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Similar to many others, I significantly increased my time spent in nature and camping during the summer months as a result of social distancing guidelines. Maintaining safety regarding COVID-19 is relatively straightforward when you are several days into a wilderness journey. Whether you enjoy a short day hike, a camping trip accessible by car, or a longer backpacking adventure spanning multiple days, there is a wealth of excellent camping and hiking equipment available to enhance the experience for outdoor enthusiasts (without excessive spending).

This year, I acquired a substantial amount of camping equipment online. I was fortunate enough to schedule a 40-mile backpacking trip through the Los Padres National Forest during one of REI’s annual sales events, a period when most online camping retailers also typically provide significant discounts on their products. The majority of my equipment was geared towards backpacking, and I replaced much of my equipment from the previous decade with newer, lighter, and higher-quality alternatives. Backpacking necessitates minimizing unnecessary items, but incorporating a few car-camping trips reveals the enjoyment of adding desirable extras to your outdoor gear collection.

When it comes to camping gear, you can generally discover a favorable sale on almost any item throughout the year, so patience and vigilance are key. Numerous websites offer exclusive discounts for new customers or consistently hold large-scale seasonal sales, allowing you to potentially purchase items at a reduced price if you plan strategically.

It’s important to emphasize one point: When selecting gear, a primary consideration should be whether you foresee developing an interest in backpacking. It isn’t always easy to predict, but if you believe you might use your equipment for backpacking trips, you should give significant weight to the weight of any new gear. You can always upgrade later, but it’s wise to plan ahead when possible. If you only intend to drive to a campsite, you have fewer concerns regarding size and weight limitations, simplifying the process considerably.

All of the items mentioned were purchased with personal funds or are planned purchases, ensuring these are unbiased recommendations. However, this article may include links to affiliate partners. TechCrunch may receive an affiliate commission when you make a purchase through these links.

MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights

Having reliable illumination significantly broadens the possibilities for nighttime activities while camping. I typically preferred the glow of a campfire in the evenings, however, due to campfire restrictions at numerous campsites throughout California this year, I decided to enhance my campsite lighting.

These string lights are presented in attractive packaging and are ideal for creating a pleasant atmosphere and providing substantial brightness to your camping area. While considered a premium item, they offer a considerable amount of light with several adjustable brightness levels. The manufacturer currently offers a model featuring colored lights for a more celebratory feel.

These lights consume a noticeable amount of energy, meaning they may only operate for one or two nights on a full charge, contingent on how they are used. Fortunately, a convenient integrated solar charger is included. I have personally experienced inconsistent results with solar charging, so I would recommend reserving these lights for car camping excursions where recharging via the built-in USB cable is readily available.

Price: $28 from Amazon

Sea to Summit dry sacks

Even with more and more portable devices featuring waterproof certifications, particularly among premium camera equipment, many items are still vulnerable to water damage. A recent purchase that proved exceptionally worthwhile was a collection of compact dry bags. While certainly a greater investment than standard zip-lock bags, which I had relied on for years, the consequences of a soaked toilet paper roll or map are far less severe than those of a waterlogged mirrorless camera.

These bags effectively prevent moisture from reaching their contents. They also serve as a practical and convenient method for organizing equipment, keeping all your technical items together and shielded from the weather. I initially purchased a small three-pack earlier this year, finding the size ideal for the technology I typically carry. Subsequently, I acquired a much larger 35L sack to safeguard items like my sleeping bag and clothing, ensuring they remain dry during hikes through waterways or in rainy conditions.

I chose Sea to Summit bags, as they are widely considered to be a top-quality option. However, a search for dry bags online will reveal numerous sets with positive customer feedback. It’s important to carefully read reviews to assess their robustness, as this is the most critical factor to consider.

Price: $43 from REI

Garmin inReach Explorer+

There are two significant pieces of equipment I’m planning to acquire to enhance my backpacking setup before the next hiking season. One is a bear-resistant canister for secure storage of food and personal items during trips, particularly when I venture into areas like Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness, which I anticipate doing soon. The other is the inReach Explorer+. Previously, I’ve depended on companions with portable GPS devices, but Garmin’s offering, which appears to be widely favored, integrates a GPS device with a communicator that functions via a satellite network.

