26 Camping Essentials Outdoor Experts Recommend You Should Buy (2024)

Portable fire pits are an easy way to circumnavigate having to build a fire from scratch. The Solo Stove Titan can whip a fire up in a jiffy using the sticks and Kindle around your campsite and give you a bright and full fire.

What do experts say? "Simple is the path to joy, and this thing is super easy, fuels off anything you can find, and small enough to pack anywhere," says Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an ER physician, former Army Ranger, and MH Advisory Board member.

Different camping trips call for different types of tents, so keep that in mind when shopping for one. Just don't go the cheap route, because the types of tents will fail you when you need them the most.

What do experts say? "Hilleberg Tents are bomb shelters and last quite a long time. They're good for people going gnarly places," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

A proper GPS locator is the best way to stay connected when off the grid. The inReach Mini 2 allows for two-way satellite communication and provides weather updates and course paths.

What do experts say? “Safety is always an important consideration when on the trail. I never head into the backcountry without my Garmin inReach Mini, which is a two-way satellite communicator with GPS. The inReach can allow someone with access to track my location, along with two-way text messaging to standard cell phones, as well as an SOS button to call for help in the worst-case scenario. Devices like this aren’t cheap, but they are an excellent insurance policy and will provide peace of mind to your loved ones just knowing you have it,” says Jeff Pelletier, a trail runner and outdoors filmmaker.

The more you camp the more you will probably get into all the different types of camping knives and multi-tools. The Kershaw Airlock is a trusted starter knife that will set you up for success without breaking the bank. Start here and upgrade as appropriate.

What do experts say? "Being a former Army Ranger, just something in me loves a great blade. The Kershaw Assisted Opening pocket knives are incredible. They snap open like a switchblade and come out of the box sharp enough to shave arm hair, and generally cost less than 50$," says Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an ER physician, former Army Ranger, and MH Advisory Board member.

Temperatures fluctuate fast when camping, and so it's vital to invest in the proper layers so you stay comfortable through all conditions. There are a number of brands you can turn to for camping apparel, but Sitka Gear is a favorite from one of our experts—and quite frankly, it's a top personal choice for us too.

What do experts say? "Overall I'm a fan of Sitka Gear, but I especially like the Ambient Jacket as a layer for mild temperatures," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

Any seating option will do when camping, but sometimes going as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing structure, is the way to go.

What do experts say? “I've recently fallen in love with my BTR stool from Hillsound Equipment. A lightweight stool might seem like a luxury item, but it's essential when camping, and I always carry it with me in my camera backpack when I'm shooting photos and footage on the trails. There’s nothing like a comfortable chair off the ground at the end of a long day on the trail,” says Jeff Pelletier, a trail runner and outdoors filmmaker.

Ditching a case of plastic water bottles for one good purifying water bottle is an easy way to limit your footprint and keep your supplies lean. This titanium one from Grayl is ultra-tough and offers an effective filtration system that makes it so you can drink from a running river—or a campground water fountain.

What do experts say? "The water bottles from Grayl are great for purification. I use the titanium edition for added strength. It hasn't failed me yet," says Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, professor, and adventurer.

A pair of sandals is a must-have for camping. You can stomp around the campsite in these Keen shoes and take them for a spin in the water. What's cool is the shoe upper is made from braided cord that doesn't rub and keeps your feet nice and cool.

What do experts say? "For the river, my Keens are my favorite camping shoes for sure—they dry fast, have grip and stability, and if you don't use sunscreen, they’ll leave a pattern on your feet,” says Adam Dulye, Camp chef expert and Executive Chef for the Brewers Association.

Ain’t no cooler like a Yeti cooler—and you're not just paying for the name. Sure, it’s an investment, but it’s entirely worth it, especially if you’re a frequent car camper, cookout host, or tailgater. The Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler is bigger and better than its predecessor, with strong built-in wheels that will roll over pretty much any terrain—just don't roll it over your friends foot when packed full.

Read more: Best Camping Coolers