Popular products from this list

An anti-chafe balm to ensure your exercise isn't sullied by the red, painful enemy known around here as Big Chafe. *Shakes fist at sky* — curse you, Big Chafe!!!!!

A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that famously come with a lifetime guarantee, because they're that confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs this year, and I LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, well... darn tough! Look at me walkin' around on that campground gravel!

A pack of cleansing wipes so you can freshen up a little bit between showers, much to the satisfaction of your campmates' noses... and your own, honestly.

1. A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that famously come with a lifetime guarantee, because they're that confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs this year, and I LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, well... darn tough! Look at me walkin' around on that campground gravel!

Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed

Hot tip for my hiking girlies with muscular calves: my life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a shoe size 8.5 and find that a men's M in these socks sits great. Not too big in the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY! 

Promising review: "After switching to Darn Tough socks for my hiking needs, I will never switch back. They are durable, comfortable, and backed by an industry-leading lifetime guarantee (pretty ridiculous, really — I don't know how they stay in business). As a person who is on his feet all day for work and all weekend camping and hiking, my favorite aspect of Darn Tough socks is that I never think about my socks. There's no reason. They don't slip down, they don't bunch up, they don't make my feet too warm or cold. Simply the best socks. The expense is worth it for the quality of the socks alone. Then, when you look at the return policy, the investment in these socks becomes a no-brainer. I'm a convert for life." —Patrick F

Get them from Amazon for $24.48+ for men's sizes (available in sizes M–XXL and 12 colors) and $25.95 for women's sizes (available in sizes S–L and 11 colors).

2. A LifeStraw personal water filter if you need a little peace of mind for a "just in case" water filtration situation. This little device allows you to safely drink from any water source and is small enough to tote along anywhere.

amazon.com

The straw's microfiltration membrane eliminates bacteria and parasites so you can safely drink from any available water source without worry.

Note: if you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

Promising review: "The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. It's perfect for hiking with its reliable 5-star performance, keeping me hydrated wherever I go. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry. While the flavor of water isn't perfect (4 out of 5), its unparalleled filtration makes up for it. Overall, a lifesaver for camping, travel, and emergencies!" —Ana Cunha

Get it from Amazon for $17.49 (available in three colors).

3. A fire-starting necklace that features an ambidextrous steel striker and a ferrocerium rod for creating fire as quickly possible. Holding the ability to create flame right around your neck... What power! What responsibility! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Looks great and a lifesaver in the worst situations. Cord works very well for burning. A nice slow burn, but not very wind-resistant. Ferrocerium rod is small and is wear-resistant when not in use. The striker is sharp and can saw through cord. You’ll have to burn the ends of the knots to keep it from coming untied. Only gripe I have is paint wears off the striker pretty fast and I’m allergic to metal, so I have to constantly repaint it. But I’d rather do that and have it just in case than not have it." —Brian Gabrielson

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a four-pack).

4. A pack of two LED headlamps so you (and a friend!) can always ensure the path ahead is illuminated. Whether it's just in case for a late-night hike, finding your way to the bathroom at 2 a.m., or reading in your tent, it's always a good idea to have one of these bad boys nearby. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

They operate using three AAA batteries.

Promising review: "These headlamps are excellent. I’ve been working on my roof at night and they are a lifesaver. They work really well." —Brendan Hughes

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a rechargeable version).

5. A Stanley cook set for two equipped with a stainless-steel pot and two nesting cups (that can double as bowls, of course). Your signature meal of instant ramen with fun and funky toppings is served. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This Stanley cook set is a lifesaver for backpackers and campers on the go. It's small enough to toss in your pack without weighing you down, but it's still big enough to boil water for you and a buddy. Plus, the cups keep your coffee hot (or your beer cold) which is a win in my book. Sure, it won't feed a whole crew, and the cups might not win any insulation awards, but for the price and convenience, it's hard to beat." —Joshua

Get it from Amazon for $25. 

6. A tube of blister balm so you can avoid any dreaded foot pain caused by friction on hikes to and from camp. Even with outdoor shoes that really work for me, I always swipe some of this on to make doubly sure my feet stay A-OK.

Amazon

Promising reviews: "Not to be dramatic, but this is the best thing I’ve ever owned. I used to get blisters every time I wore my dress shoes, but in the year I’ve been using this product I haven’t gotten a single one. Absolute lifesaver." —Julia

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

7. A Garmin inReach Mini 2 to help you stay in touch with loved ones or in case of emergency when you're out in the backwoods with no cellphone service. A huge relief to have for hikers of all kinds, especially if you love nothing more than a good solo trip.

amazon.com

To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $14.95+ (or $11.95+ if you opt for an annual contract). But don't worry, if you're just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment, so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure. 

