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

Because it just feels good to be a person who’s prepared.

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.

The Eno has long been the gold standard in outdoor hammocks, and I'm SO happy I finally got one! Life's too short not to be napping in a forest. I'd always heard how easy they were to set up, but I really was blown away. It maybe takes 30 seconds if you have the right trees. Just wrap each strap around, connect each end of the hammock to the straps along the daisy chain via the carabiners at the end of the hammock, and get to swingin'. 

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 for the hammock (available in seven colors) and $29.95 for the straps 

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: "Migrated to Garmin after a decade+ with Fitbit trackers. The watch uses much higher-quality materials and offers a better software experience than previous Fitbit products. The device is comfortable for all-day use and for sleep tracking. Setup was very easy, and the watch immediately synced with both my phone and existing Connect account. Battery life is impressive, especially if not using GPS. When compared to a Garmin bike computer with a chest strap and speed sensor, the GPS and heart rate tracking of the Vivoactive 6 produced almost identical results during a 15-mile test ride. Completely satisfied with the purchase." —KD Cagle

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: $112.39 (originally $149.95; available in three colors)

Promising review: "Worth every penny! No matter how long you’ve been camping, there comes a time when doing it the way you did it when you were young just doesn’t work. I camp for lots of reasons, and in lots of settings. But one of the things I ALWAYS want to do when I’m camping is relax and do it COMFORTABLY. I don’t need a Winnebago, but the old camp chairs — just about ALL of them — don’t work for me anymore. But this one — no kidding — DOES. The best addition I’ve made to my gear in a LONG time." —Rainfisher

Price: $179.95 (available in five 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!

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)

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: "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: $223.19+ (originally $279+; available in short, regular, and wide sizes)

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 can't say enough good things about Altra and, specifically, the Lone Peak series. An older model of these has been totally changed by (outdoor) life. The zero drop and wide toe box make my feet feel like they're more ~connected~ with the ground, which is so useful when groovin' on the trail. I feel sure-footed and stable. I'm also someone who prefers their three-season outdoor shoes to be quick-drying instead of waterproof, and these fit the bill. I've been rained on a ton in these (ohhhh the joys of section hiking the Appalachian Trail!), and they dry pretty darn fast. Love, love, love.

Promising review: "I got these just before my trip to Sedona, and I was not planning on using them for all my hikes. They were so comfortable and supportive, and had amazing traction. I never even took my hiking boots out of my suitcase! I was able to wear them everywhere for everything, which is great when trying to lighten the load on a trip like this. They were my go-to for the airport, steep and rocky hikes, and walking around town! I honestly didn’t think I’d be as impressed as I am, but wow. I also have unstable ankles, and even though these shoes are low-cut, the wide base and traction system kept my ankles from rolling, and I feel like they actually helped me work on my ankle strength. 5 stars! I love them!" —leypay

Price: $145 (available in women's sizes 5.5–12, including wide sizes, and six colors, and in men's sizes 7–16, including wide sizes, and nine colors)

Promising review: "These were super comfy and supportive! I didn’t break these in, wore them hiking for the whole week, and had no issues (which is a huge deal for me since all shoes usually give me blisters)! I didn’t test the waterproofing since we had dry conditions. I also bought the regular width, but decided to stick with the wide width. Easy return process for the pair I sent back! Thanks, Merrell!!" —Heather

Price: $175 (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, in seven colors, and men's sizes 7–15, including wide sizes, in six colors)

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

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

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: "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 eight colors/styles)

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 fit comfortably. Hit my head a few times on the walls with this helmet on and hardly felt the hits." —eggofchaos

Price: $56.19 (originally $74.95; available in three colors)

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

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)

Promising review: "I've been using a peri-bottle I once got at the hospital, but this thing is a seriously great upgrade. I bought it to go on a trip that requires wag bags, and I didn't want to backpack out a bunch of used TP. The bulb and spout direct a cleansing stream of water right where you want it. After six days of using this and a Kula Cloth to pat dry, I was fresh as a daisy, as they say. Everyone who was on the trip wants one now." —Amy B

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 better range of movement than the normal 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)

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

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 me and my climbing partners safe, and what's not to love about that?! Finally buying one felt like a true climber 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 from rope friction, but the function of the belay device is great. Prefer it way more over my old ATC belay device." —Matt

"I love my Pretzl Grigri. As a 5'4" woman who lead 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 ever climbed with. I highly recommend it." —livhaus

Price: $78.69 (originally $104.95; available in three colors)

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)

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 two colors/styles)

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 taut 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)

I have these trekking poles (though the model from 2021, I want to say), and I really do think they'll be the pair I use for the rest of my life. I LEAN on these bad boys, and I trust them endlessly. Adjustability is easy. So easy that I happily dial in the lengths between going uphill and down, since you want slightly different measures for each. The cork handles were the real selling point for me. I have extremely sweaty hands *and* am quite blister-prone, so plastic handles just feel yucky, and foam handles won't last. The cork is moisture-wicking and easy on the hands. The price tag is a lot, but you really do get what you pay for! 

Promising review: "I was reluctant to use poles for the longest time because I felt that they were unnecessary, but as soon as I got them, I realized what I'd been missing all these years! Lightweight, durable, and packable, they've accompanied me through all four seasons of rigorous hiking and backpacking, and despite getting considerably beaten up against rocks, there is no rust or sign that they'll need to be replaced anytime soon. And I've had them for 6+ years! I know $200 seems like a lot of money to pay for a pair of poles, but when you consider their longevity, I promise you that you'll save yourself a lot of money in the long run by not having to replace them. And your joints will thank you for it." —GP18

Promising review: "I cannot make it through a Minnesota winter in comfort without these socks. Before I tried toe socks, I would have cold, clammy feet. These toe socks wick any moisture away, and my feet stay dry and warm." —Jennie

"After a few weeks, I can confirm that this works! No blisters on the toes. I hike daily and have always had issues with blisters. No longer. These are very comfortable, too. I can wear them all day." —Jenn

Price: $18 (available in sizes S–L and two colors)

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.