If you are new to camping, it might be difficult to determine the appropriate gear for you. It is likely that you will start with easy drive-in campsites. Nevertheless, it is important to be ready and comfortable during your overnight stays outdoors. However, is it necessary to have a tent with ultra-lightweight carbon fiber poles? What temperature rating should your sleeping bag have? What cooking equipment do you need for preparing food at night? We understand that it can be overwhelming to navigate through the vast array of camping gear options, as we have experienced this ourselves.
What to look for in car camping gear
When car camping, the concern about weight and pack-down size is lessened compared to backpacking. Rather, the emphasis should be on the ease of packing up and down, durability in various weather conditions, and satisfying the requirements of you and your camping partners. It is still advisable to purchase durable items that will endure for numerous seasons, but it is not essential to opt for the highest-priced and lightest-weight equipment available.
Ensure that you possess equipment for shelter, lighting, cooking, and outdoor-appropriate attire, regardless of the type of camper you are.
Camping Tent: The North Face Wawona 6
The most important gear for a successful camping trip is a high-quality camping tent, which serves as your main shelter against the weather. The top-rated tent for 2023 is The North Face’s Wawona 6. It has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to six people, a large front vestibule that can also be used as a seating area, and a construction that effectively ventilates and prevents condensation. The Wawona comes in both four-person and six-person options. Despite being intended for larger families or groups, the six-person version is also recommended for smaller families due to its versatility in bad weather conditions. Additionally, its peak height of 80 inches allows most people to stand comfortably inside. The larger version of the TNF Wawona tent is priced at $500, making it a great value compared to some budget-friendly tents from REI Co-op, such as their Base Camp 6 priced at $549 and Wonderland 6 priced at $599.
However, like most pieces of gear, we have some complaints about the Wawona. Firstly, it is quite time-consuming and tedious to set up. The vestibule in particular needs to be tightly anchored to stay upright, and it takes some time to get the unique pole structure taut and secure. Secondly, the rainfly does not cover the lower part of the tent, which is not ideal in windy rain. Additionally, the all-mesh door can result in heat loss and drafts (for a more weather-resistant option, consider REI’s Base Camp 6 mentioned above). However, no tent is flawless, and the Wawona stands out in the market due to its breathable construction, spacious interior and vestibule, and reasonable price.
Rooftop Tent: Roofnest Condor XL
Roofnest, a Colorado-based company, distinguishes itself in the rapidly expanding rooftop tent market with its collection of high-quality designs. While other companies like Thule focus on softshell tents, Roofnest stands out by offering three styles of hardshell tents. We prefer these hardshell options due to their durability, easy setup, and superior weather protection. Among their offerings, the Condor, a captivating hybrid, currently holds our favor. Unlike most hardshell options that are set up by simply popping the top, the Condor has a fold-out design that effectively doubles the size of the sleeping area. As a result, it can accommodate up to four people, surpassing the size of a king-size bed. Moreover, the Condor retains all the features we admire in a hardshell design.
Roofnest did not come up with the idea of the fold-out hardshell tent; iKamper and their Skycamp did. However, Roofnest offers a similar quality version at a more affordable price. The Condor, priced $500 lower than the Skycamp 3.0, provides a few extra inches of headroom, a slightly bigger floor area (47.8 sq. ft. compared to 44.3 sq. ft.), and a significantly smaller footprint (easier to maneuver on and off). If you are traveling alone or with a partner, the king-size bed in these high-end hybrids might be excessive, and you can save money by choosing a pop-up or clamshell style tent like the Roofnest Sparrow or Falcon. For budget-conscious shoppers, softshell tents are worth considering, with our recommended choice being the Thule Approach ($2,800). However, when it comes to the best combination of durability, ease of setup, interior space, and value, the Condor XL tops our list as the best rooftop tent of the year.
Camping Mattress: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D
Good sleep on a camping trip is highly valued, and it often depends on having a high-quality camping mattress. What distinguishes one camping mattress as being more comfortable than another? There are various options to choose from, but our preference is for a self-inflating design with a soft foam core. The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D perfectly embodies this combination, featuring a loft of 4.25 inches, vertical sidewalls that allow you to utilize the entire sleeping surface without the risk of falling off, a fabric that is both soft and durable, and inner foam that provides excellent support and comfort. Additionally, the latest version of the MondoKing 3D includes dedicated inflate/deflate valves, making the setup and takedown process quicker and easier.
The main issue we have with the MondoKing 3D is its large packed size, which is more than two feet long and almost a foot wide. For individuals with limited storage space or small vehicles, it can be inconvenient to have bulky gear. One way to address this is by choosing a design like the Nemo Roamer, which packs down to almost half the size. However, the Roamer is $10 more expensive and not as warm or thick as the Therm-A-Rest (surprisingly, it is also heavier). Both options may seem too costly for occasional campers, but for those who prioritize comfort and go camping frequently, the MondoKing 3D is our preferred choice.
Camping Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20
REI Co-op’s Siesta Hooded 20 is our top choice for the best camping sleeping bag of 2023. It offers all the features that most recreational campers look for in a durable and affordable package. With a temperature rating of 20 degrees, this bag is suitable for three seasons and will keep you warm down to freezing temperatures (when adding a recommended 10-degree buffer). The spacious rectangular shape provides comfort without restriction, and the added bonus of a hood sets it apart from other rectangular models. The bag also features a convenient zipper system that allows for ventilation or transforming it into a quilt during warmer weather. Additionally, it can be connected to another single bag to create a double bag. Inside, there is an interior stash pocket for storing small items within reach throughout the night. Priced at $139, the Siesta Hooded 20 offers great value from a trusted brand.
