26 Best Camping Essentials for 2023, Tested by Outdoor Experts

Sure you could go the bug spray route, but what if we told you there was a mosquito repellant option that didn't have to douse your entire body in? The Thermacell Lighted creates a 20-foot zone of mosquito protection and doubles as a lantern. The repellant cartridge (sold separately) is unscented and lasts up to 40 hours long. The device offers up to 9 hours of use before needing a charge (5.5 hours when the lantern is on at the same time), so you will want to keep tabs on keeping it charged and refilled around the campsite.

Portable fire pits are an easy way to circumnavigate having to build a fire from scratch. The Solo Stove Titan can whip a fire up in a jiffy using the sticks and Kindle around your campsite and give you a bright and full fire.

What do experts say? "Simple is the path to joy, and this thing is super easy, fuels off anything you can find, and small enough to pack anywhere," says Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an ER physician, former Army Ranger, and MH Advisory Board member.

Different camping trips call for different types of tents, so keep that in mind when shopping for one. Just don't go the cheap route, because the types of tents will fail you when you need them the most.

What do experts say? "Hilleberg Tents are bomb shelters and last quite a long time. They're good for people going gnarly places," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

A proper GPS locator is the best way to stay connected when off the grid. The inReach Mini 2 allows for two-way satellite communication and provides weather updates and course paths.

What do experts say? “Safety is always an important consideration when on the trail. I never head into the backcountry without my Garmin inReach Mini, which is a two-way satellite communicator with GPS. The inReach can allow someone with access to track my location, along with two-way text messaging to standard cell phones, as well as an SOS button to call for help in the worst-case scenario. Devices like this aren’t cheap, but they are an excellent insurance policy and will provide peace of mind to your loved ones just knowing you have it,” says Jeff Pelletier, a trail runner and outdoors filmmaker.

The more you camp the more you will probably get into all the different types of camping knives and multi-tools. The Kershaw Airlock is a trusted starter knife that will set you up for success without breaking the bank. Start here and upgrade as appropriate.

What do experts say? "Being a former Army Ranger, just something in me loves a great blade. The Kershaw Assisted Opening pocket knives are incredible. They snap open like a switchblade and come out of the box sharp enough to shave arm hair, and generally cost less than 50$," says Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an ER physician, former Army Ranger, and MH Advisory Board member.

Not to be confused with a hiking boot, a good camping boot is going to provide you solid durability while also being easy to slip on and off. For that you're going to want a pair of Blundstones. They look great and promise strength and comfort without the need of having to tie up a bunch of laces every time you want to go do something.

A good camping bag should be able to store clothing and other items. You can't go wrong with a backpack, but from our experience a good duffel bag will help you carry your personal items the best. Go with this long-time Camp Duffel from The North Face. It's water-resistant, tear-resistant, and versatile as heck. Best of all it's under $200.

Temperatures fluctuate fast when camping, and so it's vital to invest in the proper layers so you stay comfortable through all conditions. There are a number of brands you can turn to for camping apparel, but Sitka Gear is a favorite from one of our experts—and quite frankly, it's a top personal choice for us too.

What do experts say? "Overall I'm a fan of Sitka Gear, but I especially like the Ambient Jacket as a layer for mild temperatures," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

Plasma lighters offer waterproof abilities that traditional lighters usually cannot. This one from Amazon comes in a tough case and packs a punch. Over 12,000 five-star reviews have been given to this lighter, with many noting how well it works at starting small fires.

Every camper has different sleeping pad preferences, but if you're just starting out camping or you plan on doing just one or two-night trips then this inflatable one under $50 is a solid choice. It has over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and packs down into a travel-friendly bag.

Any seating option will do when camping, but sometimes going as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing structure, is the way to go.

What do experts say? “I've recently fallen in love with my BTR stool from Hillsound Equipment. A lightweight stool might seem like a luxury item, but it's essential when camping, and I always carry it with me in my camera backpack when I'm shooting photos and footage on the trails. There’s nothing like a comfortable chair off the ground at the end of a long day on the trail,” says Jeff Pelletier, a trail runner and outdoors filmmaker.

Ditching a case of plastic water bottles for one good purifying water bottle is an easy way to limit your footprint and keep your supplies lean. This titanium one from Grayl is ultra-tough and offers an effective filtration system that makes it so you can drink from a running river—or a campground water fountain.

What do experts say? "The water bottles from Grayl are great for purification. I use the titanium edition for added strength. It hasn't failed me yet," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

A pair of sandals is a must-have for camping. You can stomp around the campsite in these Keen shoes and take them for a spin in the water. What's cool is the shoe upper is made from braided cord that doesn't rub and keeps your feet nice and cool.

What do experts say? "For the river, my Keens are my favorite camping shoes for sure—they dry fast, have grip and stability, and if you don't use sunscreen, they’ll leave a pattern on your feet,” says Adam Dulye, Camp chef expert and Executive Chef for the Brewers Association.

Ain’t no cooler like a Yeti cooler—and you're not just paying for the name. Sure, it’s an investment, but it’s entirely worth it, especially if you’re a frequent car camper, cookout host, or tailgater. The Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler is bigger and better than its predecessor, with strong built-in wheels that will roll over pretty much any terrain—just don't roll it over your friends foot when packed full.

Read more: Best Camping Coolers

Trust us, you don't want to skimp on a sleeping bag. One reliable brand you can always count on is Kelty. Pick any Kelty bag and pair it with a sleeping pad and you’ll get a deep, solid eight hours of rest in the great outdoors. The Cosmic Down 40 featured here has DriDown, which provides toasty insulation with a breathable shell. It has a relaxed mummy shape to keep you cozy and snug without the extreme compression of many others in this category.

A quality tote or container is ideal for keeping camping gear all in one place. The RUX is highly durable and waterproof, plus it packs down flat when not in use. Save yourself multiple trips when carrying gear out to your campsite. You can thank us later.

Brewing a cup of joe while camping is an easy, tiny luxury, and the perfect way to start a camping weekend out right. The AeroPress is a no frills device that's easy to use in order to make great tasting coffee. All you need outside of this kit is hot water to brew your own cup of coffee.

The Rumpl Original Puffy is a camping essential, especially when venturing to areas where the temperatures drop at night. It's made from 100% recyclable materials and has technology that brings extreme insulation from a shockingly lightweight design. Think of this as your warmest insulated jacket in the form of a machine-washable blanket. It's also stain, water, and odor-resistant, and comes with cape clips to keep you warm and your hands free.

There are a few core brands on the market that make quality generators. You can't go wrong in your choice as long as you have one that's not too heavy and packs a good amount of juice. We personally like this one from Generac, as it also comes with solar charging capability and packs a ton of value for it's price point.

The JBL Xtreme is the ultimate party starter in the most rugged environment. The IP67 waterproof rating exceeds its competition and the bass is close to concert-like. It comes with a strong nylon carrying strap so you can throw this over your shoulder whenever on the move. Plus, you get 15 hours of playtime and a built-in power bank so your phone will never die.