The Perfect Camp Kit, at Four Different Price Points

Editor's note: All listed prices were accurate at time of publishing but may change at any time. Pricing indicated in this guide is not a guarantee.

So you’ve hit the great outdoors, and now you're hooked. During that first foray, you brought along some friends who helped break the ice. They made you look like a Top Chef contestant during that initial dinner, even though it was your first time cooking on an outdoor range. They defused the awkwardness of using a pit toilet. The second night at camp was even better. Under a sky full of stars, you fell in love … with camping.

Now you’re ready to DTR (ahem, define the relationship). To show your commitment, you’ll need to start investing in the hobby. This means acquiring the right gear, such as a tent and a sleep system. But investing in a camp kit can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re a newcomer or don’t have a lot of cash.

Fear not: We have guidance for creating a swoon-worthy car camping kit at several budgets. We created lists at four different price points—$100, $500, $1,000 and $2,000—for a range of campers, from the newbie still finding their footing outside to the veteran who wants to upgrade their setup.

Each of the lists includes the same categories of essential car camping gear (more on that below). The lineups at lower price points lean on rentals and used gear, while those at the higher price points include award-winning picks as well as nonessential items that can make camping cozier or more efficient. We’ll walk you through where and how to take financial shortcuts (without skimping on quality or safety) and will explain when and why it’s worth spending more on certain items. Whether you have $100 to spend or $2,000 to invest, here are suggestions for camping gear you’ll love for a lifetime.

Jump Ahead:

Build a Kit Under $100
Build a Kit Under $500
Build a Kit Under $1,000
Build a Kit Under $2,000

The Gear Lists

Before we recommend gear, some background: Each gear list includes the must-haves for camping—so-called hard goods such as shelter, bedding and cookware. The lists at higher price points also include items that are nice to have if there’s room in your budget. Most people already own some form of sun protection (like sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen), so you won’t find these items mentioned on the lists. We also don’t provide clothing recommendations, since clothing choices can vary based on weather, time of year and personal preferences. However, these items are essential. (Related reading: The Ten Essentials) Finally, water: Before you leave home, confirm whether your campsite has potable water. If it doesn’t, or if you’re unsure, bring enough with you from home (reusable water jugs make this easy).

Related reading: Camping Checklist and How to Choose and Use Sunscreen

Note: Depending on your individual needs and preferences, you may consider some “nice-to-have" items to be essential—and that’s OK. For instance, if you’re new to camping and you choose a campground within cell service, bringing a power bank to charge devices can offer peace of mind. If you experience chronic pain, you might consider a camp chair or pillow an essential. Consider the “nice-to-have" list as guidance that you can alter to suit your needs.

The Must-Haves

Safety: First-aid kit, matches

Shelter: Tent with footprint and stakes, sleeping pad, sleeping bag

Transport: Pack/storage bin

Cooking: Camp stove and pot, fuel

Tools: Illumination, gear repair kit, multi-tool, compass

The Nice-to-Haves

Camp furniture: Camp chairs, hammock, camp pillow

Camp kitchen: Cookset, cooler, camp cutlery

Technology: Power bank

Build a Kit Under $100

It's hard to acquire a camp kit for $100—but it's not impossible, if you stick to your list and buy things when they're on sale. Some tips: Decide early where you’re camping and who else is coming; don’t stray from your must-have items when shopping (even when that shiny GPS watch calls your name); and be on the lookout for ways to save money.

First, buy your own first-aid kit and matches. These are minor investments that can have major benefits in worst-case scenarios. They are also considered two of the Ten Essentials.

Related reading: How to Choose First-Aid Kits

Next up, your secret weapon for a low-cost camp kit: rental gear. Not only is renting less expensive than buying new (or even buying used), it's also a way to test different brands and styles. Trying before you buy allows you to determine what you need in a piece of gear, what you like and, perhaps most importantly, what you don’t like. Renting is also a low-cost way to decide whether camping is a hobby you’ll do frequently enough to be worth investing in the gear to own. Rent a tent, sleep system and daypack from a nearby gear shop or check out the rental fleet at your local REI, where REI Members can enjoy perks such as lower rental prices and a waived deposit.

Another key way to create an affordable camp kit: Lean on your friends. Well ahead of your trip, reach out in a group text or email to confirm that your fellow campers can share cooking supplies, a headlamp and a few basic tools. Also make sure someone has a compass—and that you all know how to use it. (Related reading: How to Use a Compass) You need these essential items before you head outdoors, but you can easily borrow or share them with a friend. (Then double-check that they bring them!)

Buy New

HART Outdoor Pocket First-Aid Kit, $9.50

Matches from the grocery/hardware store, $1

Rent from REI*

Tent (1-person), $28

Sleeping bag (synthetic), $24

Sleeping pad (car camping), $14

Day hiking pack, $20

*Prices listed include the first night at the REI Member rate. You can rent the gear for additional nights for an extra fee (about $4 to $10, depending on the item).

