Best Camping Gear of 2024 (2024)

Tents

Getting the right tent for any outdoor excursion is a must. A solid tent means you stay dry, warm, and get a good night's sleep. A tent should suit a lot of your camping needs, and it should last a while. We have loads of tent reviews, including the best camping tents, top rooftop tents, and our best canopy tent picks. Naturally, there's a considerable price range across genres. Below you are going to find our best picks in each category.

Camping Tents

The type of camping tent you need depends, of course, on the type of camping you are planning. Our picks prioritize spacious interiors, great design, easy to set up, durable fabrics, family-friendly, and a good value.

Rooftop Tents

A relative newcomer to the camping world, the design (and comfort) of rooftop tents is getting more dialed each year. Beware of a hasty purchase, however, as you could end up with a tent that doesn't work like you thought it would, such as a rack that doesn't quite sync with your vehicle, or a tent that doesn't fit on your rack. Thankfully, we've worked out all the kinks for you in our review of the best rooftop tents.

Canopy Tents

Canopy tents are slowly finding their way into the camper's kit. It's fair to say that, when erected, they quickly become the kitchen and dining room in most campsites, for good reason. A canopy tent fulfills a variety of purposes, too: good for the park and the beach. Have a good sense of how you intend to use yours, since some are designed for commercial use (think farmer's markets), and others are best for carrying around, such as those intended for camping and the beach. See our top canopy tent review for the full comparison of products.

Camping Kitchen

The little things always matter, especially when it comes to food. Our testers have gone to great lengths to bring you the best camping kitchen setup around. We divulge on the best camping cookware, top camping stoves, and yes, even a comparison of camping tables. When you have a good setup, you can cook the best food, in the quickest amount of time, with the least amount of fuss. Be discerning, however, as there is a lot of variety out there, and having a good sense of how you intend to use your kit will make all the difference.

Camping Stove

Camping stoves range from your standard double burner to those with legs so it can stand on its own. Not to be confused with a backpacking stove, a camping stove is the kind you use when car camping, or you are, at least, nearby the car. Why? They are hefty and not built for backpacking. Time to boil and wind resistance is key to a good camping stove, along with a host of other metrics we tested to help you find the best camping stove on the market.

Portable Grills

An excellent choice for the park or the campsite, take your camping kitchen to the next level with a portable grill. Do your homework, as some of these grills run on gas, while others need charcoal. It all depends on what you are going to use it for. To learn more, take a dive into our research on the top-rated portable grills.

Camping Cookware

Crucial considerations to any future set of the best camping cookware are: what is it made out of and what types of bells and whistles does it have that I don't know about? Reason being, there are some creative differences in what was traditionally just referred to as just "pots and pans."

Camping Table

Tired of using your camping stove on the ground? Yep, you sure are. Let's be honest, camping tables are not an essential item to sleep in the woods, but they sure make life easier when you do, and they are handy for more than just cooking. When scrolling through the table options, take special note of stability and portability, key features to the top camping tables we've tested.

Camping Coffee

Never, ever underestimate the importance of a cup of coffee when camping. A good cup of coffee is the glue that holds the day together. We're happy to say you have a lot of options, from espresso plungers to presses to pour overs. Check out our review of the devices that will secure you the best camping coffee you can get. You can thank us later.

Camping Chairs

The sheer diversity in shape and construction of today's camping chairs is bewildering. But don't be fooled; there are clear stand-outs. The top camping chairs are comfortable, portable, and they last a few seasons.

Coolers

More so than just about any other camping item, coolers have undergone a not-so-silent revolution. Insulation technology has gotten much better, and so has the average price of a cooler. But you don't need to break the bank. Figure out what exactly you need your cooler for, and let our testing guide you. We have comparison reviews of the best soft coolers available and the best powered coolers out there. Be discerning, as there is lots of innovation (and price range) in each type.

Camping Coolers

In this category, we are talking about the best-of-the-best, old-school coolers, good for the campground, back of the truck, or park barbeque. They can be hoisted up with ease, function as seats, and will most likely keep ice for a few days. But this doesn't mean the best coolers for camping are all the same. They aren't. Read on for our top picks.

Soft Coolers

Think portability when you think of soft coolers. These are great, of course, for camping, but also for taking to the park, beach, or a friend's house. Soft coolers don't hold as much as a standard cooler, but, again, they make up for it when you are on the move. See our review of top soft coolers from our veteran testers.

Powered Cooler

A powered cooler is as it sounds—it needs to be plugged in. They are excellent for road trips, as you can plug them into your car's DC outlet. Though they are more expensive than other cooler types, they can double as mini-fridges. Below are our favorite powered coolers we have tested.

Camp Lighting

Lanterns and headlamps have a lot of range. No pun intended. Over the past few decades, batteries have gotten better and lights have gotten brighter, all the more reason to take the time to figure out exactly what kind of campsite lighting you want. Whether you are looking for the best headlamps for camping or the best lanterns, we've put hundreds through a battery of tests over the years. Below you are going to find the best we've come across.

Headlamps

It is barely worth noting that a good headlamp is a must-have when camping. Getting stuck on the trails with a dead torch isn't fun, same goes for stumbling around a dark campsite. Headlamps come in different shapes, weights and sizes. As you are looking around for the best headlamp, follow this advice from our testers: "we recommend you think about how it might perform when things go wrong."

Lanterns

Take it out to for dinner, then into the tent to tell ghost stories to your kids. Lanterns are handy when the lights go out. They come in all sizes and, remarkably, are stocked with features, such as the ability to charge your phone, solar/USB charging, and so on. Only the top lanterns below.

