THE BEST CAMPING GEAR THAT’LL HELP YOU CONQUER THE WILDERNESS LIKE A PRO

To us, spending time outside is an absolute necessity. And camping is one of our favorite ways to do that. Where else can you get dirty with the people you love the most (or by yourself, if you’re into that), immerse yourself in a forest of color-changing leaves, sleep under the stars, wake up to a dew-covered tent on a brisk fall morning, eat flame-cooked meals, roast marshmallows, and sing “Kumbaya”?

A handful of our editors are pretty obsessed with camping; we grew up camping with our parents and have made a lifestyle out of time spent in the woods with our loved ones. Without question, fall is our favorite time of the year to wake up in a tent. We make tons of quick weekend escapes throughout Colorado and New York, and plan at least one longer camping trip every year to places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Moab, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Iceland, South America, and many more — because nothing recharges our batteries better than some unplugged adventures.

Camping has come a long way from the days of canvas tents, PVC folding chairs, and cooking a can of beans over the fire. Whether you're going backpacking in the Adirondacks or car-camping in Yosemite National Park, here is your ultimate checklist of camping essentials we swear by.

From shelter and warmth to food, toiletries, games, bear spray (yes, bear spray), and stuff for your pup, this is the best camping gear that will enhance even the most experienced hiker's outdoor adventure.

Find the complete list of best camping gear written by Andrew Bettlach and Christine Anderson here.