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Apr 10, 2019 • 7 min read
For many travellers, camping isn’t just a bit of fun; it’s a way of life—a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the great outdoors. However, whether you’re going completely off-grid or simply spending a night in the woods, the right camping gear can turn an evening under canvas into a pleasant experience instead of an uncomfortable one.
In this article, we explore essential camping gear designed to enhance your outdoor adventure, from family-sized tents to cozy sleeping bags, and even a portable lantern that can charge your phone. Because even in the wilderness, some modern comforts are hard to live without.
Family tent: Vango Amalfi Air 600
A spacious tent is excellent for family camping trips, allowing everyone to stay together. However, the stress of setting it up can often create friction among campers. The Amalfi Air 600 from Vango is the ideal solution, featuring three large inflatable hoops instead of traditional poles. Simply inflate for a few minutes, secure the guy-ropes, and you’re all set. Inside, the tent features a roomy living area and a sleeping compartment designed to accommodate up to six people comfortably, though we found it was best suited for four. During our testing, we noted that while the lightweight fabric and groundsheet were practical for storage, they do require careful handling to avoid damage.
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Plus points: Quick and easy inflatable hoops, pump supplied.
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Worth noting: Available in blue and smaller 400 and 500 models.
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Cost: £580
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Rating: Quality 8/10; practicality 8/10; value 8/10.
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More info: vango.co.uk
Hiking tent: MSR Zoic 2
If your camping adventures involve straying far from the beaten path, then the Zoic 2 tent from MSR could be the perfect companion. Weighing around 2kg, this tent is impressively lightweight, making it ideal for those who wish to hike by day and set up camp beside the trail at night. Moreover, it’s exceptionally designed with two side entrances and porches that simplify access and cooking in inclement weather. During our testing, we observed that the flysheet panels did touch the inner mesh tent, but this minor issue was easily remedied by attaching a small guy-line to the panel and pegging it out. Overall, but for this small drawback, the tent performed impressively.
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Plus points: In warm climates, the inner tent can serve as a free-standing bug net.
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Worth noting: The lightweight groundsheet requires careful handling or an optional protective footprint.
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Cost: US$349.95
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Rating: Quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 9/10.
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More info: msrgear.com
Cooking stove: Primus Kinjia
You could have the comfiest ground mat and warmest sleeping bag, but without a proper cooking solution, meals in the great outdoors can be a struggle—especially with kids in tow. The Kinjia from Primus offers a balanced solution between lightweight hiking stoves and heavier-duty options. With two burners, it provides ample heat for quick boils and easy simmering, thus putting an end to cold dinners. While aimed primarily at car campers, its compact design also accommodates trail campers since it uses disposable gas cartridges as well as larger refillable canisters.
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Plus points: Quick setup and easy to clean.
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Worth noting: A smaller alternative for hikers and bikers is the Primus Lite+.
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Cost: US$179.95, £150, €199.95
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Rating: Quality 8/10; practicality 8/10; value 7/10.
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More info: primus.eu
Backpack: Fjallraven Kajka 75
For camping adventures where you need to carry your gear, having a spacious, durable, and comfortable rucksack is essential. The Kajka 75 from Fjallraven checks all the boxes. Despite its understated look, it is packed with features, including convenient side pockets that tuck away behind compression straps, a fully adjustable top pocket that can transform into a smaller bag, and a birch-wood frame for added eco-appeal. In our tests, we especially appreciated the large opening panel, making it easy to access your gear at camp without rummaging through the depths of a traditional backpack.
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Plus points: Straps are adjustable for back height and shoulder width, ensuring all-day comfort.
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Worth noting: Heavier and pricier than some other options, but it’s built to last.
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Cost: US$400, £325, €379
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Rating: Quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10.
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More info: fjallraven.com
Sleeping bag: Therm-a-Rest Questar HD
Primarily recognized for their high-quality sleeping mattresses, Therm-a-Rest also produces sleeping bags, including the Questar HD. This bag is classified as a ‘3-season’ model, making it suitable for chilly evenings in the backcountry without being designed for extreme conditions. The filling utilizes Nikwax hydrophobic down—small goose feathers treated to repel moisture and retain insulative properties even when damp. During testing, even in rainy conditions with temperatures nearing freezing, we remained warm and dry throughout the night.
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Plus points: Ethically sourced down and eco-friendly treatment.
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Worth noting: We tested the regular size; also available in small and long sizes.
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Cost: US$239.95, £224.99
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Rating: Quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10.
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More info: thermarest.com
Outwear jacket: Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket
While a good tent protects you from the elements during sleep, you’ll need a reliable jacket for day explorations. The Microlight Alpine Jacket from Rab is an excellent choice for any camping trip, featuring a lightweight design that offers impressive insulation. It kept our tester warm even in harsh winds. Notably, the jacket can be compressed to the size of a 1L drink bottle, making it easy to stow in your backpack. It also includes a fully adjustable hood for a snug fit and optimal warmth.
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Plus points: Ethically sourced goose down with a hydrophobic treatment.
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Worth noting: We tested the women’s version; it’s also available in a men’s cut, with either a longer body or no hood option.
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Cost: US$280, £190, €229.95
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Rating: Quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10.
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More info: rab.equipment
Camping lantern: Coleman Twist 300+
While camping in remote locations, a reliable light source is essential for cooking, navigation, and even storytelling by the campfire. The Twist 300+ lantern from Coleman is a superb piece of equipment. It’s robust and portable, and features water resistance (splash-proof) with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers impressive illumination. In our testing, we achieved 10 hours of light on the high setting and a remarkable 112 hours on low. Additionally, this lantern has a USB port for charging your mobile devices, although the port’s flimsy cover was a minor annoyance.
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Plus points: Batteries disconnect completely when off, preventing trickle drain.
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Worth noting: For off-grid campers, the lightweight Coleman 200L Lantern powered by AA batteries is available.
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Cost: £60, €69.99
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Rating: Quality 8/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10.
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More info: coleman.eu
Camping mattress: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir All Season SV
Therm-a-Rest’s innovative self-inflating mattress has transformed camping since its debut in the 1970s and remains a staple in outdoor gear. In our tests, the NeoAir All Season SV stood out for its comfort, boasting a generous 1830mm length and 60mm thickness with a baffled design that reduces cold air transmission from the ground. Moreover, its smart valve, resembling a dry bag closure, ensures quick inflation and deflation. For those who prefer a leaner pack, wider and longer versions are also available.
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Plus points: Sturdy, comfortable, and excellent insulation; suitable for summer or winter camping.
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Worth noting: The alternative NeoAir models require lung power for inflation, making them less bulky for backpacking.
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Cost: US$159.95, £139.99
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Rating: Quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10.
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More info: thermarest.com
Discover more about camping gear
Camping gear reviews help you find the best equipment for outdoor adventures. By focusing on quality, practicality, and value, you can gear up with confidence and enjoy your camping experiences to the fullest.
