Updated 11/07/2025

As an outdoor gear tester and reviewer, I spend a lot of time trying out new gear. These are my favorite items for camping that I used in 2024.

REI Trailgate Shelter

The REI Trailgate Shelter attaches to the side or back of a vehicle and provides a generous amount of protected space that’s tall enough to stand and walk under. From late fall to late spring (aka… the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest), I camp frequently in my Honda CR-V and use this shelter to create a covered space for my camp kitchen. There’s plenty of room for my camp table, a large camp chair, and cooler – and there’s still room to open the car doors when needed. See my review of the REI Trailgate Shelter

FireMaple Gas Lantern

Instead of having a campfire, I’ve been enjoying the warm glow this lantern creates at camp. The FireMaple gas lantern isn’t the old-fashioned type that may come to mind. Instead of using liquid fuel, this lantern works with a standard isobutane canister, the same fuel used for backpacking stoves found at outdoor retailers. See my review of the FireMaple Gas Lantern

Laek Adventure Towels

These lightweight (and packable) towels from Laek are great to use when taking a shower at a campground, or for taking a sponge bath in your tent. They are generously sized (56″ x 31″ inches) and highly absorbent, much more so than they appear to be based on their light feel. On a recent camping trip, I was impressed with how fast they dried after taking a shower. I also like the designs printed on them… I have one with constellations on it and another with topography lines from a map of the Sierra.

Venustas Heated Jacket

This heated jacket from Venustas features six graphene heat panels and is powered by a portable battery pack… ideal for staying cozy on cold weather outdoor adventures. I’ve worn this on multiple winter camping trips at the Oregon Coast, and having the extra warmth made the evenings and mornings much more enjoyable. Even without the heat panels, this jacket is quite warm due to the generous amount synthetic fill in the baffles. Overall, I am surprised at how much I like this jacket… it seemed a bit gimmicky to me at first, but now that I’ve used it for winter camping, I’ll be taking it on all of my cold weather trips. See my full review of the Venustas Heated Jacket.

REI Ruckpack Sling

I use the REI Ruckpack Sling when I’m camping or traveling instead of carrying a purse or tote bag. It’s large enough to stash everything I need and has several pockets to keep things organized, including a hidden zippered compartment that’s perfect for a smartphone. The crossbody style strap makes it easy to carry, and the durable fabric has a DWR finish for use in the outdoors without worrying about getting it wet or dirty.

Jackery 300 Plus Portable Power Supply

The Jackery 300 Plus is a portable power supply with multiple types of plug-ins for charging devices. After being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea this year, I needed a way to power my CPAP machine for use overnight on camping trips, and this model provides enough power for up to a week with the use of a DC adapter. I recently purchased Jackery solar panels so I can recharge the 300 Plus and have plenty of power for recharging all of my electronics on longer trips. Related content: Camping with a CPAP Using a Portable Power Station

REI Ruckpack 18 Pack

The REI Ruckpack 18 is the perfect size for carrying a water bottle, jacket, and snacks with me on short treks away from camp. This pack has multiple pockets for organizing gear. I used the zippered side pocket (with a hidden security pocket) to stash my keys, phone and wallet and kept a jacket and some snacks inside the large compartment of the pack. One of the main reasons I like to use a pack like this is to have a place to carry a water bottle so I can keep my hands free while exploring.

Ahyuan Collapsible Water Bucket

To make the process of washing dishes easier, I added this Ahyuan collapsible bucket to my camp kitchen. I like to use it for rinsing dishes and for carrying gray water to dispose of at campground disposal stations, but it’s also great for putting out a campfire, soaking tired feet, or washing a car. The collapsible walls means that it doesn’t take up much space in my camp kit, and the handle and lid make it easier to carry water without spilling.

REI Half Dome SL 2+ Tent

While the Half Dome SL 2+ is a generously sized two-person freestanding tent that I’ve used when backpacking for two, it makes a great one person tent for camping with plenty of room for gear inside. This is an updated version of REI’s classic Half Dome tent that I’ve been using since 2016. The redesigned vestibules use two stakes to give you more space for storing gear outside of the tent, but I like it for ease in reaching the zipper to get in and out of the tent while providing better protection from rain due to the extended cross pole at the top. I also like the lighter fabric used on the rainfly of this version and the full coverage it provides. See my full review of the Half Dome SL 2+ tent.

Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.

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