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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.

I'm going to be super vulnerable right now and tell you...I was a Yeti doubter for a long time. I know! But they really do make some of the highest quality gear around, yes, even down to their mugs! I'm not someone who loves my coffee as hot as the sun. I'm kind of a baby and like it to cool a little. So the easily removable insulating lid is perfect since I can keep it off until it hits my ideal temp, then pop it on once I want it to stay put. It's equally comfy to drink out of it with the lid on or off, which is weirdly rare in a non-ceramic mug! (Though note that the most updated version of this mug has a ceramic LINING.) Also, the magnetic lid really is so much easier to clean than regular mouthpieces, which is great for someone who does not have a dishwasher. One day!

I can't say enough good things about Altra and, specifically, the Lone Peak series. An older model of these has been totally changed by (outdoor) life. The zero drop and wide toe box make my feet feel like they're more ~connected~ with the ground, which is so useful when groovin' on the trail. I feel sure-footed and stable. I'm also someone who prefers their three-season outdoor shoes to be quick-drying instead of waterproof, and these fit the bill. I've been rained on a ton in these (ohhhh the joys of section hiking the Appalachian Trail!), and they dry pretty darn fast. Love, love, love.

Promising review: "I got these just before my trip to Sedona, and I was not planning on using them for all my hikes. They were so comfortable and supportive, and had amazing traction. I never even took my hiking boots out of my suitcase! I was able to wear them everywhere for everything, which is great when trying to lighten the load on a trip like this. They were my go-to for the airport, steep and rocky hikes, and walking around town! I honestly didn’t think I’d be as impressed as I am, but wow. I also have unstable ankles, and even though these shoes are low-cut, the wide base and traction system kept my ankles from rolling, and I feel like they actually helped me work on my ankle strength. 5 stars! I love them!" —leypay

Price: $108.69 (originally $145; available in women's sizes 5.5–12, including wide sizes, and nine colors, and in men's sizes 7–16, including wide sizes, and nine colors)

Promising review: "These were super comfy and supportive! I didn’t break these in, wore them hiking for the whole week, and had no issues (which is a huge deal for me since all shoes usually give me blisters)! I didn’t test the waterproofing since we had dry conditions. I also bought the regular width, but decided to stick with the wide width. Easy return process for the pair I sent back! Thanks, Merrell!!" —Heather

Price: $175 (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and five colors, and men's sizes 7–15, including wide sizes, and eight colors)

The firepit comes with a removable ash pan and a carrying case. 

Promising review: "This is the standard. It takes about 15 minutes for the fire to become smokeless. But with enough wood, the fire is so hot you get the 360 burn, and the majority of the smoke burns off. This lets you enjoy the fire many more days without having your clothes and hair smell." —zamboni

Promising review: "I've had a lot of backcountry coffee over the years. Cowboy coffee, percolators, and both cheap and expensive instant brands. I will wholeheartedly say that Alpine Start has found a permanent place in my outdoor inventory. It's super easy to pack, ultra convenient, dead-simple to make, and ultimately makes a really tasty cup of coffee. The culmination of all this makes it a no-brainer choice for your next outdoor adventure. Whether a bivouac on the side of a remote mountain, or waking up in your tent bleary-eyed from a night of one-too-many drinks, you'll be stoked to find a packet of this stuff in your pack." —kevstewa

Price: $10 for eight packets or $25 for a 30-cup bulk bag

Promising review: "REI brand is one of the few that fits my body type, with a smaller torso/arms and wide hips. Fits well, good quality, excellent warmth for a casual mid/outer layer." —Haylee

Price: $63.83+ (originally $129; available in women's sizes XS–3X and eight colors)

The Eno has long been the gold standard in outdoor hammocks, and I'm SO happy I finally got one! Life's too short not to be napping in a forest. I'd always heard how easy they were to set up, but I really was blown away. It maybe takes 30 seconds if you have the right trees. Just wrap each strap around, connect each end of the hammock to the straps along the daisy chain via the carabiners at the end of the hammock, and get to swingin'. 

Promising review: "The best hammock I've ever bought! I swear there is something magical woven into the material because the moment you slide in = instant relaxation mode! I wish I had purchased this hammock earlier in the season. Super easy to set up (you do need your own anchor straps), and VERY dog-friendly. I'm excited for many years of magical moments with my pup in this hammock. Worth the price tag! Very well made and VERY cozy." —Jennifer

Price: $56.19 for the hammock (originally $74.95; available in six colors) and $22.39 for the straps (originally $29.99)

Promising review: "We love our Coleman stove! This is the best car camping stove we have. I am mostly a backpacker, but car camping has become more frequent as of late, so I decided to get a double-burner stove for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back of to document all of our adventures." —roseferg

Hot tip for my hiking girlies with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a shoe size 8.5 and find that a men's M in these socks sits great. Not too big on the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY! 

