Best Camping Gear, According to Pro Campers

A well-lit campsite is a safe and comfortable one. Both the Luminaid and Luci lights are solar-powered and inflatable, which makes them a cinch to pack and carry. “While I always keep a headlamp on me, I love the Luci light for my campsite and inside my tent because it has a nicer glow, it provides more dispersed light, and it’s not too bright and blinding for using in the dark,” says Noboa.

Marx recommends this rechargeable headlamp, which allows her to use both hands while cooking or cleaning after the sun sets. And its versatility goes far. “I always seem to find uses around the house for my headlamp, like clipping my squirmy toddler’s fingernails or for a house project like touching up paint,” adds Marx. 

Clean drinking water isn’t always a given on a campsite, which is where a water filter can come in especially handy. “There are many kinds of water filters on the market, but I use the MSR water filter,” says Noboa. “It’s reliable, small, and can filter a large amount of water. I always pack it in case of emergency, even if I know there will be water where I am going.”

A portable double-burner stove makes it easier to bring the comforts of a home kitchen to the trail. Both Marx and Noboa recommend one from Coleman for its reliability and ability to heat up quickly. Bonus points for the wind flap that helps protect the flame from the wind.

Marx upgraded a tiny backpacking stove, which was just big enough to boil water for coffee or make a meal for one, in favor of a similar double-burner stove also made by Coleman. “This has been a staple for the past five years I’ve owned it,” says Marx. “I still like to slow-cook over a campfire whenever possible, but this one doesn’t take up a ton of space in my car, and I know I can quickly whip up any meal even if a campfire isn’t going.”

Dining in the outdoors looks a little different, and disposable dishware isn’t the most conducive to the setting. Noboa tends to stick with materials like titanium and stainless steel, avoiding plastic as it’s hard to clean and prone to bacteria build-up. “A collapsible bowl is the ultimate camping dish because I’m able to use it as a plate or a bowl, and it packs up small. I only pack myself one of these when I camp, and I use it for every meal.”

Post-dinner cleanup is hardly a chore with a powerful electric sprayer that can help tackle dirty dishes quickly and efficiently. "When camping with a small group, I used to pack only a collapsible sink, scrub brush, and a small bottle of eco-friendly dish soap," says Marx. She has since upgraded to this device, which she calls a game-changer, especially as the number of people joining her family’s annual camping trips has increased.

A camp table may seem superfluous, but there’s more to it than may meet the eye. This roll-up version from REI is easy to carry and set up, and its versatility goes far. Use it for prepping food, enjoying a meal with a group, or playing cards after dinner. “I also use the table to store things underneath at night, and cover everything with a tarp to avoid morning dew on my stuff,” says Noboa.

True coffee aficionados won’t be compromising the integrity of their morning joe, and a dedicated brewer is one way to ensure that. Noboa reaches for the Aeropress when out in the woods, thanks to its functionality and ease of use. The portable and compact coffee maker can make espresso (just use less water) or an American-style brew. “I’ve tried many methods of making coffee camping, and I find many of them to be too messy or they make poor quality coffee. My Aeropress kit never fails to make a delicious cup of coffee in the least amount of time,” says Noboa.

Few feelings can top hunkering down on a comfortable perch after a long hike, and this camping chair from Crazy Creek is up to the task. It’s versatile and it can be used on any surface, including those that aren’t flat, while its backrest can be adjusted to an angle of your choice. Noboa takes hers everywhere from the beach to the park and beyond.

Being an efficient packer is a helpful quality for a camper, and this durable stuff sack is one way to keep gear in check. Noboa recommends using compression sacks for storing items such as sleeping bags and clothing neatly and compactly.

If you’re in the market for a backpack that can hold its own on the trail, look no further. “This is the pack I saw more than any other on the Pacific Crest Trail, and for good reason,” says Maxwell. “The perfect balance of light and durable, the U.S.-made ULA Circuit can be custom-tailored and accessorized to fit your body type and hiking needs.” The backpack holds roughly 68 liters and can handle up to 35 pounds of gear. It comes with a host of features, including multiple pockets, trekking pole loops, a hydration port, a front shock cord, and more.

Comfort isn’t always a given in the outdoors, so small wins here and there are always appreciated. Marx recommends these Birkenstock sandals, which also double as shower shoes, for versatility and ease. “Having something that I can slide on quickly when leaving my tent is key, and not using my Tevas with noisy velcro is definitely important if I need to slip out of the tent at night without waking my family,” says Marx. “For hanging around the campsite, I’ll usually slip these Birkenstock sandals over Darn Tough wool socks so I don’t have to worry as much about mosquitoes and ticks, and I’ll switch to trail-running shoes once I need something more protective.”

For those who prefer to pack light while camping, a pillow may seem unnecessary, but Noboa makes quite a good case for it. “It makes my sleep so much more comfortable and restorative, and I never regret it. I’ve tried many kinds of camping pillows, as well as just stuffing my clothes into a stuff sack and using that to lie on, but nothing beats my Nemo Fillo Pillow.” This version is inflatable and yet still soft enough, thanks to its fabric sleeve.

Somewhere between a sleeping bag and a blanket, there’s the Enigma Quilt. “Ultralight and incredibly warm without being restrictive, the Enlightened Equipment quilt pairs perfectly with a Thermarest NeoAir XLite pad to prevent you from sliding off while you sleep, even if you roll or are on uneven terrain,” says Maxwell. It comes with a closed-toe foot box, which means you’ll never have to worry about your feet getting cold, and is available in a number of configurations that can cater to various temperature settings.

A sleeping pad is a great way to add a soft layer of cushioning to a sleeping bag. “Some sleeping pads are made for specific sleeping bags and have inserts to keep the pad from moving,” says Noboa, “so that’s a nice feature if you have the compatibility, but a basic inflatable sleeping pad is awesome to have!” She recommends this version from Nemo because it’s easy to inflate, comfortable, and provides good insulation.

A handy, portable fan makes staying cool in the wilderness easier. Noboa brings this rechargeable version along, which she conveniently hangs from the top of her tent to help keep cool at night.