The best camping gear, according to National Geographic staff

There's no way to know if camping gear will really work without testing it out, so we polled staffers at National Geographic on their favorite tried and true camping gear. Our top choices cover the essentials, ensuring you're equipped for any adventure. From sturdy tents to cozy sleeping bags, our camping gear list includes stuff you'll want to bring on your next adventure, whether you're the car camping type or a rugged wilderness explorer. 

The best camping gear, according to Nat Geo Staff

Here are the products our staff members love.

Our favorite dish pan for camping: Tiawudi Collapsable Dish Pan

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: We love the convenience and quality of the Tiawudi Collapsible Dish Pan, especially its collapsible design, which is great for outdoor enthusiasts who want to maximize storage efficiency without sacrificing functionality. When expanded, the dishpan holds up to 8.5 liters (2.25 gallons). It collapses to about 3.8 inches and can easily be tucked away. 

We also like that the dish pan's material is durable and made with flexible thermoplastic rubber. The plastic rim and base feel sturdy enough to withstand the potential weight, and the dishpan is also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. Plus, those who have purchased the pan rave about its quality, ease of storage, and durability, highlighting its versatility for all kinds of camping adventures.

Keep in mind: While the Tiawudi pan is collapsible, some users have found the collapsed height of 3.8 centimeters slightly taller than expected, which could affect storage in certain situations. 

Product details: Capacity: 8.51 liters | Collapsed Height: 3.81 centimeters | Expanded Measurements: 40 cm x 28.89 cm W x 14.92 cm H 

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Our favorite men’s hiking boots: Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: The top spot for our favorite men’s hiking boots goes to the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof boot because of its thoughtful design. The B-Dry waterproofing material is claimed to give the boots a breathable yet waterproof quality, allowing sweat to ventilate without letting moisture in. Customers back the claim up, noting that the boot stays incredibly dry through wet and muddy conditions.  
Another feature that stands out to us is Oboz’s proprietary EVA rubber midsole, which gives the shoe a lighter feel without compromising on durability. The boot's height also offers good ankle support on rocky terrain. 

Keep in mind: While the majority of customers praise the quality and comfort of these boots, opinions on the sizing of the boots are mixed, with some reviews noting that the boots tend to run small. 

Product details: Weight: 19.4 oz | Heel drop: 8mm | Size range: 7-15, regular and wide width | Color options: 4 colors | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: B-Dry membrane and mesh upper, rubberized EVA midsole

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Our favorite lantern for camping: LuminAID Solar Camping Lantern

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Our staff's favorite lantern is the LuminAID solar camping lantern, thanks to its brightness and its portability. With 75 lumens of LED light, multiple brightness settings, and the choice between a bright white and warm white light, the lantern works for both indoor and outdoor use. 

We like the versatility of the lantern, being chargeable by USB and solar power (it takes about 10 hours of bright sunlight to fully charge). The lantern is also collapsible, saving valuable packing space. An added bonus is the history of the lantern. The lantern was initially featured on Shark Tank, and created to be a cost-effective light solution for areas hit by disasters. 

Keep in mind: While the LuminAID solar camping lantern is chargeable by solar power, some users have found the charging time via solar to be too slow in less sunny conditions. It may not be the best option to rely on for extended camping trips if bright sunlight is not guaranteed. 

Product details: Weight: 5.3 oz | Brightness: 75 lumens | Charging options: solar and USB | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Colors: Bright white and warm white

Our favorite sleeping bag for camping: Marmot Sawtooth 15° Sleeping Bag

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The Marmot Sawtooth 15° Sleeping Bag made it on our staff’s best camping gear list thanks to its warmth, versatility, and thoughtful design features for a relatively affordable price. The dual side zippers and zippered foot box allow for easy temperature regulation, letting you customize your sleeping experience to stay just right, whether you're camping in chilly temperatures or warmer climates. Additionally, features like the hood and draft collar ensure that warmth is distributed evenly and retained throughout the night. 

With a temperature rating of 15 degrees Fahrenheit and 650-fill-power down insulation (indicating the quality of the down), this three-season sleeping bag ensures a cozy night's sleep even in milder winter weather conditions. We also like that Marmot only uses Responsible Down Standard certified down in its products. 

