Top REI Camping Gear for Your Next Adventure
Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a casual car camper, having the right gear can make or break your trip. We've rounded up 28 essential items from REI that will enhance your outdoor experience, from keeping dry to sleeping comfortably and staying hydrated.
Waterproof and Storage Solutions
A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil roll-top dry sack is a must for keeping camp clothes and electronics dry. These lightweight bags are incredibly reliable and compact, making them perfect for backpacking. Use one for clothes and another for food, or hang it as a bear bag. They pack down small as you empty them, ideal for wilderness and home storage.
For keeping beverages at the perfect temperature, a Yeti tumbler with MagSlide lid offers superior insulation. The lid's sliding mouthpiece detaches for easy cleaning. Coffee stays hot for hours, even if you get pulled away from your desk.
Sleeping Bags and Comfort
The Rumpl Wrap Sack 20 sleeping bag combines a puffy blanket design with a sleeping bag shape, featuring a unique double-layer system for temperature control. Its rectangular shape offers more room than mummy bags, perfect for side sleepers. Layer it based on conditions for a comfortable night's sleep during car camping.
For backpacking, the Sea to Summit Spark 15 sleeping bag with 850+ fill goose-down packs down incredibly small using the included compression sack. Its 15-degree rating extends your camping season. The draft collar and cozy hood keep heat in, while the compression sack adds value.
Coffee and Hydration
Alpine Start instant coffee in bulk bags makes camp mornings easy. Just add hot water for a tasty cup that's good enough to drink at home. It's a no-brainer for any outdoor adventure.
The Sawyer Squeeze water-filtration system is adaptable and easy to use. It removes bacteria and protozoa, weighs only three ounces, and provides fresh water instantly. Screw it onto a water bottle for direct drinking.
Hammocks and Seating
An Eno DoubleNest Hammock with Atlas straps sets up in seconds for relaxing among the trees. It's perfect for reading or napping, and the setup is incredibly easy.
For camp seating, the Kelty Loveseat chair is great for couples or sharing with a dog. The Nemo Stargazer chair combines a camp chair and hammock, with a padded headrest and swinging motion for stargazing.
Footwear and Trekking Poles
Altra Lone Peak 9 trail-running shoes feature a wide toe box and zero-drop design for a natural feel. They dry quickly and provide excellent traction. For more ankle support, Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof boots keep feet warm and dry.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon trekking poles offer reliable support and comfort with cork handles that wick moisture. They're adjustable for uphill and downhill sections and built to last for years.
Navigation and Safety
A Garmin inReach Mini 2 allows you to send messages and SOS signals without cell service. It's lightweight and offers various subscription plans, giving peace of mind on solo trips.
BearVault Bear Canisters keep food safe from bears and other critters. They're required in some areas and useful everywhere for storing scented items.
Cooking Gear
The Coleman two-burner camping stove is perfect for car camping, with two burners and a windshield. For lightweight backpacking, the Soto Windmaster stove boils water quickly, has a built-in piezo igniter, and weighs only 3.1 ounces.
Other essentials include a Kula Cloth reusable pee rag, a portable bidet, Injinji toe socks for blister prevention, and Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes for freshening up. A Yeti gear case keeps electronics dry, while a Janji running cap offers sun protection.
For comfort, the Rumpl Camp Pillow features dual-sided fabric and folds into a stuff sack. The Nemo Chipper seat pad is versatile for sitting or sleeping. Finally, the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler keeps food and drinks cold for days, perfect for extended camping trips.
Investing in quality gear from REI ensures you're prepared for any adventure, whether you're hiking, camping, or just enjoying the outdoors.
