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Because bug bites, soaked socks, and dead phone batteries are not the vibe.

I'm a seasoned Shopping Editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel (my favorite), home decor, fashion, and pet products.

Camping and hiking are a lot more fun when you’re not overheating, covered in blisters, or fumbling around in the dark looking for your flashlight. Luckily, these genius outdoor products — including cooling towels, ultralight chairs, water filtration systems, and quick-inflate sleeping pads — are here to make your summer adventures way more comfortable. Whether you’re a hardcore backpacker or someone who just wants to survive a weekend in the woods with minimal inconvenience, these picks are about to earn a permanent spot in your gear stash.

Promising review: "Love this tent! It was perfect for two, plus a tiny bit more room. It rained all night and the tent kept us dry and warm. Super easy set up and it kept the mosquitoes out." —Mariah Strauss

Get it from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in three sizes).

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Promising review: "I use this as a face sunscreen on my 'heavy outdoor' days — beach, sweaty hikes, etc. It doesn't migrate into my eyes or cause stinging, and the texture is moderate enough that I can reapply without feeling like I am spackling my face." —a music lover

The waterproof patches last 12 hours or through six applications of sunscreen — whichever comes first. When purple, it's time to reapply and when clear, you're good to go! 

Promising review: "After yet another bad sunburn, even though I'm trying VERY HARD to keep sunscreen on, I bought these. The first use was at Disneyland on a 90-degree cloudless day. This helped so much! I kept an eye (as did my friends) on the dot so we all knew when to reapply sunscreen, and not one of us got burned. I also used these on a week-long hiking adventure in Utah, where it was in the 90s, and the UV index was extreme. None of us got burned, so all in all, this is one of the best inventions!" —Catherine Shock

Get them from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in packs of 16, 32, and 48).

Psst — they're also gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free! 

Promising review: "Liquid I.V. is amazing! It really has made my daily life 100% better. I constantly have to give blood samples every day, and not just a little, like at least 100cc every day, and when you're dehydrated, it makes this very difficult. And I really just don't have the time to drink water as I should. But with Liquid I.V., I can use three packets a day, and my blood will be flowing like a river. My veins thank you. So, thank you, Liquid I.V., for literally making my quality of life so much better." —wendy griggers

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.46+ (available in 18 flavors). 

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

Promising review: "This has saved me more times than I can remember in my travels! It fits in my pocket, it’s rechargeable, and it charges my phone. The fan lasts all night, camping, boating, flying, when I’m trying to sleep on otherwise fun trips. I’ve used it on boats, trains, planes, buses, taxis, restaurants, and in my house and yard. I have several (because I forget to bring them with me). I’ve bought them for family and friends. Worth every penny and affordable so that I don’t hesitate to buy them for family and friends." —Anna-Marie Robertson

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors). 

Depending on your setting, the fan can last four to sixteen hours. Once it needs to be recharged, just connect it to any USB cable.

Promising review: "Used this on my hike up Half Dome. I used it for 6 hours on the 1–2 speed setting, and on the second day, it lasted about 2 hours on setting 1 before dying. Charged it for 45 min, and it lasted the rest of the 4-hour hike down. I don’t think I would have been about to hike Half Dome without this. Kept my face and neck cool and didn’t break one sweat on my face." —Hayley

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "Cool little invention! I took this on a mountain excursion — close enough to a town, but I didn’t want to rely on a laundromat if I didn’t have to. I loved this wash bag. The instructions were clear: fill to the line with hot water, add 4–6 items (depending on size), add your soap (less is more), fold down the bag, hook it closed, and let out the air. Then press the bag down and start 'mushing.' I mushed for about 4 minutes, drained the dirty water, refilled with clean water, and mushed another 4 minutes before hanging my clothes to dry. Yes, it’s a bit of work, but the convenience was amazing. I’m so glad I have this for camping and hiking — highly recommend!" —Sbarna411

Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say:

"I've owned this charger for more than a year and love the built-in cord. It just simplifies everything! I often throw it into my bag on regular days because sometimes I end up spending the whole day out and about (New York City is just like that) and need a charge without monopolizing an outlet in a coffee shop. It's a little heavier than other portable chargers I've used in the past, but I still adore it over all other chargers I've used. Oh, and the percentage indicator for how much juice it has is incredibly convenient and has probably ruined all other portable chargers for me."

