Buying gear is an important decision in every outdoor enthusiast’s life. Thanks to the Internet, there are many different reviews about an array of products. All claim to be the best, and weeding through to find the best of the best can be exhausting. Don’t let the fear of being overwhelmed stop you from revamping your camping gear! Here are seven items a camper can’t live without, and the items we see as being top tier.
Cuddle up!
Voted Editor’s Top Pick of 2014 by Backpacker Magazine, the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed is a new way to experience camping. This innovative new design comes without zippers, toggles, Velcro, or any other restrictive measure to keep you in the bag. In place of these, the Backcountry Bed comes with a sewn in down blanket, which makes the bag feel like a bed. The Backcountry Bed is comfortable down to 30 degrees and the design of the blanket locks out drafts therefore keeping you warm in cold temperatures. If you are feeling warm, the Backcountry Bed is also equipped with a hands-free foot vent, and the blanket can be pushed down to allow air in. The Backcountry Bed is equipped with an inflatable mattress pouch for personal comfort. The Backcountry Bed 600 is valued at around $250, and the Backcountry Bed 800 is around $400.
Sleeping outside doesn’t have to feel like it.
The most comfortable sleeping pad available is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Dream. This sleeping pad comes with a nylon-microfiber cover, making it comfortable and soft to the touch. The newest model comes with a NeoAir inflatable pad, which is topped by a one inch memory foam pad. Compactable and easy to store, it’s no surprise this product was voted Outdoor Gear Lab’s Editor’s Choice. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Dream is valued around $200.
Rest your head
To go along with our sleep-gear trend, our next recommended product is the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow. This pillow is designed with a padded top layer and scalloped bottom edge to provide the ultimate comfort. Unlike most inflatable pillows, it doesn’t slip away as you sleep, and it is easy to adjust the pressure to your liking. Valued at around $40, the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow is one of the most luxurious camping pillows on market!
Caffeine fix
Is one of your biggest dreads while vacationing having to go without good coffee? We have a fix for that! The Handpresso Wild Hybrid offers a fast and easy way to get your morning espresso. This product makes your morning coffee unbelievably easy. Simply pump the machine to the 16-bar, add hot water from a pot, add ground espresso or the E.S.E. pod, and push a button. You’ll have espresso in seconds! At around $125, the Handpresso Wild Hybrid is a little pricey, but it is worth the price for those who struggle with rising early!
The perfect roof
Every camper needs a reliable tent, and our 2014 tent pick is the MSR Papa Hubba NX. This free-standing three-season tent holds up to four people, and is easy to assemble and 
disassemble. The doors are designed to keep any water from entering the tent, making it water and weatherproof. Its maximum weight is 5 lbs. 7 oz., or less than 1 lb. 9 oz. when shared among 4 campers. Vents allow the tent to be comfortable in any weather, while still keeping the tent dry. This spacious tent is valued around $450.
Let there be light!
For “green” campers, we have the NPower LED Solar camping Lantern! This lantern, powered by nature, is designed with a three Watt amorphous silicon solar panel to charge the lantern and fill your campsite with light. The lantern also comes with a six volt battery and a 12 volt charger to ensure light at all times. It is equipped with 24 LED lights, making it bright, while not blinding. The NPower Led Solar Camping Lantern is valued around $40, and would make a great, and eco-friendly, accessory to any campsite.
An entertaining essential
Tired of gathering rocks big enough to keep your friends, family, and campsite safe from your fire? With a Wilderness 36 Inch Portable Fire Ring you can stop searching! This steel 
fire ring with a high temperature finish has a 36-inch diameter and a 10-inch height. Cut into the steel are attractive wilderness designs which create amazing shadows as the light from your fire shines through. This product snaps together easily, making assembly quick and easy, and once it is broken down, it can be stored in its carrying case. For only around $60, this product is a great find to keep those you love safe, while also making your camping experience less of a hunt.
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Next time you’re looking for gear, check out these items before deciding on your final choice! Camping shouldn’t be stressful, prepare yourself for your relaxing trip by giving it an easy start.