EssentialBig Agnes
Copper Spur UL1 Tent
The one-person version of Big Agnes's best-known freestanding backpacking tent, at about 2 pounds on the trail. People pick it for a quick, pole-supported pitch and a covered awning door.
1-Person Tents
TrendingDurston
X-Mid 1 Tent
A double-wall solo tent that pitches with two trekking poles and weighs about 26 ounces. People pick it for the price, the two doors and vestibules, and how well it sheds wind and rain.
TrendingZpacks
Plex Solo Classic Tent
A single-wall Dyneema tent for one person that weighs about 12 ounces and pitches with one trekking pole. Long-distance hikers pick it for the very low weight with a roomy, tall interior.
2-Person Tents
TrendingBig Agnes
Copper Spur UL2 Tent
A freestanding two-person backpacking tent that weighs under 3 pounds, with two doors, two vestibules and steep walls for headroom. People pick it because it is light but still roomy and well built.
EssentialBig Agnes
Tiger Wall UL2 Tent
A semi-freestanding two-person tent that weighs about 2 pounds 3 ounces on the trail. People pick it as a very light tent that still uses poles, often as a roomy solo shelter.
TrendingDurston
X-Mid 2 Tent
A two-person trekking-pole tent that weighs about 31 ounces and costs much less than most tents its weight. People pick it for big vestibules, airflow and a fly-first pitch.
EssentialMSR
Hubba Hubba LT 2 Tent
The current two-person Hubba Hubba: a freestanding tent with a true rectangular floor, two doors and a single hub pole. People pick it for space, sturdy build and an easy pitch.
EssentialNEMO
Dagger OSMO 2P Tent
A freestanding two-person tent with a lot of floor and vestibule space for its weight. People pick it when they want one tent for both backpacking and car camping.
TrendingNEMO
Hornet OSMO 2P Tent
An ultralight, semi-freestanding tent at about 2 pounds 8 ounces packed. Many people buy the two-person size as a roomy shelter for one.
3-Person Tents
EssentialBig Agnes
Copper Spur UL3 Tent
A freestanding three-person backpacking tent that weighs about 3 pounds 6 ounces on the trail. People pick it for a light tent that holds a small group, with two doors and awning-style vestibules.
EssentialMSR
Hubba Hubba LT 3 Tent
A freestanding three-person backpacking tent with a true rectangular floor and a single hub pole. People pick it for space, durability and storm protection on group trips.
EssentialNEMO
Aurora 3P Tent & Footprint
A budget-friendly freestanding three-person tent that ships with its footprint. People pick it for lots of room and headroom at a modest price, accepting extra weight.
Apparel
EssentialDarn Tough
Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Midweight merino hiking socks that sit just above a boot collar, with terry cushion underfoot. People pick them for fit, durability and Darn Tough's lifetime guarantee.
EssentialMarmot
PreCip Eco Rain Jacket
An inexpensive, light rain shell with pit zips and a hood that rolls into the collar. People pick it as an affordable, packable jacket for everyday rain and casual hikes.
EssentialPatagonia
Nano Puff Jacket
A light synthetic insulated jacket with 60 g PrimaLoft fill that packs into its own chest pocket. People pick it because it stays warm when damp and works on the trail and around town.
EssentialSmartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew
A midweight, 100% merino wool long-sleeve base layer with a slim fit and flatlock seams. People pick it for warmth on cold mornings and because it can be worn for days without smelling.
Backpacks
TrendingGregory
Baltoro 65 Pack
A comfort-focused 65-liter pack for heavy backcountry loads. Gregory reworked its suspension for the current model, and people pick it when they want a pack that moves with them under weight.
TrendingHyperlite Mountain Gear
Southwest 55 Pack
A light, roll-top Dyneema pack with solid outside pockets, sold in 40, 55 and 70 liter sizes. Thru-hikers and off-trail hikers pick it because it sheds water and shrugs off rock and brush at a low weight.
