Camping, whether you're a first-timer or an outdoors veteran, requires careful planning. Choosing the Best camping gear for adventure trip can be the difference between a memorable or miserable time.
We offer a wide range of products that will enhance your next wilderness trip, from hiking gadgets to unique camping accessories and backpacking supplies.
Take a look at 35 of the best camping gear, gadgets, and gifts to buy in 2021 as we take a closer look at adventure essentials, gadgets, and gifts.
Best Camping Gear List
Below is a list of the best camping gear of 2021.
Best Camping Gear for Comfort
1 – Instant Cabin Tent
2 – All Seasons Sleeping Bag
3 – Inflatable Sleeping Pad
4 – Portable Camping Chair
Best Camping Gear Essentials
5 – Medical First Aid Kit
6 – Headlamp
7 – Water Purifier
8 – Waterproof Lighter
Best Camping Gear for Cooking
9 – Camp Stove
10 – Cookware Kit
11 – Multi Spice Shaker
12 – Campers Multi-Tool
Best Camping Gear for Warm Weather
13 – Portable Cooler Backpack
14 – Portable Mosquito Repellent Shield
15 – Solar Charger
16 – Portable Pressure Shower
17 – Camping Hammock
Best Camping Gear for Cold Weather
18 – Indoor Propane Heater
19 – Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
20 – Portable Espresso Maker
Best Camping Gear for Couples
21 – Romantic Luxury Glamping Tent
22 – Double Hammock
23 – Romantic Camping Overhead String Lights Kit
Best Fun Camping Gear
24 – Outdoor Wine Glasses
25 – Solar Inflatable Lantern
26 – Open Fire Popcorn Popper
Best Camping Gear for Kids
27 – Walkie Talkies
28 – Kids Explorer Kit
29 – Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Best Camping Gear Gifts
30 – Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
31 – GoPro Hero 8 Waterproof Camera
32 – Stainless Steel uKeg
Best Camping Gear for Dogs
33 – Camping Dog Bed with Canopy
34 – Portable Camping Dog Bowl
35 – GPS Tracker
Best Camping Gear for Comfort
There is no longer a need to fight against the elements while camping. Camping gear is now designed to be comfortable and portable even in extreme weather.
Your camping trip will be a lot more enjoyable if you keep comfortable. Everyone wants to stay safe, dry, and comfortable over the weekend.
These days, many camping gear essentials prioritize comfort, from the material of your tent to the seams of your sleeping bag.
Best Camping Gear for Adventure
Check out this list of camping gear to get your adventures started
Sturdy Shoes
Stellar Pictures
A Stink-Free Shirt
A Customizable Tent
Restful Sleep Adequate Seating
A Bad-A$$ Knife
A Contained Fire Pit
A Sturdy Cooler
A Big Water Filter
Reliable Duffels
A Tough Carryall
A Headlamp
1) Sturdy Shoes
I usually walk around a campsite in Crocs. If you plan on doing anything more active, trail running shoes are the way to go. They're lighter, more nimble, and just as durable as hiking shoes. They feel like slippers, and the BOA lacing system makes it easy to slip them on and off quickly for going in and out of your tent.
2) Stellar Pictures
Take DJI's new Air 2S along when you need to see what's over the next ridge, but don't have time to walk up the hill. With its lightweight (1.3 pounds) and powerful enough for light winds, it stays airborne for half an hour. The Air 2S comes with a newly improved collision-prevention system that should keep you out of trouble even around trees. In stunning 5K video and 20-megapixel photos, the 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor captures the beauty of the wilderness around you. Be sure to check local regulations before you fly. Drones are often restricted on public lands.
3) A Stink-Free Shirt
The best material to wear outside for extended periods is Merino wool. In addition to wicking away sweat, it doesn't trap body odor as much good news for anyone sharing your tent. In Icebreaker's shirt, which I wear year-round, I particularly like the combination of merino wool, Tencel, and nylon. It's cool enough for a 75-degree run on a sunny day, and it layers well. The shirts from this company are also durable; I have worn them regularly for years.
4) A Customizable Tent
In a similar but different version, my colleague Scott Gilbertson and I own this tent as well. The MSR Habitude ($500) and Snow Peak Dock Dome ($1,396) are two products that I tried, and I liked them a lot. Overall, REI's stand-up tents strike a good balance between price, durability, and technical specifications. Ours dates back to 2011 and is still going strong.
However, the main reason we end up using this tent the most is the accessories. This tent comes with the mudroom ($100) and has an optional porch ($199) that can be used together or separately.
5) Restful Sleep
Zenbivy Light Bed is made up of multiple pieces, all of which can be purchased separately to let backpackers customize the weight. The whole system (including the mattress, sheet, quilt, pillow, dry sack, and compression cap) weighs about 2 pounds. A spare 7L compression bag could replace the pillow, like the quilt, sheet, and mattress pad are the most important pieces.