Camp Sleeping

The fear of not getting a good night's sleep can keep some people from camping. But, be not worried, we can help you find your comfiest self: we have comprehensive reviews for the best camping sleeping bags. A good night's sleep doesn't stop there, however, as we have compiled reviews of the best camping pillows and best blankets for camping.

Sleeping Bags

Right up there alongside your tent, a sleeping bag is all-important when sleeping outside. Prices vary a ton, and the same goes for quality. In general, you need to figure out how warm of a bag you need, what material is ideal, and your budget. A top quality sleeping bag should last a long time.

Camping Pillows

You really need to stop lugging around your bedroom pillow on camping ventures. Grab yourself one of our favorite camping pillows, would ya! They pack light, you can get them dirty, and you can stuff them in your backpacking pack as well since most are light and extremely compressible.

Camping Blankets

Camping blankets are as good for sleeping as they are for wrapping around yourself on those chilly mornings. But make sure you make a good decision before you ditch the sleeping bag, if that's what you're thinking, as camping blankets tend not to be as warm as their zippered counterparts. But in general, the best camping blankets are excellent to drape over anyone and anything—pets included—for extra cold-weather assurance.

Mattresses

A camping mattress isn't just for camping; it's great for when you have visitors or are sleeping in the back of your car. These mattresses take that old foam-rolled pad to the next level. Most of the top camping mattresses are inflatable, and some are big enough for two. Consider the size of your tent, and packed-down size, in case you intend to use it when backpacking.

Cots

Bigger and arguably more comfortable than a comparable sleeping pad or blow-up camping mattress, a camping cot definitely has its place, especially for side sleepers… and those times when sleeping off the ground is a good thing. Think spiders. We field tested and outlined our favorite camping cots.

Hiking Activities

Hiking and camping go hand in hand. Hit the trails during the day, circle the fire at night. It's the way life ought to be. Thankfully, we have a small arsenal of comparative hiking gear reviews to help you find what you need, same with our favorite camping gear. And, if you are looking for a best-of-the-best sampler for all things hiking, check out our best hiking gear listicle, where we list the top items, just like we are doing here. Everything we review we have bought at the store, then tested rigorously over months.

Camp Accessories

Assuming you've got the big-ticket items figured out, such as a good handle on the best tents and best sleeping bags for camping, now is the time to think about the other stuff. Pocket knives and multi tools are good for the kitchen and making spears for the kids, and a camp shower is a sure bet when there's no river nearby. Lastly, don't forget the best first aid kit with all the essentials. Below is a hand-curated selection where you can see the best pocket knives and the best hammocks for camping.

Pocket Knives

Whether you are fishing, cutting salami, or your kiddo is whittling a spear, a pocket knife is arguably the most versatile piece of gear on any camping trip. The best pocket knives have durable blades, bomber construction, and fold up easily.

Multi tools

There are those things in life you don't need until you really need them. A multi-tool is one of those things, so why not keep one stashed in that tub of camping gear? The best multi-tools have loads of features and are sturdy and affordable.

Hammock

We welcome the addition of hammocks to the line-up of modern camping. They are great for an afternoon siesta, lounging, reading, and even sleeping, if you can handle it. If you're on a budget, and who isn't, check out our budget hammock review. As for the best hammocks for camping, venture below.

Camp Axe

Whether you are erecting a lean-to in the Alaskan wilderness or splitting some deadwood in the mountains of Virginia, a good camp axe should split with efficiency, swing with precision, and have a durable blade. Our top top camping axe picks below.

Camp Shower

Like with most camping gear, finding the best shower for camping should be undertaken with care. Some strap to the top of the car, while others are great for washing dishes and helping clean off the mud your dog rolled in for an hour. There are a lot of options, so choose wisely!

First Aid Kits

The first aid kits we tested come in all shapes and sizes. Some of these are great for the home and car, while others are compact enough to warrant a spot on a camping or backpacking trip.

Tent Stakes

Ever had a stiff wind blow off your tent fly in the middle of the night during a storm? We can sympathize. The best tent stakes stand out from the crowd, and they do make a difference. Not all are created equal. Some are extremely lightweight, and some need to be corkscrewed in, for sandy soil. The good thing is that we've tested tons of these over the years and can help you find the best.

Why You Should Trust Us

At GearLab, we know how important it is to have high-quality and reliable camping gear so you can get outside and enjoy yourself without having to worry about your equipment. Our team of outdoor enthusiasts are experts in their respective fields and have spent over a decade testing the latest camping gear on the market. After extensive research, we purchase the top products on the market and put them through rigorous side-by-side testing. To make an unbiased evaluation, we create metrics and rate each product based on how they perform during a series of tests.

We are lucky to have a huge team of outdoor experts who over the last decade have researched and tested camping gear of all types. Lead reviewer Ben Applebaum-Bauch has been testing camping gear for OutdoorGearLab for six years. He has a decade of professional experience in the outdoor industry and has done several multi-week hikes on trails throughout the US. He brings an extensive knowledge of camping gear to this review. Jack Cramer is a former member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and an accomplished climber who has extensive backpacking, camping and outdoor experience. He knows how important it is to have reliable gear that you can trust. In addition to others, these two experts researched and tested these award-winning products.

Our Intention

We trust this list of the best camping gear was helpful. Every one of our recommendations above is the result of thousands of hours of comparative testing. That is our promise and guarantee. Whether they are sleeping under the stars or zipping and unzipping tents, our testers are taking note of the things that matter.

Thanks.