Whether you're a seasoned camper or an eager beginner who's planning your first activity-packed family camping trip, investing in high-quality camping gear is essential to a good time.
We recommend bringing a durable camping tent, along with several other key items like sleeping essentials, kitchen gear and electronic accessories whose value shouldn't be overlooked. Because a weeklong camping vacation with the kids isn't quite the same as visiting a family-friendly all-inclusive resort, our product experts narrowed down the best camping gear and equipment you'll need to prepare for a smooth, budget-friendly outdoor vacation.
The experts and products analysts across all Labs at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been testing travel gear and outdoor products for more than two decades, from rugged hiking boots, to ski goggles and ski gloves for the slopes, to lightweight travel backpacks.
But before you venture into the great outdoors, take a look below at the camping gear that has outperformed its competitors in our Lab tests and is rated highly among consumers. According to our pros, this is the best camping gear to bring along on your next camping trip to the mountains, the beach or beyond in 2023.
Our top picks:
After reading about our top camping picks, scroll down to learn more about the Good Housekeeping Institute and its product review experts. If you're planning a big family camping trip for next year, check out our list of fun backyard camping ideas to help you get excited for the real thing.
Camping tents and chairs
If there's one piece of equipment that you really shouldn't forget before heading out on your next camping trip, it's a tent. Not only is a camping tent a cozy, comfortable place to sleep, but it's also a safe space to store your gear and any travel electronics you've brought along with you.
It can provide shelter from unexpected rain showers, animals and windy forecasts. If there's still some space in your car once you've packed up your tent, consider throwing in a few chairs as well. These will make roasting s'mores by the campfire, stargazing and lounging around when you're not hiking a much more comfortable experience.
Eureka Jade Canyon X4
Pros
- Spacious, featuring seven-foot height
- Easy to set up and disassemble
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Zipper feels a bit weak, according to testers
We found this camping tent to be one of the easiest to set up and take down in Lab tests and gave it top scores for performance. Though it's heavy and not ideal for backpacking trips, it's the perfect size for couples or a small family of four heading out to the mountains. "Coming from a two-person tent, the size of this tent feels like a luxury hotel," one tester says.
We love that it has an impressive maximum height of seven feet, so taller campers won't have to crawl around inside, and its 64-square-foot footprint leaves ample room for sleeping and storing essentials. "Adding to the comfort are the nets at the top of the tent to store any random things you need overnight," says one tester. "The tent material itself feels sturdy and did a good job of breaking the wind well. The vents were well placed and allowed a good amount of air to get through during the day."
The North Face Wawona 6
The North Face Wawona 6
Pros
- Roomy interior and nearly seven-foot floor height
- Repels water
- Includes vestibule
Cons
- Only features a single door
Tents can quickly feel crowded and cramped, but that's not the issue with this six-person camping tent from The North Face. We like that it features a floor area of 86.11 square feet that should comfortably fit a larger family with kids, and its nearly seven-foot maximum height is ideal for both petite and taller people.
The North Face's tents received excellent performance scores in previous Lab tests, and our pros love that this model is roomy and waterproof, according to the brand, and that it features several interior storage pockets for electronic tablets, phone chargers and other camping gear.
NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
Pros
- Comfortable
- Swinging feature and auto-recline
- Easy to put together, according to online reviewers
Cons
- Expensive
- Too low to ground for some
Tired of spending hours sitting on rocky pebbles? Nothing makes relaxing around the campfire better than the addition of a high-quality camping chair. Our experts like this pick from NEMO, which is a fan favorite among campers for its hammock-like swinging seat and rocking feature that lets you comfortably recline and look up at the stars.
We also like that it features a cushioned headrest, two cup holders for beverages and an included carrying case for easy portability. Just keep in mind that at eight pounds, this chair will add a bit of weight to your load.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design
- Includes tree straps and carabiners for easy setup
- Affordable
Cons
- Material is too thin, some online reviewers say
Wouldn't it be nice to put your feet up and relax after a long hike? Look no further than this super-portable hammock from Wise Owl that weighs less than two pounds. It's an Amazon best seller with nearly 50,000 consumer reviews that's both comfortable and compact and includes two 9-foot-long tree straps and carabiners to make setup between two trees easy and efficient.
