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Gotta squeeze the most out of summer while you can!

I am a former editor and contributor to the BuzzFeed shopping team with over seven years of experience testing and recommending products that help make life a little easier, whether that’s ultralight gear, holy grail serum, jeans that fit just right, or anything in between.

Promising review: "These are perfect for camping, compact and easy to pack up and go. The dogs love having a 'bed' to lie on when we are around the campfire. I also really like that you can jaut through them in the washer and dryer." —AKH

Get it from Amazon for $25.95+ (available in three sizes and colors).

Just a note that you shouldn't cook anything over these flames!

Promising review: "These are fantastic. Easy to use and the colors are beautiful and last a long time. I highly recommend these. This is my second time buying them for our campfires." —DPT

Each one has a different color at its base, so you always know whose stick is whose. And because it has two prongs, marshmallows don't spin on the stick when they get extra gooey, making it easier to get that perfectly even caramelized crunchy layer.

Promising review: "These lightweight roasting sticks are a lifesaver! I enjoy being able to turn them effortlessly so the entire marshmallow gets that nice crust from the flame. The colors helped us avoid using someone else’s stick, haha! Must-haves for any bonfire! They roast hot dogs well, too." —PAJ

Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $14.97. 

I have one of these little cameras, and they're so fun! Truly perfect for the outdoors. Durable and "analog" feeling while still being super easy to transfer memories to your phone. The picture quality is kind of like an old-school digital camera, which is fun and actually looks great a lot of the time! Just really neat.

Get it from REI for $69.95 (available in black or green).

Promising review: "I use these for hiking, exploration, and just overall when I am camping or walking around somewhere and want to see things far away. I really think the compact size and the quality of the image are unparalleled. Definitely worth the price for me." —Kyle Giffin

Get them from Amazon for $24.91+ (available in four styles). 

Promising review: "If you are a coffee lover and love hiking too, then this is what you need to have in your hiking trip. The intense flavor of espresso in the morning is priceless, super easy to use, and super easy to clean. Taste differs according to the coffee that you use." —Alexandra

Get it from Amazon for $46.90+ (available in two styles and four colors).

Promising review: "The best French press I've ever used. Started my first coffee in the pot at 7:30 a.m. Last cup as hot as the first by 10:30 a.m. Followed the directions for coffee bloom, and the flavor is great. No moving parts, no power needed, this pot will last forever. It is a little pricy, but I was able to use my cash back points after Christmas to really reduce the price." —Susan Craeger

Get it from Amazon for $110+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).

Promising review: "I bought this to take my dog's food along when we go camping. We normally just take the bag that the food comes in, but to save money, I bought a larger bag that would take up too much space in the camper. So I found this, and I was surprised at just how much food fits in it. I filled it up for a week-long trip, and we still had food leftover when we got home." —ahickman

Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in three colors). 

Promising review: "You are camping and backpacking in the forest for weeks. You and your campmates have nothing left to say. To save your smartphone battery, you don't dare turn it on. You're on your last milliliter of whiskey. What's a person to do? Play cards, of course! These cards worked amazingly well on my backpack/camping trip. These also do well as temporary coasters or when you need to keep something off the dirt. After a couple of days of rain and humid evenings, one expects a simple set of cards to perform, and these did indeed." —paititi

Promising review: "I bought three different chairs to test over a period of time. Of the three, this one stood out as the winner. We love the oversize chair as it provides great comfort. We take them camping, and why wouldn't you if you have the space? Guide Gear also makes foldable footstools, which, when paired with this chair, give you the ultimate relaxing setup." —Trucker Warren

It requires two D batteries, which are not included.

