31 Must-Have Gear Items for the 2024 Camping Season
These products make life on the road and at the campsite better
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, full-timer, digital nomad, or just like to go camping from time to time, staying safe, comfortable, and connected is essential. The gear we take with us plays a crucial role in the experience, enhancing life on the road and at the campground. If you’re looking to upgrade your RV travels, we have a few suggestions for products that can do just that. This is our list of the latest camping gear you’ll want with you on your next adventure.
Bluetti AC180T Power Station and MultiCooler
New for spring, Bluetti’s AC180T power station utilizes hot-swappable battery packs to greatly extend its storage capacity. Those same batteries power the new MultiCooler portable refrigerator, allowing it to run for up to three days without an external power source. As you would expect, everything recharges using solar panels in the field, providing a modular, self-contained source of energy for use in the backyard, while boondocking, or at a traditional campsite. MSRP: $1299 (AC180T power station) and $1328 (MultiCooler)
Oyster Tempo Cooler
If a traditional cooler is more your speed, the Oyster Tempo offers outstanding performance without the need for ice. This eye-catching model looks great and performs even better, staying colder three times longer than most other premium coolers. Made entirely out of recycled materials, the Tempo is environmentally friendly, too, making it a great way to transport fresh food, groceries, and your favorite beverages while camping, tailgating, or just hanging out in the backyard. MSRP: $500
Turtlebox Gen 2 Portable Speaker
Not all Bluetooth speakers are created equal. Case in point: the Turtlebox Gen 2 is purpose-built for the outdoors. Not only does this model come with a rugged case with a built-in handle, it is also 100% waterproof. That makes it a great option for the campsite, on a boat, or for tailgating events. The speaker offers a battery life of up to 20 hours on a single charge and cranks out tunes at up to 120 decibels while maintaining a crisp, clear sound to rock the night away. MSRP: $449
Gerber Gear ComplEAT Cook Set
Outfitting your RV with cookware just got a lot easier thanks to the new Gerber Gear ComplEAT Cook Set. The 16-piece collection comes with a stainless steel 2.6-quart sauté pan with a detachable handle and a 5.6-quart stock pot with a matching basting dome and slim lids. Food can be served up on four polypropylene plates or bowls that can double as mixing bowls when baking. Everything nests neatly together for easy storage in the included carrying case. Gear even provides a silicone hot pad to keep things safe. MSRP: $200
Garmin Overlander GPS Device
Garmin has always made some of the best RV-specific GPS devices on the market, but it also offers an outstanding option for those who venture off-road. Dubbed the Overlander, this unit features a 7″ color touchscreen, a database of campsites, restaurants, and attractions, as well as top-notch navigational abilities. But it also has topographic maps of all of North and South America, clearly defined roads and routes on public lands, and a built-in compass, altimeter, and barometer. Multi-GNSS support ensures a good satellite connection wherever you roam, and 64GB of onboard storage allows users to upload their own maps. MSRP: $699.99
Hollywood Racks Destination E-Bike Rack
Because they are so much fun to ride—and bring plenty of convenience—an increasing number of RVers are traveling with e-bikes these days. But electric bikes are considerably heavier than standard models, which can make transporting them a challenge. Enter the Destination E-Bike Rack from Hollywood Racks, a hitch-mounted bike carrier that has been reinforced to carry a heavier load. This unit even comes with an integrated ramp that makes loading and unloading extremely easy. MSRP: $699.99
Heybike Horizon E-Bike
Speaking of e-bikes, Heybike has a fantastic—and colorful—new option that riders are sure to love. The Horizon is a full-suspension model, which adds a little weight but gives it an incredibly comfortable ride. Match that with its 1200W electric motor and a 692Wh battery, and you get an e-bike that can travel up to 55 miles on a single charge. A step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off, while a suite of available accessories allows riders to customize the Horizon to meet their needs. MSRP: $1,499.
