The Best Outdoor Gear for Camping & Hiking in 2026

I’ve been reviewing products professionally for 30+ years now, and I never get tired of seeing the new innovations that seem to be released every year  around this time. 

As someone who grew up camping and hiking with my family in the ’70s and ’80s, it’s amazing to see how much the outdoor gear industry has grown and evolved since then.

For our 2026 guide, we tested around 70 different products (not all of which made the cut), including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, camp cooking gear, hiking boots/shoes, clothing, tech, etc. 

Read on for our unbiased reviews of 50+ products, including new stuff from beloved brands like Casio Pro Trek, Cotopaxi, Eagle Creek, ENO, HOKA, Marmot, Merrell, Mystery Ranch, Salomon, and more!

TENTS & SHELTERS

Marmot Trailfin 2-Person Tent

The largest backpacking tent Marmot has to offer, the Trailfin 2P features 34.4 sq ft of floor space, a 12.92 sq ft vestibule, a peak height of 43.5 inches, and a packed weight of 5 lbs, 6.4 oz. 

It has a unique 2-hub design, with fin-shaped cubbies for gear storage, near-vertical walls that expand the sleeping zone, and two big doors that make entrance/exit easier. The nearly 4 feet of head room is a nice bonus for tall folks. 

Other cool features include interior storage pockets keeping your gear organized, lampshade pocket to hold your headlamp overhead, the included footprint, and color-coded clips, poles, and fly to make setup quick and easy. 

You’ll also love the seam-taped fly and floor (which keep water out), shorter-than-average pole segments for easy packing, and the pole repair tube included in the stake sack. 

Magellan Outdoors Grand Ponderosa 10 Person Family Cabin Tent

When I was growing up, my parents led our church youth group, and we had a big extended family. So some of my favorite childhood memories involve camping with large groups. 

This massive 10-person, 3-season cabin tent measures 14 x 10 ft, with 140 sq ft of floor space and a center height of 80 inches. It also weighs a whopping 30.6 pounds, so it is definitely best for drive-up campsites. 

Features of the Grand Ponderosa include a divider panel that creates 2 rooms, a large D-style door, 6 windows, 2 low side vents and mesh top for ventilation, 2 storage pockets, a tablet holder, and an interior lighted gear loft. 

It’s also designed to withstand the elements, with 600mm polyester fabric, a rainfly for added protection against inclement weather, and a large mud mat for keeping dirty shoes and boots off the interior floor. 

Shibumi Park Vista Shade

Truth be told, Mary is much more of a glamping (a.k.a. luxury camping) girl than a camping girl. But while “roughing it” isn’t her thing, we do spend a LOT of time outdoors, and have been avid boaters for 16+ years now. 

We know all the best hidden coves on our local lake, several of which have small, but beautiful natural beaches. We’ll often set up a table and chairs and have a cookout during our long days on the water.

The water-resistant Park Vista Shade is a great product for the dog days of Summer. It weighs less than 5 lbs and takes just 2 minutes to set up, but provides UPF 50+ sun protection for up to 4 people. 

Our favorite features include removable side panels (for more sun coverage), a slim profile for tight spaces, and the adjustable curve (which makes it easy compensate for shifting sunlight). NOTE: This shade is not recommended for ocean beaches. 

SLEEPING BAGS & ACCESSORIES

Rab Radoon 32F Sleeping Bag

Living in North Georgia, the heat/humidity that dominate for 8-9 months of the year generally makes heavy duty sleeping bags unnecessary. Unless you’re camping in Winter, anything rated below 32ºF is likely to be too warm for comfort. 

Available in Regular and Long sizes, the new Rab Radeon 32F Sleeping Bag is a synthetic insulated mummy-style bag that’s both budget-friendly and perfect for mild weather conditions. It weighs just over 2 lbs, and costs less than $200. 

Noteworthy features include fast-drying Stratus insulation (which maintains warmth better than down), wind- and water-resistant Atmos outer fabric, and WARM WAVE construction for efficient heat retention.

