An REI Co-Op Base Camp 4 Tent so you and your camping crew have the perfect place to lay your heads at night, safe from the elements and ready for anything. Two big doors provide excellent ventilation and ensure you don't need to crawl over sleeping friends to get in and out, and the big ol' vestibules give you the perfect place to put extra gear.REI, REIA good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together or that number minus one, with room to spread out and for gear. Promising review: "This tent worked really well our first weekend in it — overnight lows in the '40s outside Austin, TX in November. There's a ton of space for us, two average-sized adults, our 5-month-old baby, and two Border Collies. Think we could easily fit one more child before needing to go to a larger size. We'd previously used the Quarter and Half Dome tents with the dogs and knew we wanted to stick with the REI tents. Setup was simple, the head height was appreciated, airflow is great, and the vestibule is very generous." — KWood Price: $489REIA pair of puffy North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules if the thought of putting your hiking shoes on when you get back to camp is a no-go. This puffy pair of camp shoes is all comfort and warmth up top with rubber traction to stay safe and secure below. The perfect balance.Promising review: "I bought these after reading slipper reviews for months… And I’m so happy I did! They are super comfy and also hold up just fine when trudging outside, even in winter temps! I can’t recommend these enough." — elegantzooPrice: $70+ (available in women's sizes 5–11 in five colors and men's sizes 7–14 in four colors)A Flexlite Air Chair so you can take a load off after setting up camp. Weighing in at just one pound and packing down into a nice little stuff sack, it's perfect to bring as a low-profile seat on a car camping trip, a nice luxury item on a backpacking trip, or to toss in your car as a just-in-case, anytime chair.REI, REIPromising review: "I never knew how much I could enjoy my PB&J on a grueling day hike until I ate it ensconced on my new throne — the Flexlite Air Chair. Easily assembled and cradled by comfort, I was the envy of every other hiker (except the one who also had this chair). We nodded to each other knowingly. Go ahead — sit on the cold ground if you want. We have seen luxury. And it is the Flexlite Air Chair. The opportunities to use this chair are endless — don’t be constrained by convention. I t’s earned a permanent place in the trunk of my car, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice for long checkout lines, swapping out those awful plastic chairs at outdoor concerts at wineries, and staging impromptu sit-ins. Thank you, REI." — Sole Sister Price: $99.95 (available in five colors)Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeedA pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks that are a little bit of moolah up front, but last forever and famously come with a lifetime guarantee — they're THAT confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs recently, and I LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend is breathable but warm (and isn't scratchy at all), and they're, well... Darn tough! Look at me walkin' around on that campground gravel!Hot tip for my hiking friends with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a size 8.5 and find that a men's medium in these socks sits great. Not too big on the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY! Promising review: " Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. The price, I feel, is justified not only by how comfy they are, but also by the lifetime warranty. Just don’t lose them!" — Jake Price: $26 (available in men's sizes S–XXL in nine colors/styles and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors)REIA classic Coleman two-burner camping stove, perfect for whipping up a full meal in the great outdoors. With two burners, a windshield, and heat control, you're gonna be the head chef of the wilderness, and everyone will be so glad to have a hot meal in their bellies before snuggling up for the night.Promising review: "We love our Coleman stove! This is the best car-camping stove we have. I am mostly a backpacker, but car camping has become more frequent as of late, so I decided to get a double-burner stove for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back of to document all of our adventures." — roseferg Price: $130Or for more lightweight adventures, a Soto Windmaster backpacking stove, I'd long heard amazing things about and can now confirm TOTALLY rules. This thing boils water in a snap, has a built-in piezo lighter that ignites super easily, and the temperature control is smooth as can be — and all weighing in at just 3.1 ounces! I thought all backpacking stoves were basically created equal, but that was before I encountered this beauty. Also great for bringing along if you want an easy coffee setup while car camping, just sayin'.Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeedThanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me for Christmas last year! Holy moly, I really was out here thinking that most stoves were the same, but I was totally proven wrong when I finally got to take the Soto Windmaster for a spin. I was using a decade-plus-old backpacking stove. No shade. I loved that thing, and "use what you have" is a really important attitude to have and share regarding gear. You don't need every new gadget. BUT! I'm really happy to say that this stove is a distinct step up. It weighs a whisper, and even though the fold-out prongs and temperature dial are tiny, they feel relatively sturdy, especially when folded in. I was shocked at how quickly water boiled for me. I didn't time it; I was busy, uhhhh, enjoying my life, but it was noticeably faster than my old one. I love the built-in piezo igniter. Just so nice to know that if I forget a lighter, I'm not up a creek, and unlike my old stove, I really only have to click it once for it to ignite. Can't wait to put a decade on this stove! Promising review: "Such a great stove, I returned my daughter's MSR (Mountain Safety Research) for another of these. No fuel leaks when you attach the fuel canister like the MSR. Also, the four prongs felt more stable in boiling water. The quick ignite was like magic. Love this purchase!!!" — Patsy Price: $69.95A Rumpl Camp Pillow if you don't want to sacrifice your home pillow to the wilderness gods but still want somewhere soft to lay your head. I love this pillow for its double-sided fabric (one side cooling, one soft), its perfectly plush feel, and its ability to fold in half into this little stuff sack.Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeedI thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific, but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig, so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl way. Price: $59.95 (available in three colors/styles)An REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie to keep your skin protected without having to get all kinds of greasy. UPF 50+ protection keeps your arms happy, and the hood means you can cover up that neck, too, especially when you tuck it under or over a hat.REI, REIPromising review: "I LOVE this hoodie! I burn quite easily, and I can't believe I've gone this long without a long-sleeve UV shirt. I love the thumb holes. It fits true to size. I wore it for a four-day trip to Miami, in and out of the ocean, hiking in the Everglades, and going out to dinner. It works for everything!" — Sarah Price: $60+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 1X–3X in seven colors and men's sizes S–XXXL, including some tall sizes, in 9 colors/styles)REIA splurge-worthy Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler, famous for keeping your food and drinks colder than you could ever imagine for days at a time. Especially if you pre-cool it before you load it up, everything from seltzers and beers for campfire time to bacon, eggs, and OJ for a special backcountry breakfast will be ready to rock.Promising review: " This is the first Yeti cooler I have ever purchased, and I am in love. We used this while camping, and the drinks were so cold they may as well have been in our refrigerator. We primed the cooler to chill it before loading it up, which was simple and made a huge difference! There was ice in our cooler three days after camping, and the drinks were still cold after sitting in our house without AC for four days in 85- to 90-degree heat! (It’s a bummer, I know.) That really says something about the quality! 10/10 if you're considering a Yeti, get a Yeti." — Steph_keen_ Price: $325 (available in seven colors)A mini multi-towel you'll find basically endless uses for while you're out in the woods. Trust me. And after you're done using it as a sweat rag, for cleaning your dishes, or drying your hands, it folds up super tiny in its stuff sack, ready to get machine-washed when you get home.REI, REIPromising review: " Great sweat towel. I clip this on the strap of my backpack. Lightweight and easy to carry. If you get a little sweaty, just pull it out. After wiping the sweat off my face, it just hangs, and the breeze dries it off, ready for the next time." — Lee Price: $9.95+ (available in four colors/styles)An REI Co-Op Siesta 20-degree sleeping bag that's oh-so-roomy, oh-so-cozy, and the perfect place for you to snuggle up on car camping trips where you can really make yourself at home. Reviewers especially love that you can unzip the bottom separately for ventilation or even unzip it all the way into a quilt. Where are my "sticks one foot out of the blanket to sleep" friends at? This is the sleeping bag for you.REI, REIPlus, the polyester shell and lining fabrics have a non-fluorinated, durable water repellent to help bead up moisture on the surface so that you stay nice and dry while you enjoy the great outdoors. Promising review: "I bought