Litheli Electric Camping Wagon
Litheli’s Electric Camping Wagon is an ingenious bit of engineering that melds a small battery pack and an electric motor to make hauling cargo easier than ever. The wagon can carry up to 132 pounds of gear, groceries, firewood, and other items simply by touching a button embedded in the handle. It can climb a 10º slope while fully loaded, and its rugged wheels smoothly glide along over rough surfaces. The unit even folds down for easy storage, making it an indispensable tool you won’t have to leave home without. MSRP: $299.99
ENO TravelNest Hammock
Every campsite needs a hammock, and Eagles Nest Outfitters has some excellent options to choose from. We’re partial to the TravelNest because it is large, supportive, and very comfortable. It also packs down to an unbelievably small size, making it easy to carry with you. The lightweight fabrics are strong, highly breathable, and dry very quickly, too. MSRP: $54.95
YOBOGear Turtlebug Hammock Stand
The Turtlebug is a new lightweight, free-standing hammock stand from YOBOGear that will have you lounging at the campground within minutes of your arrival. The stand is designed for easy set-up and breakdown and is surprisingly small in size, making it easy to pack and store in your rig. Highly adjustable and versatile, the unit is adaptable to just about any type of hammock and environment. Just set it up and start relaxing. MSRP: $215
GCI Outdoors Kickback Rocker Chair
When you’re not lounging in a hammock, the GCI Outdoors Kickback Rocker is the next best thing. Supportive and comfortable, the chair is lightweight and compact, making it the perfect companion for any outdoor outing. A built-in cupholder and phone pocket bring added convenience, but it is the gentle rocking motion that maximizes comfort around the campfire. MSRP: $65.00
Warmbond BondStove Fire Pit
Smokeless fire pits are a game-changer, making it much more fun to gather around the campfire with friends and family. The Warmbond BondStove uses a unique dual-air design that keeps smoke to a minimum, preventing your clothes and hair from collecting that smoky odor most campers are all too familiar with. The unit is well-built and highly portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. An optional add-on kit converts it into a grill, with the added convenience of having all the accessories securely stowed inside the unit during transport. The fire pit can burn wood, charcoal, or pellets, too, making it very easy to find fuel. MSRP: $269.99
Barebones Blue Carbon Steel Skillet Bundle
Complete your outdoor culinary collection with the Blue Carbon Steel Skillet Bundle from Barebones. This kit includes the brand’s signature Blue Carbon Steel Skillet, which has a removable walnut handle, heats up quickly, and has natural nonstick properties. The bundle also comes with a set of wooden cooking utensils and a high-quality grilling apron. MSRP: $135.97
Solo Stove Pi Prime Pizza Oven
The Solo Stove Pi Prime Pizza Oven is one of our favorite creature comforts for use around the campsite. This propane-powered device is incredibly easy to use, cooking up delicious pizzas in as little as 90 seconds. That’s fast enough that every camper can have their own personal pie made with just their favorite ingredients. The oven is built for use in the outdoors and comes with a cover to protect it from the elements. MSRP: $349.99
iKamper Aioks Camp Kitchen
Vanlifers and overlanders will love the iKamper Aioks, a cleverly designed camp kitchen in a box. When not in use, the Aioks resembles a wheeled crate complete with a built-in handle, which helps make it easy to move around. But at the campsite, it transforms into a handy space for meal prep and eating, with a built-in two-burner stove, ample counterspace, and a table. Just open the box, deploy its contents, and connect a propane tank. MSRP: $499
Meater 2 Plus Smart Grilling Thermometer
Take your campground and backyard grilling to the next level with the Meater 2 Plus smart thermometer. This cooking probe utilizes multiple sensors to offer highly accurate temperature tracking, with all data shared wirelessly via a connected smartphone app. This gives aspiring camp chefs fine control over the meals they cook, ensuring a proper cook on steaks, chicken, pork chops, burgers, and anything else that needs precision execution. MSRP: $129.95
Leatherman Bond Multitool
With 14 integrated tools—including multiple pliers and screwdrivers—the Leatherman Bond is a piece of gear so good you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The multitool puts an entire toolbox in your pocket, making it a convenient option for quick repairs in the backyard, at the campsite, and on the trail. And since it’s backed by Leatherman’s legendary 25-year warranty, you know it’s built to last. MSRP: $59.95
Dometic GO Area Camp Light
The humble camp lantern gets an upgrade courtesy of Dometic. The new GO Area Camp Light is a rechargeable lamp that can function as a flashlight, a bright area light, and a soft mood light with eight unique colors. The built-in battery pack offers eight hours of continuous use and has a built-in USB port for charging small devices. Campers can even adjust brightness, change colors, and turn the light off and on using an app on their smartphone. MSRP: $99.99
Goal Zero Skylight
For a completely different lighting solution, consider the Goal Zero Skylight. This area light produces up to 6,000 lumens and can illuminate a 300-foot area, making it easier to work, play, and cook outdoors after dark. The unit comes with its own internal battery that gives it a runtime of up to eight hours. Easy to set up and take down, the Skylight is extremely small and portable, slipping into its included carrying case for transport. MSRP: $299.95.
