If you’ve been following along, this is the third in my holiday gift guide series, joining the For Her and For Kids editions. Each one is filled with tried-and-true favorites from our adventures, and this round is for anyone who feels more at home under the stars.
I’ve loved camping for as long as I can remember. When I was little, it meant big family campouts and late-night giggles in our pull-behind pop-up trailer, the ultimate playhouse on wheels. Once I got my license, one of the first things I did was plan a backpacking trip with friends. And now, after years of family camping trips and countless dirt naps, I still start to feel antsy if I haven’t spent a night under the stars in a month.
Whether you’re a glamper, a minimalist, or simply love heading into the woods with your family and whatever gear you’ve got, this guide is for you.
And I’ll be honest, this one was hard to write. There’s just so much good camping gear out there. From luxury car-camping setups to minimalist backcountry kits, the options are endless. So instead of trying to include everything, I narrowed it down to a list that fits all kinds of budgets and styles — gear that we truly love, use often, and would happily gift again and again.
Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow
It’s funny how something as simple as a pillow can make or break a night in the tent. The Air Head Down Pillow feels like a small luxury — soft down on top, a supportive inflatable core underneath, and a cover that doesn’t get clammy in the middle of the night. I used to think pillows were overkill in the backcountry… and then I brought this one. It’s been an absolute game changer, I even travel with it, as it has come in very handy for long travel days when naps on the airport floor are needed!
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Sleeping Mat
If you’re someone who wakes up at camp with sore hips or a numb shoulder, this pad might just be your new favorite thing. The Ether Light XT is plush, warm, light weight (445 grams) and inflates fast, no huffing and puffing thanks to its built-in pump sack, that works faster than any other bagged pump I have ever used. It’s not only super fast and efficient to blow up, but it also is super easy and fast to roll up. Instead of wrestling and cramping your fingers to stuff it into it’s stuffsack (if you know, you know), this pad rolls up and fits back in like a dream. It’s the pad we bring on multi day river trips, and for comfort when the kids want “just one more night”. We are actually now working on getting the whole family one, as right now it’s a very coveted camping item!
Therm-a-Rest Kid’s Honcho Poncho
Every family should have one (or two) of these in their gear bin. The Kid’s Honcho Poncho is part blanket, part jacket, part fort-building, and part superhero cape. Ours have survived rivers, mud puddles, and countless marshmallow roasts. They’re water-resistant, cozy, and roll into their own pocket for travel. It’s the piece of gear our kids use the most, hands down. They have come to the rescue more than one time, as we always have them in the back of our car in our “just in case we want to sleep out” bin. They have doubled as sleeping bags and jackets when the kids or I insist on sleeping out after a big adventure day where we were not quite ready to go home!
Jetboil Genius Base Camp System
There’s nothing like that first sip of camp coffee or hot chocolate in the morning, and the Jetboil Dual System makes it ridiculously easy. It’s efficient, packs tight, and heats water in just over three minutes. We’ve used it on countless car camping trips, and it’s always reliable. Plus, the dual setup means no one has to wait for round two of oatmeal which, if you camp with hungry kids, you know matters. At 9 pounds, this is not something we want to carry into the backcountry, it’s been an amazing base camp addition to our quiver this year.
MSR Hubba Hubba 4-Person Tent
When it comes to classic, bombproof, lightweight tents, the Hubba Hubba has earned its reputation. Ours has seen it all this past summer – torrential rain, alpine winds, hot river nights, and it has performed amazing in all of these conditions. It’s that sweet spot between lightweight and roomy, making it perfect for family backpacking trips or for adventure race transition area sleep where durability and the quickness that we are able to set it up matters just as much as weight. MSR’s attention to detail shows in every zipper, clip, pole and tent stake. This has become my new favorite tent for all of our family camping trips. Whether it be a multi day river trip, a bike backing trip or a short front country backpacking trip, if we are sleeping on the ground and it’s the four of us, this is what we reach for every time.
Helinox Camp Chair + Table Set
There’s something about sitting in a chair that feels like home after a long day outside. Helinox gear hits that sweet spot between ultralight and comfortable — easy to pack, quick to set up, and surprisingly stable. The Helinox Table One L adds that touch of civilization to any camp setup and fits the Helinox chairs perfectly. We love using the table for both meal prep and for outside lesson time. While there are a few chairs to pick from, our family loves the Chair Zero High-Back because we all love to rest our head back. It’s also extremely light weight (1.5 pounds) and really easy to set up.
