Camping Essentials
67 curated items available at REI
Nemo
NEMO Helio Pressure Shower
Perfect for long camping trips, the Helio provides a refreshing shower experience far from home. Its pressure-based design is convenient, but the foot pump can take some getting used to.
Jetboil
Jetboil HalfGen Stove
Half the size of the Genesis, the HalfGen is great for solo or duo camping. It shares the quick heating and even distribution traits. Like the Genesis, it requires proprietary fuel canisters.
Jetboil
Jetboil HalfGen Basecamp Camping Cooking System
This stove is known for its quick boiling time and even heat distribution. It's lightweight and packs down small. It does require a proprietary fuel canister, however.
REI
REI Co-op Roadtripper 60 Duffel
A smaller version of the Roadtripper duffel, this one is easier to manage while still providing ample storage. It's a great balance of size and capacity.
REI
REI Co-op Roadtripper 100 Duffel
A durable and roomy duffel bag with a wide-mouth opening for easy packing. It can be a bit cumbersome when fully loaded due to its size, but its storage capabilities are hard to beat.
Rubbermaid
Rubbermaid Action Packer - 24 Gallon
The Rubbermaid Action Packer provides robust, weather-resistant storage, perfect for camping adventures. Its lockable latches ensure security, while the spacious design holds plenty of gear. The bins are not see through, so you'll need to label them to know which ones hold which type of gear.
REI
REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel
A sturdy, eco-friendly duffel bag with a generous storage capacity. The shoulder straps can be uncomfortable when the bag is fully loaded, but it's a solid option for camping gear transport.
REI
REI Co-op Big Haul 90 Recycled Duffel
This duffel bag offers an even greater storage capacity than its smaller siblings. The same shoulder strap issue persists, but if you're looking to carry a lot of gear, it's an excellent choice.
Patagonia
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 100L
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 100L is a durable and spacious choice for extended camping trips. Its weather-resistant fabric and rugged construction ensure your gear stays dry and protected. While its 100L capacity offers ample storage, it can be cumbersome to carry when fully loaded. Ideal for adventurers needing robust gear.
NEMO
NEMO Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote
The NEMO Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel is a versatile, durable, and spacious bag, perfect for any adventure. It easily transforms from duffel to tote or backpack, offering comfortable carrying options. The intuitive design and multiple compartments make organizing gear effortless. While it's rugged and weather-resistant, some users find repacking it a bit tricky. Ideal for travel (its carry on size), camping, and daily use.
NEMO
NEMO Double Haul 100L Convertible Duffel & Tote
The NEMO Double Haul 100L Convertible Duffel & Tote is a near perfect duffel for car camping adventures. Its versatile design easily transitions from a duffel to a tote to a backpack, offering flexibility for various gear. The spacious 100L capacity handles all your essentials and durable materials ensure reliable performance. While the material is water resistant, it is not waterproof, so this is best for items stored inside the car.
Patagonia
Patagonia Black Hole 70L Duffel Bag
A durable, weather-resistant bag that offers a generous amount of space. It's quite large and can be unwieldy when fully packed, but the backpack straps add versatility.
Thule
Thule WingBar Evo Load Bars
The Thule WingBar Evo Load Bars are a solid choice for adding extra cargo capacity to your vehicle. They are easy to install and offer a quiet and stable platform for carrying gear. However, they may not be compatible with all roof rack systems, so double-check before purchasing.
Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Expedition Duffel - 100L
The Expedition Duffel is great for heavy packers, offering even more space than the Camp 4 Duffel. It's rugged and durable but its large size might be overkill for shorter trips.
Yakima
Yakima EXO TopShelf
The Yakima EXO TopShelf is an excellent addition to your camping gear for extra storage capacity. It securely holds up to 50 pounds of gear, such as coolers or camping equipment, on top of your EXO system. However, it may increase the overall height of your vehicle, limiting access to low clearance areas.
Yakima
Yakima EXO DoubleUp
The Yakima EXO DoubleUp is a highly versatile and efficient bike rack system for your family camping adventures. It securely holds two bikes and offers convenient loading and unloading. However, it requires a compatible EXO SwingBase or EXO TopShelf to attach to your vehicle, which adds additional cost and installation complexity.
Yakima
Yakima EXO GearWarrior
The Yakima EXO GearWarrior is a versatile rooftop cargo basket perfect for adventurous road trips. It offers ample storage space and is compatible with various EXO accessories, enhancing your packing efficiency. The design of the GearWarrior is the same as the SkinnyWarrior Rooftop Basket, making this basket able to be adapted as a roof top basket with the addition of mounting hardware.
