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Don’t mind me, just spending 100% of my free time planning my summer backpacking trips.

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.

On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags. 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 a third for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. Enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and compact. 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) so I could stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, that way 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 fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, and it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —Jenni

Price: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and five colors).

Promising review: "I'm sure that this works great with cold beverages, but I primarily bought it for my morning coffee and afternoon tea. It happens: You get to work and get pulled away from your desk, forgetting to bring your coffee with you. With the Yeti mug, that coffee will be just as hot as you left it, even if you're returning one to two hours later. It truly is remarkable. I find that if I want to start drinking my coffee right away, it is best to fill the mug and leave the top off for a few minutes. Trust me, it will save you a burnt mouth. While the mug is stainless steel, regular coffee drinkers will notice a slight buildup of discoloration over time. I'd suggest buying some Bar Keepers Friend, as it will have the stainless steel looking like new in no time." —RobertRuns

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: $249.95 (available in three colors)

The Sea to Summit Spark is game changing for cutting weight and volume in your backpacking setup while staying wildly comfortable, even in the cold. The down in this baby is so floofy and voluminous, and well-thought-out details like the draft collar both along the neckline *and* the entire zipper really keep heat in. I've used it for cowboy camping, where you REALLY see sleeping bags' weak points since you're exposed to so much wind, and I didn't notice any "cold spots," even along the seams. The hood is especially cozy, which is going to be even more of a delight once I get to use this baby in late fall. *Sigh* isn't the first year with a new piece of gear you love so exciting?

I love that the compression stuff sack is included with the bag, and it helps soften the splurge, in my opinion, since lots of people buy additional compression sacks to store their bags anyway. It really does get the bag down to an unbelievably small size. The power of down at work! If I have one complaint it's that the drawstring that pulls the hood taut is oddly hard to *undo* (unless I'm missing something) and the zipper can be a little catch-y (though never resulting in a rip or true snag), but those are small compared to the reasons to love this bag — just want to tell you everything I know since it's a hefty tag! But I really recommend this for anyone looking for a super light mummy bag to take them into the shoulder seasons.

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

Promising review: "I've had a lot of backcountry coffee over the years. Cowboy coffee, percolators, and both cheap and expensive instant brands. I will wholeheartedly say that Alpine Start has found a permanent place in my outdoor inventory. It's super easy to pack, ultra convenient, dead-simple to make, and ultimately makes a really tasty cup of coffee. The culmination of all this makes it a no-brainer choice for your next outdoor adventure. Whether a bivouac on the side of a remote mountain, or waking up in your tent bleary-eyed from a night of one too many drinks, you'll be stoked to find a packet of this stuff in your pack." —kevstewa

It comes with five small and five bigger carabiners, all made of plastic. 

Promising review: "I went car camping and tied this around a tree to use as a galley. It was perfect for hanging pots, pans, and utensils to dry after washing, as well as a small garbage bag for trash. How did I ever manage a camp kitchen without it?! I mean, yes, the S-Biners are plastic, but there are 10 of them, and you can always replace them. Smart buy!" —AFCA

The Eno has long been the gold standard in outdoor hammocks, and I'm SO happy I finally got one! Life's too short not to be napping in a forest. I'd always heard how easy they were to set up, but I really was blown away. It maybe takes 30 seconds if you have the right trees. Just wrap each strap around, connect each end of the hammock to the straps along the daisy chain via the carabiners at the end of the hammock, and get to swingin'. 

Promising review: "The best hammock I've ever bought! I swear there is something magical woven into the material because the moment you slide in = instant relaxation mode! I wish I had purchased this hammock earlier in the season. Super easy to set up (you do need your own anchor straps), and VERY dog-friendly. I'm excited for many years of magical moments with my pup in this hammock. Worth the price tag! Very well made and VERY cozy." —Jennifer

Price: $74.95 for the hammock (available in seven colors) and $29.95 for the straps 

I can't say enough good things about Altra and, specifically, the Lone Peak series. An older model of these has been totally changed by (outdoor) life. The zero drop and wide toe box make my feet feel like they're more ~connected~ with the ground, which is so useful when groovin' on the trail. I feel sure-footed and stable. I'm also someone who prefers their three-season outdoor shoes to be quick-drying instead of waterproof, and these fit the bill. I've been rained on a ton in these (ohhhh the joys of section hiking the Appalachian Trail!), and they dry pretty darn fast. Love, love, love.

