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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.

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 lately, so I decided to get a double-burner stove for 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

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)

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 to have 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)

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 feel like walking on clouds compared 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 M–XXL in nine colors and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors)

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_

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

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 were recently 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 during 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 the rain, and you can sit inside without suffocating thanks to its 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 so 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, stationery 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

The tent weighs 5 pounds and 7 ounces packed.

Keep in mind that when a tent specifies how many people it's for, they mean the maximum that can fit in there, so two will be pretty squished. When you're backpacking, that can be ideal — you're carrying less weight if you only have the room you need, but don't be surprised if you're sardined! This would also be a super comfortable tent for one hiker and their gear if you want to keep it inside, though you could also keep your pack under the vestibule or simply out. I've been known to bring along a trash bag to throw my pack in at night in case of rain. Sometimes the cheap, ugly solution is the most effective! lol.

Promising review: "This is a very solid and well-made tent for two! Very light and easy to set up! The included footprint is a nice touch that makes setup even easier. When this says two people, it means a snug two-person. When setting this up for the first time, I thought, “Whoa, this is going to be too small,” but it worked out, and it’s actually not bad once you get inside. Definitely doable for a couple or close friends, but it is tight quarters. We loved this tent paired with two REI Trailmade Sleeping pads and a North Face double sleeping bag. Fit perfectly with a little room to spare at the head and feet. Doors on both sides are a nice touch, and the rain fly is very solid! The roof vent is helpful when it's warm. If you’re just getting into tent camping and you’re ready for solo or duo adventures, this tent won’t do you wrong. Just be prepared to be a little cozy, and you’ll have a great experience with it!" —Kendric

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me for Christmas this 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 when it comes to 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

The headlamp "remembers" your brightness level between uses and comes with a locking feature to prevent it from accidentally turning on in your pack and draining the battery. 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 since 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 was recommended to me by a sales associate. They were out of stock in the store, so I ordered it online. Design works great for paddling! The style allows for a much wider range of movement than a standard zip-up PFD. It's lightweight and easy to put on and take off with two side buckles and two shoulder straps. The front pocket is great for storing stuff; it can fit a phone in a dry bag with room for a wallet and keys." —Alison

Price: $159.95 (available in sizes XS–XXL and four colors)

These are popular in the western United States, where, in some areas with grizzlies, they're required, but they're useful almost anywhere if you want a surefire way to keep food untouched by all kinds of critters.

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 smaller size 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 6–8 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)

The pack has two huge side pockets for water bottles or extras, a mesh hip belt that stows away when not in use, an internal water reservoir sleeve if that's your vibe, extra internal pockets, and an external bungee so you can create more connection points if needed. 

Promising review: "Took this down to the Smoky Mountains last week and it was great! It is well-made, has lots of pockets, and is super lightweight. It even has a built-in whistle! Highly recommend." —Lesley

Price: $59.95 (available in four colors)

To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $14.99+. But don't worry, if you're just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment, so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure. It weighs just 3.5 and offers 11 subscription plans for individuals, professionals, and teams.

Promising review: "Recently used the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a seven-day backpacking trek in the northern Yosemite wilderness. I kept it on during the day, sent two to three preset check-in messages per day, and turned it off overnight (and kept it in my sleeping bag). After six nights/seven days like this, I still had 40% battery life left. Messages usually took about a minute to send with no/minimal tree cover, and the Bluetooth-connected phone app makes typing messages from your phone very easy. I'm so glad I had it with me to get info about the Washburn fire that started while I was on the trail. Overall, I (and my loved ones back home!) am very happy with how the Garmin performed." —Elyse

^ 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 evenly. 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 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 carrying everything I need, which is daunting! This is an extremely comfortable intro. I found the 65-liter to be a good size for starting out with larger/heavier beginner gear, but if you're going for a shorter trip or a summer trip with 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)

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 only weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as Salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all package instructions to ensure 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: "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: $63.83+ (originally $129; available in women's sizes XS–3X and eight colors)

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 led me to just use 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 four colors)

The sleeping bag's hood and footbox are treated with waterproofing to prevent condensation against your tent walls, it has a draft collar to keep the cold from getting in, and its shell is made of 100% recycled ripstop polyester.

Promising review: "I've used this bag for a while now, and it's the best I've ever used. From the backcountry lakes of Wyoming's Wind River Range to riverside fields along rivers in New Hampshire, it has come everywhere with me. As a taller person with broad shoulders, the long version fits me PERFECTLY. I'm also someone who gets pretty hot while sleeping, so the venting features have been a game changer. Not only is it comfortable and functional, but it's also made from recycled materials and is easy to repair. If I could give this product more stars, I would!" —Dom

Price: $279.95+ in both men's and women's models (available in regular and long lengths and wide sizes)

Promising review: "I just used this on a climbing trip in Vegas, for limestone and red rock, and felt safe and secure in it. Four other people had it on the trip, which speaks for itself. I love how easily adjustable it is! My newbie friends didn't have helmets, and we shared mine, and they were easily able to adjust between climbs. I am petite and have a small head, and it fits comfortably. Hit my head a few times on the walls with this helmet on and hardly felt the hits." —eggofchaos

Price: $74.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "This is the hat I’ve been looking for! Getting older and needing some shade on my noggin, face, and neck. I’ve purchased a few other hats, but this one is the most comfortable and breathable, and covers my neck and long nose, too. The wife says it looks good on me and she’s picky!" —Danny Dorado

Price: $99 (available in sizes 7–8 and four colors)

Need a locking carabiner to go with? I use a Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner.

It goes without saying that I love my Grigri! It keeps my climbing partners and me safe, and what's not to love about that?! Finally buying one felt like a true climber's rite of passage.

Promising reviews: "Great belay device. I use it constantly and have had no issues with it. The paint will most likely wear off due to rope friction, but the belay device functions well. Prefer it way more over my old ATC belay device." —Matt

"I love my Pretzl Grigri. As a 5'4" woman who leads climbs with 6'+ guys, it saves my butt on a regular basis. I feel completely comfortable catching a whip with this, no matter what distractions are going on or how fast I need to react. It does take a bit of practice to learn how to feed the rope through smoothly for lead belaying, but after a bit of practice, it doesn't slow me down at all. I also feel much safer climbing with my belayer using an auto-locking belay device, and I've never had any issues with any Pretzel Grigri I've used. I highly recommend it." —livhaus

Price: $104.95 (available in three colors)

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)

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 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)

Promising review: "This is a luxury item, but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, light weight, and versatility. I'll throw it in both a backpacking pack and a day pack. I've used it under my sleeping pad to add a little more padding under my hips, to make a picnic bench cleaner and softer, to sit on in a parking lot while changing shoes, to widen the top of my hammock so it's not closing in on my head, and of course, just to sit on when taking a break. I rest my pack against a tree and use it and the Chipper to make a nice recliner in the woods." —GorillaJason

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

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.