We also love the concertina-style baffling (which traps air to boost warmth), 3D shaped neck collar, internal stash pocket, and anatomically shaped foot box.

Minus 33 King Wool Blanket- White Mountain Woolen

For those chilly Winter (and early Spring) nights when Jack Frost comes nipping at your toes, it’s hard to beat wool when it comes to cozy natural warmth. 

Ultra-soft Merino wool is especially good for outdoor adventures, because it offers excellent moisture-wicking, natural odor resistance, and thermoregulation that keeps you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather.

This massive (108″ x 100″) wool blanket from Minus 33 Merino is made from 80% recycled wool and 20% man-made fibers, making it an eco-friendly option that’s naturally warm, incredibly durable, and flame-resistant. 

Their White Mountain Woolen collection honors the family-owned brand’s roots as a New Hampshire-based textile mill specializing in heavily felted wool fabrics and blankets, which date back to 1916.  

Magellan Redrock Double Sleeping Bag

With a list price of under $80, the Magellan Redrock Double Sleeping Bag is a great deal for camping couples on a fixed budget. 

The 2-person bag features a cozy cotton flannel liner on one side and a soft polyester taffeta liner on the other for comfort, with high-loft polyester fiberfill inside to keep you warm at temps down to 10°F!

You can also zip them apart to form 2 separate sleeping bags, each of which has a small neck pillow and can compress down into its own 18″ stuff sack.

The only downside is the weight: At 10.4 pounds, it’s definitely better suites for drive-up campsites rather than backpacking in the wilderness.

Klymit Wild Aspen 20 Sleeping Bag, Static V Base & Pillow X Base XL

We’ve been using products from the Utah-based Klymit brand for nearly 10 years now. Few other companies can rival their devotion to crafting comfortable gear designed to give outdoor adventurers a good night’s sleep.  

The brand was founded in 2007, and it has been exciting to watch their rise in the outdoor industry, from little-known upstarts to having their gear sold in Wal-Marts all across the country.

Their Wild Aspen 20 Sleeping Bag is an example of their balance between quality craftsmanship and affordability. It features synthetic insulation, water-resistant (and lightweight) polyester shell, adjustable mummy hood, super comfy foot box, zipper draft tube to keep cold air at bay, and a compression sack for easy carry. All for under $100! 

Pair it with their Static V Base Sleeping Pad (which offers great ergonomic support, takes 10-15 breaths to inflate, and weighs just 18.7 ounces) and their inflatable Pillow X Base XL (which is soft and packs down to the size of a lighter) for a comfortable night’s rest that won’t break the bank. 

Marmot Wraptor Down 30º Sleeping Bag

Testing the Raptor Down 30º from Marmot was our first time experiencing a “duvet”-style sleeping bag, which is a zipperless quilt-style bag designed for ease of use in cooler temperatures.

Instead of zippers, it has overlapping interior flaps that are secured by magnets and a hip-level snap to create a cocoon-like blanket feel. With Certified 650 fill power down, we found it to be incredibly cozy. 

Other noteworthy features of the bag include Down Defender water-resistant treatment, an envelope-style foot vent for temperature regulation, 100% recycled shell and lining, and a compression sack and storage bag included. 

Note that this bag is available in standard, short, and long sizes. 

BACKPACKS 

Black Diamond Trail Vista 28 Backpack & Matador SEG28 Backpack

In our experience 28 liters is an ideal backpack size for travelers and day hikers alike. It’s small enough to carry on plane rides or longer treks, but large enough to hold everything you’ll need along the way. 

The Trail Vista 28 Backpack from Black Diamond is designed for full days on the trail, with a lightweight internal frame, a Slide-Fit system that adjusts to your torso, and a soft directional hip pad for comfortable carry. 

