Over the past 15 years, we’ve camped over 3,000 nights in the woods. In that time, we’ve found that REI camping gear consistently strikes a sweet spot between quality and price. With the rising cost of outdoor gear, it’s important to find equipment that’s up to your next outdoor adventure while having confidence it will last for years.
The expanding Co-op Westward, Campwell, and Trailmade lines have some top-tier pieces of gear for car camping and weekend trips with the family. This roundup highlights our favorites from REI as well as some of our other favorite brands like NEMO, HEST, and The North Face.
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Tents
REI Westward 6P Camping Tent – $549
The REI Westward 6 is a roomy tent ideal for family camping. We recently tested this tent at Great Sand Dunes National Park and it’s one of our favorites for luxury camping. With a 77-inch peak height, it has enough headroom for most adults to stand up comfortably, and its 35-square-foot vestibule is large enough for a small mealtime setup.
Though the partial fly doesn’t provide as much coverage in true downpours, the mesh canopy give this tent excellent airflow on sticky summer evenings. The color-coded pole system allowed us to pitch it in under five minutes. It’s one of our favorite options for livability on our list of the best camping tents.
REI Base Camp 4P Tent – $489
The REI Base Camp 4 has some of the best storage we’ve ever seen for a four-person camping tent. This model has pockets from bottom to top, so we found it especially useful when we settled in at one site for multiple nights. The front vestibule is big enough for a pair of small backpacking chairs, footwear, and most personal gear that needs to stay outside the tent. The rear vestibule is smaller, but great when you need some spillover storage space.
It takes a little more time to set up than average; there are five poles that run through pole sleeves, which takes some patience and dexterity. However, this is the camping tent we would most want to be in in a rainstorm. We rode out some springtime gales without any precipitation seeping through. The 6-person version makes our list of the best camping tents for its elite interior storage.
Kelty Daydreamer 4P Tent – $190
If you love the idea of sleeping in the great outdoors but struggle to rise with the sun, the Kelty Daydreamer 4 is the right pick. The fly has a proprietary light-blocking layer that allowed us to sleep in during a recent car camping adventure in Colorado. This feature also came in handy during toddler nap time on a family trip. Its basic 2-pole design makes it very easy to set up, even for one adult. This tent is also a great deal, even at full price.
Though the angled side walls mean the tent isn’t the roomiest for kneeling and standing, the tall 61-inch peak height at the center still offers enough clearance for maneuvering while someone else is in there too. For those who need a comparatively inexpensive shelter for a family with an interior vibe that supports daytime sleep, the Kelty Daydreamer is the right choice. We’ve written extensively about it and it’s one of our favorite camping tents.
Sleep Systems
REI Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag – $149
REI makes some truly stellar sleeping bags at hard-to-beat prices, and their Siesta Hooded 20 is a case in point. Akin to a thick weighted blanket, this bag is supremely cozy, roomy enough for active sleepers, and even comes with a hood – a rarity among rectangular designs. As far as warmth goes, we found it comfortable down into the mid-30s Fahrenheit. There are plenty of ways to dump heat when the mercury rises.
The Siesta is on the bulkier side, but that shouldn’t matter much for most campers sleeping close to their vehicle. When it comes time to pack up, the Siesta is quick and simple to stash away in its included storage bag, which features a small handle for easy portability. All told, it’s an extremely well-rounded and affordably priced design, earning it a spot high on our list of the best camping sleeping bags.
The North Face Wawona Bed 20 – $150
Another longtime favorite among the CleverHiker team, The North Face Wawona Bed 20 stands out for its simplicity and comfort. The roomy rectangular shape is a boon for side sleepers and those prone to tossing and turning, and the ultra-soft fleece lining at the top gives the bag a very luxurious feel. The bag can also be zipped to another Wawona – a great feature for couples or camping with a furry friend.
There’s no hood, but the Wawona is a solid option for summer nights. We were able to stay comfortable into the 30s with proper layering. There are two cinch tabs at the top for sealing out drafts, along with a partial zipper on one side for airing things out on warmer outings. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a roomier, softer, and more durable design, making it one of our favorite camping sleeping bags.
REI Campwell Sleeping Pad – $129
The REI Campwell Sleeping Pad is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good night’s sleep. For a very palatable price, this pad is comfortable, quick to inflate, and insulated enough for four-season use. It also packs down smaller than many alternatives, which is handy for gear-intensive trips when space is at a premium. And we like that it can be connected to other pads for a secure, continuous sleeping surface.
The Campwell isn’t the thickest or most durable option, but most campers will be happy with its all-around performance – especially considering the approachable price tag. The fact that it can be used year-round only adds to all-around appeal. We tested it on winter car camping trips in Colorado and Wyoming and had no issues in temperatures down to 15 degrees. The XL size earned our vote as a standout budget option on our list of the best camping mattresses.
HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad – $329
For a truly luxurious home-away-from-home experience, the HEST Foamy is hard to beat. Made with two layers of memory foam, this sleeping pad has a plush, body-cradling feel that few other mattresses can touch. It also boasts an impressive 8.8 R-value for year-round comfort and features a waterproof bottom for added assurance in soggy conditions. And for those deterred by complex setups, the Foamy’s ability to deploy in one step is a real treat – simply unroll the mattress and lie down.
This mattress is pricier, but the build quality and attention to detail are excellent. After testing the Foamy, we came away confident that it will last a long, long time – if not over a decade – with minimal care and maintenance. We loved the spacious feel of the Regular Wide size, which earned a spot on our list of the best camping mattresses, although you can save a bit of cash with the Regular or Short models.
HEST Camp Pillow – $99
A nice addition to the Foamy sleeping pad above, the HEST Camp Pillow will take your sleep setup to the next level. Packed with a mix of shredded memory foam and polyester, this pillow is supremely soft and supportive – enough so that it reminded us of our pillows at home. The cover is easy to remove and toss in the wash with other laundry when you return from a trip. And if you have specific sleeping preferences, it’s fairly simple to add or remove foam to tweak the firmness.
Like the HEST Foamy above, the Camp Pillow doesn’t come cheap, nor is it light or packable enough for ounce-counting backcountry users. However, comfort-focused campers who aren’t schlepping their gear deep into the wilderness will find a lot to like. This luxurious pillow was quick to win us over in testing, earning a respectable finish in our guide to the best camping pillows.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch – $40
Therm-a-Rest makes some of our favorite sleep systems, so it comes as little surprise that their Compressible Pillow Cinch is one of our top-rated camping pillows. Filled with foam chunks that have been upcycled from the brand’s sleeping pad production, the Compressible Pillow Cinch is fluffy and well cushioned. The signature cinch system makes it easy to adjust firmness: Cinch the cord to compress the foam for more support, or loosen the cinch for a softer and flatter feel.
The Compressible Pillow Cinch checks a lot of boxes for car campers and casual backcountry users. We’ve taken it on several challenging, multi-day backpacking trips and found the upgrade in comfort to be worth the weight and space penalties – especially if you opt for the smallest size. The fun, vibrant patterns are the cherry on top. Taken together, this comfortable and versatile pillow was a shoo-in for our list of the best camping pillows.
Furniture
Zempire Kitpac Pro Large Camping Table – $180
“Stylish” isn’t a word we often use to describe camp tables, but Zempire’s Kitpac Pro Large is a notable exception. Featuring a sleek bamboo tabletop, the design looks great at camp while also being tough enough to withstand regular outdoor use. The tabletop folds in half twice – totaling four panels – to maximize space in a fully loaded vehicle or garage. And we love that the legs are independently adjustable, making it easy to set up on uneven terrain.
The Zempire Kitpac is a sizable investment, but campers who are hard on their gear will find the price easy to justify. The bamboo tabletop, aluminum frame, and stainless steel joints make this table exceptionally hardwearing and capable of supporting up to 220 pounds. It quickly became a staple for us, whether we were hosting outdoor dinners out of our van or working from home on our back patio. If you’re willing to make the investment, there’s no question this is one of the best camping tables available.
REI Westward Padded Folding Chair – $130
A good chair can go a long way in maximizing comfort at camp, which is one of the reasons we love the REI Westward Padded Folding Chair. Featuring a thick layer of cushioning, it was quick to win us over in testing thanks to its plush and supportive feel. The seat is spacious, the height is natural, and all of the materials feel high-quality and built to last. The chair is a breeze to set up and pack away, too – no need to fuss with collapsible poles or an unattached seat.
Some will find the Westward Padded Folding Chair a bit heavy, but it’s not a problem for short jaunts from car to campsite. The backpack-style shoulder straps make it easy to schlep short distances, and there’s also a top handle for quick transitions. Though largely subjective, we think the chair is good-looking, too – enough so that it won’t be out of place on your home patio. All in all, it was a no-brainer addition to our list of the best camping chairs.
Kelty Low Loveseat – $150
If you often camp with a partner or a dog, Kelty’s Low Loveseat is a spacious and comfy place for two. For the price of many single chairs, the Low Loveseat offers a double-wide seating area that’s easy to kick back and relax in. The quilted fabric is plush and durable, and the steel frame has a noticeably sturdy and confidence-inspiring feel. We also love the smartly designed carrying case, which doubles as a dog bed or small ground cloth. Packed away, we had no issues fitting the chair in cars or gear closets.
The Low Loveseat sits close to the ground, so it’s nice for concerts or just kicking your feet back. It’s a tried-and-true double chair that’s been a mainstay in our best camping chairs gear guide.
