gear

We tested camping bottles for weight, leaks and cold retention. The Nalgene wins overall; insulated picks follow, plus a 64-ounce pick for long days.

We tested compact stainless, titanium, folding, and family sets to find camp cutlery that packs clean, eats well, and survives the wash.

We compare tents that actually stay dry: the Coleman Sundome for most campers, plus instant cabins, two-room family tents and budget domes.

We tested eight portable camping toilets, bucket, folding, and flush, to find the steadiest seat, the easiest empty, and the best kit for real privacy.

We tested camping utensils for packed size, reach, and cleanup, from an 18-gram titanium spork to a ten-piece stainless kit that lives at basecamp.

We tested cast iron and backpacking skillets for campfire and stove cooking. Here are the picks that earn their place in the camp kit.

We tested camping tables for family meals, camp cooking, and backpacking to find the picks worth packing.

We tested folding camp tables on real campsites. Our picks level on uneven ground, seat four for dinner, set up a camp kitchen and pack small.

We tested camping pillows for side sleepers: the loft, fill, and packed weight that matter, with picks for backpacking, car camping, and tight budgets.

We tested camping pillows for packability, loft, and valve reliability to find the best picks for backpacking, car camping, and side sleepers.