The Very Best Camping Gear, According to Soooo Many Reviews

In our oh-so busy digital world, I’ve found that one of the most relaxing things you can do on vacation is truly disconnect. And what better way to get off the grid than heading out into the woods for a summer camping excursion?

If you’ve always wanted to try camping, why not plan your first trip this year? You can start out small, spending a weekend at a local campground (many of which offer electricity, bathrooms, and even showers!), and once you feel comfortable roughing it, you can venture out to more secluded spots in the wilderness to really get away from it all.

No matter whether you’re staying at a well-maintained campground or out in the middle of nowhere, you’re going to need the right gear to keep yourself safe and comfortable throughout your trip. A few must-have camping items include a tent, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, bug spray, and a comfy chair for relaxing. Luckily, the avid campers of the world are more than happy to share their thoughts on today’s most popular equipment, leaving thousands of reviews to help you find the right gear. Here’s what they recommend.

1. Coleman Sundome Tent

Reviews: 29,300+
Rating: 4.7 stars

It’s easy to see why this Coleman tent is so popular. It comes in a variety of sizes, sleeping anywhere from two to six people, and even the larger sizes are still incredibly affordable at under $100. It takes just a few minutes to set up, and its rainfly and welded floors will keep you dry, even if the weather outside is soggy.

2. CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Reviews: 3,400+
Rating: 4.7 stars

If you need a more spacious sleeping space, this tent from CORE can accommodate up to nine people or two queen-size inflatable mattresses. It includes a room divider, as well as in-wall storage pockets, and the pre-assembled frame makes it incredibly fast and easy to construct. It’s the perfect option if you’re camping with the whole family!

3. Coleman Camping Cot

Reviews: 10,000+
Rating: 4.4 stars

Not keen about sleeping on the ground? With the Coleman Camping Cot, you can elevate yourself away from the rocks and bugs to make your camping experience a little more enjoyable. The raised cot comes in both twin and queen sizes, depending on if you’re snoozing solo or with a partner, and it even includes a compatible air mattress and battery-operated pump that can be operated anywhere.

4. Coleman Palmetto Cool Weather Adult Sleeping Bag

Reviews: 4,700+
Rating: 4.7 stars

Coleman is one of the go-to camping brands for frequent adventurers, so it should come as no surprise that they’ve pretty much perfected the sleeping bag. This affordable single-person sleeping bag is ideal for snoozing in 40- to 60-degree conditions, as the plush interior will keep you cozy all night long.

5. Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag

Reviews: 12,600+
Rating: 4.8 stars

Want to cuddle up with your loved ones under the stars? This queen-size sleeping bag has more than enough room for two people, and it comes with two travel pillows, too. Reviewers say it's lightweight, cozy, and water-resistant, calling it a must-have for camping couples.

6. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow

Reviews: 7,000+
Rating: 4.4 stars

Regular pillows are fairly bulky, and they’ll take up quite a bit of space in your car as you pack to go camping. Instead, get a couple of these compressible travel pillows, which roll up into a compact form, allowing you to save space in your bag. They come in a variety of sizes, as well as several adorable patterns.

Don’t just get by on your camping trip—live your best life! You’ll need these essential tools to avoid bug bites, roast lots of marshmallows, and stay comfy in the woods.

7. Repel Insect Repellent, Sportsmen Max Formula

Reviews: 5,600+
Rating: 4.6 stars

Bug spray is an absolute must when you’re camping, as there are sure to be mosquitoes and other biting critters around. Folks swear by this particular bug spray from Repel, which contains 40 percent DEET—the highest concentration available in a spray container. It provides up to eight hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, and more, and reviewers say it’s not sticky or too smelly.

8. Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent

Reviews: 12,300+
Rating: 4.6 stars

Chances are you’re not wearing bug spray to bed, so unless you want to wake up covered in itchy bug bites, be sure to pack some permethrin spray for your gear. When applied to fabrics (such as your clothing, tent, and sleeping bag), this chemical will keep bugs like ticks and mosquitos away. The best part? It lasts for up to six washes or 40 days, so you won’t have to reapply constantly.