However, it is important to consider a few disadvantages of the Siesta Hooded 20’s design. While many campers will appreciate the spaciousness of a rectangular bag, this does result in reduced warmth due to the increased amount of air that needs to be heated by your body. In contrast, a mummy bag is a more efficient option, although the Siesta does have features such as a draft collar, cinch cord, and hood to help retain heat. Additionally, the synthetic insulation used in this bag does not offer the same high-quality loft, warmth-to-weight ratio, and compactness as down insulation. On the other hand, the synthetic insulation provides a lower price point and a more durable design that can withstand rough handling and some moisture without worrying about feathers escaping. For most campers, the Siesta Hooded bag is an excellent choice that offers a combination of desirable features and value. Furthermore, there is also a two-person Double version of this bag available for $239.
Cot: Helinox Cot One
The Helinox Cot One, weighing 5.4 pounds, provides an attractive alternative for those who dislike sleeping on the ground while camping. It consists of lightweight aluminum struts that support a cot made of stretched fabric, placing it 6.5 inches above the ground. This design creates an air space that keeps you cooler during warm nights, and the taut structure offers both support and comfort. By placing any sleeping pad on top, you can achieve a luxurious sleeping surface that can be packed to the size of a 24-ounce water bottle.
Sleeping Pad: Exped MegaMat 10
Not only is a sleeping pad necessary for comfort, but it is also important for keeping warm. When setting up your sleeping arrangements, choose the Exped MegaMat 10. Our testers have attested that it is more comfortable than their own beds. This pad, made with a combination of air and foam, remains flat and supportive even as sleepers shift positions. Additionally, its four-inch thick cushioning provides gentle support for the hips and shoulders. For those who require a pad for two individuals, there is also a double version available.
Light: Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights
The Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights provide ambient lighting for the tent or table, giving off a festive atmosphere. You can pack the 18-foot string of LED lamps into a small spool and recharge it either through USB (taking 8 hours) or direct sunlight (taking 14 hours). Take a couple with you to create a soft and romantic glow for your campsite, or hang one up to have ambient lighting while you gather around the fire.
Light: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
When cooking in the dark, it is always helpful to have headlamps that allow you to bring your own lighting. Petzl is the brand we turn to for reliable headlamps, and the Actik Core Headlamp is particularly exceptional. This headlamp stands out as one of Petzl’s brightest options, emitting 450-lumen white and red flood lighting that can reach distances of up to 90 meters.
If you are hesitant to pay $70, you can consider the Tikka ($30, rei.com) as a reliable alternative, although it may not be as bright. Both options can be used with AAA batteries or a separate USB-rechargeable battery which costs $30 on rei.com.
Chair: Snow Peak Take!
The Snow Peak Take! chair, similar to other folding chairs, can fold into a compact cylinder that occupies minimal space in your trunk or truck bed. However, unlike other chairs, this camping gear possesses attractive bamboo legs, sturdy aluminum supports, and comfortable cotton canvas seats that offer both visual appeal and practicality.
Camp stove: Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 Stove
If you want to keep your camp meals simple, such as campfire-roasted hot dogs, no-cook sandwiches, Danish-style smorrebrods, or instant, super-charged oatmeal, then it’s best to avoid using large camp grills. Instead, opt for a small single-burner stove like the GigaPower 2.0 by Snow Peak. Even though it is designed for backpacking, this sturdy and compact stove is also suitable for car campers who don’t cook much. Please note that fuel is not included.
Dishes: Kelty Camp Kitchen
The Kelty Camp Kitchen is a camp kitchen that combines function with lightweight packability. It includes a few workhorse elements, such as four plates and four bowls made of recycled plastic. These plates and bowls nest inside a three-item set of stainless-steel pots and pans. Kelty collaborated with Preserve, a certified B Corp that recycles plastic into housewares, to create this kitchen. Additionally, the kit includes flatware, with each set strung on an organizing keyring.
Knife: Opinel Pocket Knife
Opinel pocket knives, like the No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife ($19, opinel-usa.com), are a top-quality and affordable choice for backcountry readiness. These knives, invented by Joseph Opinel in the French Alps in 1890, have a timeless design and are highly practical. Made from carbon or stainless steel, these compact and foldable knives are durable. Additionally, they are versatile and reliable, having been used for various outdoor activities such as filleting fish and whittling roasting sticks for s’mores.
If you are a wine enthusiast, you may want to think about upgrading to the No.10 Corkscrew Stainless Steel Folding Knife ($35, opinel-usa.com), as it features a cleverly concealed corkscrew in the handle that is strong enough to effortlessly open even the most difficult wine bottles.
Cups: Yeti Rambler Collection
When considering a cup for camping, you may want to take a look at the Yeti Rambler collection, which includes options like the Yeti Rambler Lowball ($20, yeti.com) or the Yeti wine tumbler ($25, yeti.com). All of the Yeti Ramblers are designed with double-walled insulation, ensuring that your coffee stays hot and your cocktails stay cold. We have even noticed leftover ice in our Lowball the morning after enjoying drinks by the campfire. Additionally, this travel accessory may become your favorite mug not just for camping, but for other journeys as well.
