32 Camping Products So Useful You'll Want To Take Them On Every Trip

Get ready for your next adventure!

1. A waterproof, wind-proof portable campfire that keeps bugs at bay, makes very little smoke and soot and no embers at all, and burns for up to five hours.

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Once you light it, it'll stay lit with no maintenance — until you're ready to put it out, of course, by snuffing it with the tin's lid. One reviewer also mentions they add more soy wax every time it gets low to extend its life.

Promising reviews: "Bought two of these to try out on a weekend trip up to Lake Hume in Sequoia National Forest. These worked amazingly well! Used half of one the first night the rest on the next morning. Used the next one for the second night and it toasted marshmallows to perfection. This is a must have for me on all my trips from now on!" —Mgonz

"I just used it tonight on the beach and it was perfect! It was compact, easy to light, and the flame was large like a campfire and it gave off much more heat than I expected. It smelled really good and was easy to put out when we were done. It did smell a tiny bit like burning paint as the wax burned down and the side of the tin heated up. But once I finish this tin (looks like I’ll get about 4.5 hours of burn time) I’ll absolutely be buying another." —Kayla Vallone

Get it on Amazon for $27.99 (also available without the bug-repelling oils).

2. A bright, waterproof LED headlamp to light your path whether you're setting up your tent after dark, reading a little before tucking into your sleeping bag, or navigating your way to the campsite's bathrooms.

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It has four different modes: three levels of white light brightness, plus a red light mode (so you could jog with it before sunrise and still be seen by cars, or just wear it without blinding anyone who's walking the opposite way). The light itself is tilt-able, so you can illuminate anything comfortably.

Promising review: "This headlamp is incredibly bright for the price. I used this for a camping trip and it did everything I needed it to. It fit around my head and stayed put. The different light powers and the red light are incredibly useful because it allowed me to be around other people or see far away if I needed it. I would not hesitate to buy this again if I need to. I would also not hesitate to take it camping or use as a headlamp for a night hike." —Brendan Price

Get it on Amazon for $5.99.

3. And a hand-held flashlight that converts to a camping lantern to hang from the ceiling of your tent, so you can stay up chatting even after the fire's burned out.

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You can also turn off the bottom light to use it as a tabletop lantern. To switch between the modes, all you do is slide it open or closed. It's 200 lumens and runs on four AA batteries, but weighs just 8.3 ounces.

Promising reviews: "Very nice light. Brought it on a three-day camping trip. Seems very durable and gives off good light. Very handy as a lantern and works just as well in flashlight mode. The lantern gave plenty of light to illuminate a 7x16 tent. Totally worth it." —Amazon Customer

"Gives nice light. Small and "light". Dang I kill myself lol. Nice minimal backpacking lantern." —Ken T

Get it on Amazon for $25.14.

4. A set of marshmallow roasting sticks — they telescope all the way out to 32 inches for campfire time then collapse to 12 inches to store neatly away.

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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: "We had a 12th birthday campout party for my son and marshmallow roasting was going to be a central part of the evening's activities, so we picked up a set of these sticks before the trip. They're made from a good quality stainless steel auto radio antenna stock, with wood handles that don't get hot, and ended up being just what we needed! They're color coded so kids knew which one was theirs, were sturdy enough for 12 years olds to not destroy (even the one that a kid kept turning every marshmallow into a torch). After one hard use, the sticks are all still tight, the gauge of metal thick enough that they didn't droop." —Rob S

Get them on Amazon: a set of eight for $19.99 or a set of ten for $20.99.

5. A top-rated collapsible camp chair that comes complete with a four-can cooler pouch on one side and storage pockets on the other, so you can rough it comfortably.

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Best for only those trips where you can drive into your campsite, of course — while it does come with a carrying bag, you're not gonna want to tote its eight pounds much further than a few yards.

Promising reviews: "This chair is by far the best chair of this kind that I have ever bought! I love that the seat is wide and you don't have to worry about the metal poles digging into your legs. It's very comfortable, and the cooler and the storage are great bonuses. Cooler held about five beers with no ice. I love this for my campfires!" —Ashley

"These chairs are so comfortable! I love the cooler on the side. I didn't put ice in it, just stuck our drinks in, and it did keep them cold for a few hours. I would definitely recommend this for any plus-size person." —Phileena

Get it on Amazon for $28.48+ (three colors).