Promising review: "I love it. It gives off a ton of light. I didn't know, honestly, how well the fan would work, but I was really impressed. I hung it from my tent, and it was easy to use and did what I needed it to do. I would recommend this item to anyone that needs an inexpensive fan and light. The battery life is better than what is stated on the box." —Amazon Customer

Promising review: "I purchased this bag in 2022 after a long search for a day pack as I got into hiking. Little did I know it would quickly become my travel-everywhere pack. I've had it barely full for short day hikes to exploding at the brim on month-long road trips. It easily takes on whatever I throw at it and shows zero signs of stopping. I could not be happier with this purchase. Definitely try it out if you're looking for a chameleon bag that can do it all." —Heather takes on hobbies

Get it from REI for $99.95 (available in two sizes and five colors).

Promising review: "I love this sleeping bag. It's so warm and soft. Nothing beats a soft-lined bag. I've only been summer camping so far, so it's plenty warm. I actually get a little too hot and keep this unzipped. So I reckon it'll be just fine in colder-weather camping. It rolls up pretty large, could certainly never use this for backpacking. But it's great for normal tent camping!" —Shannon

Get it from Amazon for $53.99 (available in 20- and 30-degree versions). 

When I first heard about this bag, it seemed a little gimmicky, but car camping trip after car camping trip, it's the one I reach for! After begrudgingly getting used to sleeping in cramped mummy bags backpacking, sleeping in a rectangular bag is AMAZING. So much more room and so much easier to sleep on my side without sacrificing warmth. And it really is useful to be able to use different layers based on how cold it is outside. Love and highly recommend!

Get it from Amazon for $249.95 (available in two colors). 

Promising review: "This is well made and really warm. We camped in 30-some-odd-degree weather, and it kept my son so toasty he actually had to cool off a bit in the night, haha! Although he had a liner in there and a fuzzy blanket. So the next night we just did the liner and the sleeping bag, and it was plenty warm. It would have probably been warm enough without the liner (something we bought separately), but he's a little guy, so I did it just to be on the safe side. It rolled up nicely, and we had no issues with it. It's a nice sleeping bag, I would recommend it to anyone!" —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $53.25+ (available in 20- and 0-degree versions and four colors). 

Promising review: "This is the most AMAZING camping bed I've ever used, and I've camped my entire life. Not only is it up off the ground, so my 36-year-old disabled ass doesn't have to cry every time I get in and out of my sleeping bag, but my suitcase also FITS UNDERNEATH THE BED. Then, there's the cot itself. Mmm...comfy. There's an included air mattress! But won't that just fall off the cot? That's where the genius of Coleman comes in, kids. They added a pocket made out of super soft microfiber material that feels like your favorite grand-mammy's sheets and zippers open to slide the PREMIUM COLEMAN AIR MATTRESS WITH DOUBLE AIRLOCK MAGICALNESS inside, and then you ZIPPER IT SHUT AGAIN. But wait. There's more. HOW CAN THERE POSSIBLY BE MORE?! YOU'VE ALREADY GIVEN US SO MUCH, COLEMAN! Mother-loving side tables, Batman. They snap on right where you want them. With holes for all of your beverage-holding needs. And just enough room for a Kindle, a phone, and an adult beverage." —dammit Liesl

Get it from Amazon for $171.46+ (available in sizes twin and queen). 

Promising review: "Worth every penny! No matter how long you’ve been camping, there comes a time when doing it the way you did it when you were young just doesn’t work. I camp for lots of reasons, and in lots of settings. But one of the things I ALWAYS want to do when I’m camping is relax and do it COMFORTABLY. I don’t need a Winnebago, but the old camp chairs — just about ALL of them — don’t work for me anymore. But this one — no kidding — DOES. The best addition I’ve made to my gear in a LONG time." —Rainfisher

Get it from Amazon and REI for $179.95 (available in five colors). 

Get them from Amazon and Backcountry for $30 (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "This is a handy spray for kids to take to camp or school. Easy to spray, the cap is sealed tightly to make sure it doesn't accidentally open. My kiddos are allergic to a lot of products, and so far this Off! spray hasn't given them any skin reactions, so it means the product ingredients are kid-friendly and true to its description." —AJ

This product’s packaging says to avoid using it around open food, so keep your chip bags closed and hot dogs covered while you hang out. But it should be fine to pull out a hot dog and a handful of chips if you’re going to eat them right away. Read more about the low dosages of pesticides in products like this at the American Mosquito Control Association.