Promising review: "It's hard to overstate how much of a lifesaver this could be. I do ATV overlanding trips where I'm often many, many miles from towns, and there is rarely cell service. Not only does this let my family see where I have been and where I am, and not only does it let me send and receive messages with my family, but it also gives me the ability to 'SOS' for a rescue should I be stranded or injured. The UI is a little clunky. Most things are easier to do through the app than through the device itself. And a number of things are only available in the app. But, this more than makes up for it through sheer usefulness. Garmin does make larger devices where you can do more through the device itself, in my case I'll be carrying my phone with me anyway, so using the app is easy enough." —Steve-O

Get it from Amazon for $299.99 (available in two colors). 

8. A set of marshmallow (or hot dog!) roasting sticks that telescope all the way out to 34 inches for campfire time. Goodbye, singed knuckle hair! But don't worry, they collapse back to 10 inches for easy storage. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Each one has a different color at its base, so you always know whose stick is whose. And because it has two prongs, marshmallows don't spin on the stick when they get extra gooey, making it easier to get that perfectly even caramelized crunchy layer.

Promising review: "These lightweight roasting sticks are a lifesaver! I enjoy being able to turn them effortlessly so the entire marshmallow gets that nice crust from the flame. The colors helped us from using someone else’s stick haha! Must-haves for any bonfire! They roast hot dogs well, too." —PAJ

Get them from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in a six-pack, eight-pack, or 10-pack). 

9. An inflatable sleeping pad to ensure you get the best night of rest that you can. Let's make sure you're sleeping LIKE a rock instead of ON a rock. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This sleeping pad was a LIFESAVER. I used it to hike Crow Pass in Alaska and will be doing Caines Head with it this weekend. It weighs next to nothing, which is great for backpacking. It stores much smaller than [other] lightweight foam sleep pads. And I was able to set up camp in a rocky area and it got no punctures and I still managed to get a good night sleep." —Stephanie M.

Get it from Amazon for $41.99 (available in three colors).

10. A portable, hand-operated espresso machine that whips up the good stuff (yes, even the crema!) using just a little bit of boiling water and a pump mechanism — no electricity or stovetop required. *Swoon*

Amazon

Promising review: "A lifesaver on chilly mornings when camping. Bought this for backpacking and lightweight camping, and I'm glad I did! Works great for one person, might want to consider the larger size for two people. It's light and compact, easy to rinse out with any remaining hot water you have." —Matt G.

Get it from Amazon for $54.90.

11. A full-fledged propane camp stove/oven if you're looking to chef it up on the range. Treat your campmates to flapjacks, coffee, bacon, muffins... Wait, my stomach is rumbling.  

Amazon

Promising review: "I purchased the Camp Chef Deluxe Outdoor Oven in preparation for hurricane season. We were left without electricity for over a week after Hurricane Florence swept through Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (Jacksonville, North Carolina). This was the second time we had been displaced by a hurricane in three years. Having this then would have been ideal. Doing my search, I didn't know a camp oven even existed, so I was excited to see that this one did. I looked at several comparable outdoor ovens, and this one was the one I was drawn to and the one with the best reviews. With a family of six, this was a lifesaver. I had my first opportunity to use it after we lost power when Hurricane Dorian went through. Literally, two nights ago!!" —Buddy

Get it from Amazon for $316.13.

12. A magical sand-sifting mat that lets sand pass right through the top without it coming back up through the bottom. Useful on any trip, but especially beach camping trips. Consider one of the biggest annoyances dealt with. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This is a beach lifesaver. Such a cool sandless concept! Definitely made our trip to the beach less messy. The 10x10 size is heavy, you will need a carrying bag. It comes with a very flimsy clear snap bag, but it's very poorly made and broke the first time we took it out of the bag. But the mat is great! Well worth the money. Definitely take plunge and invest!" —TSB

Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four sizes and three colors).

13. A pack of cleansing wipes so you can freshen up a little bit between showers, much to the satisfaction of your campmates' noses... and your own, honestly.

Amazon

Promising review: "I used these on a four-day backpacking trip in Yosemite. Real lifesavers — big enough and moist enough to replace a mini shower. I will always have these on hand." —Alan Studley

Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $8.99. 

14. A basic tarp that'll come in handy in more ways than you can imagine, but for starters as a tent footprint, shady cover for your picnic table, or a little rain shelter if you're in a pinch.

Amazon

Promising reviews: "We used this on a recent camping trip and were very satisfied with its usefulness and construction. We tied it up into several trees for shade from the sun and rain later that day. It's a very versatile item — we used it to cover the ground during a yard sale and then to cover up a small site we were working on outdoors." —G. Harts

"We’re using this as a puppy pen floor protector and it has honestly been a lifesaver! Best $6 we’ve spent so far with all the new dog items we’ve have to buy. The puppies try to dig in it and eat the grommets but this thing has held up like a champ and more importantly, our nice wood floors are protected from accidents while we work on potty training." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in four sizes).

