Gear can make or break a camping adventure. From car camping to backcountry journeys, our experts review and test only the latest and greatest gear to help make sure that you can experience all that nature has to offer on your outdoors journeys.
Weight is of particular concern in backpacking camping trips, where campers carry everything on their backs. The lighter the gear is, the faster campers can move and less fatigue they experience.
Tents
Tents can serve many functions beyond providing shelter against unexpected rainstorms – from sleeping quarters and storage to gathering places at nighttime for families. Therefore, selecting an ideal tent should be at the top of your priority list.
Gamber recommends choosing a tent constructed of nylon fabric treated with silver for sun damage resistance and one that features welded floors and inverted seams to minimize moisture intrusion.
Tents reviewed in this year’s roundup are advertised as 6-person tents; however, manufacturers often overestimate how many people they can comfortably fit inside them. For maximum value and comfort, choose a tent large enough to comfortably accommodate all members of your group or family without feeling cramped; additionally look out for extras like Eureka! Jade’s included stuff sack with instructions sewn onto it that speeds setup and packup times.
Sleeping Bags
No matter the temperature, sleeping bags are key to an enjoyable camping trip. We spoke to camping experts Ashleigh McClary and Emily Pennington to get their input on which sleeping bag would best suit their adventures.
The Western Mountaineering Versalite backpacking bag stands out as an attractive option due to its innovative shape and features. Unlike traditional mummy-style bags, its “spoon” shape enables campers to roll over or curl up without feeling constricted by their bag – while an insulated draft collar and continuous baffles help retain heat for maximum warmth retention.
Marmot Trestles, an innovative rectangular bag perfect for car camping and accommodating two people comfortably, stands out as another winner. Crafted with recycled materials and designed to withstand temperatures down to freezing, its only drawback being its high price point; nonetheless, given the quality materials used and temperature rating rating makes this purchase worthwhile for those who enjoy cold-weather trips.
Cookware
An essential camping cookware set is essential for anyone who enjoys camping. From basic cheap pans that will do the trick to ultralight options that fit easily in your rucksack and get you through most camping excursions unhindered, having quality cookware in your arsenal will help ensure an unforgettable camping adventure experience.
The Vango Hard Anodised 1 Person Cook Kit is an example of lightweight camp cookware that’s designed for travel, featuring pots made of aluminium that have nonstick coating and double as mugs – and all this fits into a compact space-saving design.
It weighs 160 grams – making it relatively lightweight compared to similar sets. Unfortunately, its plain aluminium doesn’t conduct heat efficiently and the mug handles can burn your hands if handled improperly – these disadvantages should be considered before purchasing this set. It would work best for solo backpackers or two-person car campers who prefer cooking over an open fire.https://www.youtube.com/embed/nOKqiqUjp70