6. A waterproof backpack cover for keeping all the contents of your pack safe and dry, no matter what kind of weather Mother Nature throws your way.

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For those trips where you're hiking out to your campsite, of course. According to the listing, all the sizes also now have a cinching buckle–strap across the opening to secure it to your pack (some reviewers from before 2018 mention it being like a big shower cap with no strap).

Promising reviews: "I hiked the Mist Trail at Yosemite National Park last week and this cover was invaluable. It not only kept my pack contents dry going to the top of Vernal Falls but also a tripod attached to the outside. Later, on the John Muir trail I had to actually walk under a small waterfall. Again, the cover kept everything dry. After leaving the wet area it dried quickly too." —Rick

"Quick and easy to install in the event of unexpected downpours. I felt so smart whipping this out and covering my backpack when I encountered an unexpected rainstorm while temple hopping in Cambodia. It was key in keeping my electronic and camera gear dry." —Caroline on Crack

Get it on Amazon for $7.95+ (five sizes, six colors).

7. Or a 50-liter backpack that includes a waterproof cover in a dedicated pocket, if you're just starting to build your collection and don't want to use your high school pack anymore.

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Promising review: "So you're going camping for a few days with maybe a bit of hiking. Well, I recommend this if you need something comfortable, a bit roomy and pretty good quality. I am a woman and finding something that sits well on my back without rubbing in the wrong places can be hard, but this pack sits well on my small frame. It holds a lot of stuff in a very organized manner, so you can find things without having to unpack everything. The straps are very comfortable and, even with the added weight of your gear, don't cut into you. I load up a sleeping bag, tent, and self inflating mat off the rear of the pack, letting them dangle behind me, then pile my clothes and personal items inside. It works very well for me." —J. Mason

Get it on Amazon for $31.99+ (eight colors).

8. A set of lightweight but heavy-duty aluminum tent stakes sure to put the plastic ones that came with your tent to absolute shame.

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They're brightly colored and topped with reflective neon cord, so they're easier to spot in long grass.

Promising review: "These things are AWESOME! They're lightweight for backpacking but also hold exceptionally well. I was camping in Hatteras a few months back, and these things really held well in the sand of the campground there. Even when 30-40 mile an hour gusts from a late season thunderstorm rolled in, all of my staked-down tent parts held firm. I especially appreciated the easily seen in the dark–pull cords that let me quickly pull up my tent at 3 AM when I decided to ride out the storm on a drive to my next destination instead. Excellent product. Essential for serious campers." —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of eight XL-size stakes plus the carrying case on Amazon for $24.50.

9. And a cozy two, four, or six–person tent — it pitches in no time so you can get out and start hiking ASAP, if you don't have tent that you love yet.

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Many reviewers swear it sets up in just 10 minutes, depending on the size you get and whether or not you have help.

Promising review: "I bought this tent about six years ago. I probably camp about 10 to 14 nights a year. I would definitely say if you're going to be in the rain cover with a tarp or seam seal. I can't speak to multiple wet nights because when I have been in heavy downpours I've anticipated and covered it with a tarp. Although really that first downpour everywhere that was sealed held well. For the price it's been a phenomenal little tent for car camping. Very easy to put up. Well ventilated but I've even camped in 35 degrees and been fine." —Meg

Get it on Amazon: the two-person for $39, the four-person for $53, or the six-person for $89.99.

10. Or a two-person truck-bed tent that you could basically leave up all camping-season long so escaping to your favorite site every weekend's easier than ever.

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Promising review: "I have a 2018 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab. First time I took it out, it rained, sleeted and snowed all day and night. It took me about 30 minutes to set up that first time. I had a little space heater with me and despite being in the 20’s, the tent heated to over 70 degrees in about 10 minutes! And, most importantly, I stayed dry all night! Was also very impressed with the amount of room in this tent. I’m six feet tall and had more than enough room for my gear. I love this tent and have used it several times. Never once have I been disappointed. Feel like I got away with something because of the price!" —M. Seyer

Get it on Amazon for $99.99.

