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Time to get excited for a spring and summer chock-full of adventure.

Check out the Eno Atlas straps for a simple setup!

Promising review: "The best hammock I've ever bought! I swear there is something magical woven into the material because the moment you slide in = instant relaxation mode! I wish I had purchased this hammock earlier in the season. Super easy to set up (you do need your own anchor straps), and VERY dog-friendly. I'm excited for many years of magical moments with my pup in this hammock. Worth the price tag! Very well made and VERY cozy." —Jennifer

Price: $74.95 (available in seven colors)

Other things I love? It's washed and dried super well in the two years I've had it, and there's a little zippered pocket on the side, which securely stores important little doo-dads like keys and headphones.

Promising review: "I bought this shirt over a year ago, and since then have worn it hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. I took a fall while mountain biking and ended up with a small hole the size of a needle..., but when I took the shirt off, I was surprised to find the elbow pad I was wearing underneath was ripped, and my arm was all scraped, while the shirt was fine! I've hiked with it in 70/80 degree weather and haven't been sunburnt. I sweat a lot, and this shirt dries pretty quickly, so I stay pretty dry. I'm really happy with this shirt. The only thing I wish was that it had a thumb hole and a pocket on the other side as well to balance it out." —Pei F

Price: $53.83+ (originally $109; available in women's sizes XS–XL and five colors)

Promising review: "I purchased this bag in 2022 after a long search for a day pack as I got into hiking. Little did I know it would quickly become my travel-everywhere pack. I've had it barely full for short day hikes to exploding at the brim on month-long road trips. It easily takes on whatever I throw at it and shows zero signs of stopping. I could not be happier with this purchase. Definitely try it out if you're looking for a chameleon bag that can do it all." —Heather takes on hobbies

Price: $99.95 (available in five colors and two sizes)

Promising review: "I cannot make it through a Minnesota winter in comfort without these socks. Before I tried toe socks, I would have cold, clammy feet. These toe socks wick any moisture away, and my feet stay dry and warm." —Jennie

"After a few weeks, I can confirm that this works! No blisters on the toes. I hike daily and have always had issues with blisters. No longer. These are very comfortable, too. I can wear them all day." —Jenn

Price: $18 (available in unisex sizes S–L and two colors)

Promising review: "The construction of this chair is amazing and so comfortable, we loved it on our camping trip. Can’t recommend a better chair for a cozier camp night." —Lizzy Bee

Price: $149.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "Worth every penny! No matter how long you’ve been camping, there comes a time when doing it the way you did it when you were young just doesn’t work. I camp for lots of reasons, and in lots of settings. But one of the things I ALWAYS want to do when I’m camping is relax and do it COMFORTABLY. I don’t need a Winnebago, but the old camp chairs — just about ALL of them — don’t work for me anymore. But this one — no kidding — DOES. The best addition I’ve made to my gear in a LONG time." —Rainfisher

Price: $179.95 (available in five colors)

A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one, with room to spread out and for gear.

Promising review: "This tent worked really well our first weekend in it — overnight lows in the '40s outside Austin, TX in November. There's a ton of space for us, two average-sized adults, our 5-month-old baby, and two Border Collies. Think we could easily fit one more child before needing to go to a larger size. We'd previously used the Quarter and Half Dome tents with the dogs and knew we wanted to stick with the REI tents. Setup was simple, the head height was appreciated, airflow is great, and the vestibule is very generous." —KWood

I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific, but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig, so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl way.

Price: $59.95 (available in three colors/styles)

I have these trekking poles (though the model from 2021, I want to say), and I really do think they'll be the pair I use for the rest of my life. I LEAN on these bad boys, and I trust them endlessly. Adjustability is easy. So easy that I happily dial in the lengths between going uphill and down, since you want slightly different measures for each. The cork handles were the real selling point for me. I have extremely sweaty hands *and* am quite blister-prone, so plastic handles just feel yucky, and foam handles won't last. The cork is moisture-wicking and easy on the hands. The price tag is a lot, but you really do get what you pay for! 

