We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide.

Get ready for a summer chock-full of adventure! ☀️

I am a former editor and contributor to the BuzzFeed shopping team with over seven years of experience testing and recommending products that help make life a little easier, whether that’s ultralight gear, holy grail serum, jeans that fit just right, or anything in between.

I love being an REI Co-op member! Since I always have a gear wish list a mile long, I love taking advantage of special deals, and getting 10% back on most REI purchases through dividends is a great perk if you know you're gonna be shopping there a lot. 

It's $30 for a life-long membership, and, as an outdoors lover, I've found it to be money well spent!

Promising review: "We love our Coleman stove! This is the best car camping stove we have. I am mostly a backpacker, but car camping has become more frequent as of late so I decided to get a double burner stoves for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back of all our adventures." —roseferg

Promising review: "I LOVE this hoodie! I burn quite easily, and I can't believe I've gone this long without a long-sleeved UV shirt. I love the thumbholes. It fits true to size. I wore it for a four-day trip to Miami, in and out of the ocean, hiking in the Everglades, and out to eat for dinner. It works for everything!" —Sarah

Price: $44.89 (originally $59.95, available in women's sizes XS–XL and 1X–3X in five colors and men's sizes S–XXXL, including some tall sizes, in seven colors)

When I first heard about this bag, it seemed like it was maybe a little gimmicky, but car camping trip after car camping trip, it's the one I reach for! After begrudgingly getting used to sleeping in cramped mummy bags backpacking, sleeping in a rectangular bag is AMAZING. So much more room and so much easier to sleep on my side without sacrificing warmth. And it really is useful to be able to use different layers based on how cold it is outside. Love and highly recommend!

Promising review: "Finally, a sleeping bag that fits my needs! I have never liked mummy bags, just too confining, and you can't curl up without a fight with the bag. I love it... worth the price I paid. If you are looking for this to be a backpacking bag, this one is not it — there are many other fabulous lightweight mummy bags out there. For regular camping, it's perfect. The fact that you can layer makes for a comfortable night's sleep. I hope to get many years' use out of it! Good job Rumpl!!" —GJ Biker

Price: $187.39 (originally $249.95; available in three colors)

Promising review: "My absolute favorite hat. Makes every other billed cap feel heavy and oppressive. The AFO Hyperlight Cap from Janji feels light on my head and keeps the sun out of my eyes when out on a run. The foam bill is amazing. I can crumple/roll the hat into a little ball and stuff it in a pocket. Dries out fast, too, being so light. Five stars." —Shane

Price: $28.49 (originally $38; available in four colors)

I have these trekking poles (though the model from 2021, I want to say), and I really do think they'll be the pair I use for the rest of my life. I LEAN on these bad boys, and I trust them endlessly. Adjustability is easy. So easy that I happily dial in the lengths between going uphill and down, since you want slightly different measures for each. The cork handles were the real selling point for me. I have extremely sweaty hands *and* am quite blister-prone, so plastic handles just feel yucky, and foam handles won't last. The cork is moisture-wicking and easy on the hands. The price tag is a lot, but you really do get what you pay for! 

Promising review: "I was reluctant to use poles for the longest time because I felt that they were unnecessary, but as soon as I got them, I realized what I'd been missing all these years! Lightweight, durable, and packable, they've accompanied me through all four seasons of rigorous hiking and backpacking, and despite getting considerably beaten up against rocks, there is no rust or sign that they'll need to be replaced anytime soon. And I've had them for 6+ years! I know $200 seems like a lot of money to pay for a pair of poles, but when you consider their longevity, I promise you that you'll save yourself a lot of money in the long run by not having to replace them. And your joints will thank you for it." —GP18

Promising review: "I was hoping for a smaller pack, but after trying out 4 packs with 40 lbs, this pack checked the most boxes for me. I love the front access zipper to the main compartment. The 2 way water bottle pouches on both sides that I can actually reach are great. The waist belt pockets open and close easily compared to other packs I've used. It's pretty comfortable even after many miles with lots of weight. So far, I dig it." —Quig in the PNW

Price: $201.69 (originally $269; available in men's sizes S–3XL and two colors and in women's sizes XS–3X and two colors)

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: "Recently used the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a seven-day backpacking trek in the northern Yosemite wilderness. I kept it on during the day, sent two to three preset check-in messages per day, and turned it off overnight (and kept it in my sleeping bag). After six nights/seven days like this, I still had 40% battery life left. Messages usually took about a minute to send with no/minimal tree cover, and the Bluetooth-connected phone app makes typing messages from your phone very easy. I'm so glad I had it with me to get info about the Washburn fire that started while I was on the trail. Overall, I (and my loved ones back home!) am very happy with how the Garmin performed." —Elyse

Price: $249.99 (originally $350, available in two colors)

Promising review: "The construction of this chair is amazing and so comfortable, we loved it on our camping trip. Can’t recommend a better chair for a cozier camp night." —Lizzy Bee

Price: $112.39 (originally $149.95; available in three colors)

The tent has a roomy 8x7-foot interior and a 4.6-foot ceiling height. A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one with room to spread out and for gear. In this case, if you plan on using the vestibule for gear, you probably *can* fit four people. The more the merrier! 

Yes, the price is above $100, but rest assured this is about as low of a price point you can find for a tent that will actually keep you shielded from the elements! But take good care of it and it'll give you years of enjoyment. And hey, campsites are (usually) pretty inexpensive, too!

I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl way.

Price: $44.89 (originally $59.95; available in three colors)

On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags that each work double time. One serves as my clothes bag and the other is my food bag since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring another for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. But enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home.

