Looking for the best camping gear in 2022?
We were, too. So we asked 20 camping experts what their camping must haves are.
We decided to find the best camping essentials right from the people who use them all the time!
Use this guide to skip the camping gear that’s a waste of money and only buy the camping supplies you’ll love having out in nature!
Here’s an overview of all the people we asked:
Table of Contents
- Best Camping Gear 2022
- Our Personal Top 3 Picks
- 1. Joey from Cool of the Wild
- 2. Ewan from Wild About Scotland
- 3. Kim from Camping for Foodies
- 4. Shanti from Hike it Baby
- 5. Shell from Camping with Style
- 6. Kate from Adventures of Kate
- 7. Michael from Fresh Off the Grid
- 8. Thomas from The Armchair Mountaineer
- 9. Sarah from Inspired Camping
- 10. Luna from Hiker Track
- 11. Gav from Get Out With the Kids
- 12. Jen from Outdoor Families Magazine
- 13. Jamie from Hiking Girl with Dog
- Bonus: Best Hiking Gear 2018
- 14. Adam from Hiking the Trail
- 15. Derek from The Ultimate Hang
- 16. Brad from Bike Hike Safari
- 17. Carol from Hiking Lady
- 18. Lucy from Two Blondes Walking
- 19. Jason from Feed the Habit
- 20. Tom from Two-Heel Drive
- 21. Top Picks from The Wandering RV
- Other Cool Camping & Hiking Gear
- Wow!
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Best Camping Gear 2022
From car camping to tent camping, here’s the best hiking & camping gear items of 2022, as told by the experts!
Also, check out these awesome camping quotes to get ready for your next camping trip!
Our Personal Top 3 Picks
Here at The Wandering RV, we personally use and love these three camping supplies nearly every time we go on a camping trip:
Carved Damascus Steel Knives
- Made in the USA
- Durable, long-lasting titanium and Damascus steel
- Hand-made to order; each is unique
Solo Stove Portable Campfire
- Minimizes campfire smoke
- Lifetime warranty
- Portable & lightweight
- Perfect for cooking while camping
Luci Inflatable Solar Light
- Full charge lasts 5-6 hours
- Deflates down to 1 inch
- Waterproof
- Four modes of lighting
Now – onto the other campers!
1. Joey from Cool of the Wild
Joey and her partner are mad about gear (and camping trips). They’re always willing to try new things, go new places, and generally have endless enthusiasm for any excuse to get out there and enjoy the outdoor world (sounds like they’re living the life!).
Joey recommends the following camping equipment:
Cafetiere Camping Mug
- A must-have for camping kitchens
- Suitable for all kinds of beverages
- Able to brew coffee within the mug
Merino Wool Multi-functional Head-wear
- 100% eco-friendly Merino wool, sourced from non-mulesed sheep
- Soft and comfortable, naturally odor resistant
- Dries quickly, breathable, stays warm if wet
Swiss Army Knife
- Made of highly durable light and tough Stainless Steel
- Features 11 tools with 14 functions
- Considered by outdoorsmen as must have camp tools and survival gear
She also recommends carrying a machete if you’re going deep into the wilderness!
2. Ewan from Wild About Scotland
Ewan may be passionate about camping, but as the name of his website suggests, he’s wild for Scotland. In fact, Trespass Blog Awards voted his website “Best UK Camping Blog” in both 2014 and 2016!
So, yeah. It’s safe to say that when it comes to camping gear, he knows what to bring. He recommends you bring:
A Spork
- Spoon-fork-knife combo with serrated edge on side of fork; full-size spoon and fork
- Lightweight, durable, and heat resistant for camp kitchens
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe
Merino Wool Long-sleeved Top
- 100% all natural Merino wool ensures comfort all day long
- Keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter
- Merino wool’s natural wicking, anti-bacterial, and odor-resistant
Inflatable Solar Lantern
- Can be charged directly from the sun as well as via the micro USB port
- Portable, foldable, and durable
- Choose one of three lighting modes
3. Kim from Camping for Foodies
Kim is a camping, hiking, and cooking fanatic! She’s a frequent contributor to AZ Outdoor Magazine and even has her own cooking segment on the Great Food Good Neighbors TV show.