Promising review: "I got these just before my trip to Sedona, and I was not planning on using them for all my hikes. They were so comfortable and supportive, and had amazing traction. I never even took my hiking boots out of my suitcase! I was able to wear them everywhere for everything, which is great when trying to lighten the load on a trip like this. They were my go-to for the airport, steep and rocky hikes, and walking around town! I honestly didn’t think I’d be as impressed as I am, but wow. I also have unstable ankles, and even though these shoes are low-cut, the wide base and traction system kept my ankles from rolling, and I feel like they actually helped me work on my ankle strength. 5 stars! I love them!" —leypay

Price: $145 (available in women's sizes 5.5–12, including wide sizes, and five colors, and in men's sizes 7–16, including wide sizes, and five colors)

Promising review: "These were super comfy and supportive! I didn’t break these in, wore them hiking for the whole week, and had no issues (which is a huge deal for me since all shoes usually give me blisters)! I didn’t test the waterproofing since we had dry conditions. I also bought the regular width, but decided to stick with the wide width. Easy return process for the pair I sent back! Thanks, Merrell!!" —Heather

Price: $170 (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, in seven colors, and men's sizes 7–15, including wide sizes, in six 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: "Getting into longer distance running, and this is perfect for carrying food and water needed during longer efforts. The provided water bottles are good for a 2–3-hour effort, and it's nice to have the option to add a water bladder for longer runs. The mesh is comfortable and breathable. There's a back pouch that is big enough for a light jacket. Front clasp is adjustable, which is nice." —Max T

Price: $100 (available in sizes XS–XL and three colors)

Yeah, the Kula Cloth is life changing if peeing in the woods gets you down. It's also super useful for general travel if you're traveling anywhere with an unreliable TP situation. There's also a little loop on the corner so you can just carabiner it to the outside of your pack if you're backpacking. Ya know how people who drive Jeeps nod at each other on the road? People with Kula Cloths on their packs nod to each other on the trail. It's a thing.

Promising review: "I've had one for years now, and it has been such a game changer for backpacking, camping, or just hiking. We take them everywhere outdoors, and I consider this one of the best outdoor inventions ever. If you don't want wet panties or have to pack toilet paper into a small bag to pack out, this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" —outdrgrl

Promising review: "I've been using a peri-bottle I once got at the hospital, but this thing is a seriously great upgrade. I bought it to go on a trip that requires wag bags, and I didn't want to backpack out a bunch of used TP. The bulb and spout direct a cleansing stream of water right where you want it. After six days of using this and a Kula Cloth to pat dry, I was fresh as a daisy, as they say. Everyone who was on the trip wants one now." —Amy B

Promising review: "I bought this as a small watertight container for boating to hold small items such as my wallet, cellphone, boat remote, etc. I clipped it to the railing on our tritoon at the helm. It’s like a stylish waterproof glovebox. Perfect for my use of it. I am thinking of buying two more and trying to rig up something similar with them on our kayaks." —Pontoon storage

Price: $55+ (available in two sizes and seven colors)

Promising review: "I cannot make it through a Minnesota winter in comfort without these socks. Before I tried toe socks, I would have cold, clammy feet. These toe socks wick any moisture away, and my feet stay dry and warm." —Jennie

"After a few weeks, I can confirm that this works! No blisters on the toes. I hike daily and have always had issues with blisters. No longer. These are very comfortable, too. I can wear them all day." —Jenn

Price: $18 (available in sizes S–L and two colors)

To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $7.99+. 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. It weighs just 3.5 and has 11 different types of subscription plans available for individuals, professionals, and teams.

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)

The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It only weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as Salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game-changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend.