It also boasts a ventilated EVA back panel, integrated rain cover, and TONS of pockets, including two zippered hip belt pockets, two side water bottle pockets, a large front stretch pocket, and a shoulder strap pocket for easy access.

Matador’s weatherproof SEG28 Backpack is technically designed as a TSA-compliant carryon bag. But it works equally well as an everyday pack, with tons of organization options (including laptop pocket, smuggler’s pocket, etc).

Cool features of this bag include a clamshell undercarriage for large or dirty items, luggage handle pass-through, zipper security loops on all external pockets. and reflective zipper pulls for visibility in low light.

Cotopaxi Arenal 32L Backpack

The Salt Lake City-based Cotopaxi has been one of our favorite outdoor brands for years, both for their high-quality gear and their philanthropic-minded focus on effecting positive global change with their business. 

Their Arenal 32 Backpack is a fine example of the former, offering an excellent pack loaded with technical features and the signature colorful design Cotopaxi is known for. 

This top-loading pack has an adjustable torso with cinch straps to fit torso lengths ranging from 16-20″, a frame sheet for added support, ventilated back panel, and a contouring hip belt. 

Weigh 2 lbs 9 oz and Made from 100% recycled nylon & ripstop polyester, the 2 lbs 9 oz bag also has an easy access top pocket, side water bottle pockets, hip belt pockets, and an attachment for trekking poles or ice axe. 

 
Eagle Creek Ranger Backpack 26L & Pack-it Gear Pouches

We’ve been fans of Eagle Creek backpacks and luggage for 15+ years now. Our go-to day-to-day backpack is actually one we got from them before our Green Global Travel site took off way back in 2011! 

Made with 100% Ocean Recycled Fabrics, their Ranger Backpack carries on a longstanding commitment to quality and durability. The cushy backpack straps, stowable waist harness, and sternum strap make for a very comfy carry. 

Noteworthy features include an internal sleeve for hydration reservoir or 13” laptop, a ventilated & padded shoulder harness and back panel, trolley pass-through strap, and too many different pockets to list them all here. 

For even more organization options, you can pair it with their Pack-It Gear Pouches. They come in 3 sizes, are made with 100% recycled (and water-resistant) materials, and can be lashed to larger bags for added storage.

Mystery Ranch Blitz 30 Backpack

The Bozeman MT-based Mystery Ranch brand has seen its stock in the outdoor industry rise precipitously over the past decade. Backpackers and mountaineers alike love them for their durable backpacks. 

Measuring 20.5″x13″x13.5″ and made from rugged CORDURA fabric, their Blitz 30 backpack is tough to tackle whichever trail you choose to travel, but it’s also slick enough to use as an everyday pack. 

Organization options include two external pockets, an organized lid pocket, large side pockets with grommeted drain holes, two internal dump pockets, and a padded floating sleeve that can hold laptops up to 15″. 

Other cool features include full horseshoe-style zip access, two interior loop PALS web panels for attaching  accessories, a removable waist belt, and their patented adjustable shoulder harness. 

5.11 Tactical AMP24 Backpack 32L

Founded in Modesto CA in 1992, 5.11 Tactical was named for the toughest difficulty rating on the rock-climbing scale. Their rugged, purpose-built gear is beloved by folks in law enforcement, military, and public safety. 

The AMP24 Backpack is designed around the company’s patented HEXGRID Load Bearing Platform, a multi-angle system with internal and external mounting capability for fully customizable organization.

This unique bag features a concealed carry pocket with a loop panel and webbing strap for holsters, full clamshell access to the main compartment, and a rear compartment that can hold a hydration bladder of 15″ laptop. 

Other cool features include a thermoformed back panel with quick release, internal mesh organization pockets, and five additional stash and side pockets. 

Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Camera Backpack 30L

For those who prefer to shoot with a Canon instead of a gun, Think Tank makes some of the best backpacks for photographers we’ve ever tested. 

Their FocusPoint RollTop Camera Backpack is a bluesign approved, certified eco-friendly 30L bag loaded with features that make it equally great for the wilderness or more urban environments. 