Promising review: "Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) to stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, so I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fit easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —Jenni

Price: $17.19+ (originally $22.95+, available in six sizes and four colors)

$$$ can be a real barrier to entry for starting to climb since you need some gear to get started, but I really do think this is a sweet deal! Just nab some shoes and you're good to go for literal YEARS. One and done until the gear gives out, which should be a long while when you're buying from a trusted brand like Black Diamond.

Price: $89.89 (originally $119.95, available in sizes S–XXL)

Promising review: "This is a luxury item but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, lightweight, and versatility. I'll throw it in both a backpacking pack and a day pack. I've used it under my sleeping pad to add a little more padding under my hips, to make a picnic bench cleaner and softer, to sit on in a parking lot while changing shoes, to widen the top of my hammock so it's not closing in on my head, and of course just to sit on when taking a break. I rest my pack against a tree and use it and the Chipper to make a nice recliner in the woods." —GorillaJason

Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or extra bed in a hotel this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230lbs and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." —Jlendo

Price: $223.19+ (originally $279+, available in short, regular, and regular wide sizes)

Promising review: "Needed a cooler for drinks and snacks for long drives and weekend camping trips. Have found myself using this for all sorts of things including tossing any frozen or refrigerated food from grocery store. This thing does a great job (as with all coolers it works way better if you pre-chill it) and is easy to open and close and carry." —xentexfly

Price: $97.39 (originally $129.95, available in two colors)

Promising review: "Took this down to the Smoky Mountains last week, and it was great! It is well made, has lots of pockets, and is super lightweight. It even has a built-in whistle! Highly recommend." —Lesley

Price: $44.89 (originally $59.95, available in four colors)

I have this bag and while I haven't been able to take it out yet (curse you, work and grad school!), I can't WAIT to use it cowboy camping in the desert, aka sleeping outside without a tent. I've heard nothing but *chef's kiss* things from other backpackers and when I snuggled into it to "try it on" when it first arrived, know that I fully dozed off a little at 2pm.

Price: $411.69+ (originally $549+, available in regular, long, and double sizes)

Promising review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones, but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I’m glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I’ve never been disappointed by Black Diamond." —P Hyatt

Price: $18.69 (originally $24.95, available in three colors)

Promising review: "I feel much safer riding after dark now that I have this. The reflective bands are really bright. It is easy to adjust its size so I can wear it over a heavy or light jacket (or no jacket at all) depending on the temperature." —George

If you've been bitten by the climbing bug, getting your very own pair of shoes is an exciting next step! They're definitely not a cheap piece of gear, but under $100 is REALLY the sweet spot for getting a shoe that will actually help you improve your footwork without it being a total $$ hemorrhage. And hey, it means you can finally stop paying for shoe rentals!

These lace-up Sportivas should be the perfect beginner pair: Not too arched and comfortable for long-term wear while still giving you a nice edge to get onto teeny-tiny edges with confidence. Remember that climbing shoes should ideally fit pretty snug, and the leather will stretch with time. 

Promising review: "These were my first pair of climbing shoes, and I absolutely love them! No pun intended, but they left big shoes to fill. I’m currently breaking in a pair of more aggressive La Sportiva and find myself reverting back to these to send the harder climbs. For an entry-level shoe, these are just great. The laces can be a little bit cumbersome, but not a huge dealbreaker. As these were my first climbing shoes, I actually bought them true to size and find that they worked well for me, even on tricky routes where you have to really trust your feet. These are good." —Cnst730

Price: $74.19 (originally $99, available in women's EU sizes 34–42 and men's EU sizes 38–47.5)

Promising review: "This is the hat I’ve been looking for! Getting older and needing some shade on my noggin', face, and neck. I’ve purchased a few other hats but this one is the most comfortable, breathable, and covers my neck and long nose too. The wife says it looks good on me and she’s picky!" —Danny Dorado

Price: $74.19 (originally $99, available in sizes 7–8 and four colors)

Promising review: "I bought this bag for car camping, and it is my favorite bag. So far, one trip (two nights), and it only got down to the high 40s, so I stayed plenty warm. I did bring a flannel sheet, but I didn't really need it for warmth on this trip. The bag is roomy and comfortable. I love that the hood is big enough to accommodate my pillow, and I can turn easily in the bag. I also appreciate that in warmer weather, I can unzip the bottom of the bag to put a leg out (didn't need to on this trip). I usually sleep hot, but this bag did not feel confining like a mummy bag. Would recommend!" —Stedmanb

Price: $111.69 (originally $149+, available in medium, medium wide, long, and long wide sizes)

This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more!

Promising review: "It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." —Josh L

Price: $25.79 (originally $34.50, available in three styles)

Promising review: "I own a couple of these and have given some as gifts. They are one-size-fits-all but fit my head (men’s large) which I appreciate! Nice colors. Not scratchy. Affordable. Easy to stuff into a purse or pocket." —MarionM

Price: $18.69 (originally $24.95, available in four colors)

Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a sales associate. They were out of stock in the store, so I ordered it online. Design works great for paddling! The style allows for a much better range of movement than the normal zip-up PFD. It's lightweight and easy to put on and take off with two side buckles and two shoulder straps. Front pocket is great for storing stuff; can fit a phone in a dry bag with room for a wallet and keys." —Alison

Price: $127.89 (originally $159.95, available in sizes XS–XXL and four colors)

Promising review: "This chair was light and super easy to assemble! It was a nice perk to have during my backpacking trip." —SpartanGirlWendy

Price: $74.89 (originally $99.95, available in four colors)

Promising review: "Great sweat towel. I clip this on the strap of my backpack. Lightweight and easy to carry. If you get a little sweaty, just pull it out. After wiping the sweat off my face, it just hangs, and the breeze dries it off, ready for the next time." —Lee

Price: $7.39 (originally $9.95; available in three colors/styles)

You have until May 25 to take advantage of these stellar deals!

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.