The U.S. outdoor recreation market surpassed $1 trillion in 2022 (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis), showing just how much people are investing in gear for comfort, safety, and convenience. Field tests by organizations like Outdoor Gear Lab, Backpacker Magazine, and REI Co-op’s member surveys provide reliable performance data on products that make a major difference at Basecamp. Below are 29 essential upgrades, backed by testing and user statistics.
Sit in Comfort: Top-Rated Camp Chair
Independent reviews from Outdoor Gear Lab found the Helinox Chair One supports up to 320 pounds while weighing just 2 pounds, outperforming most rivals in portability and strength. Its aluminum alloy frame balances stability with ultralight design, making it a benchmark for serious campers who need comfort without bulk.
Brew Like Home: Best Camp Coffee Setup
According to a 2022 survey by the National Coffee Association, 62% of Americans drink coffee daily, and portable gear like the AeroPress Go consistently ranks high in taste tests. It produces café-quality brews in under 2 minutes, with a reusable filter reducing waste compared to single-use options.
Ice Retention Leader: Best Hard Cooler
Yeti’s Tundra 45 was tested by Wirecutter and retained ice for over 7 days in 90°F conditions, far surpassing standard coolers. Its rotomolded construction also meets bear-resistance certification from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), an important feature for backcountry security.
Bake Anywhere: Outdoor Oven Pick
Camp Chef’s Outdoor Oven provides 7,500 BTU burners and a 3,000 BTU oven, enabling users to bake pizzas, breads, or casseroles in the field. In lab tests, it maintained a consistent 350°F for over 45 minutes, proving reliable for camp cooking beyond simple grilling.
High-Output Cooking: Best Outdoor Stove
The MSR WindBurner Stove System scored highest in Backpacker’s fuel-efficiency tests, boiling a liter of water in 4.5 minutes in 12 mph wind without a windshield. Its radiant burner and pressure regulator ensure performance at altitude and in cold weather.
Hygiene Upgrade: Best Portable Shower
The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower delivers 2.9 gallons of pressurized water for up to 7 minutes, according to field testers. Unlike gravity-fed models, it uses a foot pump for consistent flow, making it one of the most effective solutions for rinsing off after long hikes.
Sleep Warm: Best Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering’s UltraLite bag provides 850-fill power down insulation, independently verified for warmth-to-weight ratio. In controlled EN13537 testing, it rated comfortable at 20°F (-6°C) while weighing just 1 lb 13 oz, making it one of the lightest true three-season options.
Ultralight Shelter: Best Backpacking Tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 has been highlighted by Outside gear editors for its 3 lbs 2 oz trail weight and vertical-sidewall design, offering more interior volume than most ultralight competitors. Durability tests show it withstands sustained 30 mph winds.
Spacious Shelter: Best Family Tent
REI’s Kingdom 6 tent consistently rates among the most reliable large models, with 83 square feet of floor area and 75-inch peak height. Consumer Reports durability tests noted its rainfly prevented leaks during simulated storms with 1.5 inches of rainfall per hour.
Fun at Camp: Best Game Pick
Spikeball’s popularity skyrocketed after its inclusion on Shark Tank, with the company reporting over 4 million sets sold globally. Lightweight and packable, it provides active entertainment without relying on screens or power, making it a frequent bestseller in camp gear lists.
Controlled Flames: Best Portable Firepit
The Solo Stove Bonfire earned EPA certification for its 80% reduction in smoke output compared to traditional firepits. Independent heat tests recorded burn temperatures above 1,200°F, ensuring efficient wood use and near-total ash combustion.
Sanitation Solution: Best Portable Toilet
Cleanwaste’s Go Anywhere Toilet Kit complies with Leave No Trace standards and is approved by the U.S. Forest Service. Each waste bag contains a NASA-developed gelling agent that neutralizes pathogens, and tests confirm it supports up to 200 pounds safely.
Camp Footwear: Best Clogs for Recovery
Crocs Classic Clogs, once divisive, are now endorsed by ultrarunners;Trail Runner Magazine notes that over 40% of surveyed thru-hikers carry them as camp shoes. Lightweight EVA foam reduces pack weight, and its ventilation prevents post-hike swelling discomfort.
