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When you're outdoors with the right gear, all is right in the world.

A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one, with room to spread out and for gear.

Promising review: "This tent worked really well our first weekend in it — overnight lows in the '40s outside Austin, TX in November. There's a ton of space for us, two average-sized adults, our 5-month-old baby, and two Border Collies. Think we could easily fit one more child before needing to go to a larger size. We'd previously used the Quarter and Half Dome tents with the dogs and knew we wanted to stick with the REI tents. Setup was simple, the head height was appreciated, airflow is great, and the vestibule is very generous." —KWood

Promising review: "I bought these after reading slipper reviews for months… And I’m so happy I did! They are super comfy and also hold up just fine when trudging outside, even in winter temps! I can’t recommend these enough." —elegantzoo

Price: $70+ (available in women's sizes 5–11 in five colors and men's sizes 7–14 in four colors)

Promising review: "I never knew how much I could enjoy my PB&J on a grueling day hike until I ate it ensconced on my new throne — the Flexlite Air Chair. Easily assembled and cradled by comfort, I was the envy of every other hiker (except the one who also had this chair). We nodded to each other knowingly. Go ahead — sit on the cold ground if you want. We have seen luxury. And it is the Flexlite Air Chair. The opportunities to use this chair are endless — don’t be constrained by convention. It’s earned a permanent place in the trunk of my car, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice for long checkout lines, swapping out those awful plastic chairs at outdoor concerts at wineries, and staging impromptu sit-ins. Thank you, REI." —Sole Sister

Price: $99.95 (available in five colors)

Hot tip for my hiking friends with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a size 8.5 and find that a men's medium in these socks sits great. Not too big on the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY! 

Promising review: "Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. The price, I feel, is justified not only by how comfy they are, but also by the lifetime warranty. Just don’t lose them!" —Jake

Price: $26 (available in men's sizes S–XXL in nine colors/styles and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors)

Promising review: "We love our Coleman stove! This is the best car-camping stove we have. I am mostly a backpacker, but car camping has become more frequent as of late, so I decided to get a double-burner stove for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back of to document all of our adventures." —roseferg

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me for Christmas last year! Holy moly, I really was out here thinking that most stoves were the same, but I was totally proven wrong when I finally got to take the Soto Windmaster for a spin. I was using a decade-plus-old backpacking stove. No shade. I loved that thing, and "use what you have" is a really important attitude to have and share regarding gear. You don't need every new gadget. BUT! I'm really happy to say that this stove is a distinct step up. It weighs a whisper, and even though the fold-out prongs and temperature dial are tiny, they feel relatively sturdy, especially when folded in. I was shocked at how quickly water boiled for me. I didn't time it; I was busy, uhhhh, enjoying my life, but it was noticeably faster than my old one. I love the built-in piezo igniter. Just so nice to know that if I forget a lighter, I'm not up a creek, and unlike my old stove, I really only have to click it once for it to ignite. Can't wait to put a decade on this stove!

Promising review: "Such a great stove, I returned my daughter's MSR (Mountain Safety Research) for another of these. No fuel leaks when you attach the fuel canister like the MSR. Also, the four prongs felt more stable in boiling water. The quick ignite was like magic. Love this purchase!!!" —Patsy

I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific, but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig, so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl way.

Price: $59.95 (available in three colors/styles)

Promising review: "I LOVE this hoodie! I burn quite easily, and I can't believe I've gone this long without a long-sleeve UV shirt. I love the thumb holes. It fits true to size. I wore it for a four-day trip to Miami, in and out of the ocean, hiking in the Everglades, and going out to dinner. It works for everything!" —Sarah

Price: $34.93+ (originally $49.95+, available in women's sizes XS–XL and 1X–3X in seven colors and men's sizes S–XXXL, including some tall sizes, in 9 colors/styles)

Promising review: "This is the first Yeti cooler I have ever purchased, and I am in love. We used this while camping, and the drinks were so cold they may as well have been in our refrigerator. We primed the cooler to chill it before loading it up, which was simple and made a huge difference! There was ice in our cooler three days after camping, and the drinks were still cold after sitting in our house without AC for four days in 85- to 90-degree heat! (It’s a bummer, I know.) That really says something about the quality! 10/10 if you're considering a Yeti, get a Yeti." —Steph_keen_