Yakima
Yakima EXO SwingBase
The Yakima EXO SwingBase is a game-changer for family camping trips. It provides easy access to your gear by swinging out your cargo box, bike racks, or other EXO attachments, even with fully
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Wiz
The Black Diamond Wiz is a versatile headlamp that shines in outdoor and camping scenarios. Its tilt function, auto shut-off, and child-safe battery compartment make it ideal for kids and adults alike. The non-replaceable elastic band may limit its lifespan, though.
Petzl
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
With a rechargeable battery and several light modes, this headlamp is great for camping. It’s a bit pricier than some alternatives, but the performance justifies the cost.
Ignik
Ignik FireCan Elite
The Ignik FireCan Elite is a portable propane fire pit designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its sleek, compact design makes for easy transport and setup, while offering excellent heat output and a cozy ambiance. Its robust build ensures durability, and its heat output matches that of much larger firepits.
YETI
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is a top-tier option for keeping your food and drinks cold during family car camping trips. Its outstanding insulation and rugged construction ensure long-lasting ice retention even in hot conditions. However, it is a heavy and bulky cooler, which may require careful planning when packing your vehicle.
Dometic
Dometic CFX3 55IM Powered Cooler + Icemaker
This powered cooler provides the convenience of refrigeration and ice-making on the go. Its energy-efficient design can run off a car battery without draining it. On the downside, its high price point may be a deterrent for some.
UCO
UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit
The UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit is a reliable and weather-resistant option for starting fires in challenging conditions. It includes a waterproof case and extra-long matches that can withstand wind and rain. However, it requires a separate striker, which may be a drawback in terms of convenience.
UCO
UCO Long-Burn Matches
UCO Long-Burn Matches are a must-have item for starting fires at the campsite. They offer an extended burn time, making it easier to ignite and maintain your campfire. However, they may be less ideal for wet or windy conditions.
Helinox
Helinox Sunset Chair
The Helinox Sunset Chair offers ergonomic comfort and durability for your camping adventures. Its lightweight aluminum frame supports up to 320 lbs, and the high backrest ensures added relaxation. However, due to its premium construction, it comes with a higher price tag. Ideal for campers who prioritize comfort and quality.
NEMO
NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
A cross between a hammock and a chair, the Stargaze provides unrivaled comfort and a unique swing motion. It's not the most compact option (nearly 3X the volume of Helinox chair packed), but the comfort payoff can be worth it. It's also an excellent chair for napping.
Campsuds
Campsuds Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap Biodegradable
This soap's biodegradable formula makes it a top pick for environmentally-conscious campers. It cleans effectively without harming nature. However, as with any soap, ensure it's used at a proper distance from water bodies to avoid any potential ecosystem impact.
Dr. Bronner's
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap
This versatile soap is effective for numerous cleaning tasks and is gentle on the skin. Its all-natural, vegan ingredients make it an eco-friendly choice. It may not lather as much as conventional soaps, though.
Adventure Medical Kits
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit
This Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit is an excellent choice for outdoor safety. Comprehensive and lightweight, it contains essential medical supplies for addressing common outdoor injuries. It's relatively pricey as it's geared toward backpackers, but the security it provides is excellent.
REI
REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack
This lightweight daypack is versatile and comfortable. The only downside is that it's not as robust as some heavier packs, but for light hiking and exploring, it's great.
Osprey
Osprey Tempest 20 Pack - Women's
The women's version of the Talon, offering the same pros and cons. It provides a woman-specific fit and design, ensuring comfort for longer hikes.
Osprey
Osprey Talon 22 Pack - Men's
A versatile day pack that offers comfort, breathability, and ample storage. It doesn't come with a hydration bladder, but the design and durability are commendable.
Coghlan's
Coghlan's 12-Egg Holder
This egg holder keeps your eggs safe and organized during transport. The simple design is durable and functional, however, larger eggs might not fit as comfortably.
Sawyer
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
A safer alternative to DEET, this insect repellent lotion is effective and gentle on skin. It can leave a slightly greasy feeling, but it keeps the bugs at bay. We greatly prefer this to DEET sprays.
Sawyer
Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray - 24 oz.
