Not just hype: these are the best camping accessories I’ve tested in 2025

When it comes to camping, having the right gear can make all the difference between a stressful trip and an unforgettable adventure. Over the years, I’ve tested countless camping accessories, from lightweight fire pits to portable speakers, and I've learned what really works in the great outdoors.

In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best camping accessories that combine functionality, durability, and value. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or planning a backcountry trek, these essentials will help you camp smarter and enjoy your time outside even more.

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Why trust us

At BBC Countryfile Magazine, our expert reviewers test every product in real outdoor conditions from muddy woodland paths to rocky hill trails. We offer honest, experience-led advice to help you choose the right kit. Our reviews are independent, and while we may earn from affiliate links, our recommendations are never influenced by retailers or brands.

This article is regularly updated with new products, price changes and availability to ensure you're getting the best guidance in 2025.

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Our testing process

To bring you honest and reliable reviews, we put every camping accessory through real-world testing in a variety of outdoor conditions. From weekend trips to rugged backcountry adventures, we assess each product’s durability, ease of use, functionality, and portability. We also consider factors like weight, packability, and how well the gear performs in wet or challenging environments. Our goal is to ensure that every item we recommend can truly stand up to the demands of camping life, helping you make informed decisions for your next adventure.

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Best camping accessories of 2025

Best Multi-Purpose Backpack

• Dual Carry Options – Easily converts from tote bag to backpack and folds away in its own pouch
• Sustainable and Durable Materials – Made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop
• Great Capacity – 24 litres of space means enough room for a day hike, beach day, shopping or a commute

Design-wise, the Terravia Tote Pack 24L really works for me. I love the option to carry it as a tote or wear it as a backpack,perfect for shifting between hiking and daily life. The breathable padded straps are surprisingly comfortable, and when I don’t need them, they tuck away neatly. It’s slim enough to feel unobtrusive but still has room for everything I need. Whether I’m out hiking, on the beach or in town, its lightweight design and versatility make it really convenient.

Our verdict: A great, versatile backpack that can take you from the beach to your commute, the Patagonia Terravia Tote Pack lightweight, spacious and stylish.

Get this if...you want a lightweight, versatile, and eco-conscious pack for hikes and everyday use, the Terravia is a smart buy.

• Read more: Patagonia Terravia Backpack review

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Best Accessory You've Never Heard Of

• Compact and Lightweight – Weighing under 170g, it’s easy to carry and fits comfortably in most backpacks or water bottle holders
• Simple One-Button Operation – Just stir the UV light in your water for about 90 seconds to kill harmful microorganisms without chemicals or filters
• Best for Clear Water – Works excellently with clear water but requires pre-filtering if water is murky or cloudy to ensure effective purification

When I’m heading off-grid, clean drinking water is non-negotiable, but lugging heavy filters or relying on chemical tablets isn’t always ideal. That’s when the SteriPEN caught my attention roughly 7 years ago when I went on a year long trip around the world, and I used it any time I didn’t fully trust the water source – from river water in Mongolia, to tap water in Bangladesh. 

Lightweight, compact, and powered by UV light, it promises to purify a litre of water quickly and easily, without altering the taste.

Our verdict: A really handy piece of kit for off grid travelling, or going to places with unreliable water sources.

Get this if... you're planning off-grid travels or hikes in remote areas with dubious water sources.

• Read more: Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier review

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Best Water Bottle

• Made from Recycled Materials – 50% recycled plastic
• Narrow Mouth – Unlike the wider mouth version it's easier to drink on the move
• Virtually Indestructible – built to take a beating, dishwasher safe, and highly impact resistant

I’ve tried all sorts of water bottles over the years–stainless steel, collapsible, insulated, you name it–but I always seem to come back to the classic Nalgene. It might not be the flashiest bit of kit, but it’s earned a permanent place in my pack and travelled the world with me over the last ten years. Whether I’m on a multi–day hike or just heading out for the day, this bottle has proven itself time and time again.

I’ve also got a wide mouth model which fits most filtration devices for clean water, and fits ice cubes.

Our verdict: An indestructible water bottle that will become your constant companion on treks and commutes.

Get this if...you're looking for a reasonably priced, high end water bottle that you'll have for life..

