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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: "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 four colors)

The kit comes with a 1.5-liter saucepan with a fold-and-lock handle, a lid with vent and strain holes, cutting boards, removable trivets, two bowls, two two-piece sporks, and a two-piece spatula. And it's all dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is super easy once you get home from your adventure. 

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_

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 larger. 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

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)

The tools on this Leatherman include a stainless-steel blade, needle-nose/regular pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, a saw, an awl, a can/bottle opener, a carabiner, a 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

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: $9.95 (available in three colors)

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

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

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 wide sizes)

^ Look at me lovin' my Exped sleeping pad! I've long been an inflatable sleeping pad convert, but had yet to find my "Holy moly this is the best" model...until recently, when I tried this baby. Other pads I've liked — but not loved — felt too narrow and, because of the kind of insulation they used, were SUPER noisy with every move I made in my sleep. It was like sleeping on a Mylar balloon! But this pad is quiet as can be. Thank goodness! I also opted for the medium wide version, which gives me a little more room to spread out — no more feeling like I'm teetering. That extra room and a 3-inch height keep me super comfy as a side sleeper. The wide version is a little heavier (obviously), but even as a backpacker who can be really picky about base weight, I find the extra ounces totally worth it for getting a better night's sleep. The MW (minimum weight) is about one pound and seven ounces. Not too shabby!

An R-value of 3.2 makes this perfect for three-season backpacking, but especially in warmer months. On a recent camping and surf weekend near Santa Barbara, it kept me perfectly comfortable. It was seriously the best night of sleep I've gotten outdoors in quite some time. ILY, Exped!

Price: $169.95 (available in medium, medium wide, and long wide sizes)

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

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 for 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

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.

A lot of official car-camping sites have bear lockers if you need them, but not all, especially if you're a fan of off-road and off-grid adventures. But for backpacking, it's absolutely the move since you're often sleeping away from official sites or stops.

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 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: $149.95+ (available in two sizes and seven 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.

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

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

Promising review: "This is a luxury item, but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, lightweight, 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

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

Promising review: "I've had this daypack since 2016 and it's held up great. Recently, I donated it in good condition, and I missed having it so much. I decided to get a new one. I've used this for backpacking/traveling abroad, my Peace Corps service in Mozambique, along with many day hikes and escapades stateside. It's the perfect size for a water bottle, camera, snacks, and whatever else you need to carry, plus it has great ventilation. My favorite daypack!" —Asha

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

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

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: $111.69 (originally $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 unbelievably small. 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: $411.69+ (originally $549+, available in regular, long, and double sizes)

Promising review: "I LOVE this hoodie! I burn quite easily, and I can't believe I've gone this long without a long-sleeved 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 out to eat for dinner. It works for everything!" —Sarah

Price: $34.89 (originally $49.95, available in women's sizes XS–XL and 1X–3X in six colors and men's sizes S–XXXL, including some tall sizes, in eight colors)

Price: $27.89 (originally $39.95, available in three colors)

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: $17.19+ (originally $22.95+, available in six sizes and four colors)

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