She recently shared her top three must-have camping accessories to bring along with you during your camping trip, including cook equipment and sleeping accessories:
Flexible Camping Mats
- Can be hung on hooks inside cabinet doors in camper
- Flexible material easily curls
- Clean with hot soapy water
Cocktail Shaker
- Stainless Steel
- Works for non-alcoholic drinks for kids and adults too
- Unique gift for people who camp, hike, cook and enjoy the outdoors
Hammock
- Includes attached accessory bag with multiple pockets
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Easy to transport
4. Shanti from Hike it Baby
Back in 2013, Shanti started casually hiking with some family friends. When more people wanted to join in, Shanti decided to turn Hike it Baby into a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families around the US.
She also just wrote a book about hiking with babies and toddlers called “Hike It Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers“!
Shanti’s favorite gear are all perfect for your families camping trip, with plenty of camping furniture!
Foldable Highchair
- Lightweight and flexible
- Meets US ASTM and EU European high chair safety standards
- A clear vinyl tray cover that easily wipes clean and a built in cup holder too
Pop’N’Play Enclosure
- Freestanding and portable. Has two zip-open panels for easy access and optimal air flow
- Padded floor for comfort and protection
- Full coverage canopy blocks 98% of harmful UVA/UVB rays
Outdoor Blanket
- Ultrasonic quilting is used to bond the two layers together without needle work/sewing, ensuring that the blanket is 100% waterproof
- The zipped pocket is perfect to keep small items such as keys or phones safe
- Perfect for picnics, camping, beaches, stadiums and more
5. Shell from Camping with Style
Meet Shell! A full time marketing consultant and the editor of Camping with Style. Starting her blog helped her stay on track after breaking her back due to a snowboarding accident in 2014 while promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Shell recommends the following camping gear (and her sleeping bag recommendation is high on our list):
Solar Charger
- Lithium Ion battery for improved power delivery
- LED lights showing charging, available power in battery, and power status
- Solar Panel charging input
Robens Crevasse II Sleeping Bag
- Designed to keep you warm in frigid temperatures (down 20 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Ultra soft and waterproof
- Lightweight sleeping accessories, easy to transport
Collapsible 2-in-1 Water Carrier & Bucket
- Capacity of 8 liters
- Made from food grade recyclable plastic
- Electronically welded joints for extra strength
6. Kate from Adventures of Kate
Kate is an award winning outdoor and adventure blogger and absolutely loves being near the mountains and the sea. She also shares her bucket list on her blog, which is insanely awesome (she’s done quite a lot)!
Kate recommends bringing these camping accessories on all of your camping trips:
Jetboil Sumo Stove
- Jetboil Regulator Technology-consistent heat down to 20° F to -6° C
- 1.8 liter FluxRing cooking cup with insulating Cozy
- Bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowl
Hunka Bivvy Sacks
- Lightweight and small enough to be used as an emergency bag
- Compact at under 400 g
- Perfect for all adventurers from alpinists to minimalist campers and expedition leaders
Water-to-go Bottle
- BPA-free
- Created based on technology developed for NASA
- Filtration systepm stops even the smallest contaminates from passing through
7. Michael from Fresh Off the Grid
Michael and his partner Megan first started Fresh Off the Grid back in 2015 as a resource for outdoor enthusiasts. They came to realize that their home cooked meals were a bit too complicated to make outdoors and that most camping meals are “unhealthy” (not to mention, hot dogs get boring after awhile).
