20 Camping Essentials For 2016
From cutting-edge innovations to high-quality essentials, the right selection of outdoor gear can make or break your weekend camping trip. For longer excursions, prepping with the right tent, tools, and cooking equipment is even more important for your comfort and safety, whether you’re headed into the wooded wilderness or traipsing across the tundra.
The beauty of great camping equipment lies in its reliable versatility: wherever you are, you should be able to trust that your camping accessories will do exactly what they’re supposed to. From coolers and camp stoves to lanterns and button-downs, our handpicked outdoor goods work just as well in your everyday life as they do under extreme conditions, adding value and function to your shopping investments.
This top 20 camping essentials roundup includes hyper-functional cookware solutions, portable power sources, as well as shelter options, clothing, and sleep sacks designed to both withstand and simplify your outdoor endeavors. With a preference for elite design, easy-care materials, and American manufacturers, this is one top 20 list that you won’t want to miss.
Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System
This 2-in-1 single serving cook pot and food storage jar is made with durable BPA-free stainless steel for quality long-term use and leak-proof carrying. Featuring a foldout handle and detachable spork that fits compactly along the side of the canister, this 20-ounce insulated container keeps food hot for up to 13 hours and cold for 11 hours. – $34
Fillo Camping Pillow
This elite washable microsuede polyester camping pillow is the perfect size for comfortable sleeping and offers just the right amount of support with an inflated foam-filled interior. Its integrated stuff pack compresses your pillow to one-third the size for easy portability. The Fillo camping pillow measures 10.5” x 27.0” inches when unpacked. – $40
BioLite Campstove
The innovative Biolite portable stove safely converts wood-burning energy into usable electricity. An attached USB conversion port charges phones as well as the included LED flex light to help fuel your adventure. The smokeless wood-burning chamber also functions as a cooktop and boils water quickly for versatile dual-purpose use. The main chamber is the size of a large water bottle at 8.25” x 5” inches. – $130
Nemo Wagontop Tent
This 4-to-6 person tent by NEMO Equipment features two hubbed aluminum poles for easy set-up and stable wind resistance. Its unique standing-room height allows you to enter, exit, and move inside the tent comfortably. Made with heavy-duty 75D PU polyester ripstop, this tent measures 69 square inches and weighs 18 lbs 4 ounces when bundled in the included duffel bag. – $500
Gerber Freescape Camp Kitchen Knife
This modified portable Santuko chef’s knife features a full tang and rubberized handle grip. A sheepsfoot point and flat belly straight edge blade add just the right amount of versatility and agility. This lightweight 6.5-ounce blade is highly portable and dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning. A safety sheath and lanyard loophole add functional carrying options. – $32
Exotac nanoStriker
This fire-starting ferrocerium flint rod is designed for keychain carry at a modest 4.2” inches and works even when wet. Lightweight anodized aluminum keeps this handy tool under 1.0 ounce and highly portable in any weather. Simply unscrew the flint tip and uncase your striking rod to light campfires, stoves, grills, and fuel tablets. – $36
The North Face Inferno Sleeping Bag
For ultimate warmth and water resistance in the coldest conditions, the Inferno sleeping bag contains 800-fill ProDown and NeoVent fabric along the feet, back, and neck for moisture wicking capabilities. It features a cinching hood, interior storage pocket, and compact compression sack for easy carrying. All down filling is responsibly sourced and RDS-certified. – $729+
Stanley Adventure Cooler
The 16-quart Adventure Cooler has two times the foam insulation of most coolers, keeping your beverages cold for up to 36 hours. A sturdy leak-proof lid also features adjustable ties for loading additional gear on the top tray. The cooler holds up to 21 cans and doubles as a portable seat at the campsite. – $55
Gerber Freescape Camp Saw
This foldable camp saw features 4 pivot points for quick, easy storage and portability. The handle features a glass-filled nylon and over-mold grip for durability, while the 12-inch 2Cr13 steel blade is completely concealed when folded for safe carrying. For added longevity, the standard blade can also be replaced to prolong the life of your camp saw. – $40