Keep in mind: Although very warm, the Sawtooth 15° is not a tight-packing, lightweight sleeping bag thanks to the 650-fill-power, and it may not be the best camping gear for those who need ultralight gear. The sleeping bag zipper design can also be limiting to taller individuals as the zippers only extend halfway down the bag. 

Product details: Temperature Rating: 15°F | Fill: 650-fill-power duck down | Weight: Regular: 2 lbs. 14.2 oz., Long: 3 lbs. 0.3 oz. | Shell: Recycled nylon

Our favorite camping tent: NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P Tent

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P is a lightweight backpacking tent that can fit up to two people in all kinds of weather. Thanks to the OSMO™ polyester/nylon ripstop fabric, which has been updated from previous versions, the tent is water-repellent for up to four times longer, according to the company. 

The tent’s design is also convenient, with color-coded poles and webbing. A few thoughtful touches that we appreciate are the Nightlight Pockets™, which hold headlamps in place to make a little tent lantern, and the storage area on the side for gear. We also really like the fact that the fabric is made of 100 percent recycled material and doesn’t use fire-retardant chemicals.

Keep in mind: While this tent is lightweight, it’s not the lightest backpacking tent out there. Some users have also highlighted that the tent’s bottom isn’t entirely waterproof, especially when pitched on damp ground. If you’re using it on wet grounds, we recommend purchasing the groundsheet as well. 

Product details: Seasons: 3-season | Capacity: 2-person | Weight: 4lb 3oz | Design type: Freestanding | Floor area: 31.3 square feet | Peak height: 42 inches

Our favorite trail maps: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps

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Why we like it: National Geographic has an extensive offering of trail maps, with 416 trail-illustrated titles, including national parks. This isn’t the only reason they’re our favorite trail map. The topographic maps are packed with information for different usages, indicating everything from backroads and trails and campgrounds to mines and shipwrecks. One reviewer even noted that their National Geographic map often had more information than the National Park Service visitor center. 

A detail that we love? The illustrated maps retain the best part of a paper map—being able to write on them—without the inconveniences of the traditional paper map. Made with a material that is both waterproof and tear-resistant, they’re meant to survive in rugged environments. 

Keep in mind: While waterproof, some reviewers have pointed out that certain liquids like insect repellent and sunscreen can cause the map to smear. 

Product details: Weight: 3 oz | Folded size: varies around 4.25" x 9.25" 

Our favorite camping stove: Jetboil Flash

Buy it now at Backcountry

Why we like it: Our favorite camping stove is the Jetboil Flash. The Flash system is incredibly convenient to set up, and the boil speed is rapid. It holds up to one liter of water, making it a good option for two-person camping trips. 

The camping stove is easy to use, with a push-button ignitor that instantly turns the stove on. The sleeve even has a color-changing heat indicator to help save fuel as the water gets closer to boiling. We also love that the cooking cup is designed with insulation and a handle for easier maneuvering of hot liquids. An added bonus? It comes with a lid designed for drinking. It’s easy to detach the cooking cup and take it to go. 

Keep in mind: The Jetboil Flash is incredibly convenient for most camping situations, but it is heavy at 13.1 oz. If you’re looking for a super lightweight camping stove, there are better options for the best backpacking stoves. The stove is also not the best camping gear option for foods that require simmering, as no simmer control is included. 

Product details: Liquid capacity: 1 liter | Boil time: 100 seconds for 16 oz | Weight: 13.1 oz  | Fuel type: Isobutane fuel canister

Our favorite item for stargazing: ZWO Seestar S50

Buy it now at B&H

Why we like it: Mitchell Stover, our technical editor, raves about the ZWO Seestar S50 as his favorite portable stargazing telescope. Don’t let the size of this smart telescope fool you, the Seestar S50 captures surprisingly clear images. We love that it seamlessly integrates with smartphones, bridging the gap for stargazing enthusiasts who don’t want to lug around heavy and complicated equipment. Reviewers have also pointed out how easy the smart telescope is to set up. 

The best part? You can try your hand at astrophotography with this piece of cool camping gear. The air-space triplet apochromatic lens, the light pollution filter, and the solar filter are all features that we love. The live-stacking capabilities also allow you to enhance your photos in real time. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with 65 GB of internal memory, prepare to have this telescope cement its place on your favorite camping gear list, too.  