Promising review: "An absolute must-have for anyone looking to eliminate cable clutter while keeping their devices charged at high speeds. The standout feature is the integrated USB-C cable, which is incredibly sturdy and doubles as a convenient carrying handle. With 30W bi-directional fast charging, it can power an iPhone 16 or 15 to 50% in just 30 minutes, and it recharges itself just as quickly. The vibrant smart display provides real-time information on remaining battery percentage and charging time, taking all the guesswork out of your power levels. Compact enough to fit in a small bag or even a pocket, it’s the perfect balance of 10,000-mAh capacity and portability for travel or daily commutes." —Chris

Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "Perfect lightweight towel for travel. Packs SO SMALL, very lightweight, dries you well, and dries itself quickly too. If you have longer hair, you may want to size up just so you have more towel to work with, but it really was never an issue. I’ve used these in place of some hotel towels and when I’m camping, and I’m always recommending them." —Joanne Melcher

Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in three sizes and colors).

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

Here's what BuzzFeed shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel has to say:

"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: "Excellent product and a must-have while going hiking or camping where there's no clean water available. Because you can squeeze water through the filter, it takes no time for you to get drinkable water. Back flushing helps extend the filter's lifespan and comes with a syringe for back flushing." —Harlie

Promising review: "I bought three more for the family. They are a reliable luxury. Clean water, no matter the source. Hotel rooms, camping, restaurants with weird-tasting tap water, and water fountains. I rarely drink from any other vessel. Both filters are easy to replace and affordable. We have the 0.65L and 1.0L. I prefer the 1.0L. Kiddos prefers the 0.65L." —Sheena Tooman

Get it from Amazon for $27.97+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "She's come with me on short overnights, taken beatings being dropped down on the rocks of the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail, and survived freezing temperatures on a 30-mile three-day weekend in Shenandoah. As an occasional overpacker for short trips, she handles the extra gear beautifully and easily accommodates a bear cannister when required. After many miles, and not always the gentlest handling, there's no damage other than cosmetic. I love how many attachment points there are on this bag, and the generous front pocket. Extremely comfortable, even after many days with double-digit temperatures. Would definitely recommend this bag to anyone getting into backpacking!' —phillyhiker

Get it from REI for $171.69 (originally $229; available in sizes XS–M and in two colors).

Promising review: "Imodium A-D is a lifesaver! Whenever stomach issues hit, these caplets work quickly to calm things down and bring relief. I like that they’re small, easy to swallow, and start working within the first dose. They’re gentle on my stomach and don’t cause any extra discomfort, which is a huge plus compared to some other medicines. I always keep a box in my medicine cabinet and in my travel bag — it’s one of those essentials you don’t want to be without. If you need dependable, fast-acting diarrhea relief, this is definitely the one to trust." —Whitney

Get it from Amazon for $4.48+ (available in packs of 6, 12, and 24).

Promising review: "I use this for walks and hikes with my dogs, and it has worked great at keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away. The mist goes on evenly, dries fast, and is not greasy at all. What I like most is that it has no scent at all. There is nothing strong or chemical-smelling, which makes it a lot more pleasant to use compared to most bug sprays." —Kendall

The Bug Bite Thing (of Shark Tank fame) works on bites from mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, no-see-ums, and more. Basically, the gadget sucks out insect venom and saliva — two things that lead to itchiness and irritation. With that out, your skin should stop swelling and return to normal in no time!

Promising review: "This is a camping must-have. When I get bitten by mosquitoes, my arm swells badly. So much so that I get a baseball-sized knot where the bite occurred. Because of this, I wanted to be more preventative. The Bug Bite Thing has drastically reduced reactions. It’s super easy to use, and once I see a bug bite, I pull it out of my bag or pocket, use it, and the reaction is minimal. 100% recommend." —Maple and Freya

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in eight color combinations).

Promising review: "Originally bought for my father-in-law, he loved it so much, I bought four more... The towels are amazing! They let me stay outside much longer, and I am much more comfortable. Great for camping, yard work, sports, etc. If you have to be outside in the summer heat, a cooling towel is a must!" —Jim Garner

Promising review: "These Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals are hands-down my all-time favorite for hiking and outdoor adventures. From the very first wear, they were comfortable — no blisters, no need to break them in. They’re incredibly versatile: I wear them with or without socks, in streams and rivers, on rocky trails, and up mountains. The straps adjust easily, the soles provide great grip and support, and the sandals feel lightweight even during long hikes. They dry quickly when wet and hold up well in all kinds of terrain. Durable, reliable, and comfortable — these are the sandals I reach for every time I go outside. I honestly can’t recommend them enough for anyone who loves hiking, walking, or just spending time outdoors." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and nine designs). 

