Looking for lighting for your camping trip? Our Curated experts try to make that decision a whole lot easier. They have made thousands of recommendations to campers and hikers of all kinds. Check out this list of most recommended lighting and headlamps under $50, then chat with a Camping & Hiking expert to find out which product is best for you.
- MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove Stove
- AMK - Adventure First Aid Kit - Family
- Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
- Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad
- MSR 2 Person Mess Kit
- Jetboil Jetset Utensil Set
- Katadyn - Befree 1.0L Filtration System
- NEMO - ORA 20 - REGULAR
- Eagles Nest SingleNest Hammock, 55" X 112"
- Sawyer - Squeeze Water Filter
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove Stove
One of the lightest and most packable stoves out there! You can bring it along as a backup stove on long trips, because it weighs almost nothing. It can absolutely be used as a standalone stove too! Compatible with ISOBUTANE canisters, no matter the brand.
One of the lightest and most packable stoves out there! You can bring it along as a backup stove on long trips, because it weighs almost nothing. It can absolutely be used as a standalone stove too! Compatible with ISOBUTANE canisters, no matter the brand.
So lightweight, ultra packable, and pretty durable for being so little. This is compatible with any isobutane fuel canister and pot.
AMK - Adventure First Aid Kit - Family
This is a pretty complete basic first aid kit that provides easy to use tools for up to 4 people on shorter trips. It has almost anything you could need, nothing you don't, and weighs in at exactly one pound.
Larger kit gives you more options and supplies. Since this is a family kit it also includes some information for first aid for kids, in case you're ever in the backcountry with kids.
Great for patching, cleaning, and making sure you get back to doing what you love. I also use this same med kit while camping!!
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
This 350 lumen headlamp features a low profile and 6 light settings. The brightness meter allows you to turn the light on and off at a selected meter without reverting back. Waterproof tested to 1.1m. Runs on 3 AAA.
Perfect for hiking and backpacking with multi faceted optical lens.
Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad
A very lightweight option that smooths out the rocks and roots and providing some insulation from the ground for cold nights.
MSR 2 Person Mess Kit
Durable camping basics for two. Stack the mugs inside one bowl and cover them with the second for a compact way to store these items. Great for on the go cookware!
Durable camping basics for two. Stack the mugs inside one bowl and cover them with the second for a compact way to store these items. Great for on the go cookware!
This would be a great fit for your camping needs, and for the price these items are well worth having!!
Jetboil Jetset Utensil Set
This set covers all the basics for enjoying fresh cooked meals! With the ability to collapse, this kit stays compact and light weight enough for any setup.
This utensil set covers all the basics for eating and cooking while backpacking!
This utensil set covers all the basics for eating and cooking while backpacking!
Katadyn - Befree 1.0L Filtration System
A top favorite lightweight individual water filter system. Just scoop up any water in the bag then pop the filter back on and drink! Easiest filter to use and cleanest I have found to date. Just shake the bag around or the filter in any water, clean or dirty! Light enough for the 0.6L to be taken out on long runs in a vest too!
Because this is a gravity fed water filter, the Katadyn BeFree 3.0L will allow you to filter large quantities of water at a time, with little effort from you! It removes both protozoa and bacteria, and it's lightweight enough to bring along on any adventure.
A super lightweight, collapsible water filter and water storage system. Just shake some water in the bag to clean!
NEMO - ORA 20 - REGULAR
Self inflating pad that is 1" thick and packs down a little smaller than a full closed cell foam pad, but is more reminiscent of a foam baffled Thermarest, this pad will be quiet and light but have a tiny bit more comfort and insulation than a straight closed cell foam.
This is a great entry level sleeping pad from a well trusted outdoor brand. The ORA comes with a compression strap and a repair kit, weighs 1lb 4oz, and fits a user up to 6ft tall.
Eagles Nest SingleNest Hammock, 55" X 112"
Hammocking. Not the best for sleeping, but great for pulling up to the woods and reading. Will do for sleeping but if you want to camp in a hammock often not the best choice.
Takes up a small amount of space in your pack, and is also very light. Easy set-up and break-down.
Relaxing after a long hike at camp and taking naps in the sun.
Sawyer - Squeeze Water Filter
Ease-of-use, and speed is the name of the game here. You can quickly get water on the side of a trail, and also use it to filter water for camp.
Filters down to 0.1 microns, so it'll get most anything out of your water, and can be used in a few different ways.
It's the simplest, most reliable way to filter water that I've personally come across.
Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir
This thoughtfully designed water reservoir is easy to refill, clean, and keeps you hydrated all day long! Magnetic bite valve pairs with the included sternum strap magnet for simply hose management.
PETZL - TIKKA HEADLAMP - Blue
Car camping, backpacking, dog walking and biking at night. Great for hiking big peaks starting at night.
Night hikes, or camp chores this will be bright enough for most things and is super lightweight.
Very compact and battery friendly so it's great for back country trips.
Grand Trunk - Ultralight Hammock - Green
At 12oz, this hammock is super light and easy to throw in your backpacking pack, or take on a day hike to your fav spot. Weight capacity of 300lbs... And you simply can't beat this price!
This hammock has an easy setup and is incredibly lightweight. Perfect for first time users, affordability, and moving locations frequently.
This is great for being as compact as possible. You'll need to configure something else for straps.
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit
Taking care of all the little scraps and cuts that you'll run across on the trail; all in a lightweight and reusable bag.
1-2 day short trips with friends who also have FAK's. This meets the basic needs of blisters, wound wipes, and bug bites.
Compact and fits in your pack for easy use when needed.
Exped AirPillow UL Pillow
A comfortable camping/backpacking pillow that weighs just 1.6oz. Packs small!
Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Pad
This closed cell foam pad does it all and can be used for summer and winter camping. The heat reflective side of this pad will help reflect body heat back towards you to help keep you warm in colder temps. The simplicity and light weight make it very easy to use too!
Great as a stand alone pad where the user accepts they may be less comfortable in rocky or root ridden ground. Great as an in-addition-to pad where the extra insulation from the cold ground may be necessary.
The reflective side gives additional warmth when you want it or flip it over to the yellow side is your a warm sleeper. This thing will never pop!
Jetboil Summit Skillet
Great skillet- you can make some awesome meals in this. Easy to clean, non-stick! Makes your trip more enjoyable since you won't have to scrape it endlessly.
Great skillet with a nonstick pan. It will last you a lifetime, super easy to clean, and will fit all the pancakes or hash you can cook!
It's light and packs well, and cooks well for something so light. 10oz and nonstick materials.
Sea to Summit X-Set
Multiple pots to have one for clean water for coffee or tea! Plus a frying pan and extra pot! Collapsible. Good for big amounts of food and multiple people if you decide to share with your trail buddies.
Stylish and lightweight foldable camp dishes. Don't bring the kitchen! All your plates and bowls fit in one small pouch.
Lightweight and usable pots designed to be used in a backpacking situation.
Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout Sleeping Pad
This is a great, value oriented sleeping pad option! It is self-inflating for an easy set up, is an inch thick, and has an R-value of 3 - meaning that it will provide plenty of insulation in moderately cool weather.
Travel Chair - The Slacker Chair - Black/Grey
This small, lightweight camp chair is perfect for lounging by the fire. It's sturdy enough to be comfortable, but light enough to toss into your pack.
Unfolded dimensions 20x14x12, folded dimensions 3x24 inches. Easy to strap on to your pack.
Unfolded dimensions 20x14x12, folded dimensions 3x24 inches. Easy to strap on to your pack.
BLACK DIAMOND - SPOT LITE 200 HEADLAMP - Aqua
Just about anything! This little light has enough output for when you need to light something up, but can also be dimmed down for around camp. Also has a red LED and features a dual button lock to save your batteries.
This headlamp is a great hands free light source while in the backcountry. It has a high waterproof rating and several different light settings including a red light.
Sawyer - Mini Water Filter - Green
It removes 99% of bacteria from your water. It comes with a 16 ounce pouch to put your dirty water into before attaching the filtration system. I like to get a Smartwater from any gas station because the mini sawyer squeeze fits perfectly onto it. It only weighs 2 ounces.
This filter is an economical option for filtering water on the go and while in camp. The filtering process is a hands on operation. Unlike the gravity feed systems that allow you to set and forget while the water is filtered.
Petzl Tikkina 250 Lumens Headlamp
This contains a rechargeable battery with AAA backup, providing adaptability and ensuring your headlamp wont die on you. This is a great, simple and compact headlamp with 3 white light modes.
This is a great lightweight and affordable headlamp. It is splashproof, accepts either 3 AAA batteries or a rechargeable Petzl CORE battery, and the battery lasts for 120 hours when on low!
Never head out on your trip without a trusty headlamp.
AMK - Ultralight / Watertight .9 Medical Kit
This First Aid Kit is intended for 1-4 people for up to 4 days, so it's great for backpackers. It weighs in at 12oz and comes in a lightweight, waterproof bag. A good starter kit.
Everything you need for up to 4 people for a few days! This kit keeps weight down without sacrificing safety, and the waterproof bag provides extra insurance.
Highly recommend these kits - they're watertight and have just about everything you need! 1-4 people means they have a bit more for longer use.
Black Diamond Astro 250 Headlamp in Aluminum
Solid, basic headlamp to have in your backpack, just in case you underestimate the length of your hike or to use in an emergency situation!
With simple design and reliable use, this light is great for hands free illumination on a budget for any outdoor use.
Olicamp - Vector + LT Pot Combo
This lightweight stove has a universal valve to fit all butane/propane cannisters, and it weighs in at just 3oz! It boils water in just 3 min 30 sec and features a valve to adjust the heat output.
This is camp kitchen in a bundle including stove and pot. Its lightweight and packs together well including fitting the fuel canister.
Therm-A-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad
This is a great, basic option for low-maintenance trips, especially for the budget conscious! It is 0.625" thick and weighs only 14oz (size regular). It can also be used as a second sleeping pad to increase overall R-value of a cold weather setup.
Right at 6ft it will be plenty long and will add a cushioned barrier between you and the ground to keep you warmer and comfortable. It's also inexpensive, making it a great pad for a beginner. You won't have to worry about inflating it either!
Keeps you more comfortable and climate controlled than just having your sleeping bag on the ground.
Grand Trunk - Trunk Straps for Hammock - Black
Protects the tree! Also gives a solid connection point to hang the hammock from with multiple loops to adjust your hanging style to match your preferred level of comfort (or distance between trees!).
They only weigh 12oz and each strap is 10 feet long allowing you to setup in places even with less trees around. Plus, they are safe for trees and won't damage them- booya!
NEMO Fillo Pillow
Packs down small to about the size of a potato! This award winning design is perfect for outdoor adventures or air and land travel. Washable cover.
This is a low-profile, backpacking-worthy option. It is great for adding comfort to a sleep system without adding too much bulk or weight.
Exped MegaPillow Pillow
20.9 x 12.6 x 4.7 in. A great option that comes in at just 6.5oz and is super packable, even with it's 3D design and fleece padding!
A simple inflatable pillow that won't leave marks on your face when you wake up.
Curated Experts don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. All of their opinions are their own and unbiased. Want to learn more about our experts? Check out the video or view some of their profiles to learn more!
Meet the Curated Experts