An essential for camping in bug-heavy areas, this spray effectively repels insects from your gear. The spray is applied to clothing before your trip and allowed to dry. Once dry, it will effectively repel pests like mosiquitos and ticks for up to six weeks, even through multiple washing cycles!
iKamper
iKamper Skycamp 3.0
The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is a luxurious roof top tent that offers unparalleled comfort and convenience for up to four people. With its spacious king-size footprint, plush insulated mattress, and quick setup, the Skycamp 3.0 provides a cozy home away from home. The durable, waterproof construction and thoughtful features like the Skyview window make it worth the investment for those seeking a premium camping experience.
NEMO
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 Groundsheet
An excellent accessory for the Aurora Highrise 6, this groundsheet adds longevity to your tent by protecting the base. It's lightweight, but fitting it to the tent can be a little tricky.
Nemo
NEMO Victory Screenhouse
The NEMO Victory Screenhouse is a spacious and protective shelter for camping. It excels at group gatherings, providing ample space and excellent bug protection. Although its large size can make solo setup challenging, the intuitive design and durable construction simplify the process. The screenhouse stands strong against harsh weather conditions, and its high-quality materials, easy access with the step zipper, and versatile uses for cooking and relaxation make it a valuable investment.
Nemo
NEMO Heliopolis
This portable privacy shelter complements the Helio Pressure Shower perfectly, offering a private space for showering or changing. Its stability in windy conditions could be better, but it's a good option for car camping.
The North Face
North Face Wawona 6 Tent
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent is a well loved tent for family camping adventures, offering ample space and improved airflow with a double-wall design. Its biggest selling feature is its large vestibule that creates extra storage or space for lounging and cooking during poor weather. However, it has less mesh than the Nemo Aurora, making it hotter in warm weather, and it's less durable and comfortable than slightly higher priced canvas tents.
NEMO
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6
If you need to carry your tent into a walk-in campsite or if you'll be camping in warm weather where you'll want mesh walls, this is the tent for you. Spacious and robust, this tent provides plenty of room for family camping, and its vertical walls enhance comfort. The disadvantage compared to canvas tents is that it's more likely to have condensation build up, less sturdy, and overall less comfortable.
Nemo
NEMO Fillo King
A great mix of comfort and portability, the Fillo King offers a generous size and thickness, perfect for side sleepers. It's a bit bulkier than ultralight options, but the comfort it provides is worth the space.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Little Red 20°
The Big Agnes Little Red 20° is an ideal sleeping bag for young adventurers, offering warmth and comfort for temperatures down to 20°F. Its contoured hood and integrated sleeping pad sleeve ensure a snug fit that will keep your child's bag and pad in place. The synthetic insulation is warm even if it gets wet, and its easy to clean.
NEMO
NEMO Forte Endless Promise Men's Synthetic Sleeping Bag
The NEMO Forte Endless Promise Synthetic Sleeping Bag is ideal for eco-conscious campers. Made with 100% recycled materials, it offers exceptional comfort and warmth for three-season use. Its unique spoon shape allows more room to move, but it may be a bit snug for larger individuals. Perfect for sustainable adventures!
NEMO
NEMO Forte Endless Promise Women's Synthetic Sleeping Bag
The NEMO Forte Women's Synthetic Sleeping Bag is ideal for eco-conscious campers seeking comfort and sustainability. Made from 100% recycled materials, it provides excellent warmth for three-season camping. While it's bulkier than some high-end options, its roomier design and extended durability make it a solid choice.
Nemo
NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad - XL Wide
The Nemo Roamer offers unparalleled comfort, warmth, and coverage in a surprisingly compact package. Its generous dimensions provide ample space for all sleepers, while the thick foam and soft, durable top fabric ensure a plush sleeping experience. Despite its size, the Roamer packs down to an impressive 10 x 16 inches.
Nemo
NEMO Jazz Sleeping Bag (Double)
The Nemo Jazz Sleeping Bag is a luxurious option designed to integrate perfectly with the Nemo Roamer sleeping pad. Its spacious interior, built-in bedding-style sheet, and large pillow pocket provide exceptional comfort. The integrated pad sleeve ensures a secure connection to the Roamer.
GSI
GSI Glacier Stainless 3 pc. Cutlery Set
Lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, this cutlery set is perfect for on-the-go meals. It's made from sturdy stainless steel. Some users might find the fork's tines a bit short, however.
Nalgene
Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle 32 fl. oz.
The Nalgene bottle is a classic for a reason: it's durable, leakproof, and easy to clean. Just remember that it's not insulated, so it won't keep drinks cold for long.
GEAR AID
GEAR AID Tenacious Tape Repair Tape
This tape is a quick and effective solution for gear repairs. It adheres strongly and is weather-resistant. Its glossy finish might not match all materials, however.