this bag for car camping, and it is my favorite bag. So far, one trip (two nights), and it only got down to the high '40s, so I stayed plenty warm. I did bring a flannel sheet, but I didn't really need it for warmth on this trip. The bag is roomy and comfortable. I love that the hood is big enough to accommodate my pillow, and I can turn easily in the bag. I also appreciate that in warmer weather, I can unzip the bottom of the bag to put a leg out (didn't need to on this trip). I usually sleep hot, but this bag did not feel confining like a mummy bag. Would recommend!" — Stedmanb Price: $149+ (available in medium, medium-wide, long, and long-wide sizes).Or a Sea to Summit Spark 15 sleeping bag if you want a bag you can add to your backpacking setup (and probably cut some pack weight while you're at it), or take for a ridiculously comfy night of car camping. It's 850+ fill goose-down packs down ridiculously small thanks to the included compression sack, and keeps you toasty warm. Its 15-degree rating means you can push into the shoulder seasons and more camping = more good days.Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeedThe Sea to Summit Spark is game-changing for cutting weight and volume in your backpacking setup while staying wildly comfortable, even in the cold. The down in this baby is so floofy and voluminous, and well-thought-out details like the draft collar both along the neckline and the entire zipper really keep heat in. I've used it for cowboy camping, where you REALLY see sleeping bags' weak points since you're exposed to so much wind, and I didn't notice any "cold spots," even along the seams. The hood is especially cozy, which is going to be even more of a delight once I get to use this baby in late fall. Sigh isn't the first year with a new piece of gear you love so exciting? I love that the compression stuff sack is included with the bag, and it helps soften the splurge, in my opinion, since lots of people buy additional compression sacks to store their bags anyway. It really does get the bag down to an unbelievably small size. The power of down at work! If I have one complaint it's that the drawstring that pulls the hood taught is oddly hard to undo (unless I'm missing something) and the zipper can be a little catch-y (though never resulting in a rip or true snag), but those are small compared to the reasons to love this bag — just want to tell you everything I know since it's a hefty tag! But I really recommend this for anyone looking for a super light mummy bag to take them into the shoulder seasons. Price: $549+ (available in regular, long, and double sizes).A Leatherman Signal multitool that slams a whopping 19 tools and functions into one little package so you're prepared for anything that comes your way in the backcountry. Okay, and in regular life, when you just need a bottle opener.REI, REIThe tools on this Leatherman include a stainless-steel blade, needle-nose/regular pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, saw, awl, can/bottle opener, carabiner, safety whistle, and a fire-starting ferro rod. Promising review: " I'm amazed at how many useful tools are crammed into this Leatherman. It took me a good hour to read through all the instructions to discover all there was. Very comfortable and easy to grip and use. Truly an amazing tool." — JoeM Price: $149.95REIA pack of Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes so you can freshen up a little bit between showers, much to the satisfaction of your campmates' noses. These specific wipes never dry out my skin, and the resealable packaging really does stay closed in my experience, keeping the remaining wipes moist and ready to use whenever you need 'em.I looooove these wipes, and you'll usually find at least a few in my backpacking and camping setup! Promising review: "I couldn’t have gone without these, five days with no running water (or baths), and these got pine tar off super easily AND helped keep the BO to a minimum. 10/10 would bring again." — kbhobbyhiker Price: $6.95+ (available in two sizes).A BioLite AspenGlow mini lantern that packs a whole lotta light into a teeny, tiny package. With a diameter of just three inches, it's a breeze to pop into any bag, and an integrated bungee makes it easy to hang almost anywhere. It's USB rechargeable and can run for 40 hours on its lowest setting, though it'll be hard to resist playing with the "party" setting, which cycles through its multicolor modes. Fun! 