With a bit of determination, they were able to turn their website into a kick ass recipe blog. Michael recommends bringing this camping gear:
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Self-basting domed lid preserves moisture
- Pre-seasoned & ready for immediate use
- Rugged cast-iron construction heats slowly and evenly
Vacuum Insulated Beer Growler
- Keeps hot drinks warm for 12+ hours and cold drinks cool for 24+ hours
- BPA-free, leak-proof, and comes with a lifetime warranty
- Made with stainless steel
Kermit Chairs Camping Furniture
- Lightweight and easily portable
- 350 lbs. weight limit
- Durable and highly functional
8. Thomas from The Armchair Mountaineer
Thomas is an Entrepreneur, Blogger, Mountain Enthusiast and Bibliophile. Back in 2016, he realized he was burnt out from the constant rat race and completely redesigned his life.
He now blogs about all things outdoors (and even has some awesome gear reviews to check out!). Here’s what Thomas told us was the best gear:
Solar Charging Power Port
- Built with CIGS, a type of thin-film solar material that offers greater flexibility than other solar cells while retaining durability
- Give your phone, tablet, or other mobile devices up to a 12W charge in optimal sunlight conditions with this portable solar charger
- PowerSolar Flex 3-Port 24W, welcome guide, our 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service
Water-to-go Bottle
- BPA-free
- Created based on technology developed for NASA
- Water filtration system cleans even the smallest contaminants
9. Sarah from Inspired Camping
Sarah wears a lot of hats – she’s a Performance Coach, consultant, trainer, freelance writer, glamping business coach, inspirational speaker and Book Producer (holy smokes!).
Through her blog, you’ll find expert advice on camping as well as a “Glamping” business course to get your glamp on yourself!
She recommends bringing the following camping supplies:
Inflatable Sofa
- Comes with 3 stretchable pockets to hold your belongings
- Easy to inflate (and deflate)
- Doesn’t take up much room when compacted
Waterproof Speaker
- Allows up to six hours playtime
- Equipped built-in speakerphone
- Comes with a tear-resistant strap (and hooks to almost anything)
Campfire Frying Pan
- Made with 18/8 stainless steel
- Includes fold-away handle
- Easy to transport
10. Luna from Hiker Track
Luna graduated from college with a degree in business and became an office worker the moment after she graduated. After realizing she wanted to see more than four walls (and craving some outdoor fun), she and her best friends decided to travel to new destinations while sharing what they’ve learned in hopes of helping others.
Luna recommends bringing these camping supplies:
Coleman 4-Person Instant Cabin
- Sets up in less than one minute
- Poles come pre-attached
- Made with waterproof material
TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag
- Allows you to sleep in frigid temperatures
- Survival rated sleeping bag
- Provides a durable compression sack to pack away your sleeping bag
High Performance Backpack
- Has multiple torso-adjustments to fit your body
- Has a slot for hydration packs
- Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad for comfort and airflow
11. Gav from Get Out With the Kids
Gav is a father of three and loves getting out and about (whether it’s hiking, running, camping, cycling, canoeing, etc.).
He co-founded Get Out With the Kids in hopes of helping other parents enjoy the great outdoors with their families (even if you just do some car camping here and there).
Gav recommends bringing:
Robens Field Station
- Fits up to six people
- Fire retardant
- Has a mesh net for ventilation
Robens Bighorn
- 3-legged pan made from durable cast iron for optimal heat transfer
- Can use over open fire
- Legs are removable
Outwell Dreamboat
- Self-inflation mat
- Features the latest technology of double flat valves (provides a close-to-home comfort)
- Adjustable mattress that provides the right amount of firmness
Related Reading: Best 14-Person Tent for Large Gatherings
12. Jen from Outdoor Families Magazine
Jen is the writer/editor at Outdoor Family Magazine (she also oversees the overall design, aesthetic and content direction of the magazine).
