What’s in My Camping Essentials Bin
Everything I need for a trip — from compact electronics and lighting to other small camp items — stays together in one organized bin, ready to grab and go.
My Favorite Camp Lighting Gear
Tips for choosing camp lighting, plus my favorite lanterns, string lights, and headlamps for a well-lit campsite.
Tips for Camping in Cold Weather
I used to think that camping was only for warm weather, but now I've become a regular camper in the winter. The key to making this transition was to learn how to stay warm in colder conditions.
My Camping Gear: A High Quality, Comfortable Approach
This camping gear list contains my recommendations for items that are high quality and built to last – as well as making the camping experience more comfortable.
Review: RTIC 32-quart Ultralight Cooler
The RTIC 32-quart cooler features 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation for keeping food cold on multi-day camping trips, in a lighter-weight and more affordable design than comparable coolers.
Review: Ignik Firecan Fire Pit
A warm fire can make camping more enjoyable, but wet conditions and fire bans can make traditional campfires impractical. The Ignik Firecan is a reliable, smokeless alternative that provides heat and ambiance without the hassle.
Review: Altara Arcadia Tent
The Altara Arcadia is a unique four-person tent with doors on all sides, dual convertible awnings, and an open design that provides exceptional views, ventilation, and living space.
My Top Picks for REI Brand Camping Gear
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of camping gear. These are the high-quality REI items I regularly use and recommend for car camping trips.
Review: REI Westward Shelter
The REI Co-op Westward Shelter is a screened canopy that keeps bugs out while letting you cook, eat, and relax at camp with an open view of your surroundings.
Cape Perpetua campground
Cape Perpetua campground is located on the central Oregon coast two miles south of Yachats. Trails from the campground provide access to the scenic rocky coastline as well as to hikes through old-growth forest.
Easy Camping Meals Using Trader Joe’s Ingredients
These are my favorite hassle-free (and delicious) camping meals. All use just a few ingredients from Trader Joe's and are easy to prepare with minimal cleanup afterwards.
How I Organize & Pack My Camping Gear
Having a mix of organization bins, totes, and packing cubes for camping gear makes getting ready for a trip easier — and streamlines loading and unloading the car.
Review: Gregory Alpaca Gear Box, Utility Tote, and Gear Pods
Good camp organization starts with reliable storage. These well-built solutions offer the durability, thoughtful features, and long-term performance I look for in outdoor gear.
Review: Ogery Solar Camping String Lights
The OGERY Solar Camping String Lights combine ambient string lights with a built-in lantern and flashlight, creating a versatile all-in-one lighting setup for camping and outdoor use.
Review: Flextail Tiny Repeller – Portable Mosquito Repellent with Lighting
A lightweight, rechargeable mosquito repeller and lantern that creates a bug-free zone at camp — without sprays or fuel — ideal for camping or backpacking.
How to Stay Clean on Camping Trips
Staying clean while camping can be challenging, but these tips (and a few gear items) can make it easier to remain fresh and comfortable on your outdoor adventures.
Camping with a CPAP Using a Portable Power Station
If you have sleep apnea, going camping doesn't have to mean foregoing treatment. With a portable power station, you can use your CPAP machine for multiple nights outdoors.
How to Build a DIY Bed Platform for 2007 Honda CR-V
This easy-to-build DIY bed platform is for vehicles where the seats don't fold down flat, and doesn't require removing any of the car seats.
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.
Review: Zenbivy ZipBed Overland Bundle
If you’re looking for better sleep while car camping, the Zenbivy ZipBed Overland Bundle combines warmth, comfort, and freedom of movement in a simple, practical system.
Review: Big Agnes Bunk House 4 tent
The Big Agnes Bunk House 4 tent is like having a cozy cabin for camping. It's large enough to stand up inside, has plenty of room for two cots, and the attached awning makes a great front porch for hanging out.
Review: Exped Megamat Sleeping Pad
With a supportive structure and well-designed features, the highly rated Exped MegaMat delivers impressive comfort, bringing a high level of sleep quality to camping trips.
Review: GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset
With ceramic non-stick surfaces and a compact nesting design, the Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset is ideal for campers looking for high quality cookware that doesn’t take up unnecessary space.
Review: Hele Box Solo bed platform
The Hele Box Solo is a versatile bed platform with adjustability for use in almost any type of vehicle. It's also easy to assemble and store, and is more affordable than other options.