EssentialOsprey
Exos 58 Pack
A light framed backpacking pack with a suspended mesh back that keeps air moving between you and the load. People pick it for multi-day trips when they want comfort and good ventilation at under 3 pounds, with the option to strip parts off to save weight.
EssentialOsprey
Aether 65 Pack
A 65-liter backpacking pack built to carry heavy loads on long trips. People pick it for its adjustable fit and a harness that gets more comfortable as the load goes up.
EssentialOsprey
Ariel 65 Pack
The women's-fit version of Osprey's big load-carrying pack. It is chosen for multi-day trips where comfort with a heavy load matters more than shaving weight.
EssentialULA Equipment
Circuit Pack
A 68-liter roll-top pack that weighs a little over two pounds and fits a bear canister upright. It is one of the most common packs on long trails, picked for its roomy pockets and custom sizing.
Camp Dishes
NewSea to Summit
XLite Collapsible Bowl
A new-for-2026 collapsible camp bowl with a stiff base and rim, made to fold flat and nest with the rest of Sea to Summit's XLite kitchen line.
NewSea to Summit
XLite Collapsible Plate, Bowl & Mug Set
A one-person collapsible dish kit with a plate, bowl and mug that fold flat and stack in a zippered sack. Part of Sea to Summit's new 2026 XLite line.
EssentialSea to Summit
Frontier UL Cutlery Set - 3 Piece
A light knife, fork and spoon set in hard-anodized aluminum that clips together with a mini carabiner. A step up from plastic camp utensils without the price of titanium.
EssentialSea to Summit
Detour Stainless Steel Collapsible Mug
A 475 ml camp mug with a stainless steel base and silicone walls that squash down to about an inch and a quarter tall. Good for coffee at camp when pack space is tight.
EssentialTOAKS
Titanium Long Handle Spoon
A long, light titanium spoon made to reach the bottom of a freeze-dried meal bag or a tall pot. People pick it because it is cheap, nearly unbreakable and keeps their knuckles out of the food.
Coffee
Copper Cow Coffee
Pour Over Coffee
Single-serve Vietnamese coffee packets with a built-in paper filter that hooks over your mug. People pick them for real brewed coffee at camp with no press, cone or cleanup, just hot water.
Death Wish Coffee
Instant Coffee
Single-serve packets of dark roast instant coffee that mix with hot or cold water. People pick it for a very strong caffeine hit in a flat packet that weighs almost nothing in a pack.
EssentialGSI Outdoors
Ultralight Java Drip
A fold-flat nylon mesh pour-over cone with three clip-on legs that sit on top of your mug. People pick it because it brews real ground coffee for less than half an ounce and about eleven dollars.
Cookware
EssentialSea to Summit
Frontier UL One Pot Cook Set - 2L, 5 Piece
A two-person cook kit built around a 2-liter non-stick aluminum pot, with two bowls and two cups that nest inside. A tidy way to cook and eat for two from one pot.
Coolers
EssentialYETI
Tundra 45 Cooler
A rotomolded hard cooler with thick insulation and a gasketed lid. People pick it for long ice life and toughness on road trips and at camp.
Daypacks
EssentialOsprey
Talon 22 Pack
A 22-liter framed daypack with a padded hipbelt and adjustable torso. Hikers pick it for long days when they want a small pack that rides close and stays put.
EssentialOsprey
Daylite Plus Pack
A simple 20-liter daypack that works for short hikes, travel days and errands. People pick it because it is light, inexpensive and comfortable for everyday loads.
Family Tents
EssentialBig Agnes
Big House 6 Tent
A six-person car camping tent with near-vertical walls and a peak tall enough to stand in. People pick it for livable space and an easy setup.
EssentialBig Agnes
Bunk House 4 Tent
A four-person camping tent with a very large front vestibule that works as a covered porch. People pick it for that extra living space and the option to pitch the fly alone as a sun shelter.
EssentialKelty
Wireless 6 Tent
A large six-person dome tent for car camping at a moderate price. People pick it for floor space, standing height and a quick, simple setup.