Promising review: "I tried a lot of things to solve the mosquito problem on our patio, but this is the first one that actually worked, eliminating the 'no-see-um' mosquitoes that have tormented me. I turn it on each morning while making coffee, then go out with the dog and set it on the floor at my feet, and enjoy God's beautiful creation. My legs used to be covered in bites, but no more. It has worked flawlessly for 4 years. Highly recommended for anyone living in mosquito country." —Lifelong Reader

Get it from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in six colors and a two-pack; refills available).

Promising review: "They say you get what you pay for, and this is no exception. Yeti coolers are a little pricey, but they are superior in quality and performance. This cooler will keep your beverages or whatever else you pack in it cool for days. I recommend this for a person who needs a good, cool storage solution." —Jeremy B

Get it from Amazon for $275+ (available in nine colors). 

Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

Promising review: "Was the perfect gift this Christmas. If you are an outdoorsman and like to hunt, camp, and or hike, then this is a must-have item. It is lightweight and an easy way to ensure you have safe water should you need it. Anyone looking into making a survivalist bag should buy this." —Obj

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three colors and in multipacks).

The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It weighs 3 ounces. It removes bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend.

Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

Promising review: "Excellent product and a must-have while going hiking or camping where there's no clean water available. Because you can squeeze water through the filter, it takes no time for you to get drinkable water. Back flushing helps keep the life of the filter longer and comes with a syringe to back flush. I recommend using distilled water if your faucet has hard water. You can also attach a SmartWater bottle with the athletic nipple to back flush or filter." —Harlie

Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or an extra bed in a hotel, this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230 pounds, and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." —Jlendo

Get it from Amazon and REI for $279+ (available in three sizes).

Promising reviews: "Used it for winter camping. Got down to 35 degrees at night and kept me warm — usually the cheap air mattresses I use freeze me out, so this was a very worth-it purchase." —Amazon customer

"I did my research, and the NeoAir was always on top of the list. Once I pulled the trigger, there was no looking back. It is the best pad I have ever used in 30+ years of backpacking. Lightweight for sure, almost feels too lightweight and thin, like it isn't rugged enough, but that isn't the case. It is tough, no problems with leaking or breaks. The nice thing is this new version is quiet when sleeping on it. It doesn't crinkle or creak when rolling around on it. Paired with a sleep system that has straps to connect the pad to the bag/quilt makes a difference. Buy the best!" —Pondo Man

Get it from Amazon for $149.89+ (available in regular, wide, regular small, and regular wide sizes). 

Promising review: "I'm not a small person, and I wasn't sure how it would hold me, but this chair is wonderful. I have used it all over! I took it camping, I took it to the beach, and I even sometimes blow it up and use it in my living room while watching TV. The hardest part is getting out of it gracefully!" —Limoncello

Get it from Amazon for $35.68+ (available in 20 colors/patterns).

Promising review: "My absolute favorite hat. Makes every other billed cap feel heavy and oppressive. Feels light on my head and keeps the sun out of my eyes when out on a run. The foam bill is amazing. I can crumple/roll the hat into a little ball and stuff it in a pocket. Dries out fast, too, thanks to its light weight. Five stars." —Shane

Get it from REI for $27.93+ (originally $38; available in four colors). 

Cutting the weight of your pack is the name of the game when it comes to backpacking gear, so when you're able to lose some ounces on the backpack ITSELF, that's a huge win. The medium Mariposa weighs in at just 34.2 ounces, which is miraculously light for a backpack this comfortable. I really mean it when I say it's just as cushioned and snug as some packs that run literally double the weight. The outer pocket is made of mesh, but not the kind that snags and rips easily, and it has the best water bottle pockets....of all time? On one side, you have a double-wide, deep pocket perfect for sitting two Smartwater bottles next to each other, and on the other, you have one angled (!) pocket on the bottom and a smaller pocket over the top of it. Double. Decker. Pockets. 