YETI Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler – $425
YETI is the Cadillac of cooler manufacturers, and the Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler embodies that reputation. Everything about this design exudes quality, from the rugged and smooth-rolling wheels to the sturdy telescoping handle. We tested the cooler in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and found it capable even on rough, rocky terrain. And we’d be remiss not to mention insulating performance, which is best-in-class – ice lasted for a whopping 10 days in our cooler.
This top-end performance comes at a top-end price, but the good news is that this cooler will last for years. Plus, YETI makes it easy to customize with various accessories like a divider and cup caddy (among others). The cooler also comes with a code for a free lockport kit, which is nice for added security. Overall, we came away highly impressed by the Roadie’s quality and cold capabilities, making it one of our favorite coolers on the market.
Clothing & Footwear
REI Sahara Shade Hoodie – $60
A quality sun shirt is a must-have in any closet, and REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie stands out as one of our favorites. For a very approachable price, it combines excellent comfort, top-end sun protection, and well-sorted details that maximize coverage. During our testing, we especially liked the hood: It stays securely in place while hiking, has a handy drawcord for tweaking fit, and adequately protects the neck.
The Sahara Shade Hoodie offers great all-around performance for the price. The polyester/spandex blend has a very soft and stretchy feel against the skin, and we appreciate that REI offers the design in lots of fun colorways and patterns. The size range is pretty generous, too. Added up, the Sahara Shade is an excellent value for what you get, leading to a solid ranking in our sun shirts gear guide.
REI Sahara Cargo Shorts – $60
Joining the Sahara Shade Hoodie above is another great budget buy: the Sahara Cargo Shorts. Like a lot of REI pieces, the Sahara shorts offer well-rounded performance at a very competitive price. We found it very easy to divvy up essentials on the trail thanks to the generous pocket layout, which comprises two deep hand pockets, two rear pockets, and two side cargo pockets (one of which has a zipper). Fit and comfort were spot-on, too – a nice upgrade from clunky cargo shorts of old.
They are cargo shorts, but the pockets sit flush against the shorts and don’t stick out, which is a common complaint with the cargo style. If you’re someone who likes to have quick access to snacks, a phone, and other small essentials without feeling encumbered, the Sahara Shorts are hard to beat. Combined with the affordable price tag, they were an easy choice for our list of the best men’s hiking shorts.
REI Trailmade Fleece Jacket – $70
Cozy, packable, and layering-friendly – these are just a few of the many reasons we love the REI Trailmade Fleece Jacket. The recycled polyester feels soft and smooth against the skin, and mobility is excellent for hiking, backpacking, or performing camp chores. Fleece is relatively bulky in general, but the Trailmade proved to be relatively light and compressible – enough so that we had no issues stuffing it in a full pack.
This fleece has above-average breathability – great for backcountry adventures in the shoulder seasons. Plus, the slimmer shape slides nicely underneath a down or synthetic jacket for added warmth during the colder months. In a market saturated with pricey performance fleeces, the Trailmade is a refreshingly simple option that’s easy on the wallet, making it one of our favorite fleece jackets.
KEEN Newport H2 Sandals – Kids – $60
KEEN is well known in the hiking boot world, and that expertise trickles down nicely into their sandal lineup. For the youngest adventurers in the family, the kids’ Newport H2 Sandals are a real treat. The closed-toe design offers excellent protection against stubbed toes, while the bungee lacing system makes it easy to dial in a snug and secure fit. In testing the men’s version of the sandals, we came away with high praise for the Newport’s deft balance of coverage and breathability.
To be sure, the Newports are more reminiscent of a hiking shoe than a streamlined sandal, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For active kids, we consider it more of a pro than a con – there’s significantly less risk of scratches, scrapes, twisted ankles, and other injuries. Perhaps most importantly, they’re comfortable to wear all day thanks to the soft webbing and ergonomic insoles. Tack on a nice assortment of vibrant colorways, and it’s easy to see why the Newport H2 stands out in our guide to the best kids’ hiking shoes.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots – Kids – $79
If your little one is itching to the hit the trails, it may be time to upgrade to a true hiking boot – in which case we highly recommend the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid Waterproof. Like the adult version of these kicks, the kids’ boot features a durable and supportive midsole, a high-quality upper that’s flexible but long-lasting, and a reliably waterproof construction that will keep your child’s feet dry and comfortable. We’ve tested many iterations of the Moab over the years – from the flagship Moab 3 Mid WP to the low-top Moab Speed 2 – and have been consistently impressed by their all-around value.
These boots may feel a little hefty underfoot for your young one at first, but that should ease up with time. And the level of quality is truly hard to beat, from the beefy rubber outsoles to the thick laces and compression-resistant midsole. If you want a pair of boots that will last – your child will likely outgrow them before they start to deteriorate – the Moab Speed 2s are a solid choice. They’re competitive enough to have earned a spot in our guide to the best hiking shoes for kids.
Whether you’re on a solo car camping road trip or spending some quality time in the great outdoors with the whole family, there is plenty of great gear out there for everyone.