9. Streamlight Compact, Cordless Hand Lantern

Reviews: 3,700+
Rating: 4.8 stars

Once the sun sets on your camp, you’ll need a few lanterns to illuminate your surroundings, and there’s no better option than this one from Streamlight. These lanterns come in a variety of strengths, ranging from 200 to 1,100 lumens, and they have rings on both the top and bottom for hanging them up. Plus, if you want to light up a larger area, just pop off the top of the lantern and let it shine.

10. All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter Kit

Reviews: 6,400+
Rating: 4.4 stars

Is your pack feeling a little heavy already? Don’t worry—this handy fire starter won’t weigh you down. The pocket-sized magnesium fuel bar comes with a striker, as well as a compass, all of which you can store on the convenient ball chain. Plus, it will work in wet conditions, ensuring you’re never left out in the cold.

11. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Reviews: 65,000+
Rating: 4.8 stars

If you ever run out of water while out on a hike, you’ll be glad you have the LifeStraw in your pack. This handy gadget has a microfiltration membrane that removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, allowing you to safely sip on water from the bubbling brook you walked by. Plus, it can be used on up to 1,000 gallons of water before you need to replace it.

Just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean you can’t cook delicious meals. With a stove, some cookware, and a can-do attitude, you’ll be able to eat like royalty.

12. Coleman Portable Propane Gas Camp Stove

Reviews: 15,000+
Rating: 4.8 stars

All you need to cook your favorite dishes is this two-burner propane stove, which folds up into a super-convenient form for transport. It has pressure-control technology to help provide consistent heat, and it even has wind-blocking side panels so your flame doesn’t go out. It’s basically a gas stovetop to use in the great outdoors!

13. MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Reviews: 5,800+
Rating: 4.5 stars

You probably don’t want to bring your nice pots and pans out into the woods, so invest in this affordable camping mess kit, which includes an anodized aluminum pot, pan, and lid, as well as a number of cooking utensils. The cookware is lightweight and packs up into an easy-to-store bag, allowing you to cook deluxe dinners just about anywhere.

14. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler

Reviews: 22,400+
Rating: 4.6 stars

There are no fridges in the woods, so you’ll need to bring along a cooler to keep your drinks and food fresh—as well as a lot of ice! This zipperless hardbody cooler comes in several sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your needs, and it even includes a removable shelf to help you keep your grub organized.

With the sleeping, eating, and bug spraying on lock, don’t forget to pack a few accessories to help you relax and unwind during your trip. It's the best part of the camping experience!

14. 15. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock

Reviews: 27,800+
Rating: 4.8 stars

What’s more serene than hanging out in a hammock and reading a good book? You can make this a reality, no matter where you’re camping, thanks to this portable hammock. It’s made from heavy-duty parachute-grade nylon, and you can set it up anywhere with the included tree straps and carabiners. Reviewers call this product fantastic, especially for such an affordable price.

16. Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler

Reviews: 30,700+
Rating: 4.7 stars

Keep your relaxation essentials close by with this camping chair, which has a built-in cooler pocket on one side and a mesh storage compartment on the other. The chair also has a fully cushioned seat and supportive back, making it the perfect tool to hang out and take in the scenery.

17. Wekapo Inflatable Lounge

Reviews: 8,000+
Rating: 4.4 stars

Want to relax on top of a mountain? On the shore of a lake? No matter where you are, this inflatable lounger makes it quick and easy to get your nap on. All you have to do is inflate the tube by filling it with air—a process that entails swinging it around like a bubble wand—and once sealed, it becomes the perfect spot for one or two people to lounge. There’s even a built-in head pillow for those times you want a perfect view of the sunset.

What's your favorite camping gear out there? Let us know in the comments!

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. As an Amazon Associate and Skimlinks affiliate, Food52 earns a commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.

This article was updated in April 2021 to add the very best items for your summer camping trips.