Promising review: "I was reluctant to use poles for the longest time because I felt that they were unnecessary, but as soon as I got them, I realized what I'd been missing all these years! Lightweight, durable, and packable, they've accompanied me through all four seasons of rigorous hiking and backpacking, and despite getting considerably beaten up against rocks, there is no rust or sign that they'll need to be replaced anytime soon. And I've had them for 6+ years! I know $200 seems like a lot of money to pay for a pair of poles, but when you consider their longevity, I promise you that you'll save yourself a lot of money in the long run by not having to replace them. And your joints will thank you for it." —GP18

I looooove Mountain House Kung Pao Chicken! The sauce has a little kick, the veggies are chunky and substantial, the chicken is great, and it all rehydrates super well. I also love that Mountain House bags are short and squat, so you don't have to reach your hand wayyyy down into a bag to scoop, it's closer to eating out of a bowl. Love! 

Promising review: "This meal was fantastic! Great flavor with some spice. The rehydrated noodles stayed together instead of becoming mushy. Enough chunks of chicken and veg to provide good texture. I would suggest adding 1–2 minutes to the first mix and sit in boiling water (step 4), as well as 1–2 minutes to the mix and stand (step 5). This will give the chicken enough time to fully rehydrate. Overall grade: A+" —madt

Price: $12.50 for the Kung Pao Chicken, $12 for the Pad Thai, and check out all of their meals here

Promising review: "Getting into longer distance running, and this is perfect for carrying food and water needed during longer efforts. The provided water bottles are good for a two- to three-hour effort, and it's nice to have the option to add a water bladder for longer runs. The mesh is comfortable and breathable. There's a back pouch that is big enough for a light jacket. Front clasp is adjustable, which is nice." —Max T

Price: $100 (available in sizes XS–XL and three colors)

Promising review: "Migrated to Garmin after a decade+ with Fitbit trackers. The watch uses much higher-quality materials and offers a better software experience than previous Fitbit products. The device is comfortable for all-day use and for sleep tracking. Setup was very easy, and the watch immediately synced with both my phone and existing Connect account. Battery life is impressive, especially if not using GPS. When comparing to a Garmin bike computer with a chest strap and speed sensor, the GPS and heart rate tracking of Vivoactive 6 produced almost identical results on a 15-mile test ride. Completely satisfied with the purchase." —KD Cagle

Promising review: "This is the first Yeti cooler I have ever purchased, and I am in love. We used this while camping, and the drinks were so cold they may as well have been in our refrigerator. We primed the cooler to chill it before loading it up, which was simple and made a huge difference! There was ice in our cooler three days after camping, and the drinks were still cold after sitting in our house without AC for four days in 85- to 90-degree heat! (It’s a bummer, I know.) That really says something about the quality! 10/10 if you're considering a Yeti, get a Yeti." —Steph_keen_

Plus, the polyester shell and lining fabrics have a non-fluorinated, durable water repellent to help bead up moisture on the surface so that you stay nice and dry while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Promising review: "I bought this bag for car camping, and it is my favorite bag. So far, one trip (two nights), and it only got down to the high '40s, so I stayed plenty warm. I did bring a flannel sheet, but I didn't really need it for warmth on this trip. The bag is roomy and comfortable. I love that the hood is big enough to accommodate my pillow, and I can turn easily in the bag. I also appreciate that in warmer weather, I can unzip the bottom of the bag to put a leg out (didn't need to on this trip). I usually sleep hot, but this bag did not feel confining like a mummy bag. Would recommend!" —Stedmanb

Price: $149+ (available in medium, medium-wide, long, and long-wide sizes).

The Sea to Summit Spark is game-changing for cutting weight and volume in your backpacking setup while staying wildly comfortable, even in the cold. The down in this baby is so floofy and voluminous, and well-thought-out details like the draft collar both along the neckline *and* the entire zipper really keep heat in. I've used it for cowboy camping, where you REALLY see sleeping bags' weak points since you're exposed to so much wind, and I didn't notice any "cold spots," even along the seams. The hood is especially cozy, which is going to be even more of a delight once I get to use this baby in late fall. *Sigh* isn't the first year with a new piece of gear you love so exciting?