OXO
OXO Outdoor Santoku Knife with Locking Sheath
This knife offers excellent slicing, dicing, and chopping abilities, and the sheath ensures safe storage. The handle might not be the most comfortable for prolonged use, though.
OXO
OXO Outdoor Cutting Board and Tray Set
This set includes a cutting board and a tray, ideal for preparing and serving meals outdoors. It’s light and easy to clean, but it does lack knife-friendly surfaces.
OXO
OXO Compact Can and Bottle Opener
A handy tool that is sturdy and reliable. It does take a bit of effort to open cans, but its compact size and multifunctionality make it a useful tool for any camper.
GSI Outdoors
GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set
A compact and complete knife set for outdoor chefs. Each knife performs well and they all come in a protective case. The handles may feel a bit flimsy to some users.
OXO
OXO Outdoor 4-Piece Camp Stove Cooking Set
This set includes all the essentials for a family camping cookout. The pieces are lightweight yet sturdy, although the handles can get hot if left on the fire too long.
Leatherman
Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool
A versatile and compact multi-tool, the Skeletool CX has everything you need for minor repairs or tasks. It's durable and lightweight, but lacks the comprehensive selection found in larger multi-tools.
Leatherman
Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool
The Surge is a beefier option for those needing more tools. It's durable and versatile, yet its larger size and weight might be a drawback for minimalist backpackers.
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask Camp Plate
The Hydro Flask Camp Plate is ideal for outdoor dining, offering durable stainless steel construction and a double-wall vacuum-insulated design to keep food hot or cold. Its lightweight build makes packing easy, but some may find its price higher than typical camp plates. It's perfect for adventurers who prioritize quality and convenience.
Therm-a-Rest
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch Regular
The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch offers cozy support for camping and travel. Its plush foam filling and adjustable cinch allow personalized comfort, while the compact design packs down small for easy transport. It’s not the most compact, but it’s super comfortable, widely loved, washable, and affordable enough for outfitting a whole family.
PackTowl
PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel
The PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel is a must-have for campers and travelers alike. Highly absorbent and quick-drying, it packs down small and dries much faster than cotton. Users note its softness and odor resistance, but mention it may feel clingy when wet. Ideal for on-the-go adventures.
NEMO
NEMO Fillo Pillow
The NEMO Fillo Pillow brings comfort to the campsite with its soft microsuede cover and adjustable air bladder, letting you fine-tune firmness for better rest outdoors. It packs down small and fits easily in a backpack, though some users note it’s a bit bulkier than ultralight options.
Coast
Coast RL35R Voice Controlled Headlamp
Illuminate your path with the Coast RL35R Voice Controlled Headlamp. Featuring voice activation for hands-free operation, it's perfect for multitasking in the dark. The rechargeable battery offers long-lasting power, while the adjustable beam provides optimal lighting for any situation. Ideal for campers seeking convenience and efficiency with minimal effort.
Dometic
Dometic GO Hydration Water Jug 11L
The Dometic GO Hydration Water Jug 11L is perfect for your camping trips, offering a generous capacity and an easy faucet for things like handwashing. Its durable, BPA-free materials ensure safe drinking, while the ergonomic handle makes transport a breeze. The jug is designed for efficient storage and compatible with Dometic's innovative system for versatile use.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Divide Insulated Petite Pad
The Big Agnes Divide Insulated Petite Pad offers lightweight, three-season comfort for sleepers up to 5'6". Its cradling outer chambers prevent rolling, while the R-value of 4 and quiet insulation keep you cozy and undisturbed. The petite size is a perfect match for the Big Agnes Little Red 20 bag.
Exped
Exped DeepSleep Sleeping Pad
The Exped DeepSleep Sleeping Pad delivers plush comfort for car camping or basecamp setups. Users praise its quick inflation and supportive foam, ensuring restful nights outdoors. It's less cushioned than premium models but more cushioned than backpacking pads, and its middle range price point and its durability and warmth make it a solid choice for those prioritizing comfort without the top tier price.
North Face
North Face Wawona 8 Tent
The North Face Wawona 8 Tent combines spaciousness with reliability for family camping ventures. It accommodates up to eight campers and features a large vestibule for gear storage. With robust weather resistance and a straightforward setup, it's ideal for groups. Its size may demand a larger campsite, but the comfort is unparalleled.
Need expert advice?
Visit REI San Diego to get personalized recommendations from our Green Vests.
Visit San Diego Store