As the weather changes to warmer, it's a great time to think about spending more time outside. If you love being in the great outdoors, you know that there are approximately one billion products out there that say they'll make your life better, whether you're camping, running, biking, or just hanging out in the backyard. But finding the ones that really work is a serious challenge, and who has the time to comb through so many items and test them all out?
It turns out we do and we're here to tell you all about the best options. This list has our 27 top products for outdoor lovers. Let's do it.
We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!
This Paracord Bracelet Will Allow You To Be Ready For Survival Without Stuffing Your Backpack
via AmazonParacord bracelets are quite literally lifesavers and an absolute must-have for anyone wandering into the wild. The bracelet includes a fire starter, compass, an emergency whistle, a rod striker, and a military-grade paracord that can be used for shelter. It'll come in handy anytime you're in the great outdoors, trust me.
This Survival Kit Is All You'll Ever Need
via AmazonI know what you're probably thinking; buying all of these survival pieces sounds like a lot of work (and expensive). I get where you're coming from. If you're a no-frills kinda person and want to make your life as easy as possible, then this 126 piece survival kit is designed for you. It pretty much combines everything on this list into one single EMT bag. It doesn't get any easier than that.
Stay Warm And Dry In Emergencies With This Tent
via AmazonI consider myself a big camper. There's nothing I love more than spending time in the great outdoors at a campsite with a community of people who also love nature. And while this tent is not an everyday go-to, it's ideal for keeping in your car or bringing with you on long hikes. It fits two people, is waterproof and windproof, and even comes with an emergency whistle that can be heard up to 1-mile away.​
Ditch Your Bulky Gym/Beach Towel For This Microfiber Towel Set
via AmazonSuper absorbent, compact, and fast drying, microfiber is definitely the way to go when it comes to a towel you take on the go. This Microfiber Towel Set comes with a large towel that's perfect for a travel bath or beach towel and a small towel that's perfect for the gym. If you have a pool, try switching out your cotton towels for these microfiber ones which take up a fraction of the space, and dry so much faster. Plus it's perfect for using while you're out camping or away from home because it dries so quickly.
Purify Water Anywhere With This LifeStraw Water Bottle
via AmazonI don't know about you, but I really want to drink from a waterfall after looking at this photo! We can do it safely with this LifeStraw Water Bottle, which has an integrated filter that eliminates bacteria, parasites, chemicals, and microplastics. If you're going to be in the wilderness for a long period, having a way to safely drink water is a must.
This Playing Net with Balls is Perfect for Beach Days or Backyard Games
via AmazonI am always trying to find games for the family to enjoy which include a bit of exercise. This net with three balls is perfect as it requires a cardio workout. It is compact and lightweight, so it is easily transportable to the beach, camping site or park. Or even just in your own back garden.
Everyone Needs Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
via AmazonThese are the cutest roasting sticks I've ever seen! Apparently they're also great for hot dogs and brats. And you simply can't go camping without doing some s'mores so if you're heading out make sure you grab these before you go.
This Water Bottle Will Nag You In The Nicest Way
via AmazonYou're not drinking enough water. You know how I know? (No, I haven't talked to your mom.) Most of us aren't drinking enough water — myself included. This HidrateSpark stainless steel bottle will nag you (politely) to drink more water by lighting up at the bottom and will also track your water intake with the accompanying smartphone app. Choose from two sizes and five different color options. If you're going to be out hiking, staying properly hydrated is even more important, so make sure you bring it with you.
This Car Mattress For Camping
via AmazonI for one do not like anything about camping - sleeping on the ground, the bugs, the overall dampness of the whole situation? This cool mattress that fits in your car is pretty much an ideal fix because everyone else in my fam does think camping is a top notch idea. Now I can be comfy in the car, away from bugs and sleeping on a comfortable mattress. A must-have for our next camping trip, I think.Keep Your Beers Cold All Day No Matter How Hot It Is Outside With BruMate
via AmazonBecause I’ve been spending all of my time on the lake or a hike, I’ve invested in some outdoor gear that has made a world of difference. There’s something to be said about spending time on the water with a nice cold beer. Unfortunately, if you don’t drink it fast enough, it gets warm quickly. With the BruMate, my beers stay cold so, I don’t have to worry about chugging them.This Lighter That's Rechargeable And Windproof
via AmazonUnlike regular lighters that produce a flame, this version creates two voltage arcs that won't flutter out in the wind. It's made from high-quality zinc alloy that's heat-resistant, and the battery lasts for up to 301 sparks when fully charged — and in the event you don't have a micro-USB cable, one comes with each order. It's perfect if you need a quick way to get a flame started in adverse conditions.
These Marshmallow Roaster Sticks Because, Duh, S'Mores
via AmazonI realize that you've probably been asking the same question since you first started reading this article: "What about the S'MORES?! Will I be forced to just pick up a dirty stick off the ground to roast my precious marshmallows?" And while you of course still have that option, I prefer to use these special roasting sticks, which have a telescoping design that allows you to get far enough away from the fire to stay comfortable and safe while still being able to give your 'mallow a primo roasting.This Portable Campfire Makes S'mores Happen
via Amazon
Here's another camping product that not only makes the whole experience way easier but also makes sure that you'll be able to stuff multiple s'mores into your mouth at the end of each day: the Radiate Portable Campfire. It's reusable, smells amazing, and offers three to five hours of burn time with each use. It even features recycled paper briquettes!This Step Tracker That Works For Kids And Adults
via Amazon
Need a simple step tracker that will keep up with all of your outdoor activities? This tracker logs your activity, calories, and even monitors your sleep. It's technically made for kids and teens, but the band can fit some adults as well. You're never too young or too old to live a healthy lifestyle, and this one will keep going whether you're hiking through the mountains or playing in the backyard.
