Camping
- Outdoors
- Camping
I Hate Sleeping in a Tent. So I Turned My Car Into a Cozy Camping Haven.
by Elissa Sanci
In the last two years, I’ve fine-tuned my overlanding setup, which hinges on a car air mattress. Here’s what I use to feel close (but not too close) to nature.
The Best Camping Chairs
by Kyle Fitzgerald and Kalee Thompson
The Coleman Cooler Quad Chair is a classic camping chair to keep you comfortable in most situations. But we recommend other seating options too.
The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping
by Jenni Gritters
The supportive and cozy Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad is the best choice for car campers. We also have picks for backpackers, couples, and more.
What to Pack for Camping Trips With Kids
by Kalee Thompson
Investing in some high-quality basics can get kids excited about camping out—and help you avoid a mid-trip detour to the nearest big-box store.
I Visited 14 National Parks In One Year. Here Are the Apps I Used to Plan and Pull Off Those Trips.
by Elissa Sanci
To explore national parks across the country successfully, I relied on these trusted apps to plan out every last detail.
The Best Camping Tents
by Claire Wilcox, Kit Dillon, and Kalee Thompson
After sleeping in 51 tents, we think the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is the best for two people and Kelty’s Wireless 6 is best for most families.
The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
by Kalee Thompson
The right sleeping bag will keep a kid warm and comfy, and it will be a longtime companion on camping trips and at sleepovers.
The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard
by Doug Mahoney
Create a bug-free bubble outdoors with these spatial insect repellents.
The Best Puffy Blanket
by Hannah Weinberger
After wrapping ourselves in thirteen different puffy blankets, we found the Rumpl Down Puffy is the best insulated blanket to take outside.
Gear for Car Camping
by Kit Dillon
When the Wirecutter outdoor team goes car camping—as opposed to backpacking and carrying gear into the wilderness—this is the gear they bring.
The Best Headlamp
by Jenni Gritters
For late-night hikes, evening runs, and stargazing sessions, we think the comfortable and durable Black Diamond Spot 400 is the best headlamp.
The Best Wearable Sleeping Bags to Keep You Warm
by Annemarie Conte
Wearable sleeping bags are the perfect way to keep your arms free and your core warm while hanging outside or even working a desk job in an underheated room.
The Best Packable Travel Towels
by Ebony Roberts
We spent 60 hours testing packable towels and are convinced the odor-controlled PackTowl Personal microfiber towel is the best option for drying off just about anywhere.
The Best First Aid Kit for Hiking and the Outdoors
by Anna Perling
After 14 hours of research and tests of 12 wilderness first aid kits, we think Adventure Medical’s Mountain Backpacker Kit is best for most weekend warriors.
The Best Solar Camp Shower
by Séamus Bellamy and Kit Dillon
After doing 24 hours of research and testing seven options, our favorite solar shower is the Advanced Elements 5-Gallon Summer Shower.
The Best Camping Stove
by Kit Dillon
Whether we’re making a morning cup of coffee or grilling up burgers, the Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove is our choice for campfire cookouts.
The Best Canopy Tent for Camping and Picnics
by Kalee Thompson
The easy-to-set-up REI Co-op Screen House Shelter is our canopy tent pick, with good sun and insect protection and a bright, roomy feel.
The Best Sleeping Bag
by Sam Schild, Kit Dillon, and Kalee Thompson
After using 41 sleeping bags in the Western wild, we have a range of recommendations for car-camping and backpacking.
What to Pack for Summer Camp
by Kalee Thompson
Summer-camp packing lists can be long—and sometimes intimidating. Here’s how to choose fun but practical gear that’ll last for many seasons to come.
Don’t Fold Your Sleeping Bag, and Other Tips to Make Your Camping Gear Last Longer
by Elissa Sanci
The great outdoors may be free, but the equipment you rely on to stay comfortable and safe isn’t. Here’s how to take care of it.
The Best Portable Hammock
by Colin Rosemont
We spent 35 hours testing 10 packable camping hammocks on hikes and in the park, and found that ENO’s SingleNest Hammock is the best choice for most people.
The Best Car-Camping Gear for Wheelchair Users
by Erin English
Car camping can be challenging for wheelchair users, but with the right gear and information, anyone can feel confident spending a night in the great outdoors.
Our Favorite Campfire Cooking Tips, Tricks, and Gear
by Wirecutter Staff
Here’s how the Wirecutter crew gets creative with fireside cooking when we’re car camping, from tools we use to our favorite recipes.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Outdoor Gear?
by Ignacia Fulcher
May is typically the best time of year to buy outdoor gear. But it’s not the only good time to buy.
Visiting a National Park This Year? Here’s What to Bring Along.
by Eve O'Neill
Although the parks have reopened, staffing remains a challenge, which may affect services. Here’s what to pack for your next visit to help fill in the gaps.
The Best Portable Generators
by Doug Mahoney
Ride out a power outage or elevate a camping trip with a portable inverter generator. The Honda EU2200i is our favorite.
Keep Your Tent Out of the Sun (And More Tips to Make Your Tent Last)
by Elissa Sanci
A good tent is one of the most important pieces of camping equipment you’ll buy. Here’s how to make it last for years.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
by Christine Ryan
Whether your sleeping bag is filled with down or down alternative, here’s how to clean it.
Create Your Own Backyard Campground
by Kit Dillon
A trip to Yellowstone or Yosemite may not yet be in the cards, but we’ve come up with some ideas, plus the gear, to make camping out in the backyard fun too.