Wildsam’s 2025 Gear of the Year

The past 12 months have been an exciting one, filled with great new RVs, overlanding rigs, off-road rigs, and a host of other amazing vehicles. But when you set off on a camping trip or overlanding expedition, it isn’t just your vehicle that helps you survive and thrive in the outdoors. The gear we outfit our campers with also plays an important role in our adventures, helping us to stay out longer and be more comfortable on those journeys. So, as the year starts to wind down, we thought we should spotlight our favorite products from 2025. The items that made life better during our favorite outdoor pursuits earned a spot on our Gear of the Year list, and they just might be some of your favorite new gear items, too. 

RV Camping

Even with your own home-on-wheels, great gear can enhance any motor coach, van or towable.

Litheli eWagon W2 Pro

With dual electric motors, rugged tires and a generous cargo area, the Litheli eWagon W2 Pro makes moving gear, kids and pets around the campground easy. The battery-powered cart comes with a three-speed throttle and effortlessly rolls up steep terrain and over sand, dirt and mud. $280

TireMinder i10 Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Avoid dangerous blowouts and unexpected flats. The i10 monitors up to 20 tires simultaneously, wirelessly transmitting current pressure levels to a dash-mounted display in real time. Accurate to within one PSI (yes, 1!), this is a must-have for motorhomes, vans, towables and trucks. $309

Power Watchdog Power Center

Available in 30-amp and 50-amp models, the Power Watchdog Power Center keeps your RV appliances and HVAC system, not to mention personal devices, running safely and efficiently. The device sits between your rig and the power pole at the campsite, providing surge protection, voltage boosting, and power monitoring. $820

2025 Good Sam North American Campground Guide

The 90th edition of this venerable guidebook is available at Camping World and offers listings of more than 12,000 campgrounds and RV parks across the US and Canada, along with travel articles for top destinations and easy-to-understand campground ratings. $40

Garmin RV 795 Navigator

Made specifically with RVers in mind, this GPS device provides an optimal route to your destination based on your rig’s specs, avoiding low-hanging bridges, sharp curves, and other challenges en route. A built-in directory of thousands of public and private campgrounds and RV parks is a nice bonus, too. $450

Car Camping & Overlanding

Rugged, off-road automotive adventures continue to grow in popularity. Enjoy a few comforts along the way.

RUX Essentials Set

Staying organized on the road is a lot easier with a RUX Essentials Set. Each bag is designed to work independently or together, providing versatility for carrying clothes, groceries, gear, and more. Lightweight, tough, and waterproof, the kits have a lifetime guarantee and come in a variety of colors. $423

EcoFlow River 3 Plus Power Station

Keep your smart devices, gadgets, and small appliances running when venturing off-grid with the EcoFlow River 3 Plus. This power station has up to 1200 watts of power output, along with 286 watt-hours of storage capacity. Lightweight, compact, built to go anywhere. $299

Coast EAL4OR Camp Lantern

With a built-in rechargeable battery, multiple light modes, an output up to 2,500 lumens and a runtime of as much as 93 hours, the Coast EAL4OR is the last camping lantern you’ll ever need to buy. It’ll even recharge smartphones and tablets. $44

Luno Air Pro Vehicle Mattress

With plush comfort that rivals your bed at home, the Luno Air Pro turns nearly any vehicle into an RV. An online compatibility checker finds the size and shape for your car, truck, or SUV, converting the cargo area into a cozy sleep space. The inflatable mattress provides a restful night sleep wherever you wander. $350

Bluetti Multicooler Portable Fridge

Just because you’re camping off-grid, it doesn’t mean you have to forego the pleasures of fresh foods and a cold beverage. The Bluetti MultiCooler is a fridge, freezer, and ice maker all in one, offering 42 quarts of storage space and three days of runtime on a single battery. Extend that runtime with swappable batteries or a power station so you can avoid going home as long as possible. $799

Glamping

Prefer your outdoor experiences to be a bit more comfortable and refined? Don’t worry, we won’t judge. In fact, we have some suggestions.

JBL Boombox 3

Rock the casbah, cabin, yurt or RV with this compact, powerful audio system. Outstanding sound quality and chest-thumbing bass, wrapped up in a dust and waterproof package built for the outdoors. 24-hour battery life and the ability to recharge personal devices only add to the appeal. $500

Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope

If you enjoy stargazing, you’re going to love the Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope. This device can locate and identify nearly anything in the night sky, displaying stunning images on your smartphone or tablet. You can even save those photos for posting on social media and sharing with friends. $549

Kuma Bear Buddy Heated Chair

Stay warm and cozy at the campsite with the Kuma Bear Buddy heated camping chair built for two. Both seats offer independent temperature controls, with the heating elements reaching a temperature of up to 131 degrees F. The chair folds up nicely for easy transport, making it a must-have for camping, tailgating or just hanging in the backyard. $360

The North Face Thermoball Slippers

Whether you’re ambling around the campsite, strolling through town or just curling up by the fire, The North Face Thermoball slipper should be your go-to glamping footwear. Designed to resemble a down jacket, these shoes are plush, warm, comfortable and surprisingly durable. $59

Segway GT3 Pro Super Scooter

You’ll be the coolest kid at the glampsite with this amazing electric scooter. With speeds of up to 50 MPH and a rugged suspension that rolls over mud, dirt, sand and snow, this is the most fun you can have on two wheels. Built-in navigation, cruise control and GPS tracking are just a few of the many features. $2,700

Hiking

Good for mind, body and soul. Of course, the proper equipment is essential, too. Stay safe and happy on the trail.