Promising review: "The Z/Cloud style does not disappoint! This is my third pair of Chacos, and the Z/Cloud is by far the most comfortable and supportive style. Periodically, I have trouble with my feet, and I really need the most supportive shoes I can find. These are well worth the price. Right out of the box, they fit great, and I didn't need any breaking-in time. I wore these every day on a 10-day camping/ hiking trip through the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, and they were so comfortable. They are easy to slip on and off, and the strap between my toes is soft. The buckle glides smoothly. I worried that the gold color would show dirt, but they still look clean after a month of wear and no stinky smell! I was also concerned that the Z/Cloud would not be as durable as the original Chaco style, but they are solid. In fact, I like that they are less stiff than the original version. My feet don't ache after a whole day wearing them. I will definitely buy them again." —SAL

Get them from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in seven styles).

Promising review: "I’ve had this one lantern for five years. We’ve taken it car camping, and it’s a crucial part of our backpacking kit. It’s never lost its charge, continues to work after many hours of use, and is still very bright. We use it at full size and in a collapsed state. It’s very handy." —3_cats

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I love Ex Officio underwear. I originally bought them years ago for camping/backpacking, but have found I like them for everyday use as well, especially on warm days." —Rachel Ann

Get them from ExOfficio for $10.99+ (available in women's sizes XS-2XL and in 12 colors/patterns). 

Promising review: "This was very useful for backpacking. Makes a good balaclava, neck warmer, and I am bald, so it has enough material that I can put it on just my scalp, twist it twice, and double down for total coverage as a beanie with no gap at the twist. Also can be wetted and draped over the neck for cooling. HIGHLY recommend. This is true excellence." —Drumdogma

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two colors). 

Promising review: "LOUD! Great size, but lightweight. The color is bold. Easy to use. This is a great value for the price." —Barbra

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in nine colors and packs of one or two).

Promising review: "It’s piercingly loud. This is a great item to have for personal safety, whether it be camping, hiking, walking through a secluded area, or confronting threatening individuals. I don’t like that it’s advertised for women, because everyone benefits from a device like this, men and children included. Very lightweight. I keep it on a key ring with pepper spray." —Xaiban

Get it from Amazon for $27.95 (available in five colors). 

Promising review: "This is an excellent quality shoe, very supportive and sturdy. I initially thought I would need to go a half-size down, but decided not to because of the thickness of the socks I use for fall/winter hikes, so there is plenty of toe room. This is undoubtedly a multipurpose shoe that I use on rugged terrain, but I also plan to wear it to my kids' sporting events, walking trails, etc. I hiked a hard 12-miler and felt no discomfort whatsoever. The traction felt solid, too, and I didn't feel like I would slip when going over different-sized rocks. I've recommended this shoe to all my friends already!" —gmk826

Get them from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in sizes 5–13 and in 14 colors) or REI for $140 (available in sizes 5–11 standard and wide and in seven colors).

Promising review: "I’m a beginner and couldn’t have asked for a better first-time setup! The larger pot has measurements that worked perfectly for my meals. The stove has an igniter, which even my seasoned backpacking brother envied. Everything fits so nicely compact inside, including my propane can. I love that it’s one contained unit with everything I need for food prep. I was afraid at first that I would have balance issues with the pot on top of the stove, but I didn’t have any problems. The handles on the pots seem a little flimsy, but I’m careful with my gear and don’t see that being an issue. Definitely worth what I paid, and it was my favorite piece of gear on the trail! I couldn’t wait for any excuse to use it!" —Kimberlee

Promising review: "I recently purchased a rechargeable headlamp for camping and outdoor activities, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. The headlamp is comfortable to wear and provides a bright, adjustable light that is perfect for nighttime hikes and setting up camp. The rechargeable battery is convenient and long-lasting, and I appreciate not having to constantly buy and replace batteries. The overall build quality is impressive, and the headlamp feels sturdy and well-made. I would highly recommend this rechargeable headlamp to anyone in need of reliable hands-free lighting for their outdoor adventures." —Laurel

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three colors).

FYI: The brand notes that they run small. They suggest sizing up one full size for the best fit. 

Promising review: "Bought these shoes as a PhD graduate gift for myself, and they did not disappoint. I wear them nearly every day, both casually and for hiking during geologic fieldwork in the northern forests of NM. I call them my all-terrain clogs and they are my favorite shoe option for every occasion." —Emily H.

Get them from Bedrock for $160 (available in women's sizes 6–15, men's sizes 5–14, and in various fabrics/colors).

What's included: 1 pair of gloves, shears, tweezers, 22 bandages, dressing, 3 wipes, an elastic bandage, 5 safety pins, 3 gauze packages, 2 splinter removers, 10 cotton swabs, surgical tape, and 1 CPR mask. 