• Read more: Nalgene Narrow Mouth Bottle review

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Best Lightweight Blanket

• Pocket-Sized and Ultralight – 100 grams and folds down to roughly the size of a bar of soap
• Weather Ready Design – Made from 20D PU-coated ripstop nylon with an eco-friendly PFC‑free DWR finish
• Anchoring Made Easy – Includes corner metal stakes, sand pockets, and weighted edges

The standard Matador Pocket Blanket weighs in at just 108 grams, and folds down to about 4.5 × 2.7 × 1.1, about the size of the palm of my hand, and seats 2 to 4. There’s also a mini version which weighs just 37 grams and folds down to  3 × 1.6 × 0.8 in, seating 1 to 2 people. Incredibly portable and storable, the Matador Pocket Blanket slipped into any pocket in my backpack or shorts, and it’s light enough to clip onto a key ring.

Our verdict: This ultralight blanket is a great piece of kit, enabling you to sit anywhere, anytime.

Get this if...you're a regular hiker, beach goer, or general outdoorsy person that wants a lightweight, waterproof place to sit during breaks.

Read more: Matador Pocket Blanket review

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Best Portable Speaker

• Compact but Mighty – Bold audio thanks to the 10 W output and passive bass radiator
• Built for the Elements – The IP67 rating means its completely dust and sand-proof, and waterproof
• Extended Play Time – 10 - 12 hours of playback and doubles up as a power bank

It’s a neat little thing, sturdy and compact and small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, yet it doesn’t feel flimsy or plasticky like some more budget speakers. The textured fabric on the front gives it an expensive feeling, while the rubber on the back adds a bit of grip, which is useful when you’re balancing it on uneven surfaces. 

My phone connected immediately to the StormBox Micro 2 with no issues, and it also doubles as a power bank with SmartID Technology with a USB-C charging port with a battery capacity of 4700mAh – always handy to have an extra bit of charge while out and about. 

Our verdict: Punchy sound, rugged build, great features-all in your pocket for a great price.

Get this if...you want a reasonably priced, high end, durable little speaker.

Read more: Tribit StormBox Micro 2 review

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Best Portable Heavy Duty BBQ

• Compact and Ready to Go – This portable barbeque has a lid that locks shut, making it super easy to throw in the car boot
• Simple, No‑Fuss Design – No tech or gimmicks, just adjustable vents, a sturdy grate, and a folding handle
• Versatile – Strong enough to double up as a fire pit after you've finished cooking

Few things beat cooking on coals when you're camping – and I love the smell of charcoal on a calm evening outdoors. I got my Weber Go Anywhere Barbeque many years ago now, because I wanted something compact enough to throw in the boot of the car, but still solid enough to cook a proper meal and moonlight as a fantastic fire pit afterwards. After a few weekends away and some spur-of-the-moment beach BBQs, it quickly became one of my go-to bits of kit. It's not flashy or high-tech, but it just works, reliably, simply, and without fuss. Here's how it's held up over my many years of real-world use.

Our verdict: A fantastic piece of durable and versatile kit that will last you a very long time.

Get this if...you’re looking for an affordable, durable, portable barbeque that will do everything you need.

Read more: Weber Go-Anywhere Barbeque review

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Best Cooking Pot

• Built Like a Tank – This pot is made from heavy-duty stainless steel, so it’s tough enough to handle years of rough use without bending or warping
• Reliable Cooking – It heats evenly and retains heat well, making it great for everything from boiling water to simmering stews
• Easy to Clean (mostly) – While not non-stick, it cleans up well with just a bit of effort, and it doesn’t hold onto stains or smells

I’ve been using the MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot for over ten years now, and it’s honestly one of those bits of gear that just quietly gets the job done, trip after trip. It’s not the flashiest or the lightest, but it’s earned its place in my kit through sheer reliability. Whether I’m boiling water for coffee on a frosty morning or cooking something a bit more involved like a stew or pasta , this pot has never let me down. Here's how it holds up after a decade of regular use.

Our verdict: A great piece of versatile durable kit that will last you a lifetime.

Get this if...you want camping pots that will last you a lifetime.