Outside it offers luggage handle pass-through, long shoulder straps with camera clip attachments, quick camera access via side and back entry, breathable air mesh back panel with cushioned foam, accessible front organizer pocket, expandable pleated front pocket, and a side pocket large enough to hold a tripod.

The adjustable roll-top offers access to lots of internal storage options, including a removable photo insert, numerous zippered pockets, and an internal laptop sleeve. The slim-design bag also comes with a seam-sealed rain cover. 

HIKING SHOES & BOOTS

Merrell Moab 3 & Moab Speed 2

Hardcore hikers may prefer traditional hiking boots, but most of the day hikers we know prefer boots and shoes that can go from the trail to the lodge without missing a beat.

Available in men’s or women’s models and myriad options (regular or mid, waterproof, etc), Merrell’s Moab 3 is a perfect example, offering a mixture of stylish design and durability. 

The breathable mesh and leather upper, Air Cushion heel, and contoured footbed provide all-day comfort on the trail, while the Vibram TC5+ outsole and toe/heel caps provide traction and protection on rugged, uneven terrain. 

Merrell’s Moab Speed 2 combines the technical features you want from a good hiking boot with the style of a sneaker. Their men’s and women’s models are ultra-comfy, with a padded collar and cushy FloatPro Foam midsole.

Other cool features include lightweight FlexPlate technology for lateral stability and forefoot flexibility, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole with lugs designed to provide exceptional traction. 

Hoka One One Speedgoat 7 

Hoka One One has been one of my favorite shoe brands for nearly a decade now because they offer gorgeously designed sneakers in unique color ways, with the rugged durability of the best hiking boots.

Their ever-popular Speedgoat line was named for athlete Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, and the new Speedgoat 7 is a terrific technical shoe primarily made for trail running or fast hiking. 

This new model has loads of updates designed to make it more grippy and responsive than ever, including a Super-Critically Foamed EVA midsole, refined heel collar, and remodeled 5mm lug orientation for better traction. 

It also features gaiter integration to ward off debris, a stretchy and dynamic vamp (patent pending), lightweight RPET woven textiles, a lay-flat tongue with dual gusset, and more!

Lems Women’s Mesa Verde & Men’s Trail Blazer

Based in Boulder CO and founded by Andrew Rademacher, the Lems brand was built on the desire to create minimalist shoes that fit your foot’s natural shape so well, it feels like you’re going barefoot. 

Their new Women’s Mesa Verde updates one of their most popular athleisure shoe lines, adding a wider toe box, zero-drop platform, and trail-ready rubber outsole (inspired by their Primal Pursuit line). 

Designed for light workouts or active walks and hikes, the shoes also feature a breathable mesh upper that delivers lightweight support and airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfy all day long.

The Men’s Trail Blazer is one of the brand’s best-selling lines, offering a wide-fit version of Lems’ ever-popular  Trailhead shoes.

It’s more of a lightweight, yet rugged trail shoe with extra toe space, a zero-drop platform that promotes natural alignment, and the recessed grooves and singular lugs of their Trail Traction outsole.

Salomon Quest 5 GTX

Founded in France in 1947 and based in the French Alps (about 20 miles south of Geneva, Switzerland), Salomon is one of the OG outdoor brands that specializes in Winter sports.

The Salomon Quest 5 GTX is an update on one of their most popular hiking boots, and it’s about 10% lighter and more comfortable than previous models, with a wider toe box.

Designed for multi-day treks, these boots are built on Salomon’s 4D Advanced Chassis, which offers excellent stability and agility even on rocky, muddy, or icy terrain. 

Other noteworthy features include a Molded OrthoLite sockliner for cushioning and breathability, a high performance EVA foam EnergyCell midsole for shock absorption, and an All Terrain contaGRIP outsole. 