I love that the compression stuff sack is included with the bag, and it helps soften the splurge, in my opinion, since lots of people buy additional compression sacks to store their bags anyway. It really does get the bag down to an unbelievably small size. The power of down at work! If I have one complaint it's that the drawstring that pulls the hood taut is oddly hard to *undo* (unless I'm missing something) and the zipper can be a little catch-y (though never resulting in a rip or true snag), but those are small compared to the reasons to love this bag — just want to tell you everything I know since it's a hefty tag! But I really recommend this for anyone looking for a super light mummy bag to take them into the shoulder seasons.

Price: $549+ (available in regular, long, and double sizes)

Promising review: "This is my first sleeping pad purchase, and I have to say I am very happy with it. For reference, I am 6’1 and 205 pounds, so the XL option was absolutely necessary, and having that 30-inch width is awesome, as I roll over often in my sleep. The pad material is pleasant, and I cannot feel the ground while lying on it. Inflating it took about two minutes with 25 to 30 breaths, so I would honestly skip a pump, especially if you’re trying to lighten your pack. Material feels durable, so hopefully it stands the test of time. Cheers." —Timbo

Price: $129+ (available in regular and XL sizes and two colors)

No pumping required for this pad, just unroll and enjoy! It has a handle so you can carry it to your site, and the cover is machine-washable (thank goodness).

Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or an extra bed in a hotel, this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230 pounds, and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." —Jlendo

Price: $279+ (available in short, regular, and wide sizes)

The extra features on this blanket feel limitless. Oh, look, a little zipper pocket on the corner! Oo, neat, a paracord loop on the other corner! Hey, a cape clip so you can wear the darn thing! I've been rocking the same original Rumpl blanket since 2019 and have loved it from day one, but the Backcountry model is a really tasty upgrade. Highly recommend for anyone who goes outside, and yes, I know that means basically everyone.

Price: $110.93+ (originally $149+, available in two sizes and seven colors)

Also check out my full review on the OG Rumpl blanket for more deets on why I've been all-in on these insulated beauts for years.

Promising review: "I've had a lot of backcountry coffee over the years. Cowboy coffee, percolators, and both cheap and expensive instant brands. I will wholeheartedly say that Alpine Start has found a permanent place in my outdoor inventory. It's super easy to pack, ultra convenient, dead-simple to make, and ultimately makes a really tasty cup of coffee. The culmination of all this makes it a no-brainer choice for your next outdoor adventure. Whether a bivouac on the side of a remote mountain, or waking up in your tent bleary-eyed from a night of one too many drinks, you'll be stoked to find a packet of this stuff in your pack." —kevstewa

Price: $10 for eight packets or $25 for a 30-cup bulk bag

Promising review: "I'm sure that this works great with cold beverages, but I primarily bought it for my morning coffee and afternoon tea. It happens: You get to work and get pulled away from your desk, forgetting to bring your coffee with you. With the Yeti mug, that coffee will be just as hot as you left it, even if you're returning one to two hours later. It truly is remarkable. I find that if I want to start drinking my coffee right away, it is best to fill the mug and leave the top off for a few minutes. Trust me, it will save you a burnt mouth. While the mug is stainless steel, regular coffee drinkers will notice a slight discoloration buildup over time. I'd suggest buying some Bar Keepers Friend, as it will have the stainless steel looking like new in no time." —RobertRuns

Promising review: "We love our Coleman stove! This is the best car-camping stove we have. I am mostly a backpacker, but car camping has become more frequent as of late, so I decided to get a double-burner stove for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back to document all of our adventures." —roseferg

