26 Camping Essentials Outdoor Experts Recommend You Should Buy

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IT'S NO secret that spending time outside is good for your well-being, even if it’s just twenty minutes a day. A full-on camping trip, however, brings the nature reward to a whole new level. Whether you head to a remote site in the desert, relax lakeside at a favorite family camping hot spot, or embark on a backpacking journey with a partner, there’s nothing quite like quality time outdoors. It’s a great excuse to disconnect from the real world and reconnect with yourself.

Before you book that next trip, make sure you have the proper gear, including everything you'll need for your campsite and hiking adventures. If you’re a newbie, stores like Backcountry, REI, and Amazon can feel overwhelming with a ton of camping suggestions you’re not entirely sure about. And if you’re a seasoned vet, you’re probably wondering if your age-old gear, stuffed away in storage, can hold up for another year.

Lucky for everyone, the gear team at MH put together this guide to the best camping essentials of 2023 to set you up for success outdoors—including the best camping tents, backpacking sleeping bags, hiking backpacks, headlamps, hiking boots, and more. We even chatted with a few camping pros who do this kind of stuff for a living to get their top recommendations on the gear they can’t live without. Consider this your camping checklist for your next adventures in the great outdoors.

Men's Health Outdoor Awards | Best Camping Grills | Best Camping Air Mattresses | Best Hiking Socks

Lighted E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

Sure you could go the bug spray route, but what if we told you there was a mosquito repellant option that didn't have to douse your entire body in? The Thermacell Lighted creates a 20-foot zone of mosquito protection and doubles as a lantern. The repellant cartridge (sold separately) is unscented and lasts up to 40 hours long. The device offers up to 9 hours of use before needing a charge (5.5 hours when the lantern is on at the same time), so you will want to keep tabs on keeping it charged and refilled around the campsite.

Titan Camping Stove Portable Stove

Portable fire pits are an easy way to circumnavigate having to build a fire from scratch. The Solo Stove Titan can whip a fire up in a jiffy using the sticks and Kindle around your campsite and give you a bright and full fire.

What do experts say? "Simple is the path to joy, and this thing is super easy, fuels off anything you can find, and small enough to pack anywhere," says Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an ER physician, former Army Ranger, and MH Advisory Board member.

Hilleberg Niak 2 Person Tent

Different camping trips call for different types of tents, so keep that in mind when shopping for one. Just don't go the cheap route, because the types of tents will fail you when you need them the most.

What do experts say? "Hilleberg Tents are bomb shelters and last quite a long time. They're good for people going gnarly places," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

inReach Mini 2

A proper GPS locator is the best way to stay connected when off the grid. The inReach Mini 2 allows for two-way satellite communication and provides weather updates and course paths.

What do experts say? “Safety is always an important consideration when on the trail. I never head into the backcountry without my Garmin inReach Mini, which is a two-way satellite communicator with GPS. The inReach can allow someone with access to track my location, along with two-way text messaging to standard cell phones, as well as an SOS button to call for help in the worst-case scenario. Devices like this aren’t cheap, but they are an excellent insurance policy and will provide peace of mind to your loved ones just knowing you have it,” says Jeff Pelletier, a trail runner and outdoors filmmaker.

Airlock Pocket Knife

The more you camp the more you will probably get into all the different types of camping knives and multi-tools. The Kershaw Airlock is a trusted starter knife that will set you up for success without breaking the bank. Start here and upgrade as appropriate.

What do experts say? "Being a former Army Ranger, just something in me loves a great blade. The Kershaw Assisted Opening pocket knives are incredible. They snap open like a switchblade and come out of the box sharp enough to shave arm hair, and generally cost less than 50$," says Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an ER physician, former Army Ranger, and MH Advisory Board member.

Blundstone #585

Not to be confused with a hiking boot, a good camping boot is going to provide you solid durability while also being easy to slip on and off. For that you're going to want a pair of Blundstones. They look great and promise strength and comfort without the need of having to tie up a bunch of laces every time you want to go do something.