EssentialNEMO
Aurora Highrise Camping Tent
A tall, freestanding car-camping tent sold in 4-person and 6-person sizes. Families pick it for standing room, two big doors and a setup one person can manage.
First Aid
EssentialAdventure Medical Kits
Ultralight / Watertight .7 First Aid Kit
A small first-aid kit with a waterproof inner bag inside a water-resistant outer pouch. People pick it for day trips and short overnights where a dry kit matters, like paddling.
Food Storage
EssentialBearVault
BV500 Journey Bear Canister
A large, clear, hard-sided bear canister with a tool-free screw lid. People pick it for longer trips in bear country, and for parks that require a canister, because it holds a lot of food for its weight.
EssentialUrsack
Major Bear-Resistant Bag
A soft, bear-resistant food sack made of tightly woven UHMWPE fabric that you tie to a tree instead of hanging or carrying a hard canister. People pick it because it is far lighter and easier to pack than a canister.
Furniture
TrendingHelinox
Chair One (re) Camp Chair
A low, packable camp chair with a shock-corded aluminum frame and a fabric sling, packing into a 14 x 4.5 x 4.5 in bag. People pick it because it's comfortable for its weight and sets up in a minute.
Gear Bags
EssentialPatagonia
Black Hole Duffel 55L
A weather-resistant 55-liter duffel with backpack straps that packs into its own pocket. It is a long-standing favorite for road trips, flights and gear hauling.
EssentialSea to Summit
Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack
Very light drawcord sacks for sorting clothes, food and small gear inside a pack. They come in several sizes and colors so you can find things fast.
EssentialSea to Summit
Evac Ultralight Compression Dry Bag
A light roll-top dry bag with compression straps and an air-permeable base, so you can squeeze a sleeping bag or clothes small without a purge valve. Made for use inside a pack.
EssentialThe North Face
Base Camp Duffel - Medium
A heavy, coated duffel built to haul gear on road trips and flights. The medium size holds about 71 liters and carries by hand or on the back.
Lighting
TrendingBioLite
AlpenGlow 500 Lantern
A rechargeable 500-lumen camp lantern with warm and cool white light, color modes, and a USB port that can charge a phone. Families like it for lighting a tent or picnic table without harsh glare.
EssentialBlack Diamond
Spot 400 Headlamp
A small, waterproof headlamp that runs on three AAA batteries or Black Diamond's rechargeable BD 1500 pack. People pick it because it is bright enough for camp and trail, runs a long time on low, and costs less than most rechargeable lamps.
UCO
Original Candle Lantern
A small collapsible aluminum lantern that burns one UCO candle behind a glass chimney, with a spring that pushes the candle up as it burns. People pick it for quiet, soft light at camp, a little warmth on cold nights, and light that needs no batteries.
Pillows
EssentialNEMO
Fillo Backpacking & Camping Pillow
An air pillow topped with a layer of foam and a soft, washable cover. People pick it because it feels closer to a home pillow than most camp pillows.
EssentialSea to Summit
Aeros Down Pillow
A small inflatable pillow with a thin layer of down on top. People pick it because it packs to the size of a fist and feels softer than a bare air pillow.
EssentialTherm-a-Rest
Compressible Pillow Cinch
A foam camp pillow with a cinch cord that lets you make it firmer or softer. People pick it because there is nothing to inflate and nothing to pop.
Safety
EssentialCounter Assault
Bear Deterrent Spray
An EPA-registered bear deterrent spray from Counter Assault, sold here as the 8.1 oz canister with a belt holster. People carry it in bear country as a backup they can reach in a hurry.
NewGarmin
inReach Mini 3
A pocket-size satellite communicator for two-way texting and SOS where there is no cell signal. The Mini 3 adds a color touchscreen and a bigger battery over the Mini 2.
Sleeping Bags
TrendingEnlightened Equipment
Revelation 20 Quilt
A down backpacking quilt that opens flat like a blanket and straps to your sleeping pad. People pick it to save weight and space over a mummy bag at a fair price.