15. A pack of Alpine Start, aka the most delicious instant coffee in the land. I know what you're thinking, but believe me, it HITS. I tried it for backpacking trips and ended up loving it so much that I keep it on hand in my house all the time for mornings when I'm feeling lazy and need some java. Yes, that's every morning, get off my case.

Amazon

Promising review: "This coffee is my lifesaver. The sticks travel everywhere so easily for when i need a pick-me-up. I can use it in the airport, camping, office and even in my car! Because the grounds are so fine, they easily blend with any temperature water. The flavor is great and they couldn't be easier to use. And $1 a pop! Thanks for existing, Alpine Start Coffee!" —Paul Taylor Coffroth

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in single-serve travel packs here).

16. A cot and air mattress if sleeping on the hard ground is a hard no from you. Sleeping under the stars is rad, but sleeping in a BED under the stars? Unbeatable.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this! I’m an avid camper and usually sleep on an air mattress on the ground. We bought this bed and it is a lifesaver for my husband‘s back. A definite must buy!" —Rachael Hagen

Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in twin and queen sizes).

17. A Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system that blows any other system out of the — say it with me — water. It's adaptable and easy to use in almost any situation, planned or not. I've encountered some pretty sad excuses for water sources and have still been able to get liquid into the bag to be filtered and safely consumed.

Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF

Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed

The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend.

Note: if you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

Promising review: "Compact, easy to use lifesaver. There's really not anything to dislike about this water filter. It's small enough and light enough to just be thrown in my pack before heading out, whether I'll be hiking, fishing, camping, or just swimming at a lake. It fits perfectly on the Smartwater water bottles, but be warned. Drinking out of them with the filter on leaves no way for air to enter so they crumple down like at elevation. I simply unscrew the filter a bit after drinking but I could see it annoying some people. As far as I know there's no issues with filtration, I mean I'm not sick yet. ;)" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $45.95.

18. A compact broom and dustpan for sweeping dirt out of your tent quickly and effectively. It may seem inevitable, but there's nothing worse than a super dirty tent floor.

amazon.com

Promising reviews: "OXO, quite by mistake, has created the best tent broom I've ever used. I know they had other things in mind when they designed this, but it is perfect for car camping (a little too big for backpackers). The bristles are soft and fine enough to get the sand off your taffeta tent floor without damaging it. The cup-style dust pan holds your sweepings so you don't have to resweep after you accidentally tip them. The whole kit packs together securely so nothing gets lost. 5-star performer." —H Bart

"I've had this small set in the trunk of my car for almost 5 years now, and it is still in GREAT condition. I mainly use it to sweep sand off of my beach chair, bag, etc. (including my shoes) prior to loading everything into the car. It's also been a lifesaver while tailgating sporting events — broken glass near car tires and flip-flop-covered feet. I cannot recommend this enough." —AS

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

19. An inflatable lounge chair that will make a sunny outdoor nap feel like the height of luxury. You inflate it just by whipping it in the wind, meaning no pesky hand pumps or electricity needed!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "We were wonderfully surprised by how comfortable and easy to inflate these chairs were. After buying the first one and having our kids fight over it, we decided to go back and buy three more, so everyone in the family could lounge in comfort. They fold up small enough to where you can comfortably carry all four in a small shopping bag or tote. They can be inflated by just holding them in the direction of the wind on a brisk day or by running around in a big circle on a calm day. They have been a lifesaver during the stay at home/quarantine period this spring. We haven't tried them on water yet, but they claim to function as rafts as well. We're looking forward to using them during our next beach trip." —AmazonShopper99

Get it from Amazon for $39.98 (available in 20 colors and patterns).

20. A waterproof backpack cover to keep all of your belongings safe from Mother Nature's unpredictable wrath. Come rain or come shine, you're still hitting the ol' dusty (or in this case muddy) trail!

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I hiked the Mist Trail at Yosemite National Park last week and this cover was invaluable. It not only kept my pack contents dry going to the top of Vernal Falls but also a tripod attached to the outside. Later, on the John Muir trail I had to actually walk under a small waterfall. Again, the cover kept everything dry. After leaving the wet area it dried quickly too." —Rick

"The product works as advertised and packs small enough to where I can carry it in a small pocket in my backpack. It’s been such a lifesaver during heavy rain!" —Marco campos

Get it on Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five sizes and in 11 colors and designs).

21. A pop-up trash can that will help you keep any and all waste contained. Always remember to take out everything you brought into the site — especially trash!

