The Best Camping Gear I’ve Tried So Far This Year

After camping for over 12 years, I’ve seen a lot of gadgets come and go. Some have stayed with me, like my trusty portable grill, but I’m always testing new camping gear to see what’s worth packing up for the next trip. Across all the camp cookware and hard coolers I’ve tried recently, here are my 10 favorite items, including a super lightweight Hydro Flask water bottle, a durable Stanley mini cooler, and the comfiest Helinox chair. Before you head into the new camping season, take a peek at the best camping equipment I’ve tested so far this year.

The Best Camping Gear Finds at REI

• Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle, $50
• Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler, $100 
• Toaks Titanium Backpacking Wood Burning Stove, $45
• Snow Peak Titanium Single 450 Cup, $35
• Ledlenser Hf4r Core Headlamp, $45
• Nomadix Original Towel, $40
• Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Pan, $80
• Helinox Sunset Chair, $170
• Sunday Afternoon VaporLite Cape Cap, $50
• BioLite Luci 44-Foot Solar String Lights with Detachable Power Hub, $80

Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle

I’ve brought reusable plastic bottles on outdoor adventures for as long as I can remember, but this year, I’m making the switch to this Hydro Flask water bottle. It holds 32 ounces of water and is so light I don’t even mind having it in my backpack all day. It’s also vacuum-insulated, keeping my water nice and crisp throughout a hike.

Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler 

For quick hikes that end in lunch with a view, I like to pack sandwiches, salads, and cold beverages in this Stanley mini soft cooler. It’s not too heavy to carry and keeps contents impressively cool for hours. While I love having it at the campsite for little adventures around the state park, I also like to fill it with drinks and snacks for beach days.

Toaks Titanium Backpacking Wood Burning Stove

This is the year I hope to get some more backpacking trips under my belt. Although I love my Coleman stove, it’s too bulky to lug up a 4,000-footer in New Hampshire. The Toaks titanium stove is ideal for backpacking. It packs up to the size of a can of beans and uses wood fuel, so I won’t have to worry about bringing propane canisters. It doesn’t take long to start a fire in the chamber, and the compact size can’t be beaten.

Snow Peak Titanium Single 450 Cup

I’m pairing my Toaks stove with this Snow Peak cup, which happens to fit perfectly on top of the stove’s opening. I’ve used it to cook single servings of instant noodles, oatmeal, and soups. It’s a light titanium cup with folding handles that cools down quickly for safe handling. It’s also very tough and can take a few tumbles around rough terrain.

Ledlenser Hf4r Core Headlamp

Camping technology has come a long way, including headlamps. Gone are the days of bulky bulbs that slowly stop working over months. I’ve been testing a similar lightweight Ledlenser headlamp that I know will last for ages. It has a comfortable headband, and I like how smooth it is when adjusting the angle of the light. It’s also impressively bright, which is especially important for navigating the campsite or cooking meals at night.

Nomadix Original Towel

If you like camping by water (I do), you’ll want this Nomadix towel. It’s extra absorbent to get you dry in no time after your dip in the lake. You can also use it as a mat for morning yoga at the campsite or on the beach, thanks to its sand-resistant material. I’ve also enjoyed using the mini towel to cool down on hikes.

Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Pan

Having a trusted camping pan is vital. Much of the camp cookware I’ve used in the past has been nonstick, but I’m swapping it all out for this Sea to Summit stainless steel pan. Its three-ply base heats evenly and has a folding handle for optimal packability.

Helinox Sunset Chair

I love to lounge at the campsite, so a comfy camping chair is non-negotiable. All of my old ones have broken legs or ripped armrests, so it was time for an upgrade. That’s why I was so delighted to find this chair from Helinox. It has a high back with a headrest and packs up in seconds — literally.

Sunday Afternoon VaporLite Cape Cap

UV protection is essential, whether you’re on the trail or cooking lunch under the high noon sun. This cap has a cape that unfurls to keep your neck and sides of the face cool. The fabric offers UPF 50+ protection, and the ventilated design allows for maximum comfort. This year, I’ll even use it out in the garden or on walks around the neighborhood.

BioLite Luci 44-Foot Solar String Lights with Detachable Power Hub

Maintaining a well-lit campsite makes everything easier, from cooking meals after dark to navigating around the maze of chairs. This new string light set from BioLite adds illumination plus ambiance to the campground with its color-changing bulbs. The string lights stow away into a clever, compact design that’s similar to a water hose reel. It charges using solar energy and can also act as a power bank for your electronic devices.