Crazy Creek AirLounger
Crazy Creek has been around forever — and for good reason. It’s simple, bombproof, and goes absolutely anywhere. We keep two rolled up in the car at all times and another in the packraft for river stops. It’s the kind of gear you don’t think you need until you use it once, and then you’ll wonder how you ever went through life with out it. While there are a few to choose from, we LOVE the airlounger because it’s so comfortable and easy to roll up and put on a side of a backpack.
Thule Approach Awning + Roof Top Tent
While this choise is a bit more expensive, I had to include it because it has changed my love of car camping. Before kids, I would turn my nose up to car camping. I didn’t like sleeping in campgrounds and felt like you always had to hike in far to get away and get the real experience of “camping”. However, once the kids grew older and had their own opinions, we found that they love car camping. And so we made a compromise, as long as we didn’t have to stay in campgrounds, we could still car camp every so often. With the Thule Approach RoofTop Tent, this has made ALL the difference. Now we just drive to a cool off the beaten path spot Jason finds on the map, pop up the tent and we are all happy. We get to explore new places with out people and the boys get their dream tree house sleeping experience! It’s the ultimate setup for those who love to camp out of their vehicles (or just love being off the ground). The Thule Approach rooftop tent is our family’s go-to — easy to pop open, sleeps us four comfortably, and keeps us cozy even in unpredictable mountain weather. My favorite part is that we don’t need pads, as it comes with one big super comfortable mattress and it comes up and down in a matter of minutes. Sometimes we even pop it open at home in the drive way for them to play in and have their own “hideout- no grownups allowed” spot. Pair it with the Thule Approach Awning for instant shade or rain protection, and suddenly you have an outdoor living room wherever you park.
Miir Pourigami Portable Coffee Dripper
This little piece of genius has earned a permanent spot in our camp kitchen. It’s a flat-pack coffee dripper that assembles in seconds and makes a perfect single cup every time. Combine it with a good thermos (I love the Tomo from Miir) , and you’ve got quality pour-over coffee without bulky gear. Small enough to live in your glove box, and honestly, it should.
Gregory 70 L Alpaca Gear Basket
Organization doesn’t get enough credit when it comes to camping happiness. These collapsible gear baskets from Gregory make packing so much easier — one for kitchen gear, one for kids’ stuff, one for wet gear. They’re durable, easy to hose down, and fit perfectly in the back of the car. It’s one of those gifts that looks simple, but once you use it, you’ll be hooked. They have both 30L and 70L, and while I have not tested the 30 L, it seems like it would also be great for those smaller items like travel books, fidget car toys, or for organizing climbing gear!
Fender Rockster Cross Speaker
There’s a fine line between camp music and campsite noise — and this speaker walks it perfectly. Waterproof, durable, and with clean, rich sound that carries just enough for your circle, not the whole campground. It’s the soundtrack maker for late-night chats and sunrise coffee alike. It also comes with a sweet carrying strap that we all love and use often!
Fjällräven Keb Trousers
These are the kind of pants that make you feel ready for anything. Built with durable G-1000 fabric where it counts and stretch where it matters, the Keb Trousers are that rare balance of rugged and comfortable. They breathe on the climb, shed moisture in camp, and can take a beating on trail days that include scrambling over rocks or hauling firewood. I’ve worn mine through rain, mud, and thick brush, and they still look great — which is saying something. They’re an investment piece, yes, but one that will last for years and adapt to just about every kind of adventure. And, with Fjakkraven’s amazing repair shop, they very well could be lifetime pants – which is amazing for both the planet and you!
Darn Tough Merino Wool Critter Club Micro Crew Socks
There’s something oddly joyful about pulling on a pair of good socks, especially when they’re soft, durable,breathable, and have a bit of personality. These merino wool socks from Darn Tough are exactly that: tough enough for long hikes, cozy enough for camp mornings, and cute enough that they make me smile every time I see them peeking out of my boots. The merino wool keeps feet dry and warm without overheating, and like everything Darn Tough makes, they come with a lifetime guarantee. It’s one of those small inexpensive gifts that feels simple but ends up being used almost daily.
The Gift of Camp
Sometimes the best gift isn’t something you can wrap. It’s reserving that weekend away, pulling out the maps, or just saying yes to sleeping outside again. Because camping, in all its forms, from full setups to spontaneous backyard nights — reminds us that connection doesn’t come from Wi-Fi. It comes from firelight, muddy feet, shared meals, and a sky full of stars. So let this guide be an inspiration, and maybe if and when you do gift one of these pieces of gear, pair it with a fun night out in the dirt with the trees and stars as your cieling.