Wolverine I-90 EPX Romeo CarbonMAX Boot 

Founded in Michigan as a leather tannery and shoe wholesaler in 1883, and famous for introducing the “1000 Mile boot” in the early 1900s, Wolverine has a 140+ year legacy of crafting durable footwear. 

Though ostensibly intended more as work boots than hiking boots, their waterproof I-90 EPX Romeo CarbonMAX Boots are rugged enough to stand up to anything your outdoor adventures care to throw at them. 

Named for the longest highway in the USA, the I-90 helps you go the distance with cushioning support from the EPX anti-fatigue footbed, while their abrasion-resistant outsole lasts 3x longer than traditional rubber.

Some buyers have complained that they feel narrow in the toe box, but we found them to be lightweight, extremely comfortable slip-ons, with great traction and foot support. 

CAMP COOKING & LOUNGING

GCI Stowaway Rocker w/Side Table & Crazy Creek AirLounger

The GCI Stowaway Rocker is arguably my favorite outdoor recreation-type chair I’ve ever tested, combining the convenience of a camping chair with the comfort of a rocker.

It boasts patented Spring Action Rocking Technology, an Infinity Comfort Edge seat, padded armrests, breathable mesh backrest, an oversized storage side caddy, and a fold-out side table. So it’s perfect for relaxing outdoors! 

Crazy Creek’s AirLounger is an innovative 2-in-1 inflatable that doubles as a camp chair with a 2-layer bottom or a sleeping pad (50″ long when fully extended) for overnight adventures. 

Made with ripstop nylon & TPU welded construction, it offers carbon-reinforced fiberglass back support and an inner baffle design that makes it more comfortable than you’d expect. And it rolls up to a 3″ diameter for easy packing. 

ENO Lounger DL Chair & ParkLite Hammock Chair Stand

Founded in Florida in 1999 and currently based in the Blue Ridge Mountains (Asheville, to be precise), Eagles Nest Outfitters specializes in adventure-ready parachute nylon hammocks and accessories. 

But the ENO line has grown and expanded over the years to include everything from bug nets and rain tarps to ultralight camping gear, hammock-inspired camp chairs, and outdoor blankets. 

The Lounger DL Chair is their signature hammock-inspired camp chair. It’s got a cushioned pillow & armrests, adjustable legs, integrated cup holder, stretch cargo pockets, and a backpack with adjustable shoulder straps. 

Their aluminum frame Parklite Hammock Chair Stand quickly converts your hammock into a seated lounger, with no tools necessary. Its integrated hammock strap offers 8 adjustment points to fine-tune your comfort, and it packs down into a custom carrying case for easy carry.

AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder & MiiR Coffee Hand Grinder

Coffee is pretty much my only vice at this stage in my life, and when we travel we ALWAYS bring our own coffee with us. Portable grinders make it easy to enjoy fresh gourmet coffee anywhere, even in the great outdoors!

The AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder is billed as “the most compact high-performance manual grinder available.” It’s designed for travel, and it’s small enough to fit inside the portable AeroPress coffee maker. 

It features Italian-made, titanium-coated conical burrs, 60+ adjustable grind settings, durable all-metal construction, smooth grinding via an ergonomic handle, and a 25g capacity that is perfect for single-cup brewing. 

If you’re looking for a larger hand grinder, the new Coffee Bean Hand Grinder from MiiR offers a 45g capacity. Yet it’s still small (2.83 x 3.65 x 6.48″) and portable enough for travel. 

It’s got 6 grind options ranging from super fine espresso to coarse French press, and the rotating handle folds over for compact storage when you’re on the move. 

Gerber ComplEAT Compact Cook Set 

When it comes to camp cooking, Gerber is one of the most trusted names in the business, starting out as a culinary knife brand back in 1939. 

Their 16-piece ComplEAT Cook Set has everything you need to cook for a group of 4, including a 5.6 qt stock pot and 2.6 qt sauté pan with 3-ply base construction, a detachable handle, a basting dome, and slim lid.