She also writes about her families travels and multi-cultural living! Jen recommends bringing:
Scrabble-to-go
- Game board features storage areas to house tile racks
- Tile racks include additional privacy shields
- Pack up in the middle of the game and pick up when you’re ready
TETON Sports Pillow
- Designed to be taken anywhere
- Compresses down into the included stuff sack
- Perfect for backpacking, hiking, or camping trips
Glow Sticks
- Authentic lumistick colored glow sticks
- Last for 10-12 hours at their highest brightness, then fade
- Non-toxic, non-flammable, snd non-radioactive
13. Jamie from Hiking Girl with Dog
Jamie is the creator, writer, and photographer of Hiking Girl with Dog and absolutely loves the outdoors.
More than that, though, she loves hiking with her pup, Xena (who is hands down one of the cutest hiking dogs we’ve ever seen).
Jamie recommends bringing this gear on your next camping trip:
Collapsible Pet Bowl
- Simply Pop-Up and then fold away
- Made with high quality flexible Food-Grade silicone
- 100% Lead & BPA Free
Bonus: Best Hiking Gear 2018
Because camping and hiking are so similar (and usually go hand-in-hand) we decided to reach out to some awesome hiking experts to get their input, too!
14. Adam from Hiking the Trail
Adam is an avid hiker (and backpacker) who find himself on the trail when he’s not working. He first started his blog as a journal to prepare his hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail back in 2013.
Now, he shares his outdoor life through trip reports, travel, gear reviews, and more.
Adam recommends bringing:
A Compass
- The lensatic function increases the reading’s accuracy
- The compass’ interface glows in the dark
- Waterproof and shake proof
BPA-Free Water Bottle
- Able to hold both warm and cold beverages
- Bottle never leaks
- Opening accommodates most water filters
15. Derek from The Ultimate Hang
Derek is a lightweight backpacker, former Scoutmaster, and refers to himself as a “hammock enthusiast”. Hammocks are great for hikes but are even better on camping trips! If you’re RVing you may even have room for a hammock stand.
He loves all things related to hammocks and was kind enough to share his top two recommendations:
Jungle Hammock
- Made with fast-dry nylon parachute material
- Weighs only 22 ounces
- Easy to set up
Python Hammock Tree Straps
- Python Straps can safely suspend the user by anchor points
- Nylon Material
- Visible in low-light conditions
16. Brad from Bike Hike Safari
Brad is an Australian biker, hiker, photographer, and all-around nature lover. He aims to live by his dreams and takes each day as it comes.
P.S. The hiking boots he recommends also make great cycling shoes!
Brad recommends bringing:
Darn Tough Socks
- Cushioning along the bottom of the foot provides the perfect amount of support
- Performance fit
- Constructed from fine gauge Merino wool
Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent
- Comes with a waterproof floor
- Voted best camping tents 2018
- Dual doors for accessibility
Hiking Shoes
- GORE-TEX waterproof lining
- Long-lasting cushioning and support
- Molded toe bumper to protect your feet from uneven trails
Related Reading: What is a Tent Footprint and Do You Need One?
17. Carol from Hiking Lady
Hiking Lady is an online publication dedicated to helping women embrace the outdoors. They provide answers to questions you should know the answer to, but probably don’t (such as how to properly prevent blisters and how many calories you burn while hiking).
We were lucky to get Carol to give us her top two recommendations, which are:
Trekking Poles
- Dual-density grip and plush-lined with 360-degree padded webbing strap
- Interchangeable carbide Tech Tips
- Lightweight, pack down small, and have adjustable straps
Compression Stuff Pack
- Allows you to carry up to 30% more materials
- Incredibly comfortable
- Water-resistant carrier packs
18. Lucy from Two Blondes Walking
Lucy and her partner Fi (also known as blonde one and blonde two) love to walk all over. However, they say there’s nothing better than throwing their rucksacks on, getting their map and compass out, and setting out across the moor.
