Best New Hiking/Camping Gear of 2024
BEST HIKING/CAMPING GEAR
It's time to turn our attention to summer adventures like hiking, camping, mountaineering, biking, and paddling. To make these activities as enjoyable as possible well-designed gear is a must and that's where our list of the Best Summer Gear of 2024 comes in.
We've researched all the new gear to provide you with only the best of the best, which we've broken down into three categories: Hiking/Camping, Apparel, and Accessories. Whether you need to replace an outdated, broken, or well-loved piece of gear or are just in the market for something new, the following list should help ensure that your hard-earned money is well spent. If you are just window shopping that's ok too, nothing wrong with making a wish list for your upcoming birthday, or just because.
We're starting the Best Summer Gear of 2024 with the Best Hiking/Camping category and then we'll move on to the Best New Accessories and then finish with the Best New Apparel that you should simply not be without.
Peruse over the list and see what strikes your fancy and if inclined click the "Buy Now" button and get a great deal too!
Nemo Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair
Nemo has taken the backpacking chair to new heights with features, build quality and lightweight that other brands can’t match. Their new Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair wights just 1lb 6oz / 617g so there is no reason to not take it on your next adventure, whether it be hiking or car camping. The most unique feature is the chair’s reclining option which is made possible with a brand-new suspension system that replaces the supportive webbing for an HTP and Dyneema cord that is super thin yet incredibly strong. This system allows you to select an upright sitting position or a fully reclined option and everything in between. Even though the Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair is super light it provides stable support and comfort thanks to the forged aluminum hubs and molded corner mounts. The chair’s seat is made from a custom-engineered, post-consumer recycled mesh that blends polyester and TPU fibres for a seamless design that comfortably cradles the body.
Nemo ensured that durability was not sacrificed in the name of weight savings and termed this process as “skeletonizing”. By removing every ounce of unnecessary material and complex design problem-solving and thorough engineering analysis, Nemo was able to create a true backpacking chair that’s unmatched.
The other innovative design feature that Nemo included with the Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair is the carrying case which uses a tool roll–style storage option and when not in use, the case doubles as an optional platform that adds stability on sandy loose surfaces. Simply brilliant!
Features:
- Backpacking-friendly at just 1lb 2oz.
- Patent-pending reclining system.
- Skeletonized forged aluminum hubs radically cut weight with impressive strength and durability.
- Frame poles connect with a click.
- Premium forged 6061 series aluminum hubs and 7001 series aluminum tubes.
- Seamless seat design conforms better to different body shapes.
- Unique diameter and shaped poles optimized for weight and strength.
- 100% recycled materials are used in mesh, edge binding, and webbing.
- Select hardware is Bluesign approved.
- Includes a tool roll–style Platform Pack for sandy surfaces.
- Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty.
Price: $249.95 / $179.95US
Colours: Citron, Goodnight Grey
Packed Size: 12.5 x 3.0 x 4.0in / 32 x 8 x 10cm
Dimensions: 18 x 19 x 23in / 46 x 48 x 59cm
Packed Weight: 1lb 6oz / 617g
Weight Capacity: 250lb
Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag
Sea to Summit has redesigned their men’s and women’s Ascent Down Sleeping Bags for Spring 2024 and they’ve added a few new features that make it one of the most versatile and functional 3 season sleeping bags on the market. The Ascent’s warmth comes from the bag’s RDS-certified 750+ fillpower goose down which uses a non-PFC Ultra-Dry Down treatment to ensure the down stays drier in damp conditions. This is wrapped up in a lightweight 20D recycled nylon shell with a non-PFC Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish to ensure wind and water don’t penetrate the outer fabric. On the inside of the Ascent Sleeping Bag, you’ll find the same super soft and comfortable 20D recycled nylon. Sea To Summit uses a box baffle design that keeps more of the warmth within the bag since the stitching is not sewn through. This process takes considerably more effort to produce but the added warmth and comfort are immediately noticeable. On the lower half of the bag, the baffles run vertically up and down to minimize migration of the down and maximize the warmth transfer down your body while the upper baffles are a more traditional horizontal orientation to promote heat distribution across your torso.