🤩 🪩Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeedThis little lantern RULES. I'm just a huge fan of BioLite generally, but have been really impressed by how bright and reliable this little guy is. And at the end of the day, those are the two things you really want a lantern to be! The little bungee on the back really is useful for putting it up in your tent or somewhere unconventional, and the dimmer is so easy to dial in. Promising review: "Ordered this to have a light in our tent. It’s small and compact — perfect for car camping. Also rechargeable. I also like that the lights can change color." — MLS Price: $49.95 (available in two colors)REIAn Eno DoubleNest Hammock for relaxing amongst the trees. I literally can't imagine anything I'd like to do more than chill in a hammock on a camping trip.Check out the Eno Atlas straps for a simple setup! Promising review: "The best hammock I've ever bought! I swear there is something magical woven into the material because the moment you slide in = instant relaxation mode! I wish I had purchased this hammock earlier in the season. Super easy to set up (you do need your own anchor straps), and VERY dog-friendly. I'm excited for many years of magical moments with my pup in this hammock. Worth the price tag! Very well made and VERY cozy." — Jennifer Price: $74.95 (available in seven colors)REIAn REI Co-Op 650 down jacket to stay cozy and warm in the woods. Down is known for its packability, light weight, and breathability, making it a perfect layer all year long, especially on adventures in the mountains or desert, where cool mornings and nights can sneak up on you.Promising review: "REI brand is one of the few that fits my body type, with a smaller torso/arms and wide hips. Fits well, good quality, excellent warmth for a casual mid/outer layer." — Haylee Price: $129 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and five colors)REIA self-inflating sleeping pad so you don't have to huff and puff into your pad after hiking all day while setting up your campsite. Having a nice, soft place to lay your head at night is essential, and is made all the more peaceful when you're not terrified it'll pop if you roll over on a twig just so. Promising review: "This is my first sleeping pad purchase, and I have to say I am very happy with it. For reference, I am 6’1 and 205 pounds, so the XL option was absolutely necessary, and having that 30-inch width is awesome, as I roll over often in my sleep. The pad material is pleasant, and I cannot feel the ground while lying on it. Inflating it took about two minutes with 25 to 30 breaths, so I would honestly skip a pump, especially if you’re trying to lighten your pack. Material feels durable, so hopefully it stands the test of time. Cheers." — Timbo Price: $129+ (available in regular and XL sizes and two colors).Or a Hest Foamy Sleeping Pad for anyone who refuses to be any less comfortable sleeping outdoors than they would in their comfy bed back home. More power to ya! This rollable pad has two layers of memory foam, a waterproof bottom in case your tent gets wet, and a compression harness that doubles as a welcome mat. Aw, home sweet home.REI, REINo pumping required for this pad, just unroll and enjoy! It has a handle so you can carry it to your site, and the cover is machine-washable (thank goodness). Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or an extra bed in a hotel, this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230 pounds, and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." — Jlendo Price: $279+ (available in short, regular, and regular wide sizes)A Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket to stay comfy outside, whether you're in need of extra warmth in your tent, the perfect picnic blanket, or anything in between. With a small packed size, light weight, tough fabric, and dirt- and water-resistance, this blanket is up for basically any and all adventures. My personal favorite feature? It's machine washable and dryer-safe!Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeedThe extra features on this blanket feel limitless. Oh, look, a little zipper pocket on the corner! Oo, neat, a paracord loop on the other corner! Hey, a cape clip so you can wear the darn thing! I've been rocking the same original Rumpl blanket since 2019 and have loved it from day one, but the Backcountry model is a really tasty upgrade. Highly recommend for anyone who goes outside, and yes, I know that means basically everyone. Price: $110.93+ (originally $149+, available in two sizes and eight colors) Also check out my full review on the OG Rumpl blanket for more deets on why I've been all-in on these insulated beauts for years.REISome Alpine Start instant coffee, in individual sleeves or a bulk bag (my personal preference), because having a warm cup of joe on camp mornings is more of a "need" than a "want," in my opinion. Instant makes prep easy as can be, and the taste of Alpine Start's good enough that I often just drink it at my regular house, too! I genuinely restock whenever I'm at REI.Promising review: "I've had a lot of backcountry coffee over the years. Cowboy coffee, percolators, and both cheap and expensive instant brands. I will wholeheartedly say that Alpine Start has found a permanent place in my outdoor inventory. It's super easy to pack, ultra convenient, dead-simple to make, and ultimately makes a really tasty cup of coffee. The culmination of all this makes it a no-brainer choice for your next outdoor adventure. Whether