The Best Camping Gear to Jump-Start Your Adventures (2024)

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Adrienne So

Gear

Enjoy nature with WIRED’s favorite outdoor products and essentials.

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The Best Camping Gear to Jump-Start Your Adventures (3)

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The weather is getting warmer, and as more and more people get vaccinated, millions of Americans are feeling more comfortable heading to the great outdoors. I asked my WIRED colleagues for their favorite camping picks from this long, strange year. Now that the sun is out, we want to help you get as much fresh air and socially distanced fun as possible.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Updated May 2021: We removed older picks and added new ones, like the DJI Air 2S.

  • The Best Camping Gear to Jump-Start Your Adventures (7)

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Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Senior Associate Reviews Editor

TopicsShoppingcamping gearcampingbuying guidesoutdoors

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The Best Camping Gear to Jump-Start Your Adventures (2024)

FAQs

What camping essentials are best? ›

Our camping essentials checklist:
  • Tent.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Camping mat.
  • Air bed.
  • Camping chair.
  • Camping lights.
  • Windbreak.
  • Pop up privacy tent.

What is the best set up for camping? ›

First, you'll want to find a spot that's level and clear of debris. Then, you'll want to make sure you have enough space for your tent and all of your gear. Next, you'll want to set up a tarp or some other form of shelter in case of bad weather. And finally, you'll want to create a fire ring for cooking and warmth.

What might I forget about camping? ›

CAMPING NECESSITIES
  • WOOD. We can't tell you how many times the one thing you forgot to bring is the wood for the fire. ...
  • WET WIPES. ...
  • BATTERIES. ...
  • DUCT TAPE. ...
  • FUEL. ...
  • ICE. ...
  • WATER. ...
  • HATCHET/HAMMER.
Mar 22, 2023

What is the most essential tool for survival? ›

A fire starter is perhaps the single most important survival tool you can have in your kit, because it will help you cook food, boil water, stay warm, and sleep safely without worrying about predators.

What is the rule #1 of camping? ›

Respecting nature is the rule #1 of camping. Leave no trace behind to preserve the environment. Dispose of waste properly to protect wildlife. Follow fire safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

What is the number one rule of camping? ›

One of the most well-known rules of camping is the Leave No Trace mantra, which all campers should be following. This means that whatever you've done to your campsite or the wilderness, you need to make sure you haven't left a trace once you are gone.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for camping? ›

For example, the 2-2-2 rule for RVing means you limit your travel to 200 miles a day, check in to your campground at 2 pm, and camp for no less than 2 days. The 3-3-3 rule ups everything to 300 miles, 3 pm check-in time, and a 3-day stay.

What is the 333 rule for camping? ›

What is the 3-3-3 Rule of RV Travel? The 3-3-3 rule is a set of guidelines for how you can structure your travel for maximum enjoyment by driving only 300 miles per day, camping for three nights in every campground, and arriving at your site by 3 PM.

What is the golden rule of camping? ›

Perhaps the golden rule of camping, always leave no trace that you were ever there. Whether you're packing up after a week of camping or just stopped by the outhouse for a moment, always leave the area in better condition than you found it. Always check for garbage before you leave.

What should you not do when camping? ›

Check out our list of what not to do when camping!
  1. Forget to do campsite research. You should always thoroughly research the campsite you're staying out. ...
  2. Not test your equipment. ...
  3. Ignore camping etiquette. ...
  4. Go on a fancy slimming diet. ...
  5. Bring certain foods. ...
  6. Pack bottled beverages. ...
  7. Forget to check the weather. ...
  8. Bring your pet.
Jun 27, 2022

What food to bring camping? ›

Best Lunches to Eat When Camping

Trail mix, granola or protein bars, apple slices, cubed cheese, salami and jerky are all lunch favorites. If I know I'm going to have a cooler with me, hummus is still on the menu, although I make my own hummus at at home now and pack it in a reusable container.

What food to take camping without a fridge? ›

Non-Refrigerated Camping Food To Consider
  • Bagels with cream cheese.
  • Cereal with powdered milk.
  • Instant oatmeal.
  • Honey or syrup.
  • Toast with peanut butter.
  • Homemade or store-bought muffins.
  • Tortillas.
  • Breakfast-style potatoes.

What equipment would you need for wild camping? ›

  • Sleeping Bag.
  • Tent.
  • Stove.
  • Head Torch.
  • First Aid Kit & Multi-Tool.
  • Water Bottle & Water Purification.
  • Map & Compass.
  • Sun Cream & Insect Repellent.

What are the best packing tips for camping? ›

8 Tips for Packing Like a Camping Pro | Camping Packing Tips
  • Check your gear at the beginning of the season. ...
  • Keep your gear organized. ...
  • Use checklists (and check them twice) ...
  • Pack for easy unpacking. ...
  • Repackage what you can. ...
  • Use dry bags even on dry days. ...
  • Meal prep in advance. ...
  • Pack a portable washing machine (or quarters)
Mar 13, 2020

What do you need power for when camping? ›

Everyday electrical devices, kitchen appliances such as cookers, coffee makers, kettles and toasters, but also entertainment electronics need electricity to function. That's why you should consider the appropriate equipment for the power supply at the camping site before your trip.

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