"The attachments feel sturdy, and its compact size makes it perfect for camping or hiking," says Good Housekeeping Institute Deputy Editor Jessica Teich. Our product analysts also like that it comes in a rainbow of bright colors at an affordable price that won't blow your camping budget.
READ MORE: The Best Backyard Hammocks
Camping sleeping gear
Just because you're camping doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything you possibly can to get a great night's sleep. Though setting up a tent is a great first step, you'll want a sleeping bag at the very least to stay warm throughout the night as temperatures drop. And if you're really serious about your sleep (who isn't?), consider adding a sleeping pad for additional comfort and cushioning from the hard ground as well as a few blankets to stay snuggly throughout the night.
Kelty Women's Cosmic Down 20
Pros
- Soft and fluffy
- Warm, according to online reviewers
- Made specifically for women
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal for anyone over 5'8"
Bundle up for the night in this fluffy, soft, mummy-shaped sleeping bag that's made for women. The shape is designed to best suit a woman's figure and the bag's construction is meant to retain heat and increase thermal efficiency to keep you nice and toasty well into below-freezing temperatures.
Filled with 550 duck down, online reviewers are particularly enthusiastic about the sleeping bag's warmth. Our pros also like that it's super lightweight at just over three pounds, making it easy to transport from one campsite to another. "There was plenty of room for me to curl up and be comfortable and [it's] not too long, which is wonderful," says one online reviewer.
Just keep in mind that campers who are taller than 5'8" should opt for a larger sleeping bag, and couples who need more room can consider this two-person sleeping bag.
Therm-a-Rest XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact design
- Comfortable, according to online reviewers
Cons
- Must be inflated
- Can seem noisy to some
If you have a hard time getting comfortable before falling asleep, consider adding a sleeping pad filled with air underneath your sleeping bag for additional support and cushioning.
A sleeping pad can add warmth by putting three inches between you and the ground, and designs such as this one don't have to weigh you down. This extra-light model doesn't even weigh a pound, making it perfect for backpacking trips. According to the brand, it's extremely compact and packs up to the size of a water bottle, so you don't have to sacrifice space for comfort, and we love that it comes in four sizes (small, regular, regular wide and large).
Rumpl Nanoloft Flame Blanket
Pros
- Topside made with fire-resistant material
- Water repellent
- Compact, lightweight design
- Features neck strap for hands-free use
Cons
- Can be tricky to pack into carrying case
Cold nights in the mountains or by the beach call for extra layers. Our Textiles Lab pros love this Nanoloft blanket from Rumpl that's fire-resistant on one side, so you don't have to worry about sparks from the campfire. While it's not waterproof, it is treated with a water-repellent coating that should also keep any spills from absorbing into the blanket.
We also love that this model features a clip to make it easy to wrap around you on chilly evenings and that the blanket is lightweight and super compact. Just keep in mind that it's more difficult to fit back into its carrying pouch than it is to take it out. "Rumpl blankets are the absolute best," says one consumer tester. "Whether you're sitting in front of the bonfire, slowly waking up and wanting to feel like you're still in a warm sleeping bag, or using it for a picnic, these blankets are a must. The small size of the Nanoloft is incredible and allows you to take it absolutely everywhere."
READ MORE: The Best Travel Blankets for Keeping Cozy
Honeydew Scrumptious Travel Pillow
Pros
- Plush, supportive design
- Compact
Cons
- Could be lighter for backpacking trips
A GH Family Travel Awards winner, this pillow is recommended by our product experts for any type of travel, which includes camping. Some consumer testers loved it so much that they continued using it once they got home from their trip. We appreciate its compact size at 21" x 12" and that it comes with a pillowcase and carrying bag for convenient portability. While it's a little heavier than we'd like for a backpacking adventure (it's three pounds), the plush memory foam feel makes up for it. We also like its supportive, curved shape, which can help promote proper alignment.
READ MORE: The Best Travel Pillows, According to Travel Experts
Camping cooking gear
Before you pack up your bags and head out on your adventure, make sure you’ve thought about what you'll eat and how you plan on preparing it. Consider investing in a stove or grill if you want to enjoy warm meals, and if you can't live without coffee, you'll likely want a way to boil water. Our pros have narrowed down the best kitchen gear you'll need, along with handy accessories like plates, mugs and utensils.
