Gear picks
The gear our guides point to, grouped by what it's for — plus the tools to size it right.
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Packs
Fit matters more than brand: size by torso length with the backpack size calculator. Read the guide →
Osprey Talon 22 daypack
A popular, light daypack for full-day hikes with a ventilated back panel and hipbelt pockets.
Check price on AmazonOsprey Atmos AG 65
A ventilated, suspended-mesh backpacking pack for multi-night trips with heavier loads.
Check price on AmazonGregory Baltoro 65
A well-padded load hauler for long trips or carrying shared group gear.
Check price on AmazonSleep system
Buy by the comfort rating, and match the pad R-value to the ground temperature. Read the guide →
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
A light, warm inflatable pad that's a common choice for three-season backpacking.
Check price on AmazonSleeping bag
The bag linked in our older beginner guide; check the comfort rating against your expected lows.
Check price on AmazonOutraveler SUV air mattress
An inflatable mattress shaped for SUV cargo areas — see our Honda CR-V camper guide.
Check price on AmazonCamp & kitchen
Car campers can go heavier and comfier; backpackers should weigh everything. Read the guide →
Tent
The tent linked in our Camping 101 guide — a simple starting point for first car-camping trips.
Check price on AmazonHelinox Chair One
A packable camp chair that's light enough for some backpackers.
Check price on AmazonJetboil Flash cooking system
Boils water quickly for coffee and freeze-dried meals.
Check price on AmazonSea to Summit long-handled spoon
Reaches the bottom of freeze-dried meal bags without messy fingers.
Check price on AmazonOdoland rechargeable tent fan with light
Moves air in a hot tent at night — see how to cool a tent without electricity.
Check price on AmazonJackery Explorer 300 Plus
A portable power station for car camping: phones, lights, fans.
Check price on AmazonWater
Hollow-fiber filters remove bacteria and protozoa, not viruses; protect them from freezing. Read the guide →
Sawyer Squeeze water filter
A light, field-cleanable filter that can be set up as a gravity system.
Check price on AmazonFootwear
Break boots in before a big trip; fit with the socks you'll hike in.
Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes
A comfortable, widely available hiking shoe for trail days.
Check price on AmazonLa Sportiva TX4 approach shoes
Sticky-rubber approach shoes for scrambling and rocky trails.
Check price on AmazonClothing
Layer: wicking base, warm mid layer, waterproof shell — plus sun protection. Read the guide →
Smartwool merino sun hoodie
A merino-blend sun hoodie that resists odor on multi-day trips.
Check price on AmazonSafety & navigation
The Ten Essentials go on every hike, even short ones. Read the guide →
Headlamp (300+ lumens, rechargeable or AAA)
A bright, compact headlamp — the one item people most often wish they'd brought.
Check price on AmazonSuunto A-10 compass
A simple baseplate compass for map navigation when your phone dies.
Check price on AmazonWhistle
Three blasts is the universal distress signal and carries farther than your voice.
Check price on AmazonBear spray
Carry it in a holster where you can reach it in seconds in bear country.
Check price on AmazonBlack Diamond Trail Sport trekking poles
Take strain off knees on descents and add balance on stream crossings.
Check price on AmazonScrambling
Rockfall and slips are the main hazards — wear a helmet on loose class 3 and 4 terrain. Read the guide →
Black Diamond Half Dome helmet
A durable climbing helmet for scrambles and loose gullies.
Check price on AmazonPetzl Boreo helmet
A hybrid-shell helmet that's comfortable on long approach days.
Check price on AmazonCamera gear
Carry the camera where you can reach it, or you won't take it out. Read the guide →
Peak Design Capture camera clip
Clips a camera to your pack's shoulder strap for quick access.
Check price on AmazonPeak Design Slide Lite strap
An adjustable sling strap for carrying a camera across your body.
Check price on AmazonOM System Tough TG-7
A waterproof, rugged compact camera for wet and dusty trips.
Check price on AmazonFishing
Buy a current state license and check local regulations before you fish. Read the guide →
Panther Martin trout spinner kit
Classic spinners for trout in lakes and streams.
Check price on Amazon