The system is not lightweight or compact enough for backpacking, but the compression bundle can be used for car camping. Its versatility makes it worthwhile. You can choose between three different sleep options: mummy mode, quilt mode, and rectangular mode. Sleeping makes me a tornado, much to the chagrin of every bedfellow I've ever had. Sleeping bags tend to make me feel claustrophobic. Usually, I end up sleeping on a camping pad with a few blankets, which is the opposite of a streamlined system. The first camping-friendly sleep solution that gave me a good night's sleep. —Louryn Strampe
6) Adequate Seating
Having double-up equipment is a wise move if you camp with your family or significant other. During warm weather, we have a two-person sleeping bag ($200) that fits everyone, and we recently purchased a two-person camping chair. The Kelty Loveseat is large and sturdy enough to accommodate my 70-pound dog. She's never really understood why we get cozy camp chairs and sleeping bags and she's forced to sleep in the dirt or on a dog bed. (She usually solves problems by co-opting my sleeping bag, but that's another issue altogether.)
It's huge, heavy, takes up a lot of space, and is difficult to fold. Once you cram everyone you love on it in front of the fire, it will all be worth it.
7) A Bad-A$$ Knife
It is impossible to beat the taste of the food you cook outside, and a knife is one of the most basic chef's tools. In case you need cooking inspiration, I follow @menwiththepot on TikTok and gave my husband the stainless-steel cleaver and sheath for his birthday. Its shape is like a cross between a backcountry hunting knife and a kitchen cleaver, but we now use it for everything from dicing onions to carving pork and chicken. You may want to swagger around your campsite wearing this on your belt if weight isn't an issue.
8) A Contained Fire Pit
It was one of the worst fire seasons across the American West last summer, and it's not likely to improve this summer. Ensure your s'mores are a little safer with a light, portable, and easy-to-use fire pit. Primus' Kamoto fire pit packs flat and comes with a grill grate and an integrated ashtray. I also have a much more expensive one from Snow Peak which lets you pre-skewer chicken kebabs to cook once the fire is ready.
9) A Sturdy Cooler
Yeti coolers are renowned for their toughness. However, they're also heavy especially, when loaded with ice and food. Although the Tundra Haul weighs 37 pounds unloaded, you do not have to carry it. The heavy-duty aluminum arm and puncture-resistant wheels make it easy to pull behind you. The Tundra Haul still has Yeti's signature rubber latches and Fatwall design to keep your food cool for as long as you need.
10) A Big Water Filter
In general, our family of four, plus one dog, prefers to camp in the wilderness rather than trying to keep everyone quiet at the same time in an overcrowded campground. Earlier this year, MSR's high-volume, fast water filter made headlines. Rather than pump water from multiple bottles one by one for cooking, you can hang a bag containing 10 liters of water on a nearby tree branch. Gravity forces water through the filter, and you can simply unhook the spout to fill bottles or pans as you need them. It also gives you an excuse to go paddleboarding without your children. "Oh yes, I need to refill my water. I'll be back in an hour."
11) Reliable Duffels
I could write an entire story on how to organize and pack your camping gear, which will vary based on whether you're backpacking (zip pouches! ), car camping (bins! ), or staying in an RV (RV!). Whenever we camp in the backcountry, I pack big, burly duffels and organize them by category: sleeping, wearing, and eating. Sadly, my favorite big eco-friendly duffel is currently out of stock, but I do like the Patagonia Black Hole duffel.
With Patagonia's Black Hole line, which is made from recycled polyester that is also water-resistant, I can pack away dry gear into my canoe and into my paddleboard without getting wet. The daisy chains let you tie bags together or clip wet toddler shoes on the side, and they also have backpack straps for longer hauls.
12) A Tough Carryall
I will inevitably forget something with two children, no matter how carefully I pack. The reason I love this bag is that I keep it in the car so that I can throw in items when I need them for lunch or go to the beach. This backpack stands up on a molded bottom, is made of abrasion- and puncture-resistant Thick skin, and has webbing for quick-clipping keys or water bottles. Yeti makes a complete line of durable bags of all shapes and sizes, but this is my favorite.
13) A Headlamp
No matter how good or how basic your camp lantern is (I recommend this one), you still need lights while sleeping outside. I have tested a lot of headlamps over the years, and this one from BioLite is still my favorite. Due to the battery being mounted on the back instead of the front, it has a slim profile and stays flush and secure against your forehead instead of sagging or shifting.
It fits over beanies or under hoods and has four different lighting modes, including a red light that helps me find things in the tent after my kids have fallen asleep. If you forgot to charge it before you left, you can plug it into your car's adapter. There is only one problem: the battery eventually deteriorates. After three years of continuous use (I also use it for running in the winter), it only lasts me 20 to 25 hours per charge.
Lastly,
With so many great accessories to explore, we've covered everything from outdoor gear to camping gear.
Camping trips for some of us are rugged and minimalist. Some people want to enjoy the great outdoors along with plenty of home comforts.
No matter what your preference, these top camping gadgets will enhance your trip in fun, safe, and essential ways.
Don't go into the great outdoors unprepared. Even just a few camping essentials can make your trip more enjoyable, safer, and memorable.