I'd heard about the Mariposa for years and years and am so happy that when I finally took mine for a spin, it didn't disappoint. It held a bear can with ease, the removable, integrated sit pad that also serves as the back cushion proved useful on many occasions on the trail, and the bag can be cinched down to a super reasonable size when you're not using all 60L of capacity. It's not waterproof like some alt brands (but is anything REALLY waterproof?), but the comfort tradeoffs are worth it. There's nothing I don't love about this bag. 

Promising review: "I hiked the whole AT with my Mariposa, and it was great! There were a few holes in it I had to patch up by mile 1800 or so, but it lasted all the way to Maine and was a joy the whole time. I got another one for my next journey!" —Joseph V.

Get it from Gossamer Gear for $315 (available in sizes S–L and three colors).

I've wanted to try a trekking pole tent foreverrrrr, and The Two did not disappoint! I was very intimidated by the setup, but it could not have been easier, and thank goodness. When I first took it out, I was in the Sierras, and it was literally snowing on my way down the pass — not the time to be fighting with your tent! I got it for the undeniable weight factor PLUS the extra room. I have a semi-freestanding tent that's a similar weight but is a true one-person tent. In comparison, this one felt like a mansion. Tons of room for me on my wide sleeping pad (always my luxury item), plus room for my gear right inside. I was worried about having to really dial in the setup to get the bathtub (where the edge of the floor raises to prevent leaks in case of rain) right, but it was a snap on the first try. You can do it!

Its two-person attributes are by far the best thing about it. Each side has its own door AND vestibule AND ability to leave the rain cover half open for personalized ventilation and privacy, a feature my friend and I took advantage of when we last took it out (I wanted breeze, she wanted privacy). Each side also has a roomy pocket for storage. We were snug with *two* wide pads but made it work, and if you're solo or have two regular pads, you're golden. 

The things I had to adjust to about this tent were less about it being pole-less and more about being single-walled. There are definitely pros: weight and easy setup/takedown being the biggest. But keep in mind that the biggest con is condensation. A double-walled tent has one mesh layer to let out condensation and a rain fly to protect you from, aptly, rain. But since this is all one piece, it's reasonable to expect condensation on the inside of the tent in the morning, especially as temperatures cool. The tent has a few vents to combat this, but don't expect a miracle. That said, if you're down to sleep with just the mesh doors, that really helps! 

I also want to call out that the price point on The Two is SO much lower than similar tents in this category. That's largely because it's made out of nylon instead of Dyneema, but I found it to be extremely strong and waterproof, especially the floor, and think it's the perfect "beginner" trekking pole tent for a backpacker ready to try their hand at an ultralight setup without spending literally almost a grand on a tent. Love it! 

The Rumpl blanket is also machine washable and dryer-safe!

Promising review: "We took this king-size blanket with us on our camping trip to New Zealand. At first, I thought it might have been too overkill since it took up a lot of space in my luggage, and a duvet was included in our camper van rental. But we ended up using this every night, enjoying the warmth and breathable comfort even on fairly warm evenings. It was definitely large enough for two. Even with tossing and turning, we both had enough Rumpl to sleep well throughout the night. Great purchase, totally worth it." —becca606

Get it from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in 28 colors/designs and a two-person version).

Check out my full Rumpl blanket review for more deets on why I'm all-in on these insulated beauts.

Promising review: "This is a beach lifesaver. Such a cool sandless concept! Definitely made our trip to the beach less messy. The 10x10 size is heavy; you will need a carrying bag. It comes with a very flimsy, clear snap bag, but it's very poorly made and broke the first time we took it out of the bag. But the mat is great! Well worth the money. Definitely take the plunge and invest!" —TSB

Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four sizes).

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Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.