Sea To Summit’s unique Free-Flow Zip System means that you have several ways to stay comfortable depending on your sleeping preference and body temperature. You can open up the side zipper to vent out excess heat or use both side zippers to increase ventilation and airflow to prevent overheating. You can even unzip the foot box zipper to release heat from that area as well. If you prefer you can unzip the main zipper fully to use the Ascent Sleeping Bag as a quilt or simply snap the top of the side zippers and then open up the zippers enough to poke your arms out and use the foot box zipper to poke your feet out and you can relax in your tent staying warm and comfortable while still having all the mobility you need. The Free-Flow Zip System also allows you to seamlessly couple together two Ascent Sleeping Bags to maximize interior space, heat sharing and comfort. All of the zippers have interior baffles to prevent heat loss and the two side zippers used anti-snag zipper plows to ensure that you will never snag the fabric when closing the zippers. Brilliant!
This is the one three-season bag you’ll ever need no matter the conditions or your adventure, full of innovative design features and an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio making this our sleeping bag of choice.
Features:
- RDS-certified, 750+ fillpower goose down with a non-PFC Ultra-Dry Down treatment to stay drier in damp conditions
- Free-Flow Zip System offers excellent temperature regulation and multiple sleeping bag configurations
- Women's specific fit means more narrow at the shoulders (for reduced weight) and wider between the hips and knees to allow for a natural, side-sleeping position
- Anatomical footbox is constructed for improved warmth retention
- Lightweight 20D recycled nylon shell with a non-PFC DWR finish to protect against wind and moisture and a 20D recycled nylon liner for greater comfort
- Box baffle construction throughout with vertical baffles in the torso to minimize down shift and maximize the retention of warmth
- Comes with an Ultra-Sil™ Compression Bag & Storage Cell
Price: $599CAN / $US (-1°C / 30*F)
Temperature Rating (comfort): -9°C / 15°F; -1°C / 30*F
Sizes: Regular, Long
Weight: 1.251kg / 1lb 12.1oz (-1°C / 30*F)
Bluetti AC2A Portable Power Station | 300W 204Wh
Bluetti has been producing portable power products since 2019 and the latest in their product line is the Bluetti AC2A Portable Power Station. This compact power station is super portable thanks to its lightweight and built-in grab handle and it comes packed with a lot of features. The unit is powered by a 204.8Wh LiFePO4 battery that is rated at 3,000+ charging cycles to 80%. It uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery which is less volatile and superior to the more traditional Lithium Ion batteries which have 1/5th the service life. It outputs 300W of power with a surge rating of 600W, this means that in ‘Power Lifting Mode’ the AC2A will adjust the voltage and the amps to allow devices that need more than 300W to operate. Charing your devices and other electronics is easy thanks to the AC2A’s dual AC and USB outlets. It can power a small car fridge for 2.3 hours, a Bluetooth speaker for 5.5 hours and charge a laptop for 2.7 hours.
The AC2A features a 270W fast charge that enables an 80% charge in as little as 45 minutes. It can be charged by plugging into any standard AC wall outlet, solar charger, or car lighter port. There is a built-in display which allows you to adjust some settings and monitor your power consumption or the charge capacity of the unit. There is also an app that you can download onto your Apple or Google mobile phone to monitor the Bluetti AC2A remotely. This tiny but mighty ultra-fast charging unit is ideal for car camping when you need to power your devices or work on the road or at home it is a reliable uninterrupted power supply (UPS) that comes in handy when emergencies or power outages hit.
Features:
- 300W AC Output/ 600W Lifting Power
- 204.8Wh Capacity for Extended Battery Life
- 270W Turbo Charging, 45 Mins to 80%
- LiFePO₄ Battery for 3,000+ Charge Cycles
- Quiet Operation less than 45dB
- Smart Remote Control via BLUETTI App
- Seamless UPS in 20ms
- Industry-leading 5 years warranty
Price: $349CAN / $249US
Weight: 7.9 lbs / 3.6kg
Dimensions: 9.8inｘ6.1inｘ6.8in / 250mm ｘ156.5mm ｘ174.5mm
Recharge time: 1.2 Hours (270W Turbo Charging)
Solar charging: 1.5 Hours (200W Max.)