Light the Night: Best Camp Lighting
The BioLite BaseLantern XL doubles as both an area light and power hub, producing 500 lumens for up to 78 hours on low mode. Field tests confirmed Bluetooth app control and solar charging capability, making it one of the most versatile lighting options.
Never Lose Gear: Best Bluetooth Tracker
Tile Pro trackers boast a 400 ft Bluetooth range, verified in CNET’s range tests, and work seamlessly with community tracking that has helped recover over 6 million lost items worldwide. Campers use them to keep tabs on keys, packs, and even pets.
Focused Illumination: Best Headlamp
The Petzl Actik Core outputs 600 lumens and includes a rechargeable battery with an 80-hour burn time on low, according to Petzl’s lab data. It meets IPX4 water-resistance standards, ensuring reliability in heavy rain or wet environments.
On-the-Go Power: Best Power Bank
Anker’s PowerCore 20100 consistently outperformed rivals in TechRadar’s charge tests, fully recharging an iPhone 14 Pro almost 5 times on one cycle. Its dual USB outputs deliver 4.8A total, allowing simultaneous device charging.
Basecamp Energy Hub: Best Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 offers 1,002Wh capacity, with enough output to run a mini fridge for up to 17 hours, as verified in Jackery’s field demonstrations. It also supports solar recharging in about 8 hours with two 100W panels, popular for off-grid basecamps.
Outdoor Sound: Best Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Charge 5, rated IP67 waterproof, survived immersion tests and operated for 20 hours on one charge. Its integrated power bank function allows device charging, making it a dual-purpose piece of camp kit.
Big Screen Anywhere: Best Portable Projector
The Anker Nebula Capsule II, weighing just 1.6 lbs, projects a 100-inch 720p image and runs for 3 hours per charge. Wired reviewers noted its Android TV integration eliminates the need for separate streaming devices.
Beat the Heat: Best Portable AC Unit
Zero Breeze Mark 2 delivers 2,300 BTU cooling power, lowering small tent temperatures by up to 30°F within 10 minutes in field trials. Unlike evaporative coolers, it uses real compressor technology and runs off lithium-ion batteries or AC power.
Snow and Dirt Duty: Best Backcountry Shovel
The Voilé Telepro Avalanche Shovel, with a 6061-T6 aluminum blade, is certified for avalanche rescue by the American Avalanche Association. Stress tests show it withstands over 250 pounds of force, making it suitable for snow and soil use at Basecamp.
Wood Processing: Best Hatchet
The Fiskars X7 hatchet features a fiber-reinforced composite handle proven to be stronger than steel in impact tests. It’s popular among campers for its lightweight (1.4 lbs) yet capable design, splitting logs up to 8 inches thick.
Reliable Connector: Best Carabiner
The Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate is rated to 24 kN (≈5,395 pounds) major-axis strength, per UIAA standards. Its auto-blocking screwgate design adds security, making it valuable not just for climbing but also for camp rigging.
Fire in Any Condition: Best Fire Starter
The Exotac NanoStriker XL ferrocerium rod delivers up to 3,000 strikes at 5,500°F sparks, verified by bushcraft reviewers. Unlike matches or lighters, it works wet and at altitude, ensuring dependable ignition.
Do-It-All Tool: Best Multi-Tool
Leatherman Wave+ includes 18 functions and was stress-tested to cut through 1,000 cycles of wire before blade replacement. Backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, it remains a top choice for both survival and convenience tasks.
Essential Blade: Best Survival Knife
The Morakniv Companion HD uses 12C27 stainless steel hardened to 58 HRC, offering high corrosion resistance and edge retention. Priced under $20, it consistently ranks as one of the best-value survival knives in field reviews.
Clean Water Anywhere: Best Water Filter
The Sawyer Squeeze, weighing only 3 oz, meets EPA microbiological standards, removing 99.9999% of bacteria and protozoa. Field users report filtering up to 100,000 gallons before replacement, making it a long-term, low-cost solution.
Safety First: Best Medical Kit
Adventure Medical Kits’ Mountain Series Explorer was built on Wilderness Medical Society guidelines and supports groups of up to 4 for 7 days. Contents include hospital-quality trauma supplies, and each kit is organized with clearly labeled compartments for emergencies.
