Camping & Hiking - Other

Ultimate Guide to Camping & Hiking Gear: Where to Buy the Best Equipment in the US

Why choosing the right camping and hiking gear matters

Heading into the outdoors can be as simple as a one-mile walk in the woods or a multi-day trek through backcountry that’s miles from the nearest road. Either way, the right gear turns a tough day into a great memory. Good equipment keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable, and it can mean the difference between calling it an early night and staying out to watch the stars. Think of gear like a trusted crew—your tent is the campsite’s shelter, your sleeping bag is the cocoon that restores you, and your stove is the wizard that turns cold rations into comfort food.

Walmart: Budget-friendly finds and unexpected multitools

If you’re hunting for affordability and convenience, Walmart is often the first stop for many American campers. With thousands of stores across the country, Walmart stocks everything from basic tents and sleeping bags to cookware and headlamps. Their selection is broad, and you can usually find practical basics without breaking the bank. For quick weekend trips and family outings, Walmart is a reliable place to pick up essentials at a sensible price.

Spotlight product: Signaworks Loading Dock Stop-go Light Kit

Interestingly, Walmart’s outdoor and "other" sections sometimes include unconventional items that campers repurpose for their sites. One product listed is the Signaworks Loading Dock Stop-go Light Kit 2 Way Red Green 110 220 Vac Dock Lights 12 X18 Depart On Green Aluminum Sign 9. While designed for dock safety, creative campers use heavy-duty, weather-resistant lighting and signage for large group campsites, trailhead setups, or RV areas. The 12 x 18-inch sign size and 110/220 volt compatibility make it a rugged, visible solution for special situations where bright, reliable lighting is required.

REI: Expert advice and gear that lasts

For people who take their outdoor time seriously, REI is a go-to. It’s known for high-quality tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and technical apparel. REI’s staff are usually outdoor enthusiasts themselves, so you can expect knowledgeable advice about fit, function, and safety. Plus, REI’s products skew toward durability and repairability—great for trips where every ounce matters but reliability is non-negotiable.

What to buy at REI: backpacks, tents, and technical layers

Buy your technical backpack, multi-season tent, and performance sleeping bag at REI if you plan longer hikes. Look for backpacks that weigh between 3 and 6 pounds empty and offer adjustable suspension so they sit comfortably on your hips. Tents are best chosen by floor area and peak height—aim for at least 30 to 40 square feet of floor space for two people if you want room for gear. Sleeping bags should be chosen by their temperature rating in degrees Fahrenheit; for three-season use, bags rated to around 20°F are a common sweet spot.

Dick’s Sporting Goods: One-stop for family camping and sports-driven gear

Dick’s Sporting Goods blends outdoor gear with athletic equipment, making it a great place for family campers and those who need sturdy, entry-level items. Expect plenty of seasonal sales, combo packages, and mainstream brands that balance price and performance. For weekend car camping or backyard basecamps, Dick’s is a solid choice where you can outfit multiple people quickly.

Family-friendly picks at Dick’s

Look for pop-up or cabin-style tents that are easy to set up and offer headroom for changing clothes. Portable grills and larger 20 to 30-pound camp stoves are comfortable for feeding a family, and roomy sleeping pads with a thickness of 1 to 3 inches make sleeping on ground surprisingly pleasant. Dick’s often bundles items—tents with stakes, sleeping pads, and basic cookware—so you can check several boxes at once.

Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops: Rugged gear for fishing, hunting, and cold weather trips

If your outdoor life involves fishing, hunting, or spending long weekends in colder climates, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops are top destinations. These retailers carry heavy-duty tents, insulated sleeping bags, layered clothing, and accessories designed to stand up to wind, rain, and mud. They also stock fishing and hunting gear, which makes them ideal for multi-activity trips where you need specialized equipment.

Cold-weather and multi-activity gear

For trips that dip into colder temperatures, consider sleeping bags rated to at least 0°F for three-season protection or lower if winter use is expected. Tents with stronger poles and more robust rainfly coverage reduce condensation and add stability in the wind. Rent or buy insulated shelters that can handle gusts and wet conditions, and pair them with sleeping pads that have higher R-values—look at performance rather than weight alone.

Target and other big-box stores: Convenience for casual campers

Target is another convenient stop for casual campers and families. Their selection tends to focus on easy-to-use, budget-friendly items—think tarps, lanterns, folding chairs, and simple one- or two-person tents. For short trips and relaxed camping, Target provides functional gear that’s accessible and often stylish in a minimalist way.

When big-box stores make sense

If your trips are short and you’re car-camping close to home, there’s no need to overspend on high-end technical gear. Big-box stores are perfect for the basics: cookware that cleans up easily, lanterns that provide ample light for a campsite, and pillows and blankets that add comfort without a heavy investment. They’re also handy when you forget an item and need a quick replacement before heading out.