To utilize the satellite network, a service plan is required, which can be activated on a monthly basis as needed. This network provides several key benefits: it allows you to transmit text messages, including your GPS coordinates, to family and friends, enabling them to follow your journey and confirm your well-being. It also provides a means of contacting assistance if you encounter an emergency situation and require potential rescue. Although such rescue operations will undoubtedly incur substantial costs, prioritizing your safety is always paramount and should not be compromised by risking your life or relying on uncertain alternatives.

Garmin also offers a smaller, more compact inReach model that omits GPS navigation and features a reduced screen size. This version is designed for situations where it’s only needed in critical circumstances. It’s also worth mentioning that possessing satellite phones is prohibited in certain nations, so it’s essential to verify the regulations of your destination before including one in your gear.

Price: $450 from Garmin

Helinox Chair Zero

I consider these chairs to be among my most successful purchases. Interestingly, I haven’t utilized them extensively during backpacking trips, despite that appearing to be the product’s primary purpose considering their lightweight design – they weigh just over one pound. However, they have proven incredibly useful for easily carrying in a tote for a day spent at the park.

Their versatility has led to frequent use, in part because I reside in an urban area without a vehicle. If I owned a car, I would likely choose a larger, more affordable folding chair to store in the trunk. Nevertheless, their portability is a significant advantage, making them suitable for backpacking, although they remain a definite luxury for such excursions. A minor drawback is that these chairs don’t perform optimally on soft ground like sand or mud, so a firm surface is recommended for stable and confident use.

I acquired these chairs at a 50% discount during a sale, but more budget-friendly alternatives to Helinox are available if you are unable to find a similar deal and don’t mind a slightly increased weight. Several of my acquaintances particularly appreciate the models offered by REI.

As a related note, I also discovered a discounted lightweight Helinox table with a solid surface this year, which has been excellent for activities like board games or establishing a cooking area.

Price: $150 from Amazon

A giant duffel bag

A common challenge for those who accumulate camping equipment is finding adequate storage when not actively using it. A large duffel bag provides an excellent solution. These bags are ideal for keeping gear organized, and their convenience lies in the ability to simply load one bag into a vehicle for a camping trip, avoiding multiple trips back and forth.

I personally purchased a 90-liter duffel from REI while it was on sale, and I have heard positive feedback regarding similar bags offered by North Face and Patagonia. This capacity allows for substantial storage and conveniently aligns with the size restrictions for typical airline checked baggage; exceeding this size often incurs additional oversized baggage charges. These types of bags are frequently discounted, so it’s advisable not to make an immediate purchase, particularly if there isn’t an urgent need.

Price: Varies; the featured model is currently $140 from REI

Travel chess set

While playing cards are a solid choice, you might be looking for something different to add to your game selections. Especially for those inspired by the series “The Queen’s Gambit,” a portable chess set is an excellent idea.

I personally chose this particular travel chess set available on Amazon due to the magnetic board, which offered reassurance that the pieces wouldn’t easily get lost. Although it isn’t constructed from the most premium materials, the cost was reasonable and it provides a satisfactory compromise between durability and portability. Numerous other choices are available that prioritize either greater sturdiness or reduced weight.

Price: $18 from Amazon

Nalgene Mini Bottles

A vital addition to any camper’s equipment is a selection of Nalgene mini bottles in various sizes. These containers are incredibly useful for safely storing liquids like soap, shampoo, oils, condiments, spirits, and more. When properly sealed with their screw-top lids, they effectively prevent unwanted leaks and spills.

I personally utilize these extensively for preparing meals in advance. I pre-portion the necessary amounts of liquids or sauces for each meal and combine them with the other ingredients in a larger, resealable bag. Consequently, I have several bottles ranging in capacity from one ounce to four ounces. While this level of preparation isn’t essential for car camping where immediate measurement is possible, they are also excellent for organizing toiletries. I specifically use the two-ounce bottle for shampoo and soap when traveling by air and preferring to bring my own products.

It’s worth noting that these bottles can sometimes retain the scent of strongly flavored liquids, even after washing. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep those used for toiletries separate from those used for food items like sauces.

Price: $2 from REI