Amazon

Promising review: "SERIOUSLY, leave no trace! This pop-up trash can is a lifesaver when camping or picnicking. It's large, so standard 13-gallon bags are useless; use at least a 30-gallon bag. This pop-up has two nylon straps at the bottom so you can stake it to the ground. When you're done and ready to leave you can just tie your trash bag up in the can and zip it shut until you can get to a proper area to dispose of your trash." —Scott Troup

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five varieties).

22. A roll of moleskin tape so if your brand new boots are giving you blisters, you're able to combat and protect them. Nothing worse than messing up your feet on day one of your trip without the right First Aid!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "Its reliable adhesion, comfort, and versatility make it a must-have for anyone prone to blisters or discomfort. Whether you're an athlete, a traveler, or simply someone looking for effective blister prevention, this tape is a true lifesaver." —Tom

Get it from Amazon for $19.98.

23. A lantern and fan hybrid that's as close as you're gonna get to sweet, sweet AC in the woods. I cannot help but stan a mini ceiling fan gadget, it's just so cute and helpful.

amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I went camping this week, and I just hate when it's sooooo darn hot in the tent, and of course there's no place to put a fan AND a light. This one worked perfectly. It hung by its built-in hook to the top of the tent, the light was just right, and the fan was quiet and effective for a two-person tent. Happy I bought it." —Kevin Gaither

"This is a lifesaver. I bought it for camping, but really, I keep it in my car year-round. It’s an extraordinary car light, the hook allows you to hang it under your hood if for any reason you need to pull over at night (which I did). The fan is tiny but mighty and a great accessory to a great light. Doesn’t eat up it’s own battery while not in use which is a blessing. Accidentally left it’s fan for a while without noticing and it’s still good as gold." —Cloud

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

24. A pair of collapsible dog bowls with carabiners so your pup is always nourished on the go. Gotta keep your #1 camping buddy ready for adventure!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "These lightweight collapsible bowls are a lifesaver for my pup in the extreme desert heat. They're easy to hook onto a leash, dishwasher safe, and super convenient while taking your pup on walks, hikes, out to eat, or over to another home for pet sitting or playdates. I use one for food and one for water, which has really come in handy in the past." —Carly L.

Get a pair from Amazon for $5.99 (available in two colors and two sizes).

25. A Coleman lantern perfect for car camping trips — it's essential to keep your path illuminated (and stay safe) with this classic piece of gear.

Amazon

The lantern requires four D batteries, but is also available in a rechargeable version!

Promising reviews: "Love having these in the event of a power outage-they are lifesavers! Having [them] for camping and outdoor activities is a plus!" —ldent

"A convenient alternative to the old Coleman camping lanterns that used a fabric mantle and burned gasoline fuel. Hangs easily on a loop in a tent or on a stretched line. Provides plenty of light. Well-suited for camping and other outdoor uses, but too large for backpacking." —D E Conner

Get it from Amazon for $41.49.

26. An Aeropress coffee and espresso maker — with a stellar 4.6-star rating from over 24,000 reviewers — that brews top-notch coffee anywhere boiling water is available. It's also small, durable, and easy to clean, so bringing it to the ends of the Earth with you is a no-brainer, especially when a hot bevy in the morning is considered essential.

amazon.com

The set comes with the chamber, plunger, seal, filter cap, funnel, filter holder, scoop, and stirrer. Here's a super informative video on how to use the Aeropress (while camping, even!) made by the coffee smarties at Stumptown. 

Promising review: "I absolutely love my AeroPress! I've been using it for about a year now and it's quickly become my go-to method for making coffee at home. One of the things I love most about the AeroPress is how easy it is to use. All you have to do is add your coffee grounds and hot water, give it a stir, and then press the plunger down to brew. It takes just a few minutes to make a really delicious cup of coffee. The other great thing about the AeroPress is that it's super portable. I've taken it on road trips and camping trips and it's been a lifesaver for getting my coffee fix. It's also really easy to clean, which is always a plus. In terms of taste, the AeroPress definitely delivers. I've found that it makes a really smooth and flavorful cup of coffee, without any of the bitterness or acidity that you can sometimes get with other brewing methods. Overall, I'd highly recommend the AeroPress to any coffee lover. It's a fantastic, low-fuss way to make delicious coffee at home or on the go." —Sheel Patel

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two sizes and eight colors).

27. An anti-chafe balm to ensure your exercise isn't sullied by the red, painful enemy known around here as Big Chafe. *Shakes fist at sky* — curse you, Big Chafe!!!!!

Amazon

Promising reviews: "The Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm is a total lifesaver for anyone who loves staying active! 🙌 Whether I'm hitting the trails or logging miles on the pavement, this anti-chafing stick keeps me comfortable and focused on my workout. It's easy to apply, long-lasting, and works like a charm to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing or irritation. Say goodbye to chafing woes and hello to smooth, friction-free workouts with Body Glide!" —Review Expert

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three sizes and multipacks).

Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.