Promising review: "Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. I feel the price is justified not only by how comfy they are but also by the lifetime warranty. Just don’t lose them!" —Jake

Price: $19.49 (originally $26; available in men's sizes M–XL in nine colors and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors)

Promising review: "I cannot make it through a Minnesota winter in comfort without these socks. Before I tried toe socks, I would have cold, clammy feet. These toe socks wick any moisture away, and my feet stay dry and warm." —Jennie

"After a few weeks, I can confirm that this works! No blisters on the toes. I hike daily and have always had issues with blisters. No longer. These are very comfortable, too. I can wear them all day." —Jenn

Promising review: "Absolute favorite pair of pants. They have a slight stretch to them, which makes them very comfortable for a 9+ hour flight or lounging. They have numerous pockets, which are handy. I wore them for a month in Spain and hiked in them, and went right to dinner without feeling like I was in hiking clothes. I found them on sale, but I plan on looking for more in various colors. They wash and dry very easily. No complaints." —LucyLou

Price: $71.19+ (originally $99; available in women's sizes XS–3X and five colors)

Promising review: "Needed a cooler for drinks and snacks for long drives and weekend camping trips. Have found myself using this for all sorts of things, including tossing any frozen or refrigerated food from the grocery store. This thing does a great job (as with all coolers, it works way better if you pre-chill it) and is easy to open and close and carry." —xentexfly

Price: $97.39 (originally $129.95; available in two colors)

This is my first backpacking-specific pillow, and I love it! Normally, I'm really stubborn about bringing any extras, but I thought I'd finally give it a try to see if I slept any better, and......fine! I'll admit I was more comfortable than when I used my clothing bag! I love that the stuff sack for the pillow is integrated into the pillow itself, so it's impossible to lose. It didn't lose any inflation overnight (even when temperatures massively dropped), it ticked right into the hood of my Sea to Summit sleeping bag, and it didn't have that terrible "balloon" feeling a lot of lightweight pillows tend to have.

Promising review: "This hybrid foam and inflatable design strikes a good balance between portability and comfort. All foam pillows are more comfortable, but are both heavier and bulkier. All inflatable designs are smaller and lighter, but have too much of a balloon feel for me to feel comfortable. I also have the longer "luxury" version, which is just the same thing but longer. I actually prefer this shorter version because it doesn't get an indentation when my head is on it. With the longer model, there's more space on the sides for the air to go, so it causes a small depression where your head is on it. The shorter version can better maintain consistent firmness throughout." —c4lo

Price: $59.95 (available in three colors)

I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific, but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig, so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl way.

Price: $59.95 (available in three colors)

The headlamp "remembers" your brightness level between uses and comes with a locking feature to ensure it doesn't accidentally turn on in your pack and kill the battery life. It's also stormproof with an IPX4 rating (aka it won't die if you're caught in a downpour). The headlamp requires three AAA batteries, which are included with your purchase, or you can pop in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (not included).

Promising review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones, but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I’m glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I’ve never been disappointed by Black Diamond." —P Hyatt

Price: $24.95 (available in three colors)

I have these trekking poles (though the model from 2021, I want to say), and I really do think they'll be the pair I use for the rest of my life. I LEAN on these bad boys, and I trust them endlessly. Adjustability is easy. So easy that I happily dial in the lengths between going uphill and down, since you want slightly different measures for each. The cork handles were the real selling point for me. I have extremely sweaty hands *and* am quite blister-prone, so plastic handles just feel yucky, and foam handles won't last. The cork is moisture-wicking and easy on the hands. The price tag is a lot, but you really do get what you pay for! 

Promising review: "I was reluctant to use poles for the longest time because I felt that they were unnecessary, but as soon as I got them, I realized what I'd been missing all these years! Lightweight, durable, and packable, they've accompanied me through all four seasons of rigorous hiking and backpacking, and despite getting considerably beaten up against rocks, there is no rust or sign that they'll need to be replaced anytime soon. And I've had them for 6+ years! I know $200 seems like a lot of money to pay for a pair of poles, but when you consider their longevity, I promise you that you'll save yourself a lot of money in the long run by not having to replace them. And your joints will thank you for it." —GP18

A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one with room to spread out and for gear.