11. An easy-to-inflate sleeping pad to make any type of ground feel like a luxury pillow top mattress.

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Well, maybe not quite that nice, but definitely more comfortable than it would've been.

Promising review: "Where has this thing been all my life? I took it on a four day excursion and never slept better. Once inflated (takes me 9–12 breaths), I can't MAKE any part of my body touch the ground when laying down on it (I'm about 185 lbs). My back is ALWAYS pretty sore and usually keeps me from sleeping as long as I'd like when camping, but I get a good 8–10 hours of sleep a night with this thing. I've NEVER been able to do that tent camping. 9–12 breaths of inflation is definitely worth the enhanced comfort and convenience. The bag also has a little sown in pocket that includes a patch kit. Thankfully I haven't had to use it, but it's a nice touch." —J. Rolfe

Get it on Amazon for $43.99+ (three colors available).

12. Or a full-fledged, self-inflating air mattress that you can even fit with a spare set of sheets and a comforter instead of a sleeping bag, if you're more of the ~glamping~ type.

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Which: no shame! You can make your tent as a fancy as you like, especially if you're driving up to your campsite or are near somewhere with a wall plug — because you will need that to inflate it.

Promising review: "First time to purchase this brand. Did as directed, and inflated and deflated several times before we actually used it to stretch it out. We took it camping! It was great! Comfortable! Did have to inflate a bit one day but think only because of temperature change in the weather. It went from 99° and dropped to 62° in a rain storm. But other than that, wonderful! Especially loved the height being able to sit on the side and stand up like a normal bed." —Catherine Beckett

Get it on Amazon for $119.95.

13. A basic sleeping bag — it'll keep you warm as long as it isn't literally freezing outside, then pack down into a small (ish) little pouch for storage.

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It's machine wash, air dry.

Promising review: "Took this on a trip to Colorado, used it at around 9,500 feet. Daytime was 105, nighttime was in the 50's. It's perfect for camping: lightweight and easy to carry. Only negatives I have: the "pillow" at the top was a little flat — bring your camp pillow — and it is VERY hard to get back into the little bag (but that is typical of any sleeping bag: they grow). Heading back out to CO for a fall camping trip, and looking forward to using this again." —Amazon Customer

Get it on Amazon for $27.98.

14. A double hammock made of lightweight nylon ideal for peaceful afternoons reading under the trees and gentle nights sleeping under the stars.

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It also comes with everything you need to hang it up easily (not all the hammocks on Amazon do): two heavy-duty steel carabiners and two 10-foot tree straps that have triple-stitched seams.

Promising review: "This is a fantastic hammock setup! It is a bargain—huge, versatile, and very comfortable. Plenty of room and no uncomfortable seams in the wrong places. The tree straps with loops are very convenient. After initial setup neither the hammock nor suspension stretched appreciably over the duration of two rainy nights. I love that it uses nylon webbing in lieu of ropes—less stretch and feels more robust. It comes with tree straps, hammock, and suspension all tucked inside an attached stuff sack. I'm so pleased with this hammock I may start leaving my tent at home. You need one." —Julian

Get it on Amazon for $22.99-26.99, depending on which of the 26 colors you choose.

15. And a simple, easy-to-set-up hammock tarp that'll keep you dry no matter how hard the rain pours down.

Eagles Nest Outfitters

Promising review: "This is a great tarp. Easy to set up and the two extra tie-downs only take a minute or so extra, especially since I have s-biners attached to all of the tie-down points on my stakes. I spent 14 hours in the pouring rain, and was bone dry the entire time. There is the possibility of getting wet if the wind is high and the rain is coming down sideways, but if that happens, I recommend simply lowering the tarp height. Having those extra tie-down points is worth it in the wind because the tarp doesn't flap or threaten to tear the stakes out. As a side note, please remember that this tarp is meant to be light and portable (back- or bikepacking), which is why it's only long/wide enough to cover the hammock." —J. Martinez

Get it on Amazon for $79.95.