a bivouac on the side of a remote mountain, or waking up in your tent bleary-eyed from a night of one too many drinks, you'll be stoked to find a packet of this stuff in your pack." — kevstewa Price: $10 for eight packets or $25 for a 30-cup bulk bagREIA Yeti tumbler to keep your favorite beverages as hot or cold as your heart desires. It's as simple as that! Yeti is beloved for its insulation prowess, but I also want to call out the MagSlide lid that this tumbler comes with, whose sliding mouthpiece cover detaches and makes cleanup easy and effective —usually the worst part of any tumbler.Promising review: "I'm sure that this works great with cold beverages, but I primarily bought it for my morning coffee and afternoon tea. It happens: You get to work and get pulled away from your desk, forgetting to bring your coffee with you. With the Yeti mug, that coffee will be just as hot as you left it, even if you're returning one to two hours later. It truly is remarkable. I find that if I want to start drinking my coffee right away, it is best to fill the mug and leave the top off for a few minutes. Trust me, it will save you a burnt mouth. While the mug is stainless steel, regular coffee drinkers will notice a slight discoloration buildup over time. I'd suggest buying some Bar Keepers Friend , as it will have the stainless steel looking like new in no time." — RobertRuns Price: $35 (available in 10 colors)A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil roll-top dry sack, because keeping your camp clothes and electronics dry is absolutely essential for any fun, safe camping trip. My love for these lightweight waterproof bags can't be stifled.Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeedOn my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags. One serves as my clothes bag, and the other is my food bag, since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring a third for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. Enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and compact. Being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home. Promising review: "Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) so I could stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, that way I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, and it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." — Jenni Price: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and four colors).A four-function whistle that's a compass, magnifying glass, thermometer, and, of course, emergency whistle all in one handy-dandy little tool. Perfect to clip onto your pack just in case.REI, REIPromising review: "Good multi-tool I like to have on my daypack. Clipped onto my sternum strap for easy access. Very lightweight." — Luis M Price: $7.50REIA Black Diamond headlamp so you can light your path hands-free at camp and to bring just in case on long hikes. It even has dimming and strobe settings. Huzzah!The headlamp "remembers" your brightness level between uses, and comes with a locking feature to ensure it doesn't accidentally turn on in your pack and kill the battery life. It's also stormproof with an IPX4 rating (aka it won't die if you're caught in a downpour). The headlamp requires three AAA batteries, which are included with your purchase, or you can pop in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (not included). Promising review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones, but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I’m glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I’ve never been disappointed by Black Diamond." — P Hyatt Price: $24.95 (available in three colors)A pair of Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants that are breathable, stretchy, give you great coverage, and are somehow... Also cute?! I've had my pair for four years, have worn them backpacking and rock climbing, and they have a ton of life left.REI, REIPromising review: "Absolute favorite pair of pants. They have a slight stretch to them, which makes them very comfortable for a 9+ hour flight or lounging. They have numerous pockets, which are handy. I wore them for a month in Spain and hiked in them, and went right to dinner without feeling like I was in hiking clothes. I found them on sale, but I plan on looking for more in various colors. They wash and dry very easily. No complaints." — LucyLou Price: $95 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and three colors)REIA small medical kit because it's a good idea to have first aid supplies on hand when you're out in the wilderness, full stop. This one has everything you need and is well organized, which is actually very important during a real emergency.This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more! This is the kit I've been tucking into my pack for years, just in case. Promising review: "It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." — Josh L Price: $34.50 (available in three colors/styles)