Promising review: "I've taken this on a couple of backcountry/backpacking trips and it's so handy and easy to use. I find I prefer to carry two Smartwater bottles with me (one for dirty water, one for filtered water), screw the filter to the top of one, and squeeze clean water into the second bottle. I also love that it's small and lightweight. It's perfect for backcountry trips." —sarah279

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

I looooove these wipes, and you'll usually find at least a few in my backpacking and camping setup!

Promising review: "I couldn’t have gone without these. Five days with no running water (or baths), and these got pine tar off super easily AND helped keep the BO to a minimum. 10/10 would bring again." —kbhobbyhiker

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 stove for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back to document all of our adventures." —roseferg

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me! Holy moly, I really was out here thinking that most stoves were the same, but I was totally proven wrong when I finally got to take the Soto Windmaster for a spin. I was using a decade-plus-old backpacking stove. No shade. I loved that thing, and "use what you have" is a really important attitude to have and share regarding gear. You don't need every new gadget. BUT! I'm really happy to say that this stove is a distinct step up. It weighs a whisper, and even though the fold-out prongs and temperature dial are tiny, they feel relatively sturdy, especially when folded in. I was shocked at how quickly water boiled for me. I didn't time it; I was busy, uhhhh, enjoying my life, but it was noticeably faster than my old one. I love the built-in piezo igniter. Just so nice to know that if I forget a lighter, I'm not up a creek, and unlike my old stove, I really only have to click it once for it to ignite. Can't wait to put a decade on this stove!

Promising review: "Such a great stove, I returned my daughter's MSR (Mountain Safety Research) for another of these. No fuel leaks when you attach the fuel canister like the MSR. Also, the four prongs felt more stable in boiling water. The quick ignite was like magic. Love this purchase!!!" —Patsy

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

These are popular in the western United States, where in some areas with grizzlies, they're required, but they're useful almost anywhere if you want a surefire way to keep food untouched by all kinds of critters.

When I moved to the West Coast, I was sooooo excited that I finally had to get a bear canister! They may be heavy and tough to put in a pack, but hey, they're iconic! This smaller size fits into a pack relatively easily and holds a lot, especially if you're keeping volume in mind while shopping. And they really are useful beyond just for bears. I brought mine to Joshua Tree this past weekend because the last time I was there, there were a ton of mice, and there's just no good place to hang a food bag. Enter: the can! And hey, don't forget to put your trash and any other scented items like toothpaste in there for the night, too.

A lot of official car-camping sites have bear lockers if you need them, but not all, especially if you're a fan of off-road and off-grid adventures. But for backpacking, it's absolutely the move since you're often sleeping away from official sites or stops.

Promising review: "I love this thing. It fits easily into my pack and can fit electrolytes, snacks, a collapsible mug, matches and fuel, and 6–8 freeze-dried meals. Even witnessed an inquisitive deer who accidentally rolled it down a rocky hill and not a scratch or crack on it!" —stace

Price: $84.95 (also available in larger sizes)

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: $149.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "Worth every penny! No matter how long you’ve been camping, there comes a time when doing it the way you did it when you were young just doesn’t work. I camp for lots of reasons, and in lots of settings. But one of the things I ALWAYS want to do when I’m camping is relax and do it COMFORTABLY. I don’t need a Winnebago, but the old camp chairs — just about ALL of them — don’t work for me anymore. But this one — no kidding — DOES. The best addition I’ve made to my gear in a LONG time." —Rainfisher

Price: $179.95 (available in five colors)

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.

It also integrates beautifully with the Rumpl Wrap Sack Sleeping Bag, reviewed above!

Price: $59.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "This is the first Yeti cooler I have ever purchased, and I am in love. We used this while camping, and the drinks were so cold they may as well have been in our refrigerator. We primed the cooler to chill it before loading it up, which was simple and made a huge difference! There was ice in our cooler three days after camping, and the drinks were still cold after sitting in our house without AC for four days in 85- to 90-degree heat! (It’s a bummer, I know.) That really says something about the quality! 10/10 if you're considering a Yeti, get a Yeti." —Steph_keen_

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