Whether they do some car camping or bring their sleeping bags wand a tent, they love being outdoors. Lucy recommends bringing:
Meindl Hiking Boots
- Best hiking boots around
- Made for campers, hikers, adventurers, and more
- Water and snow proof make it the best womens footwear
Hunka Bivvy Bag
- Lightweight and small enough to be used as an emergency bag
- Compact at under 400 g
- Perfect for all adventurers from alpinists & rock climbers to minimalist campers and expedition leaders. Must-have sleeping gear
Bivvy Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag
- Easier than an emergency space blanket
- Can raise your body temperature by 20°
- Tear-resistant, windproof, and water proof
19. Jason from Feed the Habit
Feed the Habit is known as the original back-country blog (mainly because it was around before blogs were even invented!). We were lucky to get Jason to give us his top three accessories for hiking trips.
Here’s Jason’s best hiking gear (make sure you don’t pass up that sleeping pad):
Outdoor Research Jacket
- Synthetic insulator warms you on climbs and ski tours
- Polartec Alpha insulation improves base layer airflow
- Adjustable hood and hem stay secure in windy weather
Lightweight Hiking Travel Backpack
- Padded, highly breathable backpanel and shoulder straps
- Internal hydration sleeve with hang loop
- Zippered top pocket with key clip and two zippered side pockets
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad
- Reflective ThermaCapture technology traps radiant heat
- SpeedValve pulls in surrounding air to amplify your breath. A great air bed!
- Suited to minimalist alpine excursions
20. Tom from Two-Heel Drive
Tom is a seasoned hiker, B2B Content Marketer, and also runs a technology marketing blog! With how busy he may be, he was more than welcome to share his top three accessories to bring along on a hiking trip.
Such as:
Garmin Vivoactive HR
- Up to 8 days in watch/activity tracking mode
- Set any notification from your mobile device to display
- GPS mode: Up to 13 hours
Zip-N-Go Pants
- 100% Nylon
- Full elastic waistband and web belt (with quick release buckle)
- Zip-off convertible legs for pant-to-short flexibility
Camelbak Podium Ice Water Bottles
- Made to retain cold temperatures four times longer than standard water bottles
- BPA-free
- JetValve delivers high water flow effortlessly and seals shut automatically
21. Top Picks from The Wandering RV
We also have three hiking gear recommendations for you! (Don’t forget the insect repellent!)
Whether we’re enjoying some outdoor recreation, we always bring:
Canon G7 X Mark II
- Built-in Wi-Fi for on-the-go convenience
- The lens is equipped to capture with precision
- Features a large 1.0-inch, 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
Deet-Free Bug Spray
- Contains oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Repels mosquitoes for up to 6-hours
- Protects against West Nile Virus
Inflatable Kayak
- Kayak includes an adjustable inflatable seat with backrest
- Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Removable skeg for directional stability
Other Cool Camping & Hiking Gear
The following camping & hiking equipment weren’t recommended by anyone, but we wanted this to be a complete list, so we’re recommending them based on extensive research. Enjoy!
Fittin Razerback Sports Bra
- Tight fitting for support
- Premium women’s clothing
- Ultra soft & smooth material for comfort while camping
Campark Action Cameras
- 4K recording action cameras
- Tough & durable
- Waterproof up to 30m(98Feet)
- Rechargeable batteries and mounting accessories
Tray-Style Bike Racks
- Easily transport up to four bikes
- Designed for class II, III, and IV hitches
- Easy to use on most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
Water Treatment Tablets
- Portable Drinking Water Treatment
- Ideal Survival Gear for Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Recreation
- Removes Need for Water Filtration
Wow!
We’re so thankful for everyone who participated in this massive guide to the best camping gear – we couldn’t have written it without you!
Over to you: If you have camp tools, cook equipment, RV accessories, or sleeping bags you bring along with you while camping and hiking in the great outdoors and want to be featured in this post, feel free to send us your top three recommendations! Leave them in the comments below.
And as always, thanks for reading! Now go camping 🙂
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