16. A compact microfiber towel to dry you off faster than you can say "quick dip in the lake".

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Promising review: "It's a good size, thin but soft, machine washable and dry-able, quick to dry in the sun, and beach sand doesn't really stick. It's not as warm and supple as wrapping up in a cotton terrycloth towel right out of the shower, but it dries you off in a fraction of the time. It dries bare skin very quickly (though you have to blot the water off) becoming only minimally damp itself, though it gets saturated with water in any spots where it's wrapped over wet swimwear. It's extremely light and compact. I've taken it to the lake, beach, camp shower, and gym. It's a very worthwhile investment!" —bruyere

Get it on Amazon for $12.99-$19.99 (three sizes available in 10 color combos).

17. A personal water filtration system that you can rig up with your CamelBak so you never worry about carrying enough water on a hike through the woods ever again.

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As long as you know you'll pass a lake or river, that is — desert hikers, please still pack plenty of water!

Promising review: "I immediately took it out for a day hike with the dog to give it a test in the field, near the Rattlesnake Creek in Missoula. Filling it was easy with the current, then I screwed the filter onto the bag, tipped it upside down, and water came out with a very effortless squeeze. When I got home I did the back flush with the syringe twice, and the thing flushed perfectly. This thing was a piece of cake to use, and for $20, you cannot beat it. I would recommend this filter to anyone!" —EJD

Get it on Amazon for $19.99+ (six colors).

18. The classic, incredibly durable, BPA-free, quart-size Nalgene water bottles — they really need no introduction. You can basically drop them down the side of a cliff and they'll stay perfectly intact.

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Promising review: "Nalgenes are notoriously hard to break. I've taken them hiking in -20 degree weather and had them freeze, but they still didn't burst on me. I've dropped them down cliffs while full of water and found them again later, still intact. It has a wide mouth that makes it easy to fill and clean, plus measurement markings on the outside so you can measure out amounts of water for, say, cooking at camp. It can even can hold hot/boiling water if necessary (for a winter night, put hot water in this bottle, wrap it in a wool sock, and put it in your sleeping bag. It will keep you nice and toasty)." —A. Jones

Get one on Amazon for $14.25+ (dozens of color and design options available at varying prices).

19. A lightweight aluminum folding table that can go from meal prep area to dinner table to evening poker table without batting an eye.

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I mean...if tables had eyes? It also packs away into a handy carrying bag.

Promising reviews: "I went to a family reunion last year with one of these. This year, there were four of these tables because everyone went out and got one. Very useful for camping. Not strong enough to sit on or anything, but use a chair (your mother and I raised you better)." —George Teuber

"Perfect for camping. Lightweight but sturdy, easy to assemble. Collapses and stores in the included storage bag. I use it for my small Weber Charcoal Grill." —jeepnyakin

Get it on Amazon for $42.99.

20. A portable propane stove perfect for cooking all your favorite campsite recipes, whether they're super low-effort or decidedly extra.

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It's big enough to fit both a 10-inch and a 12-inch pan right next to each other and folds down for easy storage and transport.

Promising review: "This stove is a lifesaver and we absolutely love it. There are no bad things I can say about it, and if it ever broke, we would replace it with the same stove immediately. It's a game changer for camping. We used to just cook everything and heat our coffee water on a campfire which can just take forever. This stove heats up SO quickly and saves so much time. It is incredibly simple to use, just pop it open, connect the propane port to the stove, connect the propane tank to the port, turn the dial on the stove to start the propane, and fire it up! It takes only a few minutes and the flame is strong for fast cooking. One small Coleman propane tank lasts us multiple camping trips depending on use. We have also busted this stove out when our power goes out at home as well which has been a huge help." —The Litsingers

Get it on Amazon for $43.88.

21. Or a full-fledged propane camp stove/oven range so you can eat incredible cinnamon rolls while gazing at incredible views, with none of the stress of campfire cooking.

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Promising review: "This thing is the BEST! Maybe the greatest camping purchase ever. I bought it and immediately brought it to a campground/festival we were at for eight days of no-hookup camping in Maine, and it was the bomb. I made three fruit pies using the Pillsbury refrigerator crust, puff pastry topped with Newfoundland snow crab, two batches of biscuits, baked haddock, countless pots of pour-over coffee, a giant pot of steamers, reheated clam chowder, popcorn, cookies, you get the idea. We went through 4-5 pounds of propane. Overall, if you're on the fence — just get it. You won't be sorry!" —Buddy

Get it on Amazon for $234.52 (and a carrying bag for $61.99).

