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After years of camping all over — from backcountry trails to casual weekend sites — I’ve found that good gear really does make or break the experience. Over the past two decades, I’ve tested a lot of gear, refined my setup, and landed on a few reliable pieces I never hit the road without.
In this post, I’m sharing my go-to REI camping gear — the essentials that have stood the test of time and terrain. From shelters and sleep systems to cooking must-haves and camp essentials, these are the pieces I keep coming back to.
quick navigation
- Sleeping Gear
- Tents
- Backpacks
- Cooking
- Camp Hang Essentials
- Apparel & Footwear
- Lights
Sleeping Gear
Getting a good night’s sleep while camping is important for keeping my energy levels high so I can do all the fun activities! Here are my essential pieces that help me get a comfortable and restful night outdoors.
REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag – Women
The Magma 15 is a top choice for women seeking warmth and comfort on the trail. Lightweight and packable, it’s filled with water-resistant down for reliable insulation in colder conditions. The women-specific design provides extra warmth where it’s needed most, making it a go-to for chilly nights outdoors.
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Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated Air Sleeping Pad – Women
A quality sleeping pad is essential for good sleep. This women-specific pad from Sea to Summit offers excellent support and insulation against cold ground temperatures. Its lightweight and compact design also make it easy to carry in my hiking pack.
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Tents
I always own 2 tents – a larger tent that I use for road trips and car camping, and a lightweight backpacking tent that I use when I need to pack light.
REI Half Dome 3 Tent With Footprint
After years of outdoor adventures, the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent remains unbeatable for the price. It’s simple to set up, spacious for me and my dog, and highly weather-resistant thanks to its included footprint. Whether it’s light rain or strong winds, this tent handles it all with ease.
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Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 1-Person Tent
When I’m backpacking or need a more lightweight tent, the Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 1-Person Tent has been great for me. Ultralight and compact, it’s perfect for long hikes while still providing excellent durability and weather protection. Weighing just over 2 pounds, it’s easy to carry without compromising on comfort or reliability.
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Hiking Backpacks
Whether you’re hitting the trail for a few hours or a few days, having the right backpack can transform your experience.
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack
For short hikes or when packing light, this lightweight daypack is my top pick… I’ve been using the Flash 18 for years and love it. It offers just enough space for water, snacks, and layers, plus it has a comfortable back panel, waist strap, and sternum strap for longer treks.
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REI Ruckpack 18
If I need a bit more organization for gear-intensive hikes, the Ruckpack 18 is a winner. I’ve used it on long hikes even carrying some camera gear in it. Its structured compartments help keep essentials secure, and it even has slot for water bladders which is perfect.
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Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack
A great backpacking backpack for women! The Osprey Aura AG 65 provides excellent support and ventilation, made for multi-day adventures with heavier loads. It’s great!
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Cooking Essentials
The camp kitchen is my happy place during any outdoor adventure. Here are some must-haves that simplify cooking while camping.
YETI Roadie 15 Cooler
A good cooler is essential and can make or break your camping trip. The YETI Roadie 15 Cooler excels in both durability and cooling performance. It’s compact yet spacious enough for essentials, and its thick insulation ensures that your food stays fresh—even during hotter days. Plus, it’s virtually indestructible, making it ideal for the outdoors.
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AeroPress Go Plus Travel Coffee Press
Morning coffee is a non-negotiable for me. This is my everyday coffee maker even when I’m not camping, and it is perfect for travel. The AeroPress ensures I get a clean, rich brew every time. Compact and lightweight, this travel kit it’s tailor-made for camping trips.
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Mountain Summit Gear Bamboo Table
This Bamboo Table is a game-changer for camping. It is quick and easy to set up and it folds compactly for transport. Great for campsites and car camping.
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Jetboil Flash
My Jetboil has been my life saver for my 20 years of camping and is definitely favorite for camping lovers. It’s fast, efficient, and perfect for boiling water or preparing simple meals on the go. Lightweight and highly portable, it’s a must-have for outdoor adventures.
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Camp Hang Essentials
It’s always nice to have some extra comfy gear to bring along to making hangin at camp more homey.
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
A lightweight yet sturdy camping chair, the Flexlite Camp Boss ensures I’m always sitting in comfort around the campfire. I don’t usually love camp chairs but I love this one.
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BioLite FirePit+
Enjoy a smokeless campfire experience with this portable fire pit, perfect for cooking or just staying warm outdoors.
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ENO DoubleNest Hammock
I’ve used ENO hammocks forever and I love them. They come in single and doubles, and I love the double. Perfect for camping and super lightweight and packable. Great for camping!
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Rumpl Sherpa Fleece Puffy blanket
The Sherpa Fleece Puffy Blanket by Rumpl is awesome — it’s super compact, insulated, and has a sherpa fleece lining with puffy outer shell. Perfect for camping!
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Gear & Apparel
Always important to have proper clothing for the elements and terrain!
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
This rugged duffel is my go-to for my clothes and personal items for any trip, including camping. It’s tough, water-resistant, and can turn into a backpack. It’s even carry-on compatible, and is what I use for airport travel (I hate checking bags). Comes in multiple sizes. 10/10 recommend.
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Clothing for Warmth
- Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket: Offers unbeatable warmth for chilly mornings and cold nights, and is super lightweight and packable. Great for hiking, too!
View at REI - Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layers: Adds essential warmth without adding bulk under your clothes. This is usually what I sleep in on colder nights.
View Bottoms | View Top - REI Lightweight Wool Socks: Keeping feet warm and dry! The best.
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Footwear
- Chacos Z1: My go-to outdoor sandal for the past 15 years. Perfect for warmer weather hikes, water activities, and just an all around great everyday sandal. I always own multiple pairs!
View at REI - Danner Inquire Chukka Mid Hiking Boots: Rugged, cute, and comfortable for any trail. I love these!
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Lights
Don’t forget your night vision!
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp has been my top headlight the past 20 years – a must-have for camping and nighttime adventures. It’s super bright, reliable, and designed to stay securely in place (huge plus). Has 3 brightness settings, red light, and SOS mode. You can also buy a rechargeable battery for it, which is an extra bonus.
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MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
Transform your campsite into cozy vibes with these solar-powered string lights. They’re lightweight and last for hours, thanks to solar charging.
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Why Invest in Quality Gear
I always invest in quality gear because it pays off in the long run. High-quality camping gear might cost more upfront, but it lasts longer and performs better, saving you money over time. Plus, it makes every trip more enjoyable—like a tent that stays dry in a storm or a cooler that keeps food fresh. Investing in the right gear means fewer headaches and a better experience every time.
Gear You Can Count on
Every product I’ve shared here has been tested in real conditions — from dusty desert trails to chilly mountain mornings — and earned a spot in my pack because it performs when it matters most. Whether you’re planning your first camping trip or looking to level up your gear, I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared, more confident, and more excited to get outside.
Have a favorite piece of gear you swear by? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re using and loving out on the trail!