Headlamp

Stove, cooking pot and fuel

Multi-tool

Gear repair kit

Compass

Total: $96.50

Build a Kit Under $500

With $500 as your camp kit budget, you can begin investing in a few quality pieces of introductory-level gear (both new and used), while still relying on rentals and your better-equipped friends. Shop smart, and you might even have some money left over for a few nonessential items that can add comfort or additional function to your setup.

Start by prioritizing must-have items you've previously borrowed (your friends will appreciate your independence) as well as multifunctional gear. So, in addition to the first-aid kit and matches, invest in new items like a headlamp and multi-tool that will be just as handy to have in daily life.

Related reading: The Best Headlamps of 2024: Tested

Then, seek out second-hand gear from a reliable source. All the gear in the co-op's ever-changing Re/Supply catalog, for example, has been inspected for quality. A used pack might have light wear marks, but it will be just as functional—and at a more affordable price compared with a new version. Likewise, a pre-owned sleep system that caters to your individual snooze style—a high-fill sleeping bag because you sleep cold, for instance, or an extra-long sleeping pad to accommodate your height—will support a good night’s sleep while keeping costs down. Buying used gear also has the benefit of a lower carbon footprint (around 50% lower) than buying new. However, used inventory isn’t guaranteed, so plan ahead

Rent your stove and your tent, preferably a new-to-you model or brand that you can test out. Remember to buy a small canister of fuel to go with the former. At this price point, you can consider renting a few luxury items, such as a camp chair or a cooler. Check with your camping crew to make sure someone else has a gear repair kit, cooking pot and compass that you can use, if needed.

Buy New

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit, $22.95

Matches from the grocery/hardware store, $1

Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp, $19.95

Gerber Dime Keychain Multi-tool, $25.95

MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister - 3.9 oz. / 110g, $5.95

Buy Used from Re/Supply*

Camelbak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Pack, $51.30 (More pre-loved packs here)

Sierra Designs Zissou 3S Plus Sleeping Bag, $176.63 (More pre-loved sleeping bags here)

Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe Sleeping Pad, $127.96 (More pre-loved sleeping pads here)

*Used gear inventory and pricing may change quickly; exact items listed here may not be available.

Rent from REI*

Tents (2-person; basic), $34 (We’ve suggested a 2-person tent if you have the room in your budget, because you may want to invest in extra space to sprawl.)

Stoves (backpacking and camping), $10

Camp accessories - camp chairs, $8

Coolers (premium), $18

*Prices listed include the first night at the REI Member rate. You can rent the gear for additional nights for an extra fee (about $4 to $10, depending on the item).

Cooking pot

Gear repair kit

Compass

Total: $501.69

Build a Kit Under $1,000

Bumping up your budget to $1,000 opens a world of possibilities for acquiring more personalized or technical gear.

You’ll notice that the “buy new” lineup on this list includes many of the same product categories found on the $500 camp kit list. Here, however, we’ve included recommendations that have more bells and whistles, and also have top ratings or awards in their respective categories. In other words, there’s a reason they’re more expensive—and they’re worth the extra cost. At this price point, you can also buy a new sleeping bag, sleeping pad and cooking system that comes with both a stove and a pot.

As we’ve noted, buying used gear typically gives you access to a range of equipment, some of which can be of higher quality than the rentals, but with a lower price tag. (And, importantly, you can always trade in your lightly used gear on Re/Supply (Here are some tips.)

To stay within budget, you’ll want to rent a camp cook set and rely on your fellow campers for a gear repair kit and compass.

Buy New

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit, $29.95

Matches from the grocery/hardware store, $1

Black Diamond Astro 300-R Headlamp, $39.95

Leatherman Rev Multi-Tool, $49.95

Jetboil Jetpower Fuel - 8.11 oz. / 230g, $6.95

Jetboil Flash Cooking System, $129.95

REI Co-op Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag, $199.95

REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad, $139

Buy Used from Re/Supply*

Gregory Z40 Pack, $91.42 (More pre-loved packs here)

Marmot Colfax 3P Tent with Footprint, $239.20 (More pre-loved tents here)

ENO Double Deluxe Hammock, $59.78 (More pre-loved camp furniture here)

*Used gear inventory and pricing may change quickly; exact items listed here may not be available.

Rent from REI*

Camp accessories - camp cooksets, $10

*Prices listed include the first night at the REI Member rate

Gear repair kit

Compass

Total: $997.10

Build a Kit Under $2,000

Camping encourages us to slow down and appreciate life, which is just one of the reasons it’s a lifelong pursuit that’s well worth the investment.

At this highest price point, you’re probably planning to camp frequently (at least a few times a year) and want the convenience of having a full kit at your disposal. After testing different gear through rentals, you know what you like and are ready to make it your own. Plus, you want your own stuff so that you can plan some solo adventures—and you’d like to eventually to pass along the favor, sharing your gear with those new to the hobby.

The items on this list are all new or used. Many are top-of-the-line pieces (and a few have the Editors' Choice Award to prove it).