BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More

A forest-full of people vouch for these handy-dandy pieces of gear.

I am 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.

Hot tip for my hiking girlies with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a shoe size 8.5 and find that a men's M 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. I feel the price 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 M–XXL in nine colors and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors)

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

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 headlamp requires three AAA batteries.

Promising review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other one 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: "This chair is so easy to open and store as well. I love being able to sit side by side with my partner. The cup holder is nice as it can snugly hold a can, or the flap can move to the side and easily hold a camping mug with a handle. I like that it holds a variety of drinkware, so I am not stuck having to find somewhere to place the unique style cups that aren't cans or slim. Definitely my go-to camping chair when I am with friends or a partner! This is for two people sitting upright. You would not want to lie on this as there is a hard bar in the middle, but it is perfect for sitting close!" —Lala

Price: $149.95 (available in three colors)

The device has a small screen that means you can use it even if your phone is dead. Phew! But if you have juice, the device pairs with your cell and is very easy to use with the Garmin app. In the app, you can text (including photos and voice notes with this model), send pre-loaded check-ins, and get a weather check. You do need a Garmin subscription with a sliding-scale pay structure based on the number of messages per month you want to send/receive. I opted for the Essential plan for $14.99/month and found it more than enough for a weekend trip in the Sierras. Plans start at $7.99. 

Promising review: "I was thrilled with this unit when I first used it because of how well it punched through the dense tree cover here in the Southern Appalachians (unlike some other things I've tried), but then I was really upset because of how fast the battery dropped. Close to half the battery in a couple of days. I thought the unit was defective. I worked with support staff at Garmin. Turns out, in settings, you can choose between 'Performance' and 'Low Power.' Once I put it on low power, the battery seems to last basically forever. Evidently, when the battery was draining so fast, I had it stowed somewhere where it couldn't send and connect, but it kept trying because of the performance setting. I'll put it on performance if I am ever in trouble and really want to get a message out fast. The rest of the time, low power is the way to go. While testing the unit's battery life after working with Garmin support, I left it outside for about three weeks. Not only did the battery drop by only the smallest amount, but it seemed completely unaffected by the weather." —bradgad

I looooove Mountain House Kung Pao Chicken! The sauce has a little kick, the veggies are chunky and substantial, the chicken is great, and it all rehydrates super well. I also love that Mountain House bags are short and squat, so you don't have to reach your hand wayyyy down into a bag to scoop, it's closer to eating out of a bowl. Love! 

Promising review: "This meal was fantastic! Great flavor with some spice. The rehydrated noodles stayed together instead of becoming mushy. Enough chunks of chicken and veg to provide good texture. I would suggest adding 1–2 minutes to the first mix and sit in boiling water (step 4), as well as 1–2 minutes to the mix and stand (step 5). This will give the chicken enough time to fully rehydrate. Overall grade: A+" —madt

Price: $12.50 for the Kung Pao Chicken, $12 for the Pad Thai, and check out all of their meals here

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: "Great tent! The first time I used it, it rained for 27 hours straight. Not a drop inside. Lots of pockets for storage. Set up is a little tricky the first time, but once you know how it goes, it's not bad. Vestibule is large enough to sit in a camp chair out of the rain, and I'm 6 feet and 220 pounds. It does get hot in the sun, but I'm never in it during the day anyway. I would recommend this tent to anyone." —Mike K

"We recently were looking for a great car camping tent option. We’ve spent years using my old three-person backpacking tent, and we wanted something that we felt confident in bad weather, but comfortable to use as a living space when we’re camping. The number one thing I really love about this tent is that it’s watertight in rain, but you can sit inside and not suffocate because it has such amazing ventilation. The vestibule is so spacious that you can keep all of your gear here overnight and not worry about inclement weather. No, I can’t stand straight up in this tent, but that isn’t as important to me as knowing this tent is solid and won’t blow over in a bad storm, which some of the taller tents I’ve seen are more prone to. We’ve only used this twice thus far, but we’re already looking forward to using it more for car camping very comfortably, without having to upgrade to an overly huge tent since it’s just my wife and me. Would recommend." —Jeff

Promising review: "I recently picked up the Wawona 6 from REI and couldn’t be happier. The build quality is excellent — everything feels premium — and the space is exactly what you'd hope for in a tent this size. Tons of room, smart layout, and it sets up solid. One thing to note: it's a bit breezy. For me, that’s a huge plus — I sleep hot and live in the South, so the airflow is welcome. But if you're camping in colder climates or pushing into shoulder seasons, just know it’s not a furnace. That said, I’m originally from the Colorado high country, and I’d still run this tent with the right bag and layers. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to shift from ultralight or thru-hiking to more comfortable, stationary setups. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve moved away from minimal packs toward gear that adds a little luxury to the outdoors, and the Wawona nails it." —Orso

Promising review: "This is the first Yeti cooler I have ever purchased, and I am in love. We used this camping, and the drinks were so cold they may 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_

Price: $325+ (available in 10 colors/styles)

When I first heard about this bag, it seemed like it was maybe a little gimmicky, but car camping trip after car camping trip, it's the one I reach for! After begrudgingly getting used to sleeping in cramped mummy bags backpacking, sleeping in a rectangular bag is AMAZING. So much more room and so much easier to sleep on my side without sacrificing warmth. And it really is useful to be able to use different layers based on how cold it is outside. Love and highly recommend!

Promising review: "Finally, a sleeping bag that fits my needs! I have never liked mummy bags, just too confining, and you can't curl up without a fight with the bag. I love it... Worth the price I paid. If you are looking for this to be a backpacking bag, this one is not it — there are many other fabulous lightweight mummy bags out there. For regular camping, it's perfect. The fact that you can layer makes for a comfortable night's sleep. I hope to get many years' use out of it! Good job Rumpl!!" —GJ Biker

Price: $249.95 (available in three colors/styles)

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!