Camp Duffel - Large

A good camping bag should be able to store clothing and other items. You can't go wrong with a backpack, but from our experience a good duffel bag will help you carry your personal items the best. Go with this long-time Camp Duffel from The North Face. It's water-resistant, tear-resistant, and versatile as heck. Best of all it's under $200.

Ambient Jacket

Temperatures fluctuate fast when camping, and so it's vital to invest in the proper layers so you stay comfortable through all conditions. There are a number of brands you can turn to for camping apparel, but Sitka Gear is a favorite from one of our experts—and quite frankly, it's a top personal choice for us too.

What do experts say? "Overall I'm a fan of Sitka Gear, but I especially like the Ambient Jacket as a layer for mild temperatures," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Lighter

Plasma lighters offer waterproof abilities that traditional lighters usually cannot. This one from Amazon comes in a tough case and packs a punch. Over 12,000 five-star reviews have been given to this lighter, with many noting how well it works at starting small fires.

Sleeping Pad Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Mat

Every camper has different sleeping pad preferences, but if you're just starting out camping or you plan on doing just one or two-night trips then this inflatable one under $50 is a solid choice. It has over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and packs down into a travel-friendly bag.

BTR Stool

Any seating option will do when camping, but sometimes going as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing structure, is the way to go.

What do experts say? “I've recently fallen in love with my BTR stool from Hillsound Equipment. A lightweight stool might seem like a luxury item, but it's essential when camping, and I always carry it with me in my camera backpack when I'm shooting photos and footage on the trails. There’s nothing like a comfortable chair off the ground at the end of a long day on the trail,” says Jeff Pelletier, a trail runner and outdoors filmmaker.

UltraPress Ti Water Filter and Purifier Bottle

Ditching a case of plastic water bottles for one good purifying water bottle is an easy way to limit your footprint and keep your supplies lean. This titanium one from Grayl is ultra-tough and offers an effective filtration system that makes it so you can drink from a running river—or a campground water fountain.

What do experts say? "The water bottles from Grayl are great for purification. I use the titanium edition for added strength. It hasn't failed me yet," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

UNEEK

A pair of sandals is a must-have for camping. You can stomp around the campsite in these Keen shoes and take them for a spin in the water. What's cool is the shoe upper is made from braided cord that doesn't rub and keeps your feet nice and cool.

What do experts say? "For the river, my Keens are my favorite camping shoes for sure—they dry fast, have grip and stability, and if you don't use sunscreen, they’ll leave a pattern on your feet,” says Adam Dulye, Camp chef expert and Executive Chef for the Brewers Association.

Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

Ain’t no cooler like a Yeti cooler—and you're not just paying for the name. Sure, it’s an investment, but it’s entirely worth it, especially if you’re a frequent car camper, cookout host, or tailgater. The Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler is bigger and better than its predecessor, with strong built-in wheels that will roll over pretty much any terrain—just don't roll it over anybody's foot when it's packed full.

Read more: Best Camping Coolers

Cosmic Down 40

Trust us, you don't want to skimp on a sleeping bag. One reliable brand you can always count on is Kelty. Pick any Kelty bag and pair it with a sleeping pad and you’ll get a deep, solid eight hours of rest in the great outdoors. The Cosmic Down 40 featured here has DriDown, which provides toasty insulation with a breathable shell. It has a relaxed mummy shape to keep you cozy and snug without the extreme compression of many others in this category.

70L Collapsible Tote

A quality tote or container is ideal for keeping camping gear all in one place. The RUX is highly durable and waterproof, plus it packs down flat when not in use. Save yourself multiple trips when carrying gear out to your campsite. You can thank us later.

Coffee and Espresso Maker

Brewing a cup of joe while camping is an easy, tiny luxury, and the perfect way to start a camping weekend out right. The AeroPress is a no frills device that's easy to use in order to make great tasting coffee. All you need outside of this kit is hot water to brew your own cup of coffee.

The Original Puffy

The Rumpl Original Puffy is a camping essential, especially when venturing to areas where the temperatures drop at night. It's made from 100% recyclable materials and has technology that brings extreme insulation from a shockingly lightweight design. Think of this as your warmest insulated jacket in the form of a machine-washable blanket. It's also stain, water, and odor-resistant, and comes with cape clips to keep you warm and your hands free.