Eureka Ignite Plus 2-Burner Camp Stove
Pros
- Compact design
- Two 10,000 BTU burners
- Automatic ignition
- Features simmer control
Cons
- Poor to mediocre wind protection
No one wants to live off hard-boiled eggs and canned beans for too long, which is why you should consider bringing a portable stove with you on your next camping trip. Our Kitchen Lab experts like this propane-powered pick from Eureka for its versatility and portability.
"The Eureka stove is nice and compact, so it's much easier to pack among all the other things you need to be a camp chef," says one consumer tester. It has two burners and a 23-inch cooking area so you can boil water while you make breakfast, and our pros like that it should comfortably accommodate both larger and smaller pans. Plus, "smaller burners mean the gas bottle you take with it will last you much longer," says one tester.
We also like that it features an automatic push-button ignition that makes setup easier, as well as two-turn simmer control, so you can quickly adjust the flame to your liking. Just don't forget to bring along multipurpose cooking tools like this OKO Outdoor 4-Piece Camp Stove Cooking Set to make cooking on the stove hassle-free, and keep in mind that this stove likely won't perform as effectively in very windy areas.
READ MORE: The Best Camping Stoves for All Kinds of Excursions
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Pros
- Large size yet lightweight design
- Great performance
- Portable, with two oversize handles
- Features spacious side shelves
Cons
- Requires propane tank
Tired of eating high-protein snacks like jerky? There's nothing quite as satisfying as a sizzling burger after a grueling day, and all you need is a portable grill to make it happen. Our Kitchen Lab experts like this model from Weber, which, at 30 pounds, is fairly lightweight for a grill and can be carried by one person.
We like that it's accompanied by two side shelves that fold in and are large enough to hold cooking tools, as well as two oversize handles that make it easy to move out of your car. At 8,500 BTUs per hour, it's slightly less powerful than other portable grills, but in our tests, we found that it did a great job at searing steak relatively quickly without any flare-ups. Once you've attached a 14.1- or 16.4-ounce propane tank to the side, just press the battery-powered igniter to start grilling.
READ MORE: The Best Portable Grills to Take on the Go
BioLite FirePit+
BioLite FirePit+
Pros
- Burns real wood or charcoal
- Compact and portable
- Great airflow
- Includes grill grate
Cons
- Smaller fires due to narrow footprint
- Expensive
With this firepit from BioLite, you can bring the campfire with you wherever you go. It's less than 20 pounds and portable, thanks to its folding legs and side handles. But what our Kitchen Lab pros love most is that it uses real wood or charcoal, so you get an authentic experience without as much smoke. (That's right, your hair will no longer smell like a firepit.) In addition to a cool "X-ray mesh" body that lets you see logs burning inside, we like that a grill grate is included so you can roast veggies and other fun treats when it's time for dinner.
READ MORE: The Best Firepits for Outdoor Entertaining
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cook Set
Pros
- Bowls, plates, mugs and pans included
- Easy to clean
- Pan performed well in egg-frying tests
Cons
- Pot gripper can heat up while cooking
This camping cookware set has everything you need to make a feast for an entire family up to four people. Mugs, bowls, plates and utensils are included, as well as two pots with strainer lids and a frying pan. We like that this set offers a splash of color and that the nonstick pan was a winner in egg-frying and cleaning tests.
We were impressed with this frying pan's even heat distribution when searing a steak and how easy cleanup was. Just keep in mind that the pot gripper can heat up when cooking, and the Teflon coating is best used over medium to medium-low heat. If you don't need the full set or want to bring additional food storage containers, our Kitchen Lab experts also like this durable silicone Go Go Bowl Set.
READ MORE: The Best Camping Cookware Sets You Can Buy
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Brews strong, full-bodied coffee
- Fast
Cons
- Hot water must be heated separately
There's no Starbucks in the wilderness, and a coffee thermos will only get you so far. If you like having a cup of joe first thing when you wake up in the morning, you should make your own with a portable coffee maker. Coffee enthusiasts, campers and our Kitchen Lab experts love the AeroPress, which strikes the perfect balance of portability, usability and price.
Whether you want standard coffee or espresso, this maker can brew one to three cups of strong, full-bodied coffee in less time than a French press. Its lightweight and durable plastic construction makes it easy to fit into any backpack but if you're really tight on space, you can also consider GH Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards winner Steeped Coffee, a tea-like coffee bag that you brew in the same way you would tea. Since you'll have to boil water separately, our pros recommend the Jetboil Flash Cooking System for the fastest results.
