Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Now that summer is finally here, there's no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a camping or hiking trip. If your arsenal of gear could use an upgrade, don't fret — we asked Travel + Leisure and TripSavvy editors about their must-have clothing, footwear, and accessories for outdoor adventures. The best part? Our editors' favorites, which include everything from durable, comfortable boots to a sturdy, spacious cooler, are less than $300 and can be purchased online to come straight to your door.
Keep reading for our travel editors' favorite gear for camping, hiking, and all kinds of outdoor adventures. Since many products are in high demand and some items are on sale right now, we recommend shopping soon in order to get the best deal and avoid missing out on popular products that tend to sell out.
Related: The 15 Best Beach Accessories for Hitting the Sand
"Last summer, my friends and I went on a last-minute camping trip that involved lots of steep hiking trails that my everyday running sneakers were not equipped for, so I needed proper hiking boots. I landed on these popular Columbia Newton Ridge Boots because of their price point and thousands of glowing reviews, and I can happily say they live up to the hype. They arrived the day before we left and didn't even need a break-in period to feel comfortable. Plus, their traction is super grippy and makes me feel confident on the downhill parts of hikes." — Emily Belfiore, Commerce Writer
To buy: amazon.com, from $65 (originally $100)
"My favorite pack for short or all-day hikes, I've used this in several national parks — from the Grand Canyon and Zion to Glacier and Olympic. It has a small zipper pouch at the top to hold my valuables, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as well as a spacious main compartment that I can stuff with extra layers, snacks, bear spray, and more. I love that it features a hydration sleeve on the inside and includes a 2.5 liter Hydrapak reservoir with a bite valve to keep me hydrated on the go without needing to stop to dig out a water bottle. The breathable mesh back increases airflow, the secure buckled straps remove strain on my back and keep it in place while I tackle uneven terrain, and it even has attachment points for trekking poles. Plus, I love that I can flatten it and pack it in a carry-on or duffel bag when I'm traveling to use as a day bag for hikes and city touring." — Susan Brickell, Associate Editorial Director, Commerce Travel
To buy: amazon.com, from $100 (originally $110)
"This USB-chargeable lantern is great on the standard setting (500 lumens!) but the reason I love it is because of everything that's not standard — warm and cool filters, neon party colors, and even a 'candle flicker' setting if you need to add some romance to your tent...or just fall asleep with a good book." — Hannah Walhout, Senior Editor
"I grew up camping with my family, but it's been a while since I pitched a tent and slept outdoors. A couple of months ago, I went on a road trip with UST Gear through Utah and had the opportunity to test a bunch of camping gear, from sleeping bags to camping pads. While I was intimidated, at first, to set up the brand's two-person camping tent, which I would be sleeping in overnight, I ended up being shocked by how easy it was to put together. (And, if you're a tent-pitching newbie, you can use this video as a guide!) The tent is lightweight, spacious, sturdy (it didn't fall apart or tip over), and the colorblocked design makes for Instagram-worthy photos. The best part is that this camping tent is incredibly affordable, so you don't have to break the bank to get outdoors." — Susan Brickell, Associate Editorial Director, Commerce Travel
To buy: ustgear.com, $125 (originally $340)
"Just look at this beautiful spork and tell me it's not the world's cutest eating utensil. It also happens to weigh less than an ounce (just 16 grams) while being pretty much impossible to break. You'll never need plastic cutlery ever again." — Paul Brady, Articles Editor
"These trail running shoes have officially become my primary travel shoe. They look decent enough to wear during travel, are super comfy, and are excellent for trail running and hiking (meaning, I don't need to pack an extra pair of shoes for said activities). After hundreds of trail miles running and hiking, these kicks are nearly as good as the first time I wore them." — Nathan Allen, TripSavvy Outdoor Gear Editor
"Sunglasses are key to any adventure, but the outdoors can be rough on your gear. I love these sunnies from Western Australian brand Otis Eyewear because they feature lenses made from mineral glass, meaning that they're super resistant to scratches and are even recyclable (aka better for the environment). This means that instead of worrying about damaging your shades while hiking (if they slip off your face during a spill, for instance), you can instead focus on enjoying the scenery around you. This specific style is modern, timeless, and extremely wearable, offering a polished look that can take you from the trails to town." — Susan Brickell, Associate Editorial Director, Commerce Travel
"These shorts do it all: I've whitewater rafted, mountain biked, and hiked in them for years. They don't ride up, don't chafe, dry quickly, and actually look cute. I'm 5'10" and they fall just above mid-thigh for me — the perfect length." — Liz Cantrell, Associate Editor
"This duo is one of my favorite Amazon purchases ever. I bought the lanterns for a camping trip and was so impressed with how bright and compact they are (they collapse into tiny little cylinders and can fit into pretty much any backpack or duffle). Outside of the campground, they've also come in handy during summer backyard hangs in areas that aren't well-lit. And, the battery lasts for what seems like forever." — Emily Belfiore, Commerce Writer
To buy: amazon.com, $15 for two (originally $17)
"I can't tell you how many friends and family members I've convinced to purchase a pair of Vasque hiking boots (my mom and sister included). I love the brand so much, I own five different styles of its outdoor shoes. These low hikers are one of my favorite pairs since they are super lightweight, breathable, comfortable (they always keep me pain- and blister-free), and versatile. In fact, they double as an option I can sport on the trail or around town, thanks to their subtle monochromatic and minimal look, which gives me even more bang for my buck. — Susan Brickell, Associate Editorial Director, Commerce Travel
To buy: amazon.com and rei.com, from $105 (originally $150)
"I've had my ultra-comfortable, absolutely indestructible, goes-anywhere Black Diamond Sonar backpack so long now that the company has stopped making 'em. These days, the similarly sized Nitro pack carries the torch, with enough space for an all-day trek but not so much bulk you feel like you've actually packed the kitchen sink. I love the small, phone- and sunglasses-friendly pockets as well as the padded hip belt that takes some of the shoulder strain out of longer hikes. An exterior stash pouch is good for a bike helmet or extra layer, and there's room inside for whichever hydration kit you like best. It's everything you'll ever need without being too much." — Paul Brady, Articles Editor
"Anyone going on a camping trip or multi-day backpacking excursion knows you need to pack a quick-drying towel. I've made the mistake of packing a regular bath towel from home, and even having to schlep the damp, mildewing thing around with me for a day was enough. I love Nomadix's towels because they're soft, lightweight, the perfect size for travel, and, most importantly, they dry quickly. Made from recycled materials, the durable towels also boast an antimicrobial treatment that prevents growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric — which is a godsend on outdoor trips. And when I'm not using my Nomadix towel while camping, I take it to the beach since sand doesn't stick to it at all!" — Susan Brickell, Associate Editorial Director, Commerce Travel
"YETI's Hopper Flip line is the brand's classic traditional soft cooler. Coming in three sizes, we prefer the middle size (12) for road trips and overnight campouts. The Hopper Flip will easily hold cold for more than 24 hours thanks to YETI's typical beefed-up insulation. We also love that this soft cooler is much lighter than the typical hard cooler and that it has multiple carrying points, including three handles and a shoulder strap." — Nathan Allen, TripSavvy Outdoor Gear Editor
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.