Promising review: "Great tent! The first time I used it, it rained for 27 hours straight. Not a drop inside. Lots of pockets for storage. Set up is a little tricky the first time, but once you know how it goes, it's not bad. Vestibule is large enough to sit in a camp chair out of the rain, and I'm 6 feet and 220 pounds. It does get hot in the sun, but I'm never in it during the day anyway. I would recommend this tent to anyone." —Mike K

"We recently were looking for a great car camping tent option. We’ve spent years using my old three-person backpacking tent, and we wanted something that we felt confident in during bad weather, but comfortable to use as a living space when we’re camping. The number one thing I really love about this tent is that it’s watertight in rain, but you can sit inside and not suffocate because it has such amazing ventilation. The vestibule is so spacious, you can keep all of your gear here overnight and not worry about inclement weather. No, I can’t stand straight up in this tent, but that isn’t as important to me as knowing this tent is solid and won’t blow over in a bad storm, which some of the taller tents I’ve seen are more prone to. We’ve only used this twice thus far, but we’re already looking forward to using it more for car camping very comfortably — without having to upgrade to an overly huge tent since it’s just me and my wife. Would recommend." —Jeff

Promising review: "I recently picked up the Wawona 6 from REI and couldn’t be happier. The build quality is excellent — everything feels premium — and the space is exactly what you'd hope for in a tent this size. Tons of room, smart layout, and it sets up solid. One thing to note: it's a bit breezy. For me, that’s a huge plus — I sleep hot and live in the South, so the airflow is welcome. But if you're camping in colder climates or pushing into shoulder seasons, just know it’s not a furnace. That said, I’m originally from the Colorado high country, and I’d still run this tent with the right bag and layers. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to shift from ultralight or thru-hiking to more comfortable, stationery setups. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve moved away from minimal packs toward gear that adds a little luxury to the outdoors and the Wawona nails it." —Orso

Price: $468.69 (originally $585; available in two colors)

^ That's me with the slightly older model on my first backpacking trip!

Osprey is known for making exceptional packs for all kinds of journeys, and the Aura is no exception. It has a separate sleeping bag compartment, a huge mesh pocket on the outside for camp shoes and immediate needs, snack pockets on the hip belt, a whistle on the chest strap, large water bottle holders on each side, loops for trekking poles or an ice axe, sleeping pad straps, and compression straps to get your weight distributed evenly. But best of all, a ton of these features are unclippable/removable if you're not using them and don't want the extra weight — because it adds up! I took the "brain" off my pack — a separate large compartment that goes over the pack's top — but it's included if you want it. I find that this pack's weight distributes very comfortably — at least as comfortably as it can be — and the cushions on the waist strap really did the trick. No bruising or chafing, even on my first trip!

Picking a pack is personal, especially since everyone has different intentions, needs, and bodies, but with how customizable this pack is, I'd recommend it to almost anyone. This was my first ever pack, and it really helped me ease into the idea of carrying everything I need, which is daunting! This is an extremely comfortable intro. I found the 65-liter to be a good size for starting out with larger/heavier beginner gear, but if you're going for a shorter trip or a summer trip where you have less bulk, or are already a lightweight packing pro, it also comes in a 50-liter size.

Promising review: "I bought this last year and am still very happy with my purchase. It has all the room I need, even when I carry a bear canister. It sits nicely on my hips so I have no sore back at the end of the day. I couldn’t ask for a better pack." —Bobbie

Price: $370 (available in sizes XS–L and three colors; the Aura is technically a "women's" pack, but you can check out the "men's" version called the Atmos here)

These are popular in the western United States, where, in some areas with grizzlies, they're required, but they're useful almost anywhere if you want a surefire way to keep food untouched by all kinds of critters.

When I moved to the West Coast, I was sooooo excited that I finally had to get a bear canister! They may be heavy and tough to put in a pack, but hey, they're iconic! This smaller size fits into a pack relatively easily and holds a lot, especially if you're keeping volume in mind while shopping. And they really are useful beyond just for bears. I brought mine to Joshua Tree this past weekend because the last time I was there, there were a ton of mice, and there's just no good place to hang a food bag. Enter: the can! And hey, don't forget to put your trash and any other scented items like toothpaste in there for the night, too.

Promising review: "I love this thing. It fits easily into my pack and can fit electrolytes, snacks, a collapsible mug, matches, and fuel, and 6–8 freeze-dried meals. Even witnessed an inquisitive deer who accidentally rolled it down a rocky hill and not a scratch or crack on it!" —stace

Price: $84.95 (also available in larger sizes)

When I first heard about this bag, it seemed like it was maybe 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!

Promising review: "Finally, a sleeping bag that fits my needs! I have never liked mummy bags, just too confining, and you can't curl up without a fight with the bag. I love it... Worth the price I paid. If you are looking for this to be a backpacking bag, this one is not it — there are many other fabulous lightweight mummy bags out there. For regular camping, it's perfect. The fact that you can layer makes for a comfortable night's sleep. I hope to get many years' use out of it! Good job Rumpl!!" —GJ Biker

Price: $249.95 (available in two colors/styles)

The sleeping bag's hood and footbox are treated with waterproofing to prevent condensation against your tent walls, it has a draft collar to keep the cold from getting in, and its shell is made of 100% recycled ripstop polyester.

