Gear that's earned its place in the pack.

Plain-English camping, hiking and ruck gear guides. Reviews only go up after we've actually used the gear.

⛺Tents🛌Sleeping Bags🔥Stoves & Cooking🎒Backpacks🏋️Rucking🧊Coolers🔦Lanterns & Headlamps

Buying guides

7 min read

How to Choose a Tent

Capacity, seasons, weight and pitch type decide everything. Here's how to pick without overspending.

5 min read

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Explained

A 20°F bag will not keep you cozy at 20°F. Here's what the numbers actually mean.

6 min read

Camp Stove Buying Guide

Canister, liquid fuel or integrated system? Match the stove to the trip.

Weekend car-camping essentials

  • Tent, footprint & stakes
  • Sleeping bags & pads
  • Stove, fuel & lighter
  • Cooler & water jugs
  • Headlamps + spare batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Camp chairs
  • Trash bags