Read more: Alpine Stowaway Pot review

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Best Camping Chair

• Recycled and Repairable – Made from recycled materials and designed to be repairable, it’s a more sustainable choice than many camping chairs
• Lightweight but Strong – Despite weighing roughly a kilo, the DAC aluminum frame supports up to 145kg and feels remarkably stable
• Packs Down Small – It packs into a case about the size of a loaf of bread, making it ideal for backpacking or tight car boots

The design of the Helinox Chair One (re) is what really won me over. It’s minimalist, weighing roughly one kilo, but thoughtfully engineered and is an update on the original award winning Chair One, now featuring (re)Tension Design – adding a second tension line within the parameter of the chair to distribute weight around the frame. 

Packs into a 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm full zip case that has a daisy chain and webbing handle, and can hold up to 145kg when assembled.

Our verdict: The Helinox Chair One (re) isn’t the cheapest option out there, but what you’re getting in return is quality, comfort, and durability in a genuinely portable package.

Get this if...If you value comfort, packability, and durability in your camping setup, and you're willing to invest a bit more upfront.

Read more: Helinox Chaire One (re) review

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Best Power Bank Charger

• Built–In Lightening Cable - You don’t need to carry a separate cable for your iPhone, making this perfect for minimal packing
• Massive 20,000mAh Capacity - Enough to charge an iPhone multiple times or top up several devices at once
• Multi-Device Charging - With additional USB-A and USB-C ports, you can charge up to three devices simultaneously

One of the first things I appreciated about the Boost Charge was its tidy, well-thought-out design. It’s not the lightest or slimmest power bank I’ve used, but the built-in Lightning cable more than makes up for that-no more digging around for spares or realizing I forgot to pack one. It feels solid and slightly chunky, but still fits easily in my backpack or tote. With 20,000mAh of power, the size feels like a fair trade for the capacity.

Our verdict: A fast acting, sustainable power bank that strikes a smart balance between cost and performance.

Get this if...you want a sustainable, fast charging, compact power bank.

Read more: Belkin Boost Charge 20K review

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Best Lightweight Firepit

• Quick Set Up and Clean Burn – Ideal for stealth camping or smoke‑restricted zones
• Durable – Built to withstand years of use and comes with a lifetime warranty
• Featherlight and Compact – Crafted from aerospace‑grade titanium, the fire pit weighs just 1.875 kg and packs down to 20 mm thin

The whole setup packs flat into a slim pouch that fits neatly into the back pocket of my backpack, leaving room for more essential gear, and its handy carrying bag has handles that you can tie on to your backpack, or just carry on shorter distances, like down to the beach. 

I’ve taken it on multiple overnight treks, and I barely notice it’s there until it’s time to set up camp. If you’re someone who values lightweight gear without compromising function, this fire pit definitely earns its place in your kit.

Our verdict: An amazing piece of durable kit for those who like to pack light and value quality.

Get this if...you're looking for a ultralightweight piece of kboit that doesn't compromise on durability and functionality.

• Read more: Skreppa Titanium Superlight Fire Pit review

• Check product availability

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Best Multi-Tool

• Multi-Tool Designed for Campers – It combines 10 practical tools
• Compact and Lightweight – Weighing just over 210g, it won't add bulk to your pack
• A Bit of a Learning Curve – Some tools take a moment to figure out

This compact and lightweight multitool has ten tools included, which I think really reflect its focus on campers and hikers. 

It includes:

• Needle-nose and standard pliers for gripping and repairs 
• Wire cutter for cutting cords and small wires 
• Tent stake puller for easy campsite breakdown 
• Plain edge blade for cutting and food prep
• Ferro rod for fast fire-starting 
• Saw with ferro rod striker for additional cutting power 
• Awl for piercing and drilling holes 
• Ruler for precise measurements
• Bottle opener for relaxing by the fire 
• Carabiner clip and pocket clip for versatile carry options

Our verdict:This is a great tool once you figure out all its mechanisms and is a great camping companion.

Get this if...you want a reliable, practical multitool that won’t break the bank.

• Read more: Gerber Stakeout Spark Multi-tool review

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Have we missed any walking shoes you'd like to see reviewed? Want to share your experience with any of the above models? Contact leonie.helm@ourmedia.co.uk

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