Camping Gear Reviews & Expert Tips

Best Stuff Sacks of 2026

Best Stuff Sacks of 2026

Last Updated: August 12, 2026

Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way to effectively store them.

Best Tent Stakes of 2026

A backpacker's hand holding a set of Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook tent stakes in his hand with a NEMO tent in the background

Best Tent Stakes of 2026

Last Updated: August 7, 2026

Though they may seem trivial, tent stakes are vital to keeping your shelter secure – a sudden midnight storm will quickly remind you how important they really are.

Best 4-Season Tents of 2026

The Samaya 2.0 tent pitched on snow with evergreen trees and panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks in the background.

Best 4-Season Tents of 2026

Last Updated: July 31, 2026

The fun doesn’t stop when snow starts to fall. All of our top-rated winter tent picks are trail-tested in the mountains so you can find a trustworthy shelter for 4-season adventuring.

Best Camping Tables of 2026

The GCI Outdoors Master Cook Station set up in a lakeside campsite with the Camp Chef Everest 2x stove, a cookset, a YETI Tundra Cooler, lantern, etc.

Best Camping Tables of 2026

Last Updated: July 30, 2026

From sunrise coffee to sunset dinners, we set the table with this budget-friendly guide. So dine under the stars with a durable, compact, and lightweight camping table…

Best Power Banks for Backpacking of 2026

The Iniu 20000 PD power bank sitting on a granite slab while charging a rechargeable Biolite headlamp with the Wallowa Mountains at sunset in the background

Best Power Banks for Backpacking of 2026

Last Updated: July 17, 2026

Supercharge your backcountry adventures with our guide to the most portable, dependable, and lightweight power banks out there.

Best Camping Blankets of 2026

Best Camping Blankets of 2026

Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Let your next epic adventure unfold with our recommended collection of camping blankets. These tried-and-true essentials are built to withstand the elements and keep you cozy outdoors.

Best Camping Mattresses of 2026

The Exped MegaMat Duo camping mattress in the REI Half Dome 4 Plus tent

Best Camping Mattresses of 2026

Last Updated: July 9, 2026

After months of side-by-side testing, we’ve curated our short list of the most comfortable sleeping pads for the campground. Which picks from Exped, Therm-a-Rest, REI, and other brands made the cut?

Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad Review

The Captain Comfort propped up against a picnic table shows horizontal air cells that provide comfort and support

Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad Review

Published: July 9, 2026

The top of our list of the best camping mattresses is crowded with thick, luxury sleeping pads. But only one of them is 5 inches thick.

NEMO Flyer Cloud Sleeping Pad Review

The Nemo Flyer Cloud inflated inside our tester's tent

NEMO Flyer Cloud Sleeping Pad Review

Published: July 9, 2026

This new sleeping pad combines air and foam for a 3-inch thick bed that’s less expensive and more packable than luxury campground sleep systems.

Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad Review

Our tester in a hood faces away from the camera while laying on his side on the Camp Plus sleeping pad

Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad Review

Published: July 9, 2026

This budget-friendly sleeping pad may not be as luxurious as other self-inflating sleeping pads we recommend, but it’s a solid buy for its price.

Best Camp Shoes of 2026

a woman wears Merrell Hydro Moc by a creek

Best Camp Shoes of 2026

Last Updated: July 2, 2026

Our list of the best camp shoes includes only the most comfortable and capable crowd-pleasers, from minimalist sandals to winter-ready down booties. Treat your feet to something nice.

Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal Review

A woman in purple socks pulls the tab on her sandals to tighten the straps to her feet.

Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal Review

Published: July 2, 2026

This sandal is a standout adventure companion that’s supportive, comfortable, and long-lasting – great for hiking, lounging at camp, or spending time by the water.

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal Review

A woman sits with her feet against a branch.

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal Review

Published: July 2, 2026

Lightweight, supportive, and comfortable, this classic sandal exceeded our expectations for the price. Though it (probably) won’t summit Mount Whitney, there’s no reason it can’t be hanging off your pack for use at camp.

LUNA Sandals Leadville Pacer Review

LUNA Sandals Leadville Pacer Review

Published: July 2, 2026

This ultralight sandal grips like no other. It’s lightweight, low-profile, and sticky enough to wear on the trail or by the water.

Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip On Review

A woman slips on a pair of slippers on top of a blue blanket.

Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip On Review

Published: July 2, 2026

Highly comfortable, warm, and easy to sink into at camp or at home, this outdoor slipper is a standout for casual outdoor adventures.

Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L Duffel Review

Person wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L as a backpack while walking across grass near a lake.

Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L Duffel Review

Last Updated: June 29, 2026

Functional and durable, the 55L Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway is our pick for air travel, road trips, and frontcountry campouts.