This section of our guide primarily concerns the equipment, gear, and accessories associated with camping, a form of outdoor recreation involving overnight stays in a temporary shelter, such as a tent or hammock.

Depending on perspective, camping can also include a recreational vehicle, sheltered cabins, permanent tents, shelters like a bivy or tarp, or no shelter at all. The idea is that campers are spending time away from home in an outdoor environment.

Spending the night away from home is what distinguishes camping from picnicking or other outdoor activities.

Conversely, if someone lives in a cabin in the woods full-time, they are not camping but at home. If they live in a tent full-time, they might be considered homeless by most standards, although some people choose to live in a tent.

Since this is the shopping area of our guide, we will focus on the products involved in camping rather than the activity itself. Further information and resources can be found in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation area.

Central to camping is the shelter and bedding. Although there are alternatives, a reliable tent is often the cornerstone of a camping trip. Tents come in various sizes and styles, from lightweight backpacking tents to spacious family tents.

Tents are frequently rated by season, with 1, 2, 3, 4, and even 5-season tents available. These ratings can be misleading, given that a 4-season tent is usually used only for winter camping, while a 1 or 2-season tent can be used in the spring, summer, or fall. Brands follow their own rules on season ratings, so experiences will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you're wondering, the season-5 tent is the expedition tent, intended to withstand the harshest winters.

Some tents, known as hot tents, are designed to accommodate a small wood stove or another heating device. They often include a built-in stove jack to safely vent the stove outside. Hot tents are typically made of canvas or other fire-resistant materials and have additional ventilation to prevent condensation.

There are several manufacturers and brands of tents, including those from Big Agnes, Coleman, Marmot, NEMO, North Face, REI, Vango.

Bivouac (bivy) sacks, generally known as bivys, provide a minimalist shelter option for solo campers who want to lighten their load and maintain a low profile while camping. Bivys are basically waterproof sleeping bag covers that offer protection from the elements. Alpkit and Outdoor Research offer reliable bivys.

Hammocks offer a relatively comfortable alternative to sleeping on the ground. Usually lightweight and easy to set up, they are designed to hang between two trees, and many campers consider them ideal for backpacking and minimalist camping. Several brands include waterproof covers, turning the hammock into what is essentially a hanging bivy. Brands like ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) and Hennessy Hammock are well-regarded.

Sleeping bags are available in several temperature ratings. Sleeping bags are rated according to temperature, allowing campers to choose the right bag for the anticipated temperatures. However, these ratings indicate survivability, not comfort levels, so if you are using a -10 bag in temperatures reaching ten below zero, you might survive the night, but you won't be comfortable. There are several sleeping bag manufacturers and brands, including Big Agnes, Marmot, NEMO, REI, and Zpacks.

To avoid sleeping on the hard ground, campers often purchase sleeping pads, many of which are inflatable. Folding cots are another option.

Several products are available for cooking and food preparation while camping, and the best choices often depend on whether you will be driving or hiking to your campsite.

Portable stoves and grills make outdoor cooking convenient and enjoyable. Options range from compact backpacking stoves to larger propane grills suitable for car camping. Camp Chef, Coleman, and Jetboil are notable options.

Durable and lightweight cookware sets and reusable utensils can be used for preparing meals in the wilderness. Many of them are designed to be nested into a compact package.

Various types of water carriers are available, from the traditional canteen to other hydration systems. Portable water filters and purifiers, such as those from LifeStraw and Katadyn, ensure a safe water supply when natural sources are the only option.

Lighting choices depend heavily on whether you'll carry it in or drive it in. There are several choices for headlamps, flashlights, lanterns, and other options.

Today, campers- particularly hikers- often avail themselves of GPS devices along with detailed maps or other navigational tools, such as compasses.

In wilderness areas, campers might want to bring a hatchet, an axe, or a knife suitable for processing wood and for other purposes.

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