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me for Christmas last year! Holy moly, I really was out here thinking that most stoves were the same, but I was totally proven wrong when I finally got to take the Soto Windmaster for a spin. I was using a decade-plus-old backpacking stove. No shade. I loved that thing, and "use what you have" is a really important attitude to have and share regarding gear. You don't need every new gadget. BUT! I'm really happy to say that this stove is a distinct step up. It weighs a whisper, and even though the fold-out prongs and temperature dial are tiny, they feel relatively sturdy, especially when folded in. I was shocked at how quickly water boiled for me. I didn't time it; I was busy, uhhhh, enjoying my life, but it was noticeably faster than my old one. I love the built-in piezo igniter. Just so nice to know that if I forget a lighter, I'm not up a creek, and unlike my old stove, I really only have to click it once for it to ignite. Can't wait to put a decade on this stove!

Promising review: "Such a great stove, I returned my daughter's MSR (Mountain Safety Research) for another of these. No fuel leaks when you attach the fuel canister like the MSR. Also, the four prongs felt more stable in boiling water. The quick ignite was like magic. Love this purchase!!!" —Patsy

I can't say enough good things about Altra and, specifically, the Lone Peak series. An older model of these has been totally changed by (outdoor) life. The zero drop and wide toe box make my feet feel like they're more ~connected~ with the ground, which is so useful when groovin' on the trail. I feel sure-footed and stable. I'm also someone who prefers their three-season outdoor shoes to be quick-drying instead of waterproof, and these fit the bill. I've been rained on a ton in these (ohhhh the joys of section hiking the Appalachian Trail!), and they dry pretty darn fast. Love, love, love.

Promising review: "I got these just before my trip to Sedona, and I was not planning on using them for all my hikes. They were so comfortable and supportive, and had amazing traction. I never even took my hiking boots out of my suitcase! I was able to wear them everywhere for everything, which is great when trying to lighten the load on a trip like this. They were my go-to for the airport, steep and rocky hikes, and walking around town! I honestly didn’t think I’d be as impressed as I am, but wow. I also have unstable ankles, and even though these shoes are low-cut, the wide base and traction system kept my ankles from rolling, and I feel like they actually helped me work on my ankle strength. 5 stars! I love them!" —leypay

Price: $107.93+ (available in women's sizes 5.5–12, including wide sizes, and seven colors, and in men's sizes 7–16, including wide sizes, and five colors)

Promising review: "These were super comfy and supportive! I didn’t break these in, wore them hiking for the whole week, and had no issues (which is a huge deal for me since all shoes usually give me blisters)! I didn’t test the waterproofing since we had dry conditions. I also bought the regular width, but decided to stick with the wide width. Easy return process for the pair I sent back! Thanks, Merrell!!" —Heather

Price: $170 (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, in seven colors, and men's sizes 7–15, including wide sizes, in six colors)

Promising review: "My absolute favorite hat. Makes every other billed cap feel heavy and oppressive. Feels light on my head and keeps the sun out of my eyes when out on a run. The foam bill is amazing. I can crumple/roll the hat into a little ball and stuff it in a pocket. Dries out fast, too, thanks to its light weight. Five stars." —Shane

Promising review: "This is a luxury item, but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, light weight, and versatility. I'll throw it in both a backpacking pack and a day pack. I've used it under my sleeping pad to add a little more padding under my hips, to make a picnic bench cleaner and softer, to sit on in a parking lot while changing shoes, to widen the top of my hammock so it's not closing in on my head, and of course, just to sit on when taking a break. I rest my pack against a tree and use it and the Chipper to make a nice recliner in the woods." —GorillaJason

Promising review: "Zeke loves adventure, and being on the water is one of his faves. This jacket has all the necessary features needed for safety in the water, and is very well-made. Plus, the design makes for a very comfortable and non-restricting fit. I most certainly recommend this life jacket!" —Heather K

Price: $100 (available in sizes XS–XL and two colors)

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Rachel Dunkel is a former editor and contributor to the BuzzFeed shopping team with over seven years of experience testing and recommending products that help make life a little easier, whether that’s ultralight gear, holy grail serum, jeans that fit just right, or anything in between.