EssentialKelty
Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag
A 550-fill down mummy bag rated to 20°F, sold by Kelty as the Cosmic Down 20. People pick it because it is one of the least expensive real down bags, and it packs smaller than most synthetic bags at the same price.
EssentialMountain Hardwear
Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag
A 15-degree down mummy bag at a moderate price. People pick it as a first good down bag for cool backpacking and camping nights.
EssentialNEMO
Disco 15 Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag
A down sleeping bag with NEMO's wide "spoon" shape, so side and stomach sleepers can bend their knees. People pick it for comfort and features over the lowest weight.
EssentialSea to Summit
Spark 15 Down Sleeping Bag
A very light down mummy bag that packs small for its warmth. People pick it for shoulder-season backpacking when weight and pack space matter most.
Sleeping Pads
EssentialNEMO
Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad
A 3.5-inch inflatable pad with an R-value of 5.4 that stays quiet when you roll over. People pick it for warm, comfortable sleep from spring into cold shoulder seasons.
EssentialSea to Summit
Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad
A 4-inch insulated air pad with an R-value of 4.1 and a cushy, cell-style surface. People pick it for comfort, especially side sleepers.
EssentialTherm-a-Rest
NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
A 3-inch inflatable backpacking pad that weighs about 13 ounces and rolls up to the size of a water bottle. People pick it for a strong mix of warmth, comfort and low weight on trips where every ounce counts.
EssentialTherm-a-Rest
Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad
A folding closed-cell foam pad with a reflective coating. People pick it because it can't pop, sets up instantly, and doubles as a sit pad or extra layer under an air pad.
Stoves
EssentialCamp Chef
Everest 2X Stove
A two-burner propane stove for car camping, with high-output burners and a large cooking surface. It is a top pick in several camp stove tests for simmer control and power.
Jetboil
Flash Cooking System
An all-in-one canister stove: burner, 1-liter pot and insulated cozy that lock together and pack as one unit. People pick it to boil water for coffee and freeze-dried meals fast, with a push-button start.
TrendingJetboil
Stash Cooking System
Jetboil's lightest cook system: a small burner and a 0.8-liter aluminum heat-exchanger pot, with the stove and a small fuel canister packing inside the pot.
EssentialMSR
PocketRocket 2 Stove
A tiny burner that screws onto a fuel canister, with fold-out arms to hold your own pot. People pick it because it is very light, easy to use, simmers well and lasts for years.
EssentialMSR
WindBurner Personal Stove System
An all-in-one canister stove with an enclosed radiant burner and a 1-liter heat-exchanger pot that locks on. People pick it because it keeps boiling in wind that stalls open-flame stoves.
EssentialMSR
PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
A tiny screw-on canister stove with a push-button igniter and pressure regulator. It is a step up from the basic PocketRocket for people who want steadier heat in cold or wind.
EssentialMSR
WhisperLite Universal Stove
A hybrid backpacking stove that runs on canister gas, white gas, kerosene or unleaded gasoline. People pick it for long trips, cold weather, travel and emergency kits where fuel choice matters.
Tools
EssentialLeatherman
Wave+ Multi-Tool
A full-size, 18-tool Leatherman with pliers, wire cutters, two blades, saw, file and drivers. People pick it as the one tool that handles camp chores, vehicle fixes and gear repairs.
Trekking Poles
EssentialBlack Diamond
Trail Trekking Poles
Three-section, adjustable aluminum trekking poles with FlickLock lever locks and EVA foam grips.
Water Filters
EssentialKatadyn
BeFree AC 1.0L Water Filter Bottle
A 1-liter soft flask with a filter built into the cap: dip it in a stream, screw on the cap and drink or squeeze. People pick it for fast flow, a wide mouth that fills easily and how flat it packs.
EssentialSawyer
Squeeze Water Filter System
A palm-size hollow-fiber filter that screws onto a soft pouch or a plain water bottle; you squeeze dirty water through it into a bottle or straight into your mouth. People pick it because it is light, fast, cheap to run and works three ways: squeeze, inline on a hydration hose, or as a gravity filter.