Promising review: "I've used this bag for a while now, and it's the best I've ever used. From the backcountry lakes of Wyoming's Wind River Range to riverside fields along rivers in New Hampshire, it has come everywhere with me. As a taller person with broad shoulders, the long version fits me PERFECTLY. I'm also someone who gets pretty hot while sleeping, so the venting features have been a game changer. Not only is it comfortable and functional, but it's also made from recycled materials and is easy to repair. If I could give this product more stars, I would!" —Dom

Price: $209.89+ in both men's and women's models (originally $279.95+; available in regular and long lengths and wide sizes)

Promising review: "Migrated to Garmin after a decade+ with Fitbit trackers. The watch uses much higher-quality materials and offers a better software experience than previous Fitbit products. The device is comfortable for all-day use and for sleep tracking. Setup was very easy, and the watch immediately synced with both my phone and existing Connect account. Battery life is impressive, especially if not using GPS. When compared to a Garmin bike computer with a chest strap and speed sensor, the GPS and heart rate tracking of the Vivoactive 6 produced almost identical results during a 15-mile test ride. Completely satisfied with the purchase." —KD Cagle

Promising review: "I just used this on a climbing trip in Vegas, for limestone and red rock, and felt safe and secure in it. Four other people had it on the trip, which speaks for itself. I love how easily adjustable it is! My newbie friends didn't have helmets, and we shared mine, and they were easily able to adjust between climbs. I am petite and have a small head, and it fits comfortably. Hit my head a few times on the walls with this helmet on and hardly felt the hits." —eggofchaos

Price: $74.95 (available in three colors)

Need a locking carabiner to go with? I use a Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner.

It goes without saying that I love my Grigri! It keeps my climbing partners and me safe, and what's not to love about that?! Finally buying one felt like a true climber's rite of passage.

Promising reviews: "Great belay device. I use it constantly and have had no issues with it. The paint will most likely wear off due to rope friction, but the belay device functions well. Prefer it way more over my old ATC belay device." —Matt

"I love my Pretzl Grigri. As a 5'4" woman who leads climbs with 6'+ guys, it saves my butt on a regular basis. I feel completely comfortable catching a whip with this, no matter what distractions are going on or how fast I need to react. It does take a bit of practice to learn how to feed the rope through smoothly for lead belaying, but after a bit of practice, it doesn't slow me down at all. I also feel much safer climbing with my belayer using an auto-locking belay device, and I've never had any issues with any Pretzel Grigri I've used. I highly recommend it." —livhaus

Price: $104.95 (available in four colors)

The device has a small screen that means you can use it even if your phone is dead. Phew! But if you have juice, the device pairs with your cell and is very easy to use with the Garmin app. In the app, you can text (including photos and voice notes with this model), send pre-loaded check-ins, and get a weather check. You do need a Garmin subscription with a sliding-scale pay structure based on the number of messages per month you want to send/receive. I opted for the Essential plan for $14.99/month and found it more than enough for a weekend trip in the Sierras. Plans start at $7.99. 

Promising review: "I was thrilled with this unit when I first used it because of how well it punched through the dense tree cover here in the Southern Appalachians (unlike some other things I've tried), but then I was really upset because of how fast the battery dropped. Close to half the battery in a couple of days. I thought the unit was defective. I worked with support staff at Garmin. Turns out, in settings, you can choose between 'Performance' and 'Low Power.' Once I put it on low power, the battery seems to last basically forever. Evidently, when the battery was draining so fast, I had it stowed somewhere where it couldn't send and connect, but it kept trying because of the performance setting. I'll put it on performance if I am ever in trouble and really want to get a message out fast. The rest of the time, low power is the way to go. While testing the unit's battery life after working with Garmin support, I left it outside for about three weeks. Not only did the battery drop by only the smallest amount, but it seemed completely unaffected by the weather." —bradgad

Promising review: "This chair is so easy to open and store as well. I love being able to sit side by side with my partner. The cup holder is nice as it can snugly hold a can, or the flap can move to the side and easily hold a camping mug with a handle. I like that it holds a variety of drinkware, so I am not stuck having to find somewhere to place the unique style cups that aren't cans or slim. Definitely my go-to camping chair when I am with friends or a partner! This is for two people sitting upright. You would not want to lie on this as there is a hard bar in the middle, but it is perfect for sitting close!" —Lala

Price: $112.39 (originally $149.95; available in four colors)

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

Price: $99.99 (originally $179.95; available in four colors)

This little lantern RULES. I'm just a huge fan of BioLite generally, but have been really impressed by how bright and reliable this little guy is. And at the end of the day, those are the two things you really want a lantern to be! The little bungee on the back really is useful for putting it up in your tent or somewhere unconventional, and the dimmer is so easy to dial in.

Promising review: "Ordered this to have a light in our tent. It’s small and compact — perfect for car camping. Also rechargeable. I also like that the lights can change color." —MLS

Price: $37.39 (originally $49.95; available in two colors)

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

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