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 styles)

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)

This is my first backpacking-specific pillow, and I love it! Normally, I'm really stubborn about bringing any extras, but I thought I'd finally give it a try to see if I slept any better, and......fine! I'll admit I was more comfortable than when I used my clothing bag! I love that the stuff sack for the pillow is integrated into the pillow itself, so it's impossible to lose. It didn't lose any inflation overnight (even when temperatures massively dropped), it ticked right into the hood of my Sea to Summit sleeping bag, and it didn't have that terrible "balloon" feeling a lot of lightweight pillows tend to have.

Promising review: "This hybrid foam and inflatable design strikes a good balance between portability and comfort. All foam pillows are more comfortable, but are both heavier and bulkier. All inflatable designs are smaller and lighter, but have too much of a balloon feel for me to feel comfortable. I also have the longer "luxury" version, which is just the same thing but longer. I actually prefer this shorter version because it doesn't get an indentation when my head is on it. With the longer model, there's more space on the sides for the air to go, so it causes a small depression where your head is on it. The shorter version can better maintain consistent firmness throughout." —c4lo

Price: $59.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "Used this nonstop when I was in California recently. It's comfortable – not too tight, and the drawstring thing was great when the wind picked up." —Gabs

Price: $45 (available in three color combinations)

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

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me for Christmas this year! Holy shmo, I really was out here thinking that most stoves were the same, but 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 around 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 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

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

When I moved to the West Coast, I was sooooo excited that I finally had to get a bear canister! They may be heavy and tough to put in a pack, but hey, they're iconic! This small can fits into a pack relatively easily and holds a lot, especially if you're keeping volume in mind while shopping. And they really are useful beyond just for bears. I brought mine to Joshua Tree this past weekend because the last time I was there, there were a ton of mice, and there's just no good place to hang a food bag. Enter: the can! And hey, don't forget to put your trash and any other scented items like toothpaste in there for the night, too.

Promising review: "I love this thing. It fits easily into my pack, and can fit electrolytes, snacks, a collapsible mug, matches, and fuel, and six to eight freeze-dried meals. Even witnessed an inquisitive deer who accidentally rolled it down a rocky hill and not a scratch or crack on it!" —stace

Price: $84.95 (also available in larger sizes)

Promising review: "We had one of these tables, liked it so much, we bought a second. Extend the legs, then flip it out to set up. Takes 15 seconds. It’s very stable and great for a side table or a table for two. Very nice quality." —Camp4smore

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 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)

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 wide sizes)

^ That's me with the slightly older model on my first backpacking trip!

Osprey is known for making exceptional packs for all kinds of journeys, and the Aura is no exception. It has a separate sleeping bag compartment, a huge mesh pocket on the outside for camp shoes and immediate needs, snack pockets on the hip belt, a whistle on the chest strap, large water bottle holders on each side, loops for trekking poles or an ice axe, sleeping pad straps, and compression straps to get your weight distributed *just* so. But best of all, a ton of these features are unclippable/removable if you're not using them and don't want the extra weight — because it adds up! I took the "brain" off my pack — a separate large compartment that goes over the pack's top — but it's included if you want it. I find that this pack's weight distributes very comfortably — at least as comfortably as it can be — and the cushions on the waist strap really did the trick. No bruising or even chafing, even on my first trip!

Picking a pack is personal, especially since everyone has different intentions, needs, and bodies, but with how customizable this pack is, I'd recommend it to almost anyone. This was my first ever pack, and it really helped me ease into the idea of ummm carrying everything I need, which is daunting! This is an extremely comfortable intro. I found the 65 to be a good size for starting out with larger/heavier beginner gear, but if you're going for a shorter trip, a summer trip where you have less bulk, or are already a lightweight packing pro, it also comes in a 50-liter size.

Promising review: "I bought this last year and am still very happy with my purchase. It has all the room I need, even when I carry a bear canister. It sits nicely on my hips, so I have no sore back at the end of the day. I couldn’t ask for a better pack." —Bobbie

Price: $370 (available in sizes XS–L and three colors; the Aura is technically a "women's" pack, but you can check out the "men's" version called the Atmos here)

On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags that each work double time. 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 another for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. But enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and 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) to stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, so 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: $16.93+ (originally $22.95+; available in six sizes and four colors)

The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as Salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, and protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game-changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend.

Promising review: "I've taken this on a couple of backcountry/backpacking trips, and it's so handy and easy to use. I find I prefer to carry two Smartwater bottles with me (one for dirty water, one for filtered water), screw the filter to the top of one, and squeeze clean water into the second bottle. I also love that it's small and lightweight. It's perfect for backcountry trips." —sarah279

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: $4.93+ (originally $9.95; available in four colors/prints)

Yeah, the Kula Cloth is life-changing if peeing in the woods gets you down. It's also super useful for general travel if you're traveling anywhere with an unreliable TP situation. There's also a little loop on the corner so you can just carabiner it to the outside of your pack if you're backpacking. Ya know how people who drive Jeeps nod at each other on the road. People with Kula Cloths on their packs nod to each other on the trail. It's a thing. 

Promising review: "I've had one for years now, and it has been such a game changer for backpacking, camping, or just hiking. We take them everywhere outdoors, and I consider this one of the best outdoor inventions ever. If you don't want wet panties or have to pack toilet paper into a bag to pack out, this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" —outdrgrl

Price: $20 (available in eight colors/prints)

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

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