Outdoor gear worth buying on Amazon
For camping, tailgates and day hikes, a reliable headlamp, an insulated water bottle, a cooler and a camp chair do most of the work. The picks below are current recommendations in published, test-based reviews, with notes on who each one suits.
How we chose these picks
We did not test this gear ourselves. Each pick is a current recommendation in a published review that describes its own field and lab testing, checked against the maker's specs. Sizes and colors vary a lot in outdoor listings, so confirm the exact model on Amazon before you buy.
Our picks
- Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp: Best headlamp
- S'well Stainless Steel Traveler 16 oz: Best water bottle
- RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler: Best cooler for most people
- Helinox Chair One: Best lightweight camp chair
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Wirecutter's top headlamp pick is the Black Diamond Spot 400, which it describes as easy to use, bright enough and long-lasting on its batteries.
Good to know: A headlamp beats a flashlight for camp chores because both hands stay free. Keep spare batteries in your kit.
Source: Wirecutter: The Best Headlamps.
Check price on AmazonS'well Stainless Steel Traveler 16 oz
Wirecutter's water bottle guide lists the S'well Traveler 16 oz as its best water bottle, highlighting how comfortable it is to hold and drink from.
Good to know: 16 ounces is a commuter size. For long hikes, carry more water or add a larger bottle.
Source: Wirecutter: The Best Water Bottles.
Check price on AmazonRTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler
Wirecutter calls the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light its best pick for most people who want a lightweight cooler that can do it all at a decent price.
Good to know: A 52-quart cooler is big. Measure your trunk, and remember it gets heavy once it is full of ice.
Source: Wirecutter: The Best Coolers.
Check price on AmazonHelinox Chair One
Wirecutter's camping chair testers chose the Helinox Chair One among nearly two dozen chairs, and note it weighs around 2 pounds. That makes it easy to carry on a hike or pack for travel.
Good to know: Ultralight chairs sit low and take a minute to assemble. For car camping, a classic folding quad chair is simpler.
Source: Wirecutter: The Best Camping Chairs.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
When is outdoor gear cheapest?
Camping gear is often discounted at the end of summer and during Prime Day. Coolers and chairs also show up in Black Friday sales. Check price history before treating any sale as a good deal.
Do I need an expensive cooler?
Only if you need ice to last several days. For day trips, a basic cooler works. Premium coolers earn their price on multi-day trips.
What should every day-hike kit include?
Water, a headlamp, a map or downloaded route, layers, snacks, sun protection and a small first-aid kit.