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Waterproof Binoculars
A great set of binoculars is an excellent companion for outdoor adventures, and Nocs Provisions makes some of the best. We love the Standard Issue Waterproof models, as they are rugged, compact, and lightweight but still have outstanding optics that offer 8×25 and 10×25 magnifications. This makes them perfect for birdwatching, spotting wildlife, or just scanning the landscape on a hike. They’re also available in a wide variety of colors. MSRP: $95
Dwarf Lab Dwarf II Smart Telescope
The Dwarf II Smart Telescope from Dwarf Lab is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get into stargazing. This device connects to a smartphone app to quickly locate and display stars, planets, nebula, and other celestial points of interest. It can even track moving objects like satellites or the International Space Station, snapping clear photos that will amaze and delight. The unit is incredibly small and weighs just 2.6 pounds, making it easy to carry to your favorite outdoor location. MSRP: $595
XGIMI MoGo2 Pro Portable Projector
Powered by Android 11.0, the XGIMI MoGo2 Pro portable projector helps take outdoor movie nights to the next level. The tiny device runs all of the major streaming apps, including Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and more. It puts out a bright 400-lumen 1080p HD display, offers Dolby audio, and has intelligent features like auto screen alignment, obstacle avoidance, and keystone correction. MSRP: $499
Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe
Ignik makes a line of very thoughtful and well-designed products for camping, but its Gas Growler line of reusable propane tanks is especially great. The Deluxe edition includes a 5-pound tank, a protective case, and a hose that connects to most grills, heaters, and other appliances. The tank offers as much capacity as ten disposable green propane canisters, making it a more efficient and eco-friendly way to camp. MSRP: $129.95
BougeRV Portable Water Heater
We were very impressed by the BougeRV Portable Water Heater when we reviewed it recently, which makes it easy to recommend here, too. This device uses a built-in battery and a propane tank to create hot water anywhere you need it. It even comes with a shower head, allowing vanlifers, car campers, and RVers to rinse off after their outdoor adventures. The unit is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store in a vehicle. MSRP: $349.99
North Shore 8-Person Cabin Tent
A tent is a handy piece of gear to have at your disposal, even when traveling in an RV. Not only does a tent offer additional sleeping space for guests, it can serve as an outdoor shelter in inclement weather or provide an escape from insects and the hot sun. The North Shore 8-Person Cabin Tent is roomy, easy to set up, and well-ventilated. It also has a slew of modern features, like a port for running electrical power into the interior and an integrated room divider to provide privacy. MSRP: $189.99
Duck Camp Gear Tote
Whether you’re on the road or at home, you’ll find a variety of uses for a Duck Camp Gear Tote. Made from durable water-resistant mesh fabrics, these bags are lightweight, yet surprisingly strong. That makes them perfect for grabbing groceries, hauling supplies from one campsite to another, or bringing essential items to the beach. The Gear Tote is available in small, medium, and large sizes and comes with reinforced and padded handles. MSRP: $79 (small), $99 (medium), $139 (large)
PakMule Pro Porch
PakMule is best known for its excellent add-on cargo carriers, but our favorite product is definitely the Pro Porch. This package combines several items from the company’s catalog to create a platform that attaches to the back of a vehicle, creating extra space that is both utilitarian and fun. The Pro Porch can be used to haul additional gear, but it also serves as a rear deck for a truck camper, extending the living area outdoors. MSRP: $1,295
Yakima MOD Drawer System
Yakima’s new MOD Drawer system adds convenience and organization to your tow vehicle or camper van. Made up of modular components that slide into the back of a truck, SUV, or van, MOD Drawer provides elegant storage solutions that enhance life at the campsite while still proving to be very handy in daily life. The storage bins can be configured to meet owners’ individual needs, helping keep gear, tools, and other essentials close at hand. MSRP: $949
Hydro Flask 25 oz Wine Bottle
We all know that Hydro Flask makes the best premium water bottles, but did you also know they make an excellent bottle for wine, too? The stainless steel and vacuum-insulated Wine Bottle has a ceramic lining that preserves the flavor of wine and allows you to safely carry it anywhere you want to go. Bundle it with a pair of ceramic wine glasses, and you have the perfect option for a sundown hike. MSRP: $44.95 (Wine Bottle), $104.95 (bundle)
Bonus: Papa’s Pilar Rum
If you’re a fan of premium adult beverages, then Papa’s Pilar Rum should accompany you on your next adventure. After all, it’s inspired by Ernest Hemingway, a man who was a living legend both for his writing and the adventures that inspired him. Smooth and easy to drink, this rum will inspire some tall tales around the campfire worth of Papa Hemingway himself. MSRP: Varies by blend,