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All the little doodads you need to make your camping trips, jogs, and trips to the crag even more enjoyable.

Rachel Dunkel is a freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles.

It comes with five small and five bigger carabiners, all made of plastic. 

Promising review: "I went car camping and tied this around a tree to use as a galley. It was perfect for hanging pots, pans, and utensils to dry after washing, as well as a small garbage bag for trash. How did I ever manage a camp kitchen without it?! I mean, yes, the s-biners are plastic, but there are 10, and you can always replace them. Smart buy!" —AFCA

Promising review: "I bought this as a small water-tight container for boating to hold small items such as my wallet, cell phone, boat remote, etc. I clipped it to the railing on our tritoon at the helm. It’s like a stylish waterproof glovebox. Perfect for my use of it. I am thinking of buying two more and trying to rig up something similar with them on our kayaks." —Pontoon storage

Price: $55+ (available in two sizes and five colors)

Yeah, the Kula Cloth is life changing if peeing in the woods gets you down. It's also super useful for general travel if you're traveling anywhere with an unreliable TP situation. There's also a little loop on the corner so you can just carabiner it to the outside of your pack if you're backpacking. Ya know how people who drive Jeeps nod at each other on the road? People with Kula Cloths on their packs nod to each other on the trail. It's a thing.

Promising review: "I've had one for years now, and it has been such a game changer for backpacking, camping, or just hiking. We take them everywhere outdoors, and I consider this one of the best outdoor inventions ever. If you don't want wet panties or have to pack toilet paper into a small bag to pack out, this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" —outdrgrl

Promising review: "I've been using a peri-bottle I once got at the hospital, but this thing is a seriously great upgrade. I bought it to go on a trip that requires wag bags, and I didn't want to backpack out a bunch of used TP. The bulb and spout direct a cleansing stream of water right where you want it. After six days of using this and a Kula Cloth to pat dry, I was fresh as a daisy, as they say. Everyone who was on the trip wants one now." —Amy B

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: "I just used this on a climbing trip in Vegas, for limestone and red rock and felt safe and secure in it. Four other people had it on the trip, which speaks for itself. I love how easily adjustable it is! My newbie friends didn't have helmets and we shared mine and they were easily able to adjust between climbs. I am petite and have a small head and it fit comfortably. Hit my head a few times on the walls with this helmet on and hardly felt the hits." —eggofchaos

Price: $74.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "This is the hat I’ve been looking for! Getting older and needing some shade on my noggin, face, and neck. I’ve purchased a few other hats, but this one is the most comfortable and breathable, and covers my neck and long nose, too. The wife says it looks good on me and she’s picky!" —Danny Dorado

Price: $99 (available in sizes 7–8 and five colors)

The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It only weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as Salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.

I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game-changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend.

Promising review: "I've taken this on a couple of backcountry/backpacking trips and it's so handy and easy to use. I find I prefer to carry two Smartwater bottles with me (one for dirty water, one for filtered water), screw the filter to the top of one, and squeeze clean water into the second bottle. I also love that it's small and lightweight. It's perfect for backcountry trips." —sarah279

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

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 buildup of discoloration over time. I'd suggest buying some Bar Keepers Friend, as it will have the stainless steel looking like new in no time." —RobertRuns

This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more! This is the kit I've been tucking into my pack for years, just in case. 

Promising review: "It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." —Josh L

Price: $34.50 (available in three colors/styles)

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)

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 sizes S–L and two colors)

Promising review: "My absolute favorite hat. Makes every other billed cap feel heavy and oppressive. The AFO Hyperlight Cap from Janji 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, being so light. Five stars." —Shane

Need a locking carabiner to go with? I use a Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner.

Promising reviews: "Great belay device. I use it constantly and have had no issues with it. The paint will most likely wear off from rope friction, but the function of the belay device is great. Prefer it way more over my old ATC belay device." —Matt

"I love my Pretzl GRIGRI. As a 5'4" woman who lead climbs with 6'+ guys, it saves my butt on a regular basis. I feel completely comfortable catching a whip with this, no matter what distractions are going on or how fast I need to react. It does take a bit of practice to learn how to feed the rope through smoothly for lead belaying, but after a bit of practice, it doesn't slow me down at all. I also feel much safer climbing with my belayer using an auto-locking belay device, and I've never had any issues with any Pretzel Grigri I've ever climbed with. I highly recommend it." —livhaus

Price: $104.95 (available in three colors)

Promising review: "I feel much safer riding after dark now that I have this. The reflective bands are really bright. It is easy to adjust its size so I can wear it over a heavy or light jacket (or no jacket at all) depending on the temperature." —George

The tools on this Leatherman include a stainless-steel blade, needle-nose/regular pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, saw, awl, can/bottle opener, carabiner, safety whistle, and a fire-starting ferro rod.