READ MORE: The Best Portable Coffee Makers for Camping
OXO Outdoor 5.5-Inch Santoku Knife
Pros
- Includes locking sheath
- Nonslip grip
- Sharp and durable, according to online reviewers
Cons
- Not as compact as other knives
If you plan on bringing one knife with you on your camping adventure, make it this one from OXO. Not only does it feature a nonslip handle for easy dicing and chopping, but it includes a locking sheath to keep the knife covered while being transported. Online consumer reviewers were impressed with the knife's overall quality, noting that it's sharp, durable and comfortable to use.
READ MORE: The Best Kitchen Knives to Buy, According to Testing
YETI Tundra Haul
YETI Tundra Haul
Pros
- Features wheels for easy portability
- Excellent temperature control
Cons
- Expensive
Nobody really likes a lukewarm beverage (or worse, spoiled food), which is why you should consider adding a cooler to your camping equipment. This YETI cooler was a favorite among our engineers and analysts, thanks to its excellent temperature control. In Lab tests, the sizable cooler maintained a temperature of 33˚F for 36 hours, making this perfect for a camping trip.
Though it's expensive, we love that it features wheels to make moving it around a breeze and an oversize handle that folds up nicely against the cooler when not in use. According to our pros, this cooler is easy to open and just as easy to clean, and it features a food crate to help keep everything organized inside.
READ MORE: The Best Coolers You Can Buy
Camping lighting
The moon and stars won't be enough to light up your campsite, so be sure to pack a few lighting sources, like a lantern or headlamp. According to our pros, lighting isn't just useful inside your tent, it can be a lifesaver when preparing meals or trying to read a book. Don't underestimate the power of these little gadgets, which are oftentimes rechargeable and super compact.
BioLite Alpenglow 500
Pros
- Features various light modes
- Lightweight, compact design
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Charge time could be faster
Need some light while preparing dinner or playing cards before bed? Our pros like this lantern from BioLite, which comes with several light modes, such as warm white, candle flicker, multicolor and more. "The light from it is soft enough to not hurt your eyes at night while still giving off enough light," says one consumer tester. Plus, it's easy to charge via Micro USB (though we would have preferred if it charged via a newer port like USB-C), and you can also use the lantern to power up your cell phone via USB-A if you forgot your power bank.
We love that the design is both lightweight and compact at less than a pound, and it'll illuminate your camping grounds for up to five hours on high or 200 hours on low. Though we wish charging time was a bit faster than three hours and the lantern was totally waterproof, the variety of lighting options are hard to beat. "You get a few color options, like a multicolored party mode," says one tester. "The matte texture of the lantern is also very different from the classic lanterns we've come to know from camping."
Nite Ize Radiant Rechargeable LED Micro Lantern
Nite Ize Radiant Rechargeable LED Micro Lantern
Pros
- Easy to use
- Features multiple colors
- Long 10-hour battery life
Cons
- Charging cable not included
This mini lantern is perfect for lighting up small spaces, like when you need to get out of the tent in the middle of the night. It's super easy to use by simply clicking it on and off, and you can even attach it to your tent's ceiling or your jacket, thanks to an included clip. You can change the color from red to green, blue and white shades, but the best feature of all is its 10-hour battery life, which should last you a few evenings.
Petzl Tikkina
Pros
- Compact, lightweight size
- Uses AAA batteries or a rechargeable option
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Rechargeable CORE battery not included
A headlamp is a useful, convenient lighting tool to have by your side when you're camping overnight. It helps you navigate your space, and it's handy when you want to read a book, cook or even go out on a night hike. We like this model from Petzl, as it is affordable and can be charged via three AAA batteries or a rechargeable CORE battery. It's also lightweight and available in a variety of colors, and its brightness levels are quick to adjust.
Camping accessories
While certain gear and equipment are essential, there are tons of camping accessories that can help make your life easier or simply improve your time camping. From binoculars to multi-tools, these are the picks you should consider bringing with you if you have the space.
Leatherman Signal
Leatherman Signal
Pros
- Includes 19 tools
- Compact, lightweight design
Cons
- Pricey
The Signal multi-tool is a smart accessory for anyone camping outdoors, whether you need it for an emergency or handling a task like cutting a wire. This handy gadget includes 19 unique tools, including a bottle opener, saw, knife, pliers and more, and its compact design enables it to weigh under half a pound.