MSR Titan Kettle, Double Wall Mug and Long Spoon
For Spring 2024, Mountain Safety Research or MSR as it is more commonly known has released a few new products to its Titanium cookware line. We’re going to look at the Titan Double Wall Mug, Titan Long Spoon and Titan Kettle. Each of these new Titanium products has been designed to be functional, packable reliable and of course ultralight, making them ideal for thru-hikers and gram counters alike.
MSR Titan Double Wall Mug
Made from ultralight titanium, the Titan Double Wall Mug uses an insulated design which means your hot beverages stay warmer longer. A BPA-free plastic lid with an integrated sipping hole further helps to retain the heat and ensures that spills and splashes are kept to a minimum.
Features:
- Ultralight & Durable: Weighs a mere 4.1 oz (116 g); titanium is half the weight of steel and twice the strength of aluminum.
- Keeps Drinks Hot: Insulated double wall construction retains heat longer.
- Drink-Thru Lid: Durable plastic BPA-free lid helps keep contents warm.
- Nestable: Fits inside both Titan kettles.
- Caution: Double wall construction cannot be used on a stove.
Price: $69.95CAN / $49.95US
Size: 9.0 x 9.3cm / 3.5 x 3.7in
Volume: 0.375 liters / 12.68 fl. oz
Weight: 120g / 4.1oz
MSR Titan Long Spoon
As the name suggests, the Titan Long Spoon is extra-long for reaching into dehydrated meal pouches and tall pots without getting your fingers and hands all messy. It is of course made with titanium so it is crazy light yet durable for those gram counters out there. It also has an integrated carabiner loop so you will not inadvertently lose it in the snow.
Features:
- Ultralight & Durable: Weighs a mere 0.7 oz (19 g); titanium is half the weight of steel and twice the strength of aluminum.
- Long Handle: Perfect length for reaching into the corners of rehydrated meal pouches.
- Thoughtful Design: The spoon is sized for a comfortable mouthfeel.
- Carry Loop: Clip on a carabiner for on-the-go hanging.
Price: $24.95CAN / $17.95US
Length: 21.2cm / 8.35in
Weight: 20g / 0.7oz
MSR Titan Kettle 1400ml
MSR adds two new kettle sizes to their Titanium lineup with the 900 and 1400ml options which are ideal for thru-hikers and ultra lighter campers who tend to only boil water or melt snow. Both kettles feature internal graduation marks to make accurate volume measurements easy, while the new snug-fit lid with an integrated spout allows for easy pouring. The Titan Kettles also have Silicone-coated handles that are more comfortable to use and fold close for more compact storage.
Features:
- Ultralight & Durable: Weighs a mere 5.4 oz (153 g); titanium is half the weight of steel and twice the strength of aluminum.
- Precise Pour: Improved spout for easy pouring into dehydrated meal pouches.
- Folding Comfort Handles: Silicone-coated handles fold closed for packing and are comfortable to hold.
- Easy Measurements: Internal volume graduation marks for quick liquid measurements.
- Hangable Lid: The snug-fit lid has a silicone hook underneath to hang off the pot rim for dirt-free, hands-free convenience.
- Nestable: Nests with other Titan cookware, Titan Kettle 900mL fits inside.
- Packable: 8-oz fuel canister and PocketRocket® 2 or PocketRocket® Deluxe stove nests inside.
Price: $94.95CAN / $69.95US
Size: 13.8 x 13cm / 5.4 x 5.1in
Volume: 1.4L / 47.34 fl. oz
Weight: 150g / 5.4oz
Nemo Double Haul Convertible Duffel & Tote 100L
Nemo has reimagined the common duffel by combining the benefits of a duffle bag with those of a tote. By incorporating stays that keep the mouth of the duffle open and side-release buckles, it transforms it into a tote bag that can swallow up enormous amounts of gear. These stiffened stays give the Double Haul Convertible Duffel and Tote structure to keep the tote upright and open for easy packing and hidden handles complete the tote experience. In Duffle mode, two-pack straps allow you to carry it like a backpack and when not needed they can be hidden away. The entire Double Haul Convertible Duffel & Tote stuffs down into a dual-purpose carrying case to keep it compact and stowed neatly. This carrying case doubles as a packing cube and if more organization options are needed there are also internal and external zippered mesh pockets.
