Camping is a great way to get out into nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you are a seasoned camper or setting out on your very first trip, having the right gear can make or break your experience. From ensuring your safety to enhancing your comfort, there are plenty of options. Read on for our top picks that should be on your checklist the next time you find yourself packing up for a foray into the woods.
1. Tent 
When buying a tent, consider size, weather resistance, ventilation system, waterproof rating, ease of setup, and weight. Ensure it's spacious enough to accommodate everyone and their gear, with features like a vestibule for added storage. An easy setup process is ideal, especially if you’re new to camping. Additionally, if you plan on hiking to your campsite, choose a lightweight tent that won’t add too much burden to your pack. Durability is also key, so look for quality materials and sturdy construction. (Pictured: Tent from Coleman.com)
2. Sleeping Bag
Key things to consider are a bag’s temperature rating, insulation type, weight and size. The temperature rating should match the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter, ensuring you stay warm throughout the night. Down insulation offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, making it ideal for cold and dry conditions. In contrast, synthetic insulation performs better in wet conditions and is generally more affordable. Ensure the sleeping bag fits your body comfortably, with enough room to move, but not so much that it makes it hard to keep warm. A quick and easy addition to your sleeping gear may also include a sleeping pad. These are lightweight, pack down small, and provide an additional layer of comfort while not being as cumbersome as a full-size air mattress.
3. Camp Stove
If you’re not planning on cooking all of your meals over a fire, a camp stove should be among the items to bring along on your adventure. Many camp stoves run off a small propane canister and are perfectly sized with one or two burners allowing you to whip up a meal just as you would at home. For those hiking, especially those venturing out for multiple days at a time there are a variety of small, compact stoves geared specifically towards reducing weight and overall footprint within your pack. (Pictured: Stove from Camp Chef)
4. First Aid Kit
It is best practice to be prepared for the unexpected, especially when you are planning on being somewhere where aid may not be readily available. Whether you assemble it yourself or purchase a pre-made option, a first aid kit is an absolutely crucial piece of gear one must include when preparing for a camping trip. Items that should be included in your kit include (but are not limited to): Band-Aids, antiseptic ointment, ice packs, ace bandages, antihistamines, over-the-counter pain relievers, tweezers and other commonly used items. Many first aid kits also include pamphlets to walk you through the proper steps needed to treat minor scrapes, splinters and other injuries you may encounter--which is quite helpful when you're under pressure. (Pictured: kit from Adventure Medical Kits)
5. Multi-tool
Occasionally you may find yourself needing to cut a piece of rope, tighten a screw or do any other seemingly minute tasks ... which become considerably less minute when you don’t have the proper tools. That said, no one wants to bring half their garage into the woods. Having something as simple as a multi-tool at your disposal makes quick work of a variety of tasks, allowing you to get back to enjoying your time in nature. Most standard multi-tools include a flathead screwdriver, Philips-head screwdriver, knife, can opener, mini-saw blade and more. (Pictured: multi-tool from Leatherman)
6. Headlamp 
Headlamps are one of those pieces of gear that you won't realize are indispensable until you try one. Whether you find yourself using it to find your way around the inside of your tent, calling upon it to aid you in your middle-of-the-night trek to the bathroom, or keeping your hands free to fend off branches and thorns in the dark, headlamps are an essential piece of camp gear everyone should consider. While most comfortably strap around the wearer’s head, there are also several options available that clip to the bill of a ballcap. Adjustable for angle, you can direct light where you most need it. Some headlamps also allow for adjustable beam width, as well as a variety of colored lights and even flashing lights to signal distress. (Pictured: headlamp from Streamlight)
7. Seating
When relaxing around the campfire, you’re going to want something more comfortable than a log or the hard ground to sit on. Camping chairs are great, but another option you should consider is a hammock. Super compact and simple to erect, hammocks provide an elevated platform upon which to kick back and relax. Many are made from quick-drying material, such as the pictured Cirrus hammock from Alps Mountaineering. Should the weather cooperate, you may also decide to forego your tent and sleep in your hammock beneath the stars. Hammocks are also a great option for hikers looking to lighten up their overall load!
