Choosing camping gear can be challenging, whether you are new to camping or experienced. However, once you have set up your tent, arranged your sleeping bag, and relaxed by the campfire, the hard work pays off. We have spent over a decade researching and testing various camping essentials and have gathered our top-ranked selections in one convenient location. This saves you time comparing items and allows you to spend more time appreciating nature. Without further ado, here are our top choices for the 2023 camping season.
Tents
Ensuring you have the appropriate tent is essential for any outdoor trip. It is crucial to have a reliable tent that keeps you protected from the elements, offers warmth, and ensures a comfortable sleep. Additionally, the tent you choose should cater to various camping requirements and have a long lifespan.
The North Face Wawona 6
The most important piece of gear for a successful camping trip is a high-quality camping tent that provides shelter from the elements. In 2023, The North Face’s Wawona 6 is our top recommendation. It features a spacious interior that can accommodate up to six people and has a large front vestibule that doubles as a covered seating area. The tent’s hybrid double-wall construction allows for good ventilation and minimizes condensation buildup. The Wawona is available in both four and six-person options, but we recommend the six-person version even for smaller families as it provides a great space for hanging out during bad weather. With a peak height of 80 inches, most people won’t need to stoop down while inside. At $500 for the larger size, the TNF offers excellent value and is even more affordable than comparable camping tents from REI Co-op, such as their Base Camp 6 at $549 and Wonderland 6 at $599.
Roofnest Condor XL
Roofnest, a Colorado-based company, has distinguished itself in the expanding rooftop tent market with its collection of premium designs. While other companies, like Thule, focus on producing softshell tents, Roofnest stands out by offering three styles of hardshell tents. We prefer the hardshell tents due to their durability, easy setup, and superior protection against inclement weather. Among their impressive range, the Condor is particularly captivating as it is a hybrid design and our current top choice. Unlike most hardshell tents that are set up by simply unfolding the roof, the Condor features a unique fold-out design that effectively increases the size of the tent’s area twofold. Consequently, it provides a sleeping space for four people, which is larger than a king-size bed, while retaining all the beloved characteristics of a hardshell design.
REI Co-op Base Camp 6
Rooftop tents are becoming increasingly well-designed and comfortable each year, but be cautious when making a quick purchase. There is a possibility of ending up with a tent that doesn’t function as expected, such as a rack that doesn’t align perfectly with your vehicle or a tent that doesn’t fit properly on your rack.
Camping Kitchen
Camp Chef Everest 2X
With its impressive windscreen and powerful 20,000 BTU burners, this stove performed excellently in our boil and wind tests. Despite its immense power, one may assume that it would burn anything cooked on it, but that is not the case. It demonstrated its agility by easily adjusting the burner to simmer rice, curry, and sauces. Although it is one of the larger and heavier models in our review, it is still conveniently portable for car camping. We appreciate the stove’s sturdy construction, except for the closure system, as the clasps have proven to be somewhat weak over time.
Gas One GS-3000
When choosing a camping kitchen, consider a portable grill to enhance your experience at the park or campsite. Take the time to research as different grills operate on either gas or charcoal, depending on your intended usage.
Eureka Ignite Plus
The Eureka Ignite Plus is able to provide reliable output and excellent simmer control on its spacious 23-inch cooking surface, which can accommodate larger pots and pans. With two 10,000-BTU burners, it offers sufficient power for most campers, while its precise control is essential for preparing more complex meals. Additionally, the Ignite’s side shields effectively protect against mild winds, the push-button ignition ensures safety by preventing large bursts of flame, and its locking lid and manageable weight of 12 pounds facilitate easy transportation. These combined features, along with its reasonable price, give the Eureka Ignite Plus an advantage over its competitors.
Coolers
RTIC 52 Ultra-Light
When considering the cooler market in 2023, one question arises: How much money does a camper need to spend for satisfactory ice retention and capacity? The RTIC 52 Ultra-Light is the best choice in terms of combining quality and affordability. Weighing just 21 pounds, it is lighter than most similar-sized hard-sided coolers, and at a price of $200, it is cheaper than almost all of them. Additionally, while most coolers in this size category hold either 45 or 65 quarts, the RTIC offers a versatile 52 quarts of storage, which is ample for a two-person long weekend and can easily fit in a car trunk. It is worth noting that RTIC sells its products directly to consumers on their website, often with discounted prices, making the RTIC surprisingly affordable considering its quality.
One drawback of RTIC’s direct-to-consumer approach is the inability to physically inspect their coolers at nearby stores. Despite its lower price, the RTIC’s ice retention does not match up to more high-end options like the Yeti Tundra and Roadie, although the difference is not as significant as one might anticipate (considering the Yeti Tundra 65 of similar size costs $175 more).
Cabela Polar Cap 80
When considering soft coolers, keep portability in mind. They are not only perfect for camping, but also for bringing along to the park, beach, or a friend’s place. While soft coolers may not have the same capacity as regular coolers, their advantages become evident while on the go. Check out our expert review of the best soft coolers tested by our experienced reviewers.
AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler
A powered cooler, as the name suggests, requires being connected to a power source. These coolers are ideal for long drives since they can be plugged into your car’s DC outlet. Despite being pricier than alternative cooler options, they have the added advantage of functioning as compact refrigerators. We have listed below our favored powered coolers that we have thoroughly tested.
Sleeping Bags
REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20
Priced at $139, the Siesta Hooded 20 is a trustworthy and cost-effective option. With a temperature rating of 20 degrees, it will keep you warm down to freezing temperatures, with the recommended addition of a 10-degree buffer. The bag’s roomy rectangular shape ensures comfort without restriction, and it even includes a hood, which is not typically found in rectangular models. Additionally, the bag offers a convenient zipper system for ventilation or transforming into a quilt in warm weather. It also has an interior stash pocket for keeping smaller items close at hand during the night. Overall, the Siesta Hooded 20 provides great value for money.
However, it is important to note that the Siesta Hooded 20 design does have a few disadvantages. Although many campers will find the rectangular shape of the sleeping bag to be roomy and accommodating, it also means that there is more air inside the bag, resulting in a decrease in warmth.
REDCAMP Cotton Flannel
Check out the Redcamp Cotton Flannel if you want a great night’s sleep and a great deal. This sleeping bag is perfect for car camping and has everything you need. The rectangular shape provides ample space to avoid feeling trapped, and the flannel lining is comfortable. The synthetic insulation gives a temperature rating of 32° F, which is perfect for camping during a warm summer night. Additionally, the two-way zipper allows for ventilation if it gets too hot inside.
We have a major issue with this bag’s 70-inch length as it feels too short for our taller testers. The durability of the zipper raises some concerns for us, and we are worried about its long-term durability. Furthermore, we must mention that the weight and bulk of this bag make it impractical for backpacking or any other activity reliant on human power. It is specifically designed for car camping or RV use, and it is an outstanding choice for that purpose with great value.