22. A compact cooking set to heat up simple one-person meals without weighing down your pack.

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It comes with the little pot, its locking lid, and two insulated plastic cups.

Promising review: "When using a fuel canister/stove for my cook system, I pair it with this. The stove actually fits inside this, inside the mugs. I backpack in midwest and West (Sierras), and haven't found anything about I don't like. Easy to clean, stores well. I've cooked next to folks with systems that cost 10x as much and we'll eat at about the same time, and will share the trail again in the morning! It's a good, low-risk, entry-level, kit. I've also used it car camping for simple oatmeal/coffee breakfast, over open-fire." —Fredonyer it is!

Get it on Amazon for $12.38.

23. A classic flat-top, cast-iron Dutch oven perfect if you do want to try campfire cooking and make meals like you're on the Oregon Trail.

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Promising review: "There is just something about cooking with a camp dutch oven. Don't know if it is the wonderfully even heat of cast iron, the ease of using coals, or the way things taste, but it is the best way to cook a wide variety of items. If you've never baked with a camp dutch oven you will have a great time doing it and amaze your family and friends once you get the hang of it. You see the feet? That's what makes it a "camp" dutch oven. Many people have dutch ovens for their stove tops and they are great, but with these you can cook using charcoal or over a wood fire. You can roast, cook, bake, fry, and use it as a griddle. If properly taken care of you will end up passing it down for generations." —David K. Crabtree

Get it on Amazon for $47.53+ (available in three sizes). You might also want to consider a lid lifter ($11.52 on Amazon) and/or a lid stand ($12.94 on Amazon), to make opening and moving the pot around a bit easier.

24. And The Camp Dutch Oven Cookbook, which will give you all the basic how-tos you need to know plus a bunch of delicious five-ingredient recipes to try with your new pot. You'll be the a campfire master chef in no time!

Rockridge Press

Promising review: "As a novice Dutch oven chef, I found the intro sections very useful (how many coals for a given temperature, how to season, even a suggested camping menu). More importantly, though, the recipes are easy to follow and prepare, and the food turns out great. I've cooked my way through many (but not all) of them and have yet to find a dud. Depending on the setting, I've used charcoal, a campfire, and the oven in my kitchen, and despite my mediocre abilities, the output has been good." —G. Burnett

Get it on Amazon for $11.79.

25. A set of enameled dishes for four because if you camp with your family often enough it's sometimes nice to eat off of something a little sturdier than paper plates.

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Of course if you love paper plates, keep doing you! Just take your trash with ya.

Promising review: "Love this camping set! Cups, bowls and plates are good quality, beautiful blue speckled and a nice size. The silverware is very cheap but for the price it was cheaper to buy it this way. We did take it camping and I loved how easy they were to wash. When you are washing in a bucket, at a campground, it's great when the food comes off easily. We have a family of six and I bought two sets. Should buy one more set for next camping year. These are so cute I want to use them in my kitchen!" —Tessa

Get the set on Amazon for $29.99.

26. A pop-up trash can — not every campsite comes with a good spot to put trash, and something like this is *much* better than trying to find a place to tie a bag so it doesn't blow away.

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Promising review: "I shouldn't love a trash can this much, but I do. It's PERFECT for camping. My trash bags weren't big enough to fit correctly, but that worked out because it allowed me to have a trash bag and recycling bag in one spot. Zips up to keep the bugs out, every camper should own one. If you keep it clean it doubles as great storage too for all the smaller camping accessories so you can make less trips to the car for packing." —Melissa Vice

Get it on Amazon for $19.99.

27. A mini dishes tool that makes cleaning up even the grimiest cooking pot a breeze, especially if you're backpacking.

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Promising review: "Works great! The scrub brush is a little small (like three toothbrushes lined up), but you can’t expect much from something designed to be small and lightweight. Regardless, it’s still effective at lathering soap and removing gunk. Just takes a little more elbow grease than a larger dish scrubber. The scraping edge, of course, works like any scraper and is very effective. Packs easily into my cook pot for camping, and my pack for cleaning reusable dishes after lunch in the office cafeteria." —Andrew

Get it on Amazon for $4.95.