These Sneaker Lights Keep You Visible
via AmazonRunning can be a great way to stay active and make you feel less stir crazy when you're stuck in the house all day long. But if you decide to jog late at night or early in the morning before the sun has risen, it's important to make yourself as visible as possible. These LED Shoes Clip Safety Lights are an easy and affordable way to stay safe while you're out running.
Stay Hands-Free During Your Runs With This Fanny Pack
via AmazonI'm not, and never will be, a huge runner, but that doesn't mean that I won't try now and then. If there's one thing that makes or breaks a run, it's a good playlist. Unfortunately, this means lugging around my phone. This fanny pack helps hold your phone, keys, and more while you exercise so you can keep your hands free. It's also a great addition to hiking and camping plans: you can keep all your most important items right with you while you're exploring nature.
This Water Bottle Will Help Keep You Hydrated
via AmazonI'd like to think that I drink a decent amount of water, but I know that I could definitely drink more. There is no such thing, after all. This water bottle with time markers is super useful in tracking my intake and seeing if I'm falling behind for the day. I also love the fact that it has a straw because that alone typically makes me drink more! It's also great to clip onto a backpack or belt, and has a sealed lid so that it won't spill while you're hiking through the woods.
This Coleman 48-Quart Cooler Keeps Food Cold Up to Three Days
via AmazonI bought a Coleman Cooler years ago and have gotten more than my money's worth. Obviously, a sturdy cooler is handy for camping, picnics, and other outdoor adventures, but my cooler has come in handy at home, too. I use it during parties to hold ice or extra drinks, and during a recent power outage, I stashed food in it to keep it from spoiling till my fridge was working again.This Pocket Knife Is So Versatile
via AmazonWhether you use it for camping or just opening Amazon boxes, this pocket knife is a versatile companion with an incredibly affordable price. Reviewers love it since it's a durable workhorse and because you can very easily sharpen the blade back to a razor-sharp edge whenever you need to.These Cooling Towels For Sweaty Workouts
via AmazonEven though I said these chiller towels are great for sweaty workouts — and they are — they also have a second, secret use: cooling me down when I'm sweating through my sheets at night. They're made from ultra-absorbent microfiber that soaks up more water than cotton, and each one comes with a protective travel sleeve with a carabiner clip. It's perfect for middle of summer camping when you just can't keep cool.
This Flannel For Cold Weather
via AmazonNot all flannels are created equal — this one is warm. Like, really warm. It's made from 100% cotton, and the chambray-lined collar and cuffs give it a cozy look that'll make you feel like a lumberjack when the leaves start to change colors. It's great for layering while you're on a camping trip and still looking adorable.
This Travel Coffee Mug Is So Campy
via AmazonBring a little bit of camp to the office with this durable travel coffee mug. This leakproof stainless steel beauty is vacuum-sealed so it won't leak, and comes in traditional camp mug colors like black and navy, but also this fun "sunbleached turquoise" and "Georgia peach" to change things up. And it's got over 2,300 stellar reviews. It's also great for actual camping.
This Dry Bag Will Keep All Your Survival Gear Dry
via Amazon​I actually just recently purchased this dry bag for a trip to Zion National Park, and I absolutely loved it. We hiked through The Narrows, a hike that involves trekking through a river that can get up to waist deep, and it kept all of our items safe and dry. I confidently stored my phone, food, and clothing, all of which never got a single drop of water on them, thanks to this bag.
Everyone Needs A Compact First Aid Kit
via AmazonFirst-aid kits are always essential, and this 85 piece kit has absolutely everything you could need if you get injured. It has everything from sting relief pads, cleansing wipes, band-aids, gauze, scissors, tape, and more. If you're going to be heading out into the woods, you definitely want a compact kit on hand in case of any issues.
Rip Through Trees Like Butter With This Pocket Chainsaw
via AmazonI'm going to be honest. I had never heard of pocket chainsaws until I put together this list, but now that I know about them, you can bet I bought one for my camping trips. It cuts through tree limbs like butter, perfect for making fires, and has nylon handles that are easy to grip and won't cause blisters.
This Survival Whistle May Be Small, But It's Very Loud
via AmazonThere are a few things that I have on my keychain at all times. The two most important are pepper spray and an emergency whistle. This whistle, although small, is crazy loud. It's audible over 1 mile and is super durable. For less than $10, I can't recommend it enough.
Keep A Fire Strong With This Pocket Bellowing Tool
via AmazonStarting a fire (and keeping it lit) is one of the most complicated parts of camping. Every time we go, we end up spending a good 20-30 minutes trying to collect twigs and brush to get it to catch. I don't mind too much, but I'm all about saving time. That's why I invested in this pocket-bellowing tool. It allows you to stay out of the smog while enabling you to transfer oxygen into the heart of the fire. And as someone who just recently had a face full of smoke, I'm all about that.
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