Best of all, it takes up less than five inches. It even features a fire-starting ferro rod and an emergency whistle so you're prepared for any scenario. Once you're done using a tool, just lock it back into place and attach the Signal to your backpack with the built-in carabiner.
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
Pros
- 10x magnification
- Rugged design
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not as ideal for far distances
Binoculars are great for bird-watching, stargazing and magnifying details from afar. Our product analysts like this pick from Vortex, thanks to its durable design and rubber covering that should protect your binoculars from dirt or accidental drops.
We especially like its impressive lifetime warranty, meaning that the brand will replace or repair broken binoculars for free, no questions asked. In addition to an average 4.8-star rating on Amazon and thousands of reviews, our pros like the wide field of view and 10x magnification.
READ MORE: The Best Binoculars for Seeing Every Detail
BigBlue 3 Solar Charger
Pros
- Large panel surface area
- Features three USB-A ports
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- Not able to store power
- No USB-C port
Just because you're outdoors and there's no outlet in sight doesn't mean you can't keep your devices charged. Investing in a solar phone charger is one of the easiest ways to leverage the power of the sun and solar energy to juice up your batteries. Our Media & Tech Lab product experts like this lightweight pick from BigBlue with four panels and a wide surface area that make it ideal for capturing the sun's rays.
You can even attach it to your backpack while you hike. In Lab tests, it outperformed other solar phone chargers by quickly powering a drained iPhone, and we love that it features three USB-A ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. However, if you're looking for a charger that can store power, doesn't rely on sunlight and has a USB-C port, our pros suggest this portable power bank from Anker.
READ MORE: The Best Solar-Powered Phone Chargers You Can Buy
First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit
First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit
Pros
- Includes 298 items
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Case isn't waterproof
Though unfortunate, accidents do happen, so it's always important to have a first aid kit handy. Our pros like this pick, which boasts nearly 70,000 reviews with an average 4.8-star rating on Amazon. It's inexpensive compared with other first aid kits, and according to the brand, it includes 298 supplies for treating cuts, scrapes and other injuries or aches.
Our pros love that it's lightweight and compact, so it's easy to keep in the car, and that it comes with a few extra items, such as a disposable thermometer, a rescue blanket and burn gel, which are not always found in standard kits at this price.
READ MORE: The Best First Aid Kits for Cars and Adventures
Camping apparel
Overpacking for a camping trip is never a good idea. Since you'll be limited on space, the top two things our pros suggest bringing are a great pair of hiking shoes or boots (goodbye, blisters!) and a comfortable backpack to help make carrying everything feel effortless. But if there's room, you can also consider extras like fleece-lined leggings for colder temperatures and top-performing running jackets for long hikes.
Salomon X Ultra 3
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and stability
- Outsole designed for optimal traction
- Flexible design
Cons
- Narrow toe box
Since you'll be spending most of your time on your feet outdoors, you'll need a comfortable pair of shoes. Our Textiles Lab pros love this pick from Salomon, which excelled on all types of terrain and earned top scores in Lab tests for cushioning. Though the toe box runs narrow (so you might want to consider wearing thinner hiking socks or upgrading to a wide-width shoe), testers were impressed by this shoe's flexibility and stability, as well as its solid traction. It's the ideal mix between a trail runner and a traditional hiking shoe that'll keep your feet happy for days.
READ MORE: The Best Hiking Shoes, According to Footwear Experts
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Pros
- Excellent performance in Lab tests
- Easy to use
- Spacious interior
Cons
- Side pockets may be too tight for some items
Leave your best luggage at home and pack your things in this lightweight backpack from Osprey. With nearly 2,000 reviews on Amazon, this backpack was also a top performer in our Textiles Lab's tests and earned high scores for its ease of use.
We had no issues fitting everything inside during our packing test, making this a great choice for campers and backpackers who need as much space as they can get. Our analysts appreciate that a chest strap helps keep weight evenly distributed and shoulder straps are cushioned for maximum comfort. Also useful is that, at less than two pounds, this backpack shouldn't weigh you down.
READ MORE: The Best Travel Backpacks of 2023
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on the best outdoor gear and accessories you can buy.
Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from consumer electronics to travel, home, fitness and more, worked with many of the product experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to feature the best camping gear we've tested and products that have impressed our consumer tester panels. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she's a travel and outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, skiing and exploring the great outdoors.
Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