GB1000 1086wH Portable Power Station

There are a few core brands on the market that make quality generators. You can't go wrong in your choice as long as you have one that's not too heavy and packs a good amount of juice. We personally like this one from Generac, as it also comes with solar charging capability and packs a ton of value for it's price point.

Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Xtreme is the ultimate party starter in the most rugged environment. The IP67 waterproof rating exceeds its competition and the bass is close to concert-like. It comes with a strong nylon carrying strap so you can throw this over your shoulder whenever on the move. Plus, you get 15 hours of playtime and a built-in power bank so your phone will never die.

Compact Adventure Kit

VSSL creates compact necessity kits for any adventure. The replaceable tins inside this container carry everything from first aid essentials to fire starters to fishing tackle. And the canister itself is an LED flashlight with a built-in compass. Pretty cool, right?

The Mover Max Emergency Preparedness Dry Backpack

You don't always have to bring in a deluxe first aid kit when camping, but if you're going to be out for multiple days it's worth having more than just a few bandages and disinfectant. The Mover Max from JUDY brings you the ultimate first aid kit along with warmth and safety tools for those just-in-case moments. Best of all is the fact everything packs down into this waterproof roll-top backpack. Nice.

100% Grass Fed Organic Beef Sticks, 24 Pack

Beef jerky has been a tried and true camping snack for decades. These grass fed beef sticks are a tad bit healthier than your traditional jerky (made with a lot less sodium) yet still pack a good amount of protein.

What do experts say? "I forever love my jerky sticks. It's my perfect treat snack in high-altitude situations. The flavor burst brings happiness to my face. Mighty organic has some of the best jerky sticks around. I’m not looking to tear a molar out at high altitude chewing on a tough piece of meat, and that's why I got with the delicious meat sticks!" says Tommy Danger, adventure expert who has climbed six of the seven summits along with 25+ high altitude mountains.

Snack Packs

One underrated camping snack you should pack is a "peak treat": a type of snack that serves as a reward for anything from summiting a hike to building up a toasty fire.

What do experts say? "Peak treats are a way to re-enforce the winning memory of a hike through engaging another sense—namely taste. I've been bringing a pack of Oreo's on every big hike for years, and I will only eat Oreo's on a mountain top. It gives me a fun way to celebrate and solidify the achievement," says Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an ER physician, former Army Ranger, and MH Advisory Board member.

15pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Camping cookware can make or break your trip, as it dictates the quality of food you're going to be eating. You could piece together a camping cookware set, but sometimes that isn't the most packer-friendly. An all-in-one set will give you all the essentials while staying lightweight and compact. This set above comes with a pot, a fry pan, a kettle, two cups, two plates, two sets of cutlery, and one nifty carrying bag. Start here on your camping cookware set, then after some time you can decide if you want to upgrade or add more.

Thunderbird Powerful LED Headlamp Flashlight

Don’t skimp on the camping headlamp. You won’t regret spending a little more on these quality (and vibey) headlamps from Third Eye Headlamps. The lamp puts out bright LED illumination and is IPX6 waterproof rated. Just make sure you have batteries around so you can swap new ones in when needed.

Feather Lite Table

A camping table is one of those items you don't think you need until you find yourself outdoors without one. This of this as a station for your food, drinks, and other small accouterments. It's lightweight, packable, and made from sturdy aluminum.

Cabin Camping Tent

Different camping trips call for different types of tents, so keep that in mind when shopping for one. If you're driving to the campsite with a group, the Coleman Cabin camping tent is a great bang for your buck that's suitable for both camping pros and novices. It's fool-proof to set up, roomy for up to six people, and has just enough ventilation to keep you covered and comfortable outdoors.