Goal Zero Lighthouse 250
This 250-lumen LED lantern runs for up to 48 hours to power your next big adventure. Charge it by USB port, attached hand crank, or even the Nomad solar panel (not included). For every minute of manual-crank charging, your lantern will shine for 10 minutes. The integrated USB port can also be used as a power output source for your portable devices. – $80
Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
This ultra-lightweight hatchet weighs in at only 1.4 pounds, making it highly portable on the go. Its durable non-slip grip and 3.5 inch blade offer superior chopping ability in any weather conditions. Each survival hatchet also comes with a mildew-resistant military grade sheath featuring integrated belt loop attachment and durable slice-proof material. – $27
Topo Designs Camp Pants
Made with breathable 100% cotton twill, the camp pants from Colorado’s own Topo Designs lends a stylish and practical addition to your next journey. A trim bootcut fit keeps you comfortable from trail to town, while reinforced stitching at major stress points ensures longer wear and rear snap pockets offer additional secure storage. Made in the USA. – $129
Topo Designs Breaker Shirt Jac
This iconic shirt jacket from Topo Designs is made with mid-weight olive green nylon for transitional seasons, wind resistance, and mid-layer weight. Dual front pockets and large side pockets offer ample storage of keys, wallet, phones, and other essentials. Front snap button closure lends the shirt a rugged, vintage feel. Made in Colorado. – $149
Poler Retro Rucksack
This retro-inspired design has made a major comeback with two detachable side pouches, internal padded laptop storage, and contoured comfort straps. With an ample 17-liter capacity, this rucksack is ideal for weekend trips, hiking, or even short day travel. The body is made with 900D Campdura fabric, which is reinforced with high tensile nylon at strap pressure points. – $75
Stanley Adventure Percolator
With this BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel campfire coffee percolator, you won’t have to sacrifice your morning cup of joe. A generous 6-cup capacity and removable silicone grip allows for safe handling while the interior steel basket holds grounds for smooth, full-bodied flavor. This Stanley campfire percolator proves that sometimes the old-fashioned way is also the best way. – $39
Timberleaf Camping Trailer
While the Timberleaf trailer is anything but the “essential bare-bones,” this hyper-portable shelter provides an all-in-one solution to camping’s most pressing concerns. Featuring safety-enclosed sleeping cabin and a full galley kitchen in the rear, the towable little gem just might make you think twice about the old way of camping. The Timberleaf offers everything from modern storage solutions to insulated walls and handcrafted detailing. – $16,850+
Humangear GoBites Duo
This space saving utensil duo is made from heavy-duty BPA-free food-safe nylon for easy cleaning and efficient use. They snap together nesting-style, but can also be attached end-to-end for a reversible single tool that’s long enough to reach into rehydrated food packs and deep canisters. Each set comes with its own compact carrying case and is guaranteed for life. – $8
Kershaw Camp Axe
The Kershaw camp axe delivers superior power and durability in a portable 11-inch design. Featuring a double-beveled edge for swing efficiency and stability, this unique one-piece hatchet is drop-forged from high-carbon steel with a nonslip handle over-mold for optimal grip in any weather conditions. A 3.5-inch blade allows for easy swinging and efficient chopping. – $55
Volcano Portable Camping Stove
This versatile camp stove works with charcoal, propane, or wood to provide a safe and stable heat source for your next camping adventure, tailgate party, or surprise power outage. When not in use, this stove collapses to 5 inches tall and stores compactly in its portable carrying case, making it easy to pack and transport. To set up, simply lift and snap your Volcano grill into place. – $150
Helio Pressure Shower
This foot-pump pressure shower eliminates the need for tricky hang-ups by allowing you to keep your water source on ground level. For bathing or dishwashing, the manual 2.9-gallon Helio shower delivers superior water pressure in a 17-inch portable system. Its 7-foot hose, easy-to-use foot pump, and trigger spray nozzle help simplify your morning camp shower. – $100
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