In true Nemo fashion, this is a certified bluesign® product, which is made from recycled materials and manufactured to meet the highest standards that protect both people and the planet. Its highly durable exterior fabric is made from bluesign approved 420D recycled nylon that’s then treated with urethane to resist water and staining.
Whether packing for a big excursion, shuttling gear from the car to the campsite, or preparing for a family day at the beach, choose Double Haul to corral it all. Thoughtfully designed, durable and dual-use make the Nemo Double Haul Convertible Duffel & Tote 100L a bomb-proof carry-all that does it all!
Features:
- Can be used as either a duffel or tote for ultimate versatility.
- Urethane-coated, bluesign® approved 420D recycled nylon shell is durable and water-repellent.
- Stiffened trusses keep the bag open wide during the packing process.
- Includes both carrying handles and unobtrusive padded backpack straps.
- Internal and external zippered mesh pockets aid in the organization.
- Holds a truly impressive amount, from a family's worth of camping gear to major excursion kits.
- Made of Bluesign approved fabrics and accessories and is produced in a resource-conserving way with minimum impact on people and the environment.
- Thoughtfully designed for easy repairability to extend the product’s lifespan and potential future resale.
Price: $279.99CAN / $219.95US
Colours: Black, Lake, Nova
Volume: 100L
Length: 1’5” / 42 cm
Width: 2’4” / 72 cm
Height: 1’1” / 34 cm
Minimum Weight: 4lb 7oz / 2.0kg
Available sizes: 30L, 55L, 70L, 100L
Solarcore Aerogel
Developed by Samuel Stephens Kistler over 80 years ago, Aerogel was not used commercially until NASA improved the substance and found a practical application for it when they realized that it could protect astronauts from the extreme temperatures of space.
Aerogel is a very ultra-lightweight synthetic material that is porous and derived from a gel. By replacing the liquid component with a gas the resulting structure is a solid with extremely low density and low thermal conductivity which makes it an excellent insulator. It is often referred to as "frozen smoke" because of its translucent nature and the way it scatters light. Made primarily from silica (silicon dioxide, the primary component of sand), Aerogel is one of the lightest solid materials in the world.
Solarcore Aerogel is found in the Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Tall Zip Waterproof Boots because of its incredibly low thermal conductivity even when compressed such as in the case of footbeds. Solarcore offers the promise of ‘More Warmth. Less Bulk’ which helps make the Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Tall Zip Waterproof Boots not only incredibly warm but also won’t add any unnecessary weight or bulk. Merrell has incorporated Solarcore Aerogel into the insoles of their Coldpack 3 Thermo Tall Zip Waterproof Boots for superior warmth underfoot and ultra-thin structure while also providing the flexibility needed in a winter boot. If you suffer from cold feet or just want the most advanced insulation in your winter boots then look for Solarcore Aerogel in footwear such as the Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Tall Zip Waterproof Boots.
Features:
- 200 grams of synthetic lightweight, low-bulk insulation for warmth and comfort. Complete with Solarcore Aerogel insole provides underfoot superior warmth while being extremely flexible and ultra-thin
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper, complete with a waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
- Vibram® Arctic Grip™ All Terrain outsole is designed to effectively extend the winter traction season, due to the enhanced durability and versatility
- Heavy-duty, Waterproof, YKK zipper for easy on and off
- Protective and abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap
- Cleansport NXT™ treated for natural odour control
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- Moulded nylon arch shank
- Super Rebound Compound midsole provides durable shock absorption to help reduce torque and allow for a smooth transition into the midfoot
Price: $260CAN / $190US
Sizes: 7-15
Colours: Earth, Black
If you missed our Best New Accessories of 2024 you can read all about that here or check out the Best New Apparel for 2024 here. Want to get a great deal on some new Camping Gear and help make this website possible in the process? Click the ‘Buy Now’ button and see what deals await you.