Safety-reviewed gear

Gear guides

Tools & Lighting

Headlamps, knives, power and navigation — the small things you only notice when they fail. These guides cover which are worth carrying, which are worth spending on, and which you already own.

All 50Tents & Shelter3Sleep Systems4Cooking & Water7Clothing & Footwear3Tools & Lighting6Camp Comfort5Safety & First Aid2Getting Started7Tips & Planning13

6 guides

A small red camping lantern glows on grass at sunset, backlit by golden sunlight.6 picks
Lighting

Best Camping Lanterns Under $30 — Light That Lasts the Weekend

Choose the right affordable camping lantern with expert guidance on rechargeable vs battery options, LED performance, and rugged features for the outdoors.

From $17Read guide
A rugged black portable power station with a blue screen sits on grassy ground in a sunlit forest.6 picks
Electronics

Best Portable Power Stations for Camping Under $200

Compare top-rated camping power stations under $200, learn which specs actually matter, and find the right balance between capacity, ports, and price for your trips.

From $110Read guide
A woman wears an illuminated black headlamp in a dim forest setting as the sun sets behind her.
Lighting

Affordable Headlamps for Camping - Top Picks

A headlamp is the most useful piece of gear you own. Keep your hands free for camp tasks, night hikes, and 2am bathroom runs.

6 min readRead guide
Fixed-blade knife with dark handle rests in grass at sunset with mountains and water blurred in the background.4 picks
Tools

Best Budget Camping Knife

A quality camp knife handles food prep, cord cutting, and emergency tasks. These knives under $30 won't quit when you need them.

From $18Read guide
A hiker uses a handheld GPS device with a map display at sunset in a mountainous outdoor setting.
Navigation

Best Budget GPS and Compass for Hiking

Your phone works for most trails, but these backup navigation tools work when batteries die and signal drops.

8 min readRead guide
A silver multi-tool lies on pine needles and grass in a sunlit forest at golden hour.
Tools

Best Budget Multi-Tool for Camping

A multi-tool is the most versatile piece of equipment you carry. These affordable options handle 90% of camp tasks without the premium price.

9 min readRead guide