My Favorite Camping Gear of 2025
As an outdoor gear reviewer, I test new items year-round. These are my top camping picks from 2025 — favorites I’ve personally used and recommend.
As the camping season rolls on, having the right gear can make all the difference between a good trip and a great one. After testing tents, sleep systems, cookware, lighting, and more throughout 2025, I’ve rounded up the standout camping gear that impressed me most this year — whether I was setting up on the coast, in forests, or at mountain lakes. From innovative shelters and cozy sleeping pads to practical camp kitchen essentials and versatile lighting, these are the top picks I personally relied on and recommend for your next adventure.
Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent
The Alpha Breeze tent reflects Snow Peak’s signature Japanese design aesthetic — simple, functional, and beautifully balanced with nature. I’ve used it on multiple camping trips this year, from the Oregon Coast to Crater Lake National Park, and its four-sided doors and windows seamlessly open the tent to the surrounding landscape, making it feel like sleeping in a screened-in porch. The front awning extends the living space, creating a sheltered spot that further blurs the line between indoors and out.
See my full review of the Alpha Breeze
REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent (2025 version)
A staple in REI’s lineup since 1980, the popular Half Dome tent was redesigned in 2025. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for smaller campsites, while the spacious interior comfortably fits two people — or provides a spacious interior for a solo camper. The full-coverage rainfly and adjustable vents handle inclement weather with ease, and the freestanding design and easy setup make it a reliable choice for a wide range of camping trips.
See my full review of the Half Dome 2 Plus
Exped MegaMat Sleeping Pad
For the ultimate in camping comfort, the Exped Megamat is a plush 4-inch thick sleeping pad that won’t bottom out, perfect for side sleepers. Its R-value of 8.1 has kept me warm on chilly nights, while the soft top fabric and dual valves make inflating and deflating effortless. This is my top choice for camping, whether in a tent or in my car.
See my full review of the Exped Megamat
GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset
With ceramic non-stick surfaces and a compact nesting design, the Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset is perfect for campers who want high-quality cookware without taking up extra space. I went with the small set from the three available sizes to replace an old, scratched pan set and enjoy the ceramic-coated upgrade. The set keeps my camp kitchen organized, with everything nesting neatly inside the large pot for easy storage.
See my review of the GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset
Thermarest Boost Sleeping Bag
The Boost 650 is a unique sleeping bag that combines comfort and versatility with a center “WarmZip” and zippered arm openings, letting you adjust for warmth or airflow. It converts from a roomy semi-rectangular bag to a thermally efficient mummy shape, making it flexible for variable conditions and surprisingly functional for reading or small tasks in your tent.
See my full review of the Boost sleeping bag
View at Therm-a-Rest View at REI
Sea to Summit Boab Sleeping Bag
A great budget option for camping, the Boab sleeping bag is a high quality bag that features synthetic insulation, recycled materials, and a roomy shape that’s good for side sleepers. The full length zipper allows for adjusting the warmth, plus it offers the ability to fully open the bag for use as a quilt – and it’s available in four different sizes and two temperature ratings to provide options for everyone.
See my review of the Boab Sleeping Bag
View at Sea to Summit View at REI
North Face Voyager Duffel
When it was time to replace an older duffel, I went with the 42-liter Voyager, perfect for packing clothes, jackets, and shoes on camping trips. I especially like the removable divider and external pockets for stashing trip documents and smaller items. Multiple grab handles and carrying straps make it easy to lift and move, whether loading it into a car or carrying it to camp. It’s also built with high quality, durable materials that should last over many more years of camping trips.
Biolite AlpenGlow Mini Lantern
Compact and versatile, the AlpenGlow Mini offers multiple lighting modes — warm white, single color, and multi-color party mode — making it perfect for setting the mood at camp. It features a USB-C rechargeable battery with a power level indicator, an easy-to-use button, and a built-in bungee strap for hanging anywhere you need it. Out of all the camping lanterns I’ve used, this one stands out as my favorite and I feel is worth the higher price.
Ignik Firecan Fire Pit
A great alternative to a traditional campfire, the Ignik Firecan runs on a propane tank and delivers the warmth and ambiance of real flames. Because it can be turned off instantly, it’s often allowed even when campfires aren’t, and there’s no smoke or ashes to clean up. I bring it on all my cooler-weather camping trips — it makes a noticeable difference in staying cozy around camp.
See my full review of the Ignik Firecan (use discount code iheart_15pnw for 15% off)