The best camping gear of 2026, according to Consumer Reports

Camping trips can go sideways fast when you show up without the right equipment. A reliable light source, clean water, functional cooking gear, and a comfortable place to sleep are not luxuries. They are the difference between an enjoyable trip and a miserable one. Choosing the wrong products means arriving at a campsite underprepared, which is a harder problem to solve once you're there.

Consumer Reports asked editors and researchers who camp regularly — from car camping in state parks to multi-day backcountry trips — to share the gear they rely on most, covering safety, cooking, and sleep and comfort.

Credit: BioLite

Priced at $29.95, this solar lantern is one of the most portable lighting options Consumer Reports recommends for a campsite. CR editors note that the lantern is inflatable, so it collapses flat for packing and expands when needed. CR found that it produces a soft, dispersed glow with no harsh beam, which makes it well suited for use inside a tent without blinding anyone in the dark. Its solar charging means no batteries to pack or replace.

Credit: LuminAid

At $25.87, the LuminAid PackLite Nova is the most affordable solar lantern Consumer Reports recommends for camp lighting. CR editors group it with the BioLite Luci as a strong solar lantern option, noting that both inflate for use and collapse flat for packing. CR recommends keeping a dedicated headlamp for hands-free tasks while using the LuminAid for ambient campsite or tent lighting. CR editors point to the solar charging as a practical advantage on multi-day trips where access to power is limited.

Credit: BioLite

The BioLite Rechargeable HeadLamp 325 retails for $44.89 and is Consumer Reports' top pick for hands-free camp lighting. CR editors highlight its rechargeable design as a practical advantage because it eliminates the need to carry spare batteries. CR recommends it specifically for tasks like cooking and cleaning after sunset, when both hands need to be free. According to CR, its usefulness extends beyond camping, handling close-detail tasks at home as well.

Credit: Mountain Equipment Company

At $129.95, the MSR MiniWorks EX is Consumer Reports' pick for portable water filtration in the field. CR describes it as reliable, compact, and capable of processing large volumes of water. CR recommends it as a precautionary item worth packing even when potable water is expected to be available, because conditions at a campsite can change. According to CR, the filter is small enough to carry without adding meaningful weight or bulk to a pack.

Credit: Coleman

The Coleman Double Burner Stove costs $130 and is the cooking centerpiece Consumer Reports recommends for car camping. Two CR editors named it for its reliability and how quickly it reaches cooking temperature, which matters when a group is hungry and daylight is fading. CR also credits a built-in wind flap that keeps the flame stable in breezy conditions, reducing wasted fuel. According to CR, the stove takes up manageable space in a vehicle while handling full-scale meal preparation for a family or small group.

Credit: Sea to Summit

Priced at $33.95, the Sea to Summit Detour is the camp dishware Consumer Reports recommends for its ability to function as both a plate and a bowl. CR editors favor stainless steel in outdoor settings because it resists the bacteria build-up that plastic dishware can develop and is easier to clean thoroughly in the field. According to CR, the bowl collapses flat, so it does not take up meaningful space in a pack. CR editors recommend bringing just one, since it works equally well for every meal of the day.

Credit: Amazon

At $79.97, the Fanttik NB8 Nano is Consumer Reports' recommendation for camp dishwashing when cooking for a group. CR editors describe it as a significant upgrade from the previous standard camp-cleaning setup of a collapsible sink and scrub brush. CR found the sprayer's pressurized water output effective at breaking down food residue quickly, which becomes more important as group size grows. According to CR, the device is cordless and portable, so it fits into a camp kitchen without requiring a power source.

Credit: REI

The REI Co-op Camp Roll Table sells for $109.95 and is Consumer Reports' pick for a portable camp surface that earns its weight. CR editors note that the roll-up design makes it easy to carry and set up without tools. CR found it useful across multiple purposes at camp: food prep, group meals, and card games after dark, making it more versatile than a dedicated folding table. CR editors also use it as covered overnight storage, sliding gear underneath and draping a tarp over everything to keep morning dew off equipment.

Credit: Crazy Creek

At $64.95, the Crazy Creek Original Chair is Consumer Reports' pick for ground-level camp seating. CR found that it works on any surface, including uneven ground, which typical folding chairs cannot manage. According to CR, the backrest adjusts to the angle the user prefers, with no fixed position to work around. CR editors bring it to settings well beyond the campsite, including beaches and parks, which reflects its durability across uses.

Credit: REI

Priced at $19.95, the REI Co-op Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack is Consumer Reports' recommendation for keeping a pack organized and manageable. CR editors use compression sacks specifically for bulky items like sleeping bags and clothing, which tend to take up more space than their weight would suggest. CR found that compressing those items frees up room for other gear without adding meaningful weight to a pack. According to CR, the stuff sack is durable enough to hold up across repeated trips.

Credit: ULA Equipment

The ULA Circuit Backpack costs $299.99 and is Consumer Reports' pick for campers who carry their gear on their back. CR editors describe it as one of the most frequently spotted packs on the Pacific Crest Trail, which reflects its reputation among experienced hikers. According to CR, it holds roughly 68 liters and supports up to 35 pounds of gear, making it practical for multi-day trips. CR notes that the pack is made in the United States, can be custom-fitted to the wearer's body, and includes trekking pole loops, a hydration port, a front shock cord, and multiple pockets.

Credit: Birkenstock

At $49.95, the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals are Consumer Reports' camp footwear recommendation for ease and versatility. CR editors wear them over wool socks around the campsite, which provides protection against mosquitoes and ticks without needing to lace up trail shoes. According to CR, they double as shower shoes, reducing the total number of footwear items to pack. CR found that the slide-on design is particularly useful at night, when leaving a tent quietly without waking others matters.