Promising review: "This first aid kit is one of the most reliable and well-designed emergency kits I’ve purchased. The quality of every item stands out, and the durable case protects everything inside, even when stored in the car or taken on outdoor trips. For the amount of supplies included, the price is excellent, offering real value without sacrificing quality. It’s thoughtfully organized, easy to carry, and practical for travel, home, or camping. Every piece has its place, making it quick to find what you need in an emergency. Overall, this kit delivers durability, usefulness, and high quality in one compact package. Highly recommended." —Lesly Pimienta

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four sizes).

Promising review: "We took Wild Wash with us on our hiking camping trip and it was phenomenal. We used it to wash our camp dishes, we used it to wash our clothes, and we even used it to wash our hair to get the forest dirt and grime. This was a great purchase, highly recommend." —C Pennington

Promising review: "Tough and very good. I’ve used these a couple of times on extended backpacking trips — lightweight and cleans very well. I hate getting into my sleeping bag, dirty. Awesome." —Robb Hattem

Promising review: "I bought these chairs for a backpacking camping trip. They were very light to carry and folded up very compactly, so they didn't take up much space. Once at the campsite, they set up very easily, even though it was getting dark. Much more comfortable than sitting on a cold log or the ground. I plan to use them this spring for a concert I have lawn seats at. I'm sure there will be some jealousy when I set these up." —Dave

Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in five colors and in packs of one or two).

Promising review: "This is the best for traveling, hiking, or whatever! I was unsure if my dog would drink out of it, but she did with no hesitation! What was left went back into the reserve, and no waste!! My dog goes everywhere with me! I can give her a drink while we are driving, no mess! It's awesome!!" —Kara

Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in two colors). 

Promising review: "This has truly exceeded my expectations. This inflatable portable air mattress is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. Its ultralight design makes it incredibly easy to carry, perfect for backpacking where every ounce matters. The folding feature adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing it to fit seamlessly into my backpack without taking up much space. Inflation is a breeze, and the mattress provides a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface. I appreciate the durability of the materials, which have proven resilient to the rough and varied terrains of my outdoor adventures. This is a reliable companion for any backpacking or hiking trip, and its affordable price makes it an excellent value for the quality it offers. I highly recommend this product to fellow outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, compact, and comfortable sleeping solution. Five stars all the way!" —Wesley Latch

Check out a TikTok of the anti-blister balm in action!

Promising review: "I won’t go hiking without it. Helps keep my feet comfortable all day long. Definitely helps protect against blisters. I strongly recommend this to all my travel buddies!" —Chris Eschbaugh

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in packs of two).

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

Here's what BF shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel has to say: 

"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

Get it from REI for $17.19+ (available in six sizes and four colors).

Promising reviews: "I hiked the Mist Trail at Yosemite National Park last week, and this cover was invaluable. It not only kept my pack contents dry going to the top of Vernal Falls, but also a tripod attached to the outside. Later, on the John Muir trail I had to actually walk under a small waterfall. Again, the cover kept everything dry. After leaving the wet area, it dried quickly too." —Rick

"Packs small enough that I can carry it in a small pocket in my backpack. It’s been such a lifesaver during heavy rain!" —Marco campos

Get it on Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five sizes and in 11 colors and designs).

Promising review: "As a backpacker, I always have at least two methods of fire starting in my kit. This is a very nice and well-made ferro rod and striker that consistently throws a heavy shower of sparks. Weighs less than 2 ounces, so that's a big plus for my ultralight backpacking endeavors!" —J. Helms

BF shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel (pictured above) says: 

"I've started to take sun protection super seriously, so a long-sleeve UPF 50+ option is a must. And even as the sweatiest person alive who refuses to pack deodorant when backpacking (extra weight? No thanks), it keeps me dry no matter how many miles I trek."

Promising review: "I love these. They fit great and are lightweight. I wear them on hot summer days and never feel like I'm sweating. I have several colors and can't wait to collect more." —Kc H.

Get it from Black Diamond for $81.75 (originally $109; available in women's sizes XS–XL and five colors).

Promising reviews: "In my opinion, it’s the perfect knife for camping or backpacking. Very light, sharp right out of the package. Highly recommend." —fred hess

"Perfect little knife — there's a reason they've been making them for so long! The grip feels nice, the locking mechanism is brilliant, and the leather sheath is a great addition, too. Very light and affordable, but without suffering from poor quality like many other knives. I'd definitely recommend it and plan to buy more!" —Max

BF shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel (pictured above) says: 

"Hot tip for my hiking friends with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a size 8.5 and find that a men's medium in these socks sits great. Not too big on the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY!"

Promising review: "Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. The price, I feel, is justified not only by how comfy they are, but also by the lifetime warranty. Just don’t lose them!" —Jake

Get them from REI for $26 (available in men's sizes S–XXL in nine colors/styles and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors). 

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