Dura 5R Duo Sleeping Pad

Couples never need to sleep alone in their sleeping bags again. Exped's Dura 5R Duo Sleeping Pad features a wide, 41-inch insulated surface, so you and your significant other can cuddle up in your tent, car, or yurt together. Plus, the 4.8 R-value is ideal for year-round warmth

inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

“Safety is always an important consideration when on the trail. I never head into the backcountry without my Garmin inReach Mini, which is a two-way satellite communicator with GPS. The inReach can allow someone with access to track my location, along with two-way text messaging to standard cell phones, as well as an SOS button to call for help in the worst-case scenario. Devices like this aren’t cheap, but they are an excellent insurance policy and will provide peace of mind to your loved ones just knowing you have it.” — Jeff Pelletier, Trailrunner and Outdoors Filmmaker

Luci Outdoor 2.0: Solar Inflatable Light

This solar-powered lantern literally never needs batteries. It does the trick of illuminating your space with four different modes: low, medium, high, and flashing. It has a battery level indicator to make sure you're never left in the dark. Plus, it's compact, lightweight, and with over 4,000 perfect Amazon reviews, it's the best affordable camping lantern on the market.

Read more: Best Gifts for Outdoorsmen

FirePit+ Portable Fire Pit

Everyone that comes across this fire pit is amazed by its capabilities. While there are other options that can burn fire, this one is extra special and serves as a multi-purpose product that minimizes smoke. You can burn charcoal or wood and control the size of the flame directly through your phone. Plus, you can purchase cooking add-ons to convert the pit into a grill or griddle.

Read more: BioLite FirePit+ Review

Chair Zero Highback Camp Chair

High-tech meets high comfort. It’s made of a single shock-corded frame that unfolds and re-snaps together, plus a ripstop polyester sheet you unfurl, stretch on, and ease into with an audible moan of relaxation. And it only weighs a pound and a half.

HeadLamp 330

Don’t skimp on the camping headlamp. You won’t regret spending a little more on this model, which has a rechargeable battery and the ability to shield the brightness based on your gaze. It’ll change your nights.

The Road Trip Edition Zippo Windproof Lighter

Few EDC tools are as iconic as Zippo’s traditional flip-top lighter. Line of Trade takes the classic design and gives it a handsome, gift-worthy upgrade with one-of-a-kind artwork that’ll inspire you and yours to get outdoors this year.

Profile Propane Camping Stove & Grill

This gas-powered camping stove by Primus doubles as a grill, bringing your kitchen to the great outdoors. Plus, the windscreen protects your food from debris and keep your flame lit, making it the ultimate outdoor cooktop.

High Protein Chocolate Bars

This superfood-packed protein bar tastes like a chocolatey dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. It delivers a healthy dose of protein and fiber, without all the sugar to keep you energized and feeling strong on the trail.

Mini Bugout Fine-Edge Knife

At 3.7 inches closed, it’s the perfect in-your-pocket camping knife, ready for anything that needs cutting.

Lion Safari LT Portable Power Station

For car camping and outdoor family getaways, sometimes you want to take a little tech with you. A solar generator like the Lion Safari LT Portable Power Station is small, lightweight (just 11 pounds), and the 450Wh capacity is powerful enough to keep smartphones, tablets, and outdoor speakers topped up for a weekend in the great outdoors.

What Do You Need When Camping?

The better prepared, the more enjoyable your camping experience will be. But this is not to say you should bring everything under the sun on a camping trip. Here are the core products you'll need:

• Tent: The most given item for camping comes in all shapes and sizes. When buying a tent make sure to tailor your budget to a more investment mindset. You don't want to a buy a cheaply made tent and it fall flat or wear down only after a few uses.

• Sleeping bag: A sleep bag is another essential you should pay up for. Opt for something that's insulated but also doesn't take too much space when rolled up. You can always add a sleep mat under your sleeping bag. In fact, you should buy a sleeping mat to place under your sleeping bag—unless you want to sleep on hard earth.
  

• First-aid kit: Some first-aid kits are overloaded with items you may not ever use, and some might only have a few items. It's important to find a sweet spot for how much first-aid supplies you bring, which is why we love how the Judy packs in plenty of supplies while also staying compact in its waterproof roll bag.
  

• Basic knife or multi-tool: It doesn't have to be a Swiss Army Knife, but it does need to be durable and have a sharp blade.
  

• Appropriate cookware: If you wanted to play ultimate chef, then it would be best to stay at home. Start with a compact cooking set and then work your way out from there. All your camping cookware should be able to pack itself away in a bag or carrying case, which is why we love the all-in-one space-savings kits.
  