Promising review: "I'm amazed at how many useful tools are crammed into this Leatherman. It took me a good hour to read through all the instructions to discover all there was. Very comfortable and easy to grip and use. Truly an amazing tool." —JoeM

I looooove these wipes, and you'll usually find at least a few in my backpacking and camping setup!

Promising review: "I couldn’t have gone without these. Five days with no running water (or baths), and these got pine tar off super easily AND helped keep the BO to a minimum. 10/10 would bring again." —kbhobbyhiker

Promising review: "Good multitool I like to have on my daypack. Clipped onto my sternum strap for easy access. Very lightweight." —Luis M

Promising review: "I never knew how much I could enjoy my PB&J on a grueling day hike until I ate it ensconced on my new throne — the Flexlite Air Chair. Easily assembled and cradled by comfort, I was the envy of every other hiker (except the one who also had this chair). We nodded to each other knowingly. Go ahead — sit on the cold ground if you want. We have seen luxury. And it is the Flexlite Air Chair. The opportunities to use this chair are endless — don’t be constrained by convention. It’s earned a permanent place in the trunk of my car, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice for long checkout lines, swapping out those awful plastic chairs at outdoor concerts at wineries, and staging impromptu sit-ins. Thank you, REI." —Sole Sister

Price: $74.93 (originally $99.95; available in five colors).

Promising review: "Great sweat towel. I clip this on the strap of my backpack. Lightweight and easy to carry. If you get a little sweaty, just pull it out. After wiping the sweat off my face, it just hangs and the breeze dries it off, ready for the next time." —Lee

Price: $9.95 (available in three colors)

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

On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags. One serves as my clothes bag, and the other is my food bag, since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring a third for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. Enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and compact. Being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home.

Promising review: "Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) so I could stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, that way I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, and it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —Jenni

Price: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and four colors).

To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $7.99+. But don't worry, if you're just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment, so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure. It weighs just 3.5 and has 11 different types of subscription plans available for individuals, professionals, and teams.

Promising review: "Recently used the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a seven-day backpacking trek in the northern Yosemite wilderness. I kept it on during the day, sent two to three preset check-in messages per day, and turned it off overnight (and kept it in my sleeping bag). After six nights/seven days like this, I still had 40% battery life left. Messages usually took about a minute to send with no/minimal tree cover, and the Bluetooth-connected phone app makes typing messages from your phone very easy. I'm so glad I had it with me to get info about the Washburn fire that started while I was on the trail. Overall, I (and my loved ones back home!) am very happy with how the Garmin performed." —Elyse

Promising review: "This is a luxury item but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, lightweight, 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

These are popular in the western United States, where in some areas with grizzlies, they're required, but they're useful almost anywhere if you want a surefire way to keep food untouched by all kinds of critters.

When I moved to the West Coast, I was sooooo excited that I finally had to get a bear canister! They may be heavy and tough to put in a pack, but hey, they're iconic! This smaller size fits into a pack relatively easily and holds a lot, especially if you're keeping volume in mind while shopping. And they really are useful beyond just for bears. I brought mine to Joshua Tree this past weekend because the last time I was there, there were a ton of mice, and there's just no good place to hang a food bag. Enter: the can! And hey, don't forget to put your trash and any other scented items like toothpaste in there for the night, too.

A lot of official car-camping sites have bear lockers if you need them, but not all, especially if you're a fan of off-road and off-grid adventures. But for backpacking, it's absolutely the move since you're often sleeping away from official sites or stops.

Promising review: "I love this thing. It fits easily into my pack and can fit electrolytes, snacks, a collapsible mug, matches and fuel, and 6–8 freeze-dried meals. Even witnessed an inquisitive deer who accidentally rolled it down a rocky hill and not a scratch or crack on it!" —stace

Price: $84.95 (also available in larger sizes)

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: "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: "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)

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

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