor resistance. For footwear, I seek out waterproof and quick-drying materials that’ll perform well for hiking and water sports alike.

I love wearing the Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandals in summer for their solid traction and breathability. For kayaking and paddle boarding, the Patagonia Quandry Shorts, are a favorite for their quick-drying abilities, UPF sun protection, and zippered pocket.

Best Hiking Shoes for Men

Salomon X 360 Ultra Pioneer

$145 at REI $145 at backcountry.com

Unless you’re backpacking or taking extensive day hikes, a hiking shoe offers about the same level of protection with less heft. The Salomon X 360 Ultra Pioneer ClimaSalomon Waterproof Hiking Shoes handle wet and slippery conditions like a pro. The All Terrain Contagrip outsoles are equipped with aggressive lugs that provide excellent grip. On a recent trip to Curacao, they performed incredibly on the loose rocks leading to the summit of Mount Christoffel. I love the simplicity of the Quicklace closure system, which effectively lets me tighten the laces with a single pull. While the lower part of the shoe is waterproof, the synthetic uppers cut down on weight and enhance breathability. Campers will also appreciate that the X 360 Ultras employs recycled materials in its construction.

Best Hiking Boots for Women

Merrell Men’s Speed Eco Hiking Shoes

$100 at Amazon $100 at REI $30 at backcountry.com

The Merrell Speed Eco Hiking Shoes offer ample cushion and support for active days in the outdoors. We love their breathability and how they don’t require a break-in period. The outsoles are fitted with durable lugs to grip slippery and loose surfaces alike. The trail-ready shoes also boast sustainability credentials, namely recycled materials used across the uppers, laces, webbing, mesh lining, footbed covers, EVA foam, and outsoles. The Speed Eco Hiking Shoes are also Cleansport NXT treated for lasting odor resistance.

Best Rain Jacket

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

$89 at REI $179 at backcountry.com View on Patagonia.com

Our Ratings

• Water Resistance
  4.5/5
• Design
  4/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Breathability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket delivers reliable protection from the elements. The jacket’s three-layer shell uses recycled ripstop nylon, a polycarbonate polyurethane membrane, and a tricot backer. It’s treated with a PFC-free durable water-repellent coating to shed precipitation. Materials aside, I find that the jacket's multiple adjustment points and storm flaps along the zippers and pockets are where it stands for keeping moisture out. The hood, cuffs, and hem can be easily adjusted for a secure and snug fit. If things get steamy, opening the underarm zippers affords excellent ventilation and temperature regulation. Though it only comes with two pockets, they’re plenty roomy and ideally positioned for warming hands. Between uses, simply stuff the jacket into one of the pockets (once dry).

Best Base Layer

SmartWool Thermal Layer Crew

$115 at Amazon $115 at Zappos View on Smartwool.com

My mom instilled in me the old adage “cotton kills” to stay safe on childhood camping and cross-country ski trips in the Adirondacks. Once wet, cotton becomes a poor insulator, whereas wool keeps your warm even when wet. Thus, the Smartwool Thermal Merino Base Layer became a mainstay for its 100 percent merino wool construction. The interlocking knit design offers both breathability and next-to-skin comfort.  I love that it’s formfitting but offers ample stretch and mobility for hiking, kayaking, and other activities. The Thermal Merino Base Layer is great to wear on its own during milder temperatures, though it excels as a base layer within a winter wardrobe, too.