Keep in mind: Some users have noted that there is a small learning curve for leveling the Seesar S50; we recommend familiarizing yourself with the telescope first if you have a specific astronomical event you’d like to capture. 

Product details: Maximum Extended Height: 363mm | Compact Storage Length: 274.5mm | Net Weight: 2.5 kg | Internal Memory: 64GB

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Our favorite camping chair: REI Co-op Outward Low Lawn Chair

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The Outward Lown lawn chair was designed for you to sink into, and that’s why it’s one of the best camping chairs for us. With heavy-duty, 300-denier ripstop polyester, this chair is highly resistant to rips and has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish to fight off light rain and any stains from accidental ketchup drips. It’s fully padded and can hold up to 250 pounds. 

We love the inclusion of backpack straps and a carry handle for convenient trips to and from the car. The lawn chair also has a secure closure system to keep the chair closed while transporting. A convenient byproduct of this design is that you can also carry blankets or beach towels in the folded chair as well. 

Keep in mind: This lawn chair’s low-to-the-ground design isn’t suitable for those who may struggle with mobility or those who prefer to sit higher above the ground. 

Product details: Weight: 6lb 9oz | Capacity: 250 lb | Seat material: Polyester | Frame: Aluminum

(See other camping chair options, from recliners to rockers to a chair for kids.) 

Our favorite outdoor lamps: Ralbay Portable Outdoor Lamps

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: These versatile and practical lamps are designed specifically for outdoor use and are ideal for camping, picnics, backyard gatherings, and other outdoor activities. As our e-commerce content strategist Shannon says, this cool camping gear is the splurge to make any campsite feel more luxurious. 

The lamps are wireless and battery-operated, conveniently charging through a covered USB port. We also appreciate their IP54 waterproof rating, considering they’re designed for outdoor usage. For us, a small but appreciated touch is the light indicator that changes color when the lamps are done charging. 

Keep in mind: The charging time of these outdoor lamps has received mixed reviews, so build in some extra time if you’re planning to use them for an event or a trip. 

Product details: Weight: 4.91lbs | Brightness: 240 lumens | Charging options: USB | Battery life: 8-24 hours | Color options: 6 colors 

Tips for buying the best camping gear

Where are you camping?

Consider the location of your camping trip, whether it's in a mountainous area, a desert, a forest, or near water bodies like lakes or rivers. Different environments require different hiking gear. What weather conditions, terrain, and available amenities are you expecting?

What season are you camping in?

Select camping gear appropriate for the season you'll be camping in. For summer camping, prioritize lightweight and breathable materials; for winter camping, focus on insulation and weatherproofing to stay warm and dry. Spring and fall camping may require a combination of gear suitable for varying temperatures and weather conditions.

Are you tent camping, car camping, or in an RV?

Choose camping gear that matches your camping style. For tent camping, prioritize lightweight and compact gear that can be easily transported and set up. Car camping allows for more spacious and comfortable gear options, including larger tents, camping chairs, and portable grills. RV camping offers the convenience of bringing along home comforts, so consider space-saving and versatile gear to enhance your experience.

What activities will you be doing?

When putting together your must-have camping checklist, consider the activities you'll participate in during your camping trip, such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, or relaxing by the campfire. Then, choose gear that supports your chosen activities, such as hiking boots, fishing gear, water sports equipment, or comfortable seating options for lounging.

How often are you camping?

The number of usages you’ll realistically get out of a product should be considered when comparing the quality and price of the gear on your list. If you only go camping once or twice a year, the most high-end gear may not be worth the splurge for you. 

What is the environmental impact of the gear?

Opt for cool camping gear from brands committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to minimize your environmental footprint.

Frequently asked questions

What are some of the best camping gear brands?

Brands like REI Co-op, Coleman, and Kelty are renowned for their high-quality camping gear, offering a wide range of products designed for durability, performance, and comfort in the outdoors. Reliable camping gear brands should have a combination of longevity and performance.

What is a must-have for camping?

A few basic must-haves for camping are a camping tent, sleeping bag, and stove. If you don’t know where to start, you can reference our beginner camping checklist. Depending on the type of camping you enjoy, you can add or subtract from the camping gear list.