The Best Car Camping Tents of 2022
These shelters score major comfort points
Car Camping
Find and compare the latest car camping gear essentials with expert advice from the gear testers at Backpacker magazine. Whether you’re looking for a quick, minimalist set up or a comfy multi-day camping experience, our gear experts field test the best car camping gear on the market.
Craving a Campfire? Two of Our Favorite Smokeless Fire Pits Are on Sale Right Now.
These smokeless fire pits let you light a blaze without wallowing in smoke—and right now, they're on sale for 33% off or more.
Latest in Car Camping
The Best Car Camping Kitchen Gear of 2022
A five-star kit for base-camp meals
Is a Budget Car Camping Pad As Good as the Top-Of-The-Line Model?
REI and Exped’s ultra-cush foam sleeping mats go head-to-head.
The 12 Best Car Camping Gifts of 2021
A car camping trip is a chance to enjoy the outdoors in luxury: You get to bring everything that will help you lounge in comfort, without worrying about weight or how much space you have in your pack. Help your loved ones take their trips to the next level with these 12 covetable gifts, ranging from $20 to $1,000.
Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 4
The best car-top palace of 2021.
The 10 Best Car Camping Gifts of 2020
These products will help you live it up on your next basecamping adventure.
Gear of the Week: GCI Backpack Event Chair
Car camp in luxury with this portable lounger.
Brunton Hot Seat Camp Chair
Take the chill off while taking a load off with this heated chair.
Therm-a-Rest Treo Camp Chair
Comfort comes in a small package with this packable chair.
Go Ultraluxe: Gear to Get You There
Enjoy decadent comfort—on the trail and in camp.
Gear Review: Alite Mayfly Chair
A packable, comfortable camp chair that's not tippy.
Gear Review: SOG Folding Bladelight Knife
This flashlight/knife combo from SOG allows for use at all times of day - or night.
Gear Review: Helinox Chair One
Take a seat wherever you go with this compact seat from Big Agnes.
Gear Review: Pelican ProGear MC Elite Cooler
Keep food colder longer with this sturdy cooler from Pelican ProGear.
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot
Get a good night's sleep with this luxury cot from Therm-a-Rest.
Gear Review: Eureka Curvy Low Rider Chair
Check out Tracy Ross and Rachel Zurer's author page.
Gear Review: Sweet Dreams
Boost comfort and convenience–and your zzzz’s–with these three sleeping accessories.
Couples Camping 101: Little Extras
Freshen up for backcountry lovin' with these little extras.
Couples Camping 101: Set the Mood
Marvin Gaye loves camping.
Toughest Gear: Crazy Creek Original Camp Chair
A decade-plus of camp chair relaxation.
Gear Chick Holiday Gift Picks: Random Picks..For Everyone Else
It's tough to find the perfect something for everyone. These picks should give you some options.
Gear Review: Alite Designs Monarch Butterfly Chair
Get off the ground with this packable camp chair.
Editors' Choice 2009: Gibbon Slacklines
Here's a cheap, crazy-fun way to build mountain skills.
Editors' Choice 2008: Big Agnes Cyclone SL Chair Kit
Rest easy: Here are 6 ounces of pure lounge-lizard comfort