Amazon and specialty online retailers: Reviews, variety, and rapid delivery

Online shopping has changed how people prepare for the outdoors. Amazon and specialty online retailers carry a wild variety of gear from every price tier. The advantage here is the ability to compare dozens of brands side-by-side and read hundreds of user reviews. For specific needs—like a 30,000-lumen lantern that weighs under 5 pounds or a 4-season tent that fits a family of four—you’ll usually find options and community feedback to guide your choice.

How to compare products online without getting overwhelmed

Start by filtering by the specs that matter to you: weight in pounds, packed dimensions in inches, and temperature ratings in degrees Fahrenheit. Read verified buyer reviews and look for consistent praise or consistent complaints—single negative reviews rarely tell the whole story, but patterns do. Also check product photos for real-world use, and balance star ratings with substantive comments about durability and comfort.

Essential camping and hiking checklist

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned weekend warrior, a checklist keeps you from forgetting the little things that make a big difference. Key items include a sturdy tent, sleeping bag and pad, an efficient camp stove, cookware, a reliable headlamp, a first-aid kit, navigation tools, water filtration, and a good knife or multi-tool. For hiking trips, a daypack under 3 pounds that carries water, snacks, extra layers, and a map is essential. For car camping, larger coolers and heavier stoves are fine—just measure space in your vehicle and use pounds to gauge what you can realistically transport.

Lighting and power choices that work

Lighting is often undervalued until the sun goes down. A bright headlamp is indispensable for trail work after dark, while a lantern lights up a campsite for dinner and games. For group sites or RV setups, heavy-duty, weather-resistant lights—like those designed for industrial or dock use—can be repurposed for exceptional illumination. Always bring fresh batteries and consider a small power bank for charging phones and GPS devices overnight.

How to choose the right tent and sleeping bag for your trip

Tents and sleeping bags are where comfort and safety intersect most visibly. Start with how many people will sleep in the tent and how much gear needs to live inside it. A true two-person tent with floor dimensions around 30 to 40 square feet is comfortable for two sleepers and light gear; if you want room to store packs inside, increase the floor space. Peak heights of 3 to 4 feet are nice for sitting up. For sleeping bags, pick a bag rated slightly colder than the expected low to give room for unexpected drops in temperature.

Budget vs. premium: smart spending for better trips

Not every piece of gear needs to be top-tier. Spend more on things where weight, reliability, and comfort matter most—your pack, your tent, and your sleeping bag. You can save on extras like camp chairs, cookware, and lanterns if you’re car-camping. Another smart move is to borrow or rent specialty items like winter-rated sleeping bags or high-altitude tents until you commit to those types of trips long-term.

Best times to buy and how to snag deals

Timing purchases can save you money. Clearance windows are common after major camping seasons: late summer and early fall often bring discounts, and big retail events around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Black Friday feature deep cuts on gear. Subscribe to newsletters from REI, Dick’s, and other retailers to get alerts, and keep an eye on manufacturer models that change yearly—outgoing models often receive steep discounts.

Travel and gear maintenance tips

Good gear lasts longer when you treat it well. Dry tents and sleeping bags before storing them to avoid mildew. Rinse salt and dirt off metal components and lubricate zippers when they stick. For backpacks, check seams and hip belt stitching before a long trip. Carry a small repair kit with duct tape, a patch, cord, and needle and thread—those quick fixes keep a trip on track without a big expense.

Choosing the right store for your trip: a quick guide

Match the retailer to your trip type. For technical, lightweight, and multi-day backpacking trips, choose specialty shops like REI or specialty online stores. For family and car camping with a focus on value, Walmart, Target, and Dick’s are solid choices. When you need rugged, activity-specific gear for fishing or hunting seasons, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops lead the way. And when you want selection or fast delivery, Amazon and other online marketplaces offer unparalleled variety.

Final planning advice: test before you go

There’s nothing worse than discovering a zipper is broken or a stove won’t light when you’re already five miles into the backcountry. Do a backyard dry run: pitch your tent at home, cook a quick meal on your stove, and sleep in your sleeping bag. These simple tests help you learn how to assemble, troubleshoot, and pack efficiently so your trip is about the views, not the gear.

Conclusion

Choosing the right camping and hiking gear involves balancing budget, durability, and the type of trip you’re planning. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target provide affordability and convenience, while specialty shops such as REI, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops offer technical quality and knowledgeable staff. Dick’s Sporting Goods is a solid bridge for active family campers, and online marketplaces open up massive selection with user reviews to guide you. Armed with the right checklist, a little research, and some hands-on testing, you’ll be set to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and comfort.