Osprey Talon 22 Daypack

Built for multisport adventures, the Osprey Talon 22 is perfect for day hikes, trail running, mountain biking or just about any other outdoor activity. An adjustable hip belt and torso harness make it easy to dial in the proper fit, while helmet and trekking pole attachments and zippered hip pockets are nice touches, too. $170

Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles

Trekking poles provide extra stability and support on the trail, and are especially helpful going up and down hilly terrain. Leki’s Makalu Lite AS models include a built-in anti-shock suspension system that takes much of the stress off your legs, greatly reducing fatigue and soreness. $160

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Let’s face it, bad weather happens. And when it does, you’ll want the Patagonia Torrentshell along to keep you dry. Made from 100% recycled fabrics, and sporting a two-way adjustable hood, this rain jacket is built for taking on the worst conditions Mother Nature throws at you. $179

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Socks are one of the most overlooked pieces of gear, and yet they are essential for keeping your feet healthy and happy. Made from soft, antimicrobial merino wool, these socks are a revelation for hikers of all levels. Buy the four-pack and thank us later. $25

Altra Lone Peak 9 Hiking Boots

A popular choice for day hikers and long-distance trekkers alike, the Altra Lone Peak 9 hiking boots are lightweight, comfortable and supportive. Waterproof materials keep your feet dry when fording streams or walking muddy trails, while an aggressive sole provides traction on any surface.Available for both men and women. $180

Biking

Whether you own a road, gravel, mountain, or e-bike, these picks will help you enjoy your rides more.

Specialized Align II MIPS Helmet

Keeping your noggin protected on your rides should be a top priority, and this helmet delivers top-notch safety technology at an affordable price. An easily adjustable fit system provides stability and comfort, while integrated ventilation ports keep riders cool. Choose from 14 unique colors to match your bike. $65

Camelbak Podium Chill Water Bottle

Staying hydrated has never been easier. This legendary water bottle features double-walled construction to keep your water cold on longer rides. A high-flow nozzle makes grabbing a drink quick and easy while eliminating splashes and spills. Available in 14 colors to match your mood and style. $18

Küat Piston Ion E-Bike Rack

Built specifi cally with e-bike riders in mind, the Küat Piston Ion fits into a 2” hitch receiver and supports two bikes weighing up to 100 pounds each. Built-in ramps make loading and unloading a breeze, and with room for 18” to 29” tire sizes, it I can accommodate every bike in your garage. $1,289

Cycplus AS2 Pro Electric Air Pump

Anyone who rides will have a flat at some point. This tiny rechargeable pump will get you back up and moving in no time. Small enough to fit into any backpack, purse, or bike bag, yet powerful enough to inflate most bike tires in under a minute, this is an indispensable tool for riders. $109

Wahoo Trackr Radar

Stay safer and more visible on the road with this high-tech light with built-in traffic-detecting radar. The device clips onto your seat post and includes multiple flashing light modes to alert drivers. It also pairs with most bike computers, sending riders an alert when vehicles are approaching from the rear. $250

Paddling

If you own a canoe, kayak or paddle board, you already know: On the water, performance means everything.

Astral Loyak Water Shoes

Astral earns the first of two spots on our list with its excellent Loyak water shoes. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, this footwear utilizes quick-drying materials and a grippy sole to provide all-day comfort, both on and off the water. $99

Astral YTV 2.0 PFD

Thanks to a low-profile design that doesn’t inhibit motion, this PFD is comfortable enough for short paddles or all-day excursions. Astral’s signature TorsoLock system keeps the life jacket in place even on rough whitewater, while storage pockets keep important gear close at hand. $150

Bollé Holman Floatable Sunglasses

Colorful and stylish, these sunglasses have water-sport-focused lenses that offer 100% UV protection and are polarized to dramatically reduce glare. A special thermoplastic rubber nose grip keeps them firmly in place in wet conditions, and as the name implies, they even float. $150

Biolite Range 300 Headlamp

Completely waterproof and submersible, this headlamp is the perfect lighting solution for on and off the water. The device includes two light modes (spot and strobe), a 100 hour runtime, and brightness up to 300 lumens. The lightweight and breathable strap is so comfortable, you might even forget you’re wearing it. $40

Sea to Summit Evac Lightweight Dry Bags

Available in sizes ranging from 3 to 35 liters, these dry bags are tough, reliable and built for waterborne adventures. Made from rugged 70D waterproof nylon and constructed using double-stitched and fully taped seams, the Evac line keeps all of your important gear and supplies dry even under the most extreme conditions. $25-$50

This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.