Promising review: "Great sweat towel. I clip this on the strap of my backpack. Lightweight and easy to carry. If you get a little sweaty, just pull it out. After wiping the sweat off my face, it just hangs, and the breeze dries it off, ready for the next time." —Lee

Price: $6.93+ (originally $9.95, available in four colors/styles)

Plus, the polyester shell and lining fabrics have a non-fluorinated, durable water repellent to help bead up moisture on the surface so that you stay nice and dry while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Promising review: "I bought this bag for car camping, and it is my favorite bag. So far, one trip (two nights), and it only got down to the high '40s, so I stayed plenty warm. I did bring a flannel sheet, but I didn't really need it for warmth on this trip. The bag is roomy and comfortable. I love that the hood is big enough to accommodate my pillow, and I can turn easily in the bag. I also appreciate that in warmer weather, I can unzip the bottom of the bag to put a leg out (didn't need to on this trip). I usually sleep hot, but this bag did not feel confining like a mummy bag. Would recommend!" —Stedmanb

Price: $149+ (available in medium, medium-wide, long, and long-wide sizes).

The Sea to Summit Spark is game-changing for cutting weight and volume in your backpacking setup while staying wildly comfortable, even in the cold. The down in this baby is so floofy and voluminous, and well-thought-out details like the draft collar both along the neckline *and* the entire zipper really keep heat in. I've used it for cowboy camping, where you REALLY see sleeping bags' weak points since you're exposed to so much wind, and I didn't notice any "cold spots," even along the seams. The hood is especially cozy, which is going to be even more of a delight once I get to use this baby in late fall. *Sigh* isn't the first year with a new piece of gear you love so exciting?

I love that the compression stuff sack is included with the bag, and it helps soften the splurge, in my opinion, since lots of people buy additional compression sacks to store their bags anyway. It really does get the bag down to an unbelievably small size. The power of down at work! If I have one complaint it's that the drawstring that pulls the hood taught is oddly hard to *undo* (unless I'm missing something) and the zipper can be a little catch-y (though never resulting in a rip or true snag), but those are small compared to the reasons to love this bag — just want to tell you everything I know since it's a hefty tag! But I really recommend this for anyone looking for a super light mummy bag to take them into the shoulder seasons.

Price: $549+ (available in regular, long, and double sizes).

The tools on this Leatherman include a stainless-steel blade, needle-nose/regular pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, saw, awl, can/bottle opener, carabiner, safety whistle, and a fire-starting ferro rod.

Promising review: "I'm amazed at how many useful tools are crammed into this Leatherman. It took me a good hour to read through all the instructions to discover all there was. Very comfortable and easy to grip and use. Truly an amazing tool." —JoeM

I looooove these wipes, and you'll usually find at least a few in my backpacking and camping setup!

Promising review: "I couldn’t have gone without these, five days with no running water (or baths), and these got pine tar off super easily AND helped keep the BO to a minimum. 10/10 would bring again." —kbhobbyhiker

This little lantern RULES. I'm just a huge fan of BioLite generally, but have been really impressed by how bright and reliable this little guy is. And at the end of the day, those are the two things you really want a lantern to be! The little bungee on the back really is useful for putting it up in your tent or somewhere unconventional, and the dimmer is so easy to dial in.

Promising review: "Ordered this to have a light in our tent. It’s small and compact — perfect for car camping. Also rechargeable. I also like that the lights can change color." —MLS

Check out the Eno Atlas straps for a simple setup!

Promising review: "The best hammock I've ever bought! I swear there is something magical woven into the material because the moment you slide in = instant relaxation mode! I wish I had purchased this hammock earlier in the season. Super easy to set up (you do need your own anchor straps), and VERY dog-friendly. I'm excited for many years of magical moments with my pup in this hammock. Worth the price tag! Very well made and VERY cozy." —Jennifer

Price: $74.95 (available in seven colors)

Promising review: "REI brand is one of the few that fits my body type, with a smaller torso/arms and wide hips. Fits well, good quality, excellent warmth for a casual mid/outer layer." —Haylee

Price: $129 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and five colors)

Promising review: "This is my first sleeping pad purchase, and I have to say I am very happy with it. For reference, I am 6’1 and 205 pounds, so the XL option was absolutely necessary, and having that 30-inch width is awesome, as I roll over often in my sleep. The pad material is pleasant, and I cannot feel the ground while lying on it. Inflating it took about two minutes with 25 to 30 breaths, so I would honestly skip a pump, especially if you’re trying to lighten your pack. Material feels durable, so hopefully it stands the test of time. Cheers." —Timbo

Price: $129+ (available in regular and XL sizes and two colors).