It also includes 4 plates, 4 bowls, a mixing bowl, and a hot pad. 

Our favorite part is that the whole set nests together in a neat stack that fits into a compact storage bag. But at 10 pounds, this set is definitely best suited for drive-up camping as opposed to backpacking.

TECH GEAR

Casio Pro Trek x White Mountaineering PRWB1000WM-1

Midland GMRS Two-Way Radios GXT3000VP4 & ER310PRO Portable Emergency Crank Radio with Power Bank

Infinity X1 2000L Camp Light & X1 7000L Flashlight

Rocky Talkie 2 Mountain Radios & Cobra Trailblazer 450 GMRS 2-Way Radios

MISCELLANEOUS GEAR 

DNSYS X1 Powered Exoskeleton 

Over the course of 30+ years of doing product reviews, every so often you get a product so fantastical, you almost can’t believe it’s a real thing until you try it for yourself. 

Promising to “Unleash Superhuman Power,” the DNSYS X1 is like something you’d see on The Six Million Dollar Man– an AI-powered exoskeleton designed to help hikers/skiers/runners go faster and farther with less strain. 

It attaches at the waist and legs, and a 900W motor boosts your thigh power by 45%. The 3-buckle system makes it easy to put on, and it’s compact (12L) and ultra-light (1.6kg) enough to pack when you travel. 

The device can fit waist sizes from 27.5 to 49″, instinctively adapting to varied terrain and posture changes along the way, and the battery has a 20+ km range. Ladies and gentlemen, the future is now!

York Nordic Motivator Journey Walking Poles

4Knines SUV Split Cargo Liner for Fold-Down Seats

We’ve always enjoyed taking our dog, Boo-Boo (a.k.a. Buddy), on our hiking adventures, but you wouldn’t believe how much detritus his dirty paws left on the light upholstery of our car.  

We found a great solution in the SUV Split Cargo Liner for Fold Down Seats from 4Knines, which comes in 3 sizes and offers full coverage that includes the back of the seats and trunk space. 

The Small (which measures 46 x 82″) fits small passenger cars and compact SUVs; the Large (52″ x 86″) fits standard SUVs; and the XL (56″ x 106″) fits full-size SUVs, and each includes a 22″ bumper flap.  

All of them are made with durable, waterproof K9-Shield (a special textile laminate). And with their unique patented split-tech design and quick-release clips, they’re quick and easy to install, with a Lifetime Warranty. 

CLOTHING

WoolX Merino Clothing

Path Projects Baker Shirt Jacket

We may be smack dab in the middle of Spring, but nighttime temperatures in upper elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains can still dip down into the 40s, even when daytime temps are in the upper 60s and low 70s.

So when we explore the region, we always pack a lightweight jacket we can use for layering.

The Men’s Baker Jacket from Path Projects is perfect for that purpose, with a weather-resistant nylon shell and lightweight PrimaLoft® Eco Silver recycled insulation.

We also love the 4-way stretch, the horizontal stitch quilt pattern, and 5 pockets (including an interior chest zip pocket) for stashing your stuff. 

Icebreaker Women’s Merino 150 Tech Lite Tee & 250 Fastray 25″ High Rise Tights

Growing up in North Georgia, I never really understood the value of base layers until we started traveling to cold climate places like Alaska, Antarctica, and Norway.

Icebreaker was one of the innovative brands that popularized base layers made from ultra-soft, ultra-warm Merino wool, and they remain at the forefront of their field today.

Available in 7 colors, their Women’s Merino 150 Tech Lite Short Sleeve Tee uses a mid-weight fabric comfortable enough for everyday wear even in Summer. It features offset shoulder seams to prevent friction, offering comfort, breathability, and odor-resistance. 

They go great with Icebreaker’s 250 Fastray High Rise Tights, which come in black and dark green. These active performance leggings offer a stretchy waistband, body contouring seams in back, panels that improve mobility and comfort, and a phone pocket. 

CEP Running