Our comprehensive guide will provide you with answers to all your questions about outdoor, hiking, and camping gear. Whether you need help selecting the right tent or finding the perfect hiking boots, we will assist you in navigating the world of outdoor equipment. Additionally, you will discover the top items to pack, learn how to choose the best gear for your specific needs, and receive expert tips on maintaining your equipment for future adventures.
What to Know When Buying Camping Gear
When purchasing outdoor gear, it is essential to first consider its intended purpose and how it will be used. For instance, if you plan on backpacking, the weight should be your main focus. On the other hand, if you are going car camping, you should consider bringing everything you might need. If you are buying gear for a particular trip, make sure to adapt your shopping list to the specific environment you will encounter, taking into account factors such as temperature, precipitation, and the presence of grizzly bears. However, if you are not buying for a specific trip, it is advisable to choose versatile gear that can be suitable for various types of adventures.
When considering what’s suitable for you, keep in mind that what works for others may not necessarily work for you. For instance, while some individuals can comfortably sleep on the ground, others require a three-inch air pad. If you’re new to camping, it is beneficial to listen to the advice of others, including ours. However, bear in mind that through your experiences of spending more nights outdoors, you will gain a better understanding of the gear that suits you best.
When thinking step by step, don’t forget to value the items you already have at home. Just because a gear company produces a fancy and lightweight version of something, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than what you already possess. The philosophy of making things work still applies to enjoying the outdoors. Leftover containers can be used as excellent dinnerware while camping, and bringing a cutting board for food preparation is probably worth it. Zip-ties and Tupperware bins are also useful for keeping gear secure during movement. Taking all of this into consideration, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best camping gear that will meet the needs of most people on their outdoor adventures, including where to sleep and what to eat.
The Best Maximalist Tent
If you’re not concerned about weight, such as when car camping or staying at Bonnaroo for a few days, feel free to fully utilize your shelter and make it your own. The Nemo Aurora tent offers enough height for standing, has large doors for easy access, and even side windows to protect your group from rain. Inside, there are conveniently placed mesh pockets for storing small gear, some of which even diffuse the light from your headlamp for a lantern-like effect. Additionally, the duffel-style bag that the tent comes in makes it easy to quickly set up and pack away. For larger groups, there is also a six-person version available for an additional $100.
The Best Sleeping Bag
Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, created his own sleeping bag long before his company began manufacturing them a few years ago. The Fitz Roy Down Sleeping Bag, which maintains many of his design concepts, offers ample space for movement yet conveniently compresses into a small carrying bag. The inclusion of features such as the contoured foot box, central zipper, and vertical insulation baffles greatly enhance the quality of this sleeping bag.
The Best Sleeping Pad
The BaseCamp is a sleeping pad that uses both foam and air to create a comfortable surface for sleeping. Despite its ability to compress neatly, it provides sufficient warmth for cold outdoor conditions. If backpacking is part of your plans, you may choose to opt for a smaller air pad like Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XLite NXT, which can be compressed down to the size of a water bottle. Alternatively, you could consider the Nemo Switchback, which is not as compact but is more affordable at only $55 and cannot be popped.
The Best Camp Pillow
Although some campers are able to fit unworn layers into a sleeping bag stuff sack and car campers can borrow a pillow from their bed, it is often worth investing in a camping pillow for added comfort. The Fillo, weighing only nine ounces, is a lightweight option that can be packed down to the size of a water bottle. Additionally, it includes cushioning foam to support your head during sleep.
The Best Headlamp
The Spot headlamp by Black Diamond has all the necessary features. It offers brightness and various lighting options, including bright and dim modes, a strobe function, red light, and a wide beam for enhanced visibility. Additionally, there is a convenient self-locking feature to prevent accidental battery drainage when stored in your bag. The headlamp also features Black Diamond’s PowerTap technology, allowing you to easily switch between dim and bright settings with a single touch.
The Best Bins
When it comes to storing all this stuff, regular Rubbermaid bins are often the most reliable option. By keeping the entire camping kit together in one of them, it becomes convenient to transition from closet to car on a Friday afternoon after work, while also ensuring everything remains dry during a downpour. To easily locate items, it is recommended to choose clear bins. If you’re seeking an improved version, consider the Rux bin, which is both weatherproof and equipped with backpack straps for convenient carrying.
The Best Water Purifier
Even if you can buy a few gallons of water at a gas station while traveling, it is wise to have a purifying filter as a backup, especially when in a remote location. LifeStraw offers a suitable option for individual use, and the filter can also be detached and connected to other plastic water bottles, such as the popular SmartWater bottles favored by hikers.
The Best Minimalist Stove
The deluxe PocketRocket has been a popular choice for years when it comes to backpacking, cooking simple meals in one pot, and rapidly boiling water. Weighing only 83 grams, it is ultralight and easy to pack. Additionally, it is effortless to use with its push-button ignitor and includes a pressure regulator for cooking in colder temperatures.
The Best Cooler
There’s no way to avoid it: Yeti coolers are expensive. However, they certainly live up to their excellent reputation. This new wheeled cooler, designed with a telescoping handle similar to a suitcase and sturdy wheels, allows for easy transportation of food and drinks into the woods, even if your campsite is not right next to your car. With enough height to accommodate wine bottles and a basket to keep certain items dry, it proves to be a versatile companion. Moreover, it will likely prove useful beyond your camping adventures. You can also roll it to the park or an outdoor concert, as it functions as a reliable and portable seat.
What Types of Clothing Should I Wear for Hiking and Camping?
When getting ready for a hiking or camping trip, it is crucial to select appropriate clothing to guarantee both your comfort and safety in different weather conditions. Wearing layers is beneficial as it permits effortless adjustment to fluctuating temperatures and weather patterns during the day. Below is a detailed explanation of the attire you should wear when hiking or camping.
1. Base Layers
Base Layers are essential for your clothing system as they are created to remove moisture from your skin, ensuring that you stay dry and at ease. It is advisable to choose lightweight materials that are good at wicking moisture, drying quickly, and made of synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, or merino wool. On the other hand, it is recommended to avoid cotton since it retains moisture and takes an extended period to dry, causing discomfort and potentially leading to hypothermia in colder conditions.
2. Mid-layers
When considering mid-layers, it is important to select materials that are warm, breathable, and lightweight in order to insulate and keep body heat. Popular options for mid-layers include jackets made of fleece, down, or synthetic insulation. It is advisable to choose versatile options that can be easily layered and added or removed as needed based on activity level and weather conditions.
3. Outer layers (Shell layers)
Shell layers, also referred to as outer layers, shield you from wind, rain, and snow. To prevent overheating, seek out materials that are waterproof or water-resistant and windproof, while still allowing breathability. Consider your anticipated conditions and select a shell layer accordingly – a lightweight windbreaker for milder weather, a waterproof rain jacket for wet conditions, or a durable hardshell for extreme weather. Ensure that the chosen shell layer is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate your base and mid-layers.
4. Hiking Pants or Shorts
When making a decision, consider selecting hiking pants or shorts that are created from materials like nylon or polyester, which are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and durable. It is also wise to think about choosing pants with zip-off legs in order to have more flexibility in adapting to different weather conditions. Additionally, if you are going on colder hikes, remember to include a pair of insulating, moisture-wicking leggings or long underwear that can be worn underneath your hiking pants.