• Lighting: The world is a dark place when away from civilization. Our favorite lantern illuminates quite well and also helps repel mosquitos. But as long as you have a durable lantern that provides 360-degree lighting you should be good.
  

• Source of fire: This can be a fire starter, a portable fire pit, or both. A camping trip is nothing without a good fire to sit around. If you want to keep things simple, a good portable fire pit will keep everything clean and concise.
  

• Power for electronics: These are your power banks and portable generators. You might want to buy one of each, but the starting point here is at least a power bank. You don't want to keep having to walk over to the car to power up your phone, after all.

• Water bottle: There are tons of purifying water bottles on the market these days that can actually be trusted. Many of them can handle filtering river water, but remember to always boil if you are unsure. You can also bring a case of water bottles, but you must be diligent on not letting that plastic escape anywhere out into nature.
  

What to Consider When Buying Camping Gear

When buying camping gear you should consider going for the core products we named above first and foremost. From there, you can start to branch out if you want more specialty products or more advanced camping products.

Here's a good three step process you can refer to when buying camping gear.

• Purpose: Before buying any camping equipment or gadget, you want to make sure you have a rock-solid idea of how it will be used. Otherwise, you're going to just buy something that might end up dragging something around that only takes up space and is minimally reached for. Don't fall for shiny and cool looking objects.

• Lifespan: Inspect the product and do a little research as to how long that piece of camping gear might last. Is the price point a little too good to be true? Then it might not be very durable. Generally speaking, quality camping gear can command a higher price point up front, but when you factor in how much that item will factor out in terms of cost per use you might find yourself spending less money on the product than if you had to replace it three or four times over in the future.
  

• Upgrade: The more you go camping, the more you will start to learn what you love most about the experience. If you find out it's cooking off-the-grid you enjoy, you decide you want to upgrade your cookware set or buy a dedicated camping grill to take your meals to the next level. If it's spending longer amounts of time out in nature, you might want to invest in a portable shower so you can comfortably extend those weekends into weeklong excursions. And if it's specific activities you find you like to do—like hiking and fishing—you can tailor your supplies to include more specific gear for those types of experiences.

What Are the Most Forgotten Items to Pack for a Camping Trip?

The most forgotten items to pack on a camping trip are ironically the most obvious. Here are some items that are commonly forgotten about below that you can continue referring back to before each trip.

• Garbage Bags: The most important item to always remember, garbage bags help ensure you honor the golden rule of hiking: to help leave a place the same, if not better, than you found it.

• Socks: Extra pairs of dry socks are a must. The worst that can happen is forgetting extra pairs entirely, so make sure to pack pairs all over the place, from inside your shoes to inside the zippered compartments of your hiking bag.

• Extra towels: Whether it be hand towels or actual towels for drying off after dipping in a lake, you can never go wrong with adding one to two more to your supplies.

• Phone Chargers: This includes your power banks and multiple charging cords—because sometimes more than one person might need to hop on a cable.

• Batteries: Battery-powered items will lose power. Extra sets of batteries will keep mid-trip power outages from happening.

• Music: A portable speaker elevates any camping trip. You don't want to have to pipe music through your phone all weekend either.

What Should You Not Bring Camping?

Camping is all about packing smart and lean. We recommend not bringing items that are heavy or take up a lot of space, as well as items that can break easily. Avoid bringing too many electronics too, as charging them all can be a burden. Don't bring too many clothes, and certainly do not bring valuables like jewelry as those items can be lost easily.

Lastly, avoid bringing items with strong scents like colognes, perfumes, and strong body washes. Use unscented products instead. Smelling good isn't really that important when camping, and using these items can pose a risk to attracting animals like bears to your campsite. Bear safety is a whole other topic that demands its own story, but one beginners guide on bear safety we recommend reading is this one published by REI.

How We Selected

We research, test, and review new outdoor products throughout the year. We also regularly chat with experts in camping, hiking, outdoor photography, van-lifing, and more to learn about their favorite and most essential gear when off the grid. This list represents our honest picks of the best camping gear for your next great outdoor adventure in 2023.

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