28. A huge 120-quart cooler — it basically has superpowers, because it can keep ice from melting even while it sits in the direct sun day after day.

coleman.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "The claim that this cooler keeps ice for up to six days is LEGIT. I loaded this cooler up on Thursday morning as we were going camping. Sunday night when I returned home, the ice had barely melted. The daily temperature during our camping trip was average 75–80 degrees. Cooler was in the sun most of the time. Since Sunday, I've left it in the sun (90 degree average temp.) to see how long the ice would last. After 6 days, still has enough ice to cool food or drinks. I started out with four 10-lb blocks of ice and one 20lb bag of ice cubes. This morning (Wednesday), was the sixth day and the ice is still there. This cooler is well worth the money!" —Laura Pinola

Get it on Amazon for $44.99.

29. Or a smaller soft cooler that'll keep everything nice and chilled for a weekend in the woods.

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It all depends on how many people you're feeding, of course! And (as with any cooler), everything will stay much colder if you follow all of the included instructions and pre-chill it

Promising review: "Excellent cooler, keeps things cold over 24 hours if not in direct sun. The bag is leak-proof and the soft material allows for flexibility in transportation (and what seems like less total space). I've used this for grocery delivery, groceries, and for camping. Easy clean-up. Excellent bag. Worth the price." —J.R. Collins

Get it on Amazon for $49.95+ (four sizes available in eight colors. The cover on this is canvas; if you prefer something vinyl, you can get the same cooler with a vinyl outer layer on Amazon for $59.95+).

30. A mini utility tool to fit right on your keychain. It can tackle any loose screws, stubborn sticks, or unopened bottles that cross your path — whether you're at a campsite or not!

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Remember to leave it at home if you get on an airplane, though!

Promising review: "I love having this on my keychain! I often find myself needing and a small screwdriver for various quick repairs at home and at my office and this tool fit the bill. I even made use of it several times on a camping trip where we had forgotten to bring tools to assemble a small grill. The only minor downside of this product is it can be a little bit difficult to open at times, but then again its good to know its secure to your keyring and won't accidentally come off. The tool's slim but solid and blends in nicely with the rest of my keys, despite being longer than a standard key. Overall an incredibly useful and versatile product and all for less than $10!" —Jon E.

Get it on Amazon for $11.20.

31. A magnesium fire starter that'll work in any weather and take up almost no space in your camping gear, just in case (or just for fun).

amazon.com

Promising review: "Other flint and steel combinations I've owned have had a metal rod and then a small magnesium dowel inset into the the top of the steel rod. But, if my understanding of the rod is correct, you get a full rod of magnesium — several times the amount of magnesium you get in most other flint and steel combinations. I also like is the saw-tooth edge, which allows you to scrape off magnesium so it lands on your tinder. This extends the spark, increasing the chances you'll start the fire. And I think the solid magnesium will last a long time." —The Ideator

Get it on Amazon for $14.99 (five colors).

32. Insect repellent made with Picaridin instead of DEET, which means it works to repel biting flies as well as mosquitos — as well as ticks, chiggers, and gnats.

amazon.com

Learn more about the differences between different repellents here and here.

Promising review: "I live near rice fields, which means mosquitoes all day, every day, 10 months of the year. I was really disappointed with DEET products: most are aerosols, and they quit spraying while you have about half the product left in the can. I found this product from the Consumer Reports review and decided to try it. It is VERY effective. When I use this, I don't even see mosquitoes in my vicinity! It has a light scent that fades within 20 minutes, but keeps working for hours. I walk my dogs 2–3 times per day, and most other products are pretty effective, but I will notice that clouds of mosquitoes following me, especially after a long walk (they are attracted to the CO2 you exhale). Not so with this: mosquitoes keep their distance. This is also long lasting — I spray it once and don't need to reapply for up to 7 hours." —L. Bradford

You can buy it in sixteen different sizes and applications, like two bottles of spray for $13.40 (that's $6.70 each).

The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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