🏕️ Expert Gear Reviews · Updated 2026

Find Gear That
Won't Let You Down

We test and review the best camping and backpacking equipment so you can buy with confidence and spend more time on the trail.

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120+ Products Tested
6 Categories
2,400+ Trail Miles
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Everything You Need for the Trail

From weekend car camping to multi-day thru-hikes — we cover it all.

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Tents

Ultralight to family

 🛌

Sleeping Gear

Bags & pads

 🍳

Cooking

Stoves & cookware

 🧭

Navigation

GPS & maps

 🔦

Lighting

Headlamps & lanterns

 🎒

Backpacks

Day to multi-day
Editor's Top Picks

The Best Camping Gear of 2026

Rigorously tested, honestly reviewed. These are the products we actually use on the trail.

Best Overall
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Tents

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

★★★★★ 4.8 (2,341 reviews)

The gold standard in ultralight backpacking tents. The Copper Spur HV UL2 offers exceptional livability at just 2 lbs 10 oz — a combination that's hard to beat at any price. The hub-and-pole system makes solo setup fast even in the dark or bad weather. Two large doors and vestibules mean no crawling over your partner at 2 AM.

Pros

  • Best-in-class weight
  • Roomy for two people
  • Excellent ventilation
  • Fast solo setup

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Less ideal in extreme wind
~$550
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Top Rated
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Sleeping Pads

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT

★★★★★ 4.7 (1,876 reviews)

The NeoAir XLite NXT delivers an R-value of 4.5 in a featherweight 12 oz package. The triangular core matrix maximizes warmth-to-weight ratio without sacrificing comfort on rocky ground. A three-season essential that earns its price tag on every trip.

Pros

  • Exceptional warmth/weight
  • Packs incredibly small
  • Durable face fabric

Cons

  • Crinkling noise when moving
  • Steep price for a pad
~$220
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Editors' Pick
🍳
Camp Stoves

MSR PocketRocket 2

★★★★★ 4.9 (8,412 reviews)

At just 2.6 oz, the PocketRocket 2 is the go-to ultralight stove for backpackers worldwide. Boils a liter of water in 3.5 minutes and stuffs into a shirt pocket. Simple, reliable, and nearly indestructible — we've used ours on hundreds of nights out.

Pros

  • Featherlight at 2.6 oz
  • 3.5 min boil time
  • Reliable push-ignition
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Wind performance mediocre
  • Limited simmer control
~$50
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Lighting

Black Diamond Spot 400

★★★★★ 4.6 (3,201 reviews)

400 lumens, IPX8 waterproof rating, and multiple lighting modes make the Spot 400 the best all-around headlamp for camping and backpacking. The red night-vision mode preserves your eyes around camp, and PowerTap brightness control is intuitive with cold-weather gloves.

Pros

  • Fully waterproof (IPX8)
  • 400-lumen max output
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • AAA batteries (not USB-C)
  • Strap loosens over time
~$50
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Best Pack
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Backpacks

Osprey Atmos AG 65

★★★★★ 4.9 (4,109 reviews)

The Anti-Gravity suspended mesh harness is a revelation — it moves weight off your hips and spine like nothing else at this price. Multiple Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice wins. The included rain cover, excellent organization, and lifetime warranty make this the pack to beat for multi-day trips.

Pros

  • Phenomenal load comfort
  • Great organization
  • Includes rain cover
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Heavier than ultralight
  • Premium price
~$310
Check on Amazon →
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Buying Guides

In-Depth Gear Guides

Detailed breakdowns of the best gear in every category — tested, ranked, and affiliate-linked.

Camping tent set up in wilderness at sunset
Tents & Shelter

Best Tents for Every Season

From ultralight backpacking shelters to bombproof 4-season tents — the top picks for every type of camper.

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Hiker with backpack on mountain trail
Backpacks

Best Backpacking Packs by Size

Whether you need a 30L daypack or a 70L load hauler, we've tested the top options at every volume.

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Campfire under stars at night
Sleep Systems

Best Sleeping Bags for Cold Weather

Down vs synthetic, mummy vs quilt — the warmest and most packable bags for three-season and winter use.

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Camp cooking on a backpacking stove outdoors
Cooking Gear

Best Backpacking Stoves

From the ultralight BRS-3000T to the fast-boiling Jetboil — every top stove ranked by weight, speed, and value.

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Hiking boots on rocky mountain trail
Footwear

Best Hiking Boots for Beginners

The most comfortable, supportive, and durable boots for new hikers — at every price point.

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Hiker navigating with map in mountains
Navigation & Safety

Best GPS Devices for Hikers

Handheld GPS units and satellite communicators that keep you safe and on-route in any terrain.

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