No pumping required for this pad, just unroll and enjoy! It has a handle so you can carry it to your site, and the cover is machine-washable (thank goodness).

Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or an extra bed in a hotel, this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230 pounds, and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." —Jlendo

Price: $279+ (available in short, regular, and regular wide sizes)

The extra features on this blanket feel limitless. Oh, look, a little zipper pocket on the corner! Oo, neat, a paracord loop on the other corner! Hey, a cape clip so you can wear the darn thing! I've been rocking the same original Rumpl blanket since 2019 and have loved it from day one, but the Backcountry model is a really tasty upgrade. Highly recommend for anyone who goes outside, and yes, I know that means basically everyone.

Price: $110.93+ (originally $149+, available in two sizes and eight colors)

Also check out my full review on the OG Rumpl blanket for more deets on why I've been all-in on these insulated beauts for years.

Promising review: "I've had a lot of backcountry coffee over the years. Cowboy coffee, percolators, and both cheap and expensive instant brands. I will wholeheartedly say that Alpine Start has found a permanent place in my outdoor inventory. It's super easy to pack, ultra convenient, dead-simple to make, and ultimately makes a really tasty cup of coffee. The culmination of all this makes it a no-brainer choice for your next outdoor adventure. Whether a bivouac on the side of a remote mountain, or waking up in your tent bleary-eyed from a night of one too many drinks, you'll be stoked to find a packet of this stuff in your pack." —kevstewa

Price: $10 for eight packets or $25 for a 30-cup bulk bag

Promising review: "I'm sure that this works great with cold beverages, but I primarily bought it for my morning coffee and afternoon tea. It happens: You get to work and get pulled away from your desk, forgetting to bring your coffee with you. With the Yeti mug, that coffee will be just as hot as you left it, even if you're returning one to two hours later. It truly is remarkable. I find that if I want to start drinking my coffee right away, it is best to fill the mug and leave the top off for a few minutes. Trust me, it will save you a burnt mouth. While the mug is stainless steel, regular coffee drinkers will notice a slight discoloration buildup over time. I'd suggest buying some Bar Keepers Friend, as it will have the stainless steel looking like new in no time." —RobertRuns

On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags. One serves as my clothes bag, and the other is my food bag, since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring a third for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. Enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and compact. Being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home.

Promising review: "Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) so I could stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, that way I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, and it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —Jenni

Price: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "Good multi-tool I like to have on my daypack. Clipped onto my sternum strap for easy access. Very lightweight." —Luis M

The headlamp "remembers" your brightness level between uses, and comes with a locking feature to ensure it doesn't accidentally turn on in your pack and kill the battery life. It's also stormproof with an IPX4 rating (aka it won't die if you're caught in a downpour). The headlamp requires three AAA batteries, which are included with your purchase, or you can pop in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (not included).

Promising review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones, but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I’m glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I’ve never been disappointed by Black Diamond." —P Hyatt

Price: $24.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "Absolute favorite pair of pants. They have a slight stretch to them, which makes them very comfortable for a 9+ hour flight or lounging. They have numerous pockets, which are handy. I wore them for a month in Spain and hiked in them, and went right to dinner without feeling like I was in hiking clothes. I found them on sale, but I plan on looking for more in various colors. They wash and dry very easily. No complaints." —LucyLou

Price: $95 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and three colors)

This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more! This is the kit I've been tucking into my pack for years, just in case. 

Promising review: "It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." —Josh L

Price: $34.50 (available in three colors/styles)

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Rachel Dunkel is a former editor and contributor to the BuzzFeed shopping team with over seven years of experience testing and recommending products that help make life a little easier, whether that’s ultralight gear, holy grail serum, jeans that fit just right, or anything in between.