Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Best Luxury Camp Gear to Elevate Your Outdoor Experience

Best Luxury Camp Gear

Camping sure does require a lot of “stuff.” Even the most bare-bones backcountry setup means packing all the essentials, such as clothing, toiletries, food, water, sleep gear, a first aid kit, fire-building sundries … and the list goes on. If you’ve tried out camping, you’d know this. Car campers, and even “soft” campers (i.e. those who aren’t into roughing it), know that it’s important to bring a warm sleeping bag, a comfortable sleeping pad or air mattress, and maybe plenty of beer. You should have a mental or handwritten checklist of everything you’ll need for a weekend away.

Related Guide

This list isn’t about those must-have items you’re already aware of that should be packed, though. What we’ve rounded up below are the premium gadgets that level up your camping experience well above the ordinary. Some are big or heavy, some are pricey, and none of them are essential. Call this gear for luxury camping, “luxe camping,” even “glamping,” if you like. This is the best luxury camp gear to buy when money, weight, and space are no objects.

Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler

Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler

Leave the traditional cooler at home — luxury camping deserves a legit portable refrigerator. Having chilled beer, wine, meat, and snacks at the ready at your campsite can truly upgrade your outdoor experience to the next level. Dometic’s CFX3 45 fridge (which the brand modestly refers to as a “powered cooler”) is compact enough to toss in the back of your SUV or truck yet large enough to stash food and drinks for two people for at least a long weekend. The selectable front display allows for dialing in your preferred temperature to as low as -7 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also sleek, durable, and Bluetooth-connected, so you can keep tabs on the fridge’s interior temperature wirelessly without leaving the comfort of your camp chair.

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station

In order to power your fridge on the go, you’ll need a reliable power source. Jackery is a perennial favorite among overlanders and hardcore campers due to the brand’s entire line being lightweight, reliable, and powerful. The Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is enough to keep most couples going for at least a few days off-grid (including occasional battery top-ups by running your car’s engine). Its 518Wh battery capacity is ideal for running your portable fridge and keeping your smartphone, tablet, and other essential gadgets charged while camping. It’s also a great tool to keep in your car or home for emergencies.

Gozney Roccbox Pizza Oven

Gozney Roccbox Pizza Oven

Taking your outdoor “kitchen” experience to the next level isn’t just about chilled bacon and beer. If you want to seriously impress your friends, significant other, or family, how about prepping fresh pizza under the stars? Roccbox is a restaurant-grade portable pizza oven capable of turning out homemade Neapolitan-style pizzas in just 60 seconds. The gas burner is cleverly engineered to burn like a true wood flame with blazing hot temperatures up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit — ideal for wood-fired-style pizzas. With the optional wood-burning accessory, the Roccbox can cook not only pizzas but also wood-fired steaks, chicken wings, charred veggies, and more.

Good To-Go Gourmet Camp Meals

Good To-Go Gourmet Camp Meals

If you’re not a budding chef or cooking isn’t remotely relaxing to you, the idea of prepping and cooking a pizza while camping probably sounds daunting. If Doordash isn’t an option at your campsite, gourmet camp meals are a great alternative. We’re not talking about the spaghetti-and-meatballs fare found in typical freeze-dried backpacker meals. Good To-Go makes some of the best, tastiest, and most authentic dehydrated food we’ve ever tasted. The brand’s catalog includes legit international eats, like Thai Curry, Bibimbap, and Chicken Pho. We can wholeheartedly recommend them all, but grab a Weekender Pack with one breakfast and two entrees if you can’t decide.

Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

Pretending to rough it in the front-country doesn’t mean you need to forego your morning espresso. The Nanopresso is an ultra-portable espresso maker that delivers piping hot, cafe-quality espresso using only water, high-quality beans, and a little elbow grease. It’s lightweight and packs down smaller than a Nalgene bottle. Upgrade to the optional Barista Kit for the accessories to make double espressos and more.

Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker

For some campers, there’s nothing sweeter than the sound of silence in the great outdoors. If you appreciate a little music to set the mood, however, Marshall’s all-new Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great addition to any luxury camp setup. It lasts more than 20 hours on a single charge and streams wirelessly from up to two connected devices within 30 feet. The water-resistant housing has you covered in the event of an unexpected shower. Additionally, it delivers that legendary Marshall sound and features a sharp vintage design to boot.

Airstream Supply Co. Bear Buddy Double Chair

Airstream Supply Co. Bear Buddy Double Chair

Luxury camping is all about keeping as comfortable as possible, even in the outdoors. In the winter, that comfort revolves mostly around heat. What better way to keep warmer around the campfire than by cozying up with your significant other in the same chair? Forget ordinary camp chairs. Airstream Supply Company elevates the relaxing-‘round-the-campfire experience with a legit two-seater camp couch. Its Bear Buddy Double Chair by Kuma is nearly 5 feet wide and rated for up to 500 pounds. Plus, dual built-in beverage and stem glass holders ensure your favorite tipple is always within easy reach.

$162 from Panther RV Products

Woolly Mammoth Woolen Company Merino Wool Camp Blanket

Woolly Mammoth Woolen Company Merino Wool Camp Blanket

As human beings, we’re hardwired to love bundling up by a fire. That’s why a good blanket is a must-have for any self-respecting camper. Woolly Mammoth Woolen Company’s Extra Large Merino Wool Camp Blanket is the solution. Measuring 90 inches by 66 inches, it’s ample enough to cover you and your significant other (and probably your spoiled dog, too). The premium virgin merino wool construction means it’s naturally durable, fire-resistant, quick-drying, and, most importantly, toasty warm even without a fire.

Barebones Living Railroad Lantern

Barebones Living Railroad Lantern

The concept of luxury is often defined by the details. Set the stage for your luxe camping experience with Barebones Living’s Railroad Lanterns. The antique-inspired aesthetic is a modern take on a classic Union Pacific railway lantern. This updated version features seeded glass and sharp, copper accents. To bring it into this century, it also includes an internal, USB-rechargeable battery and an Edison-style LED bulb to illuminate your outdoor space with a soft, warm glow.

Travel Bartender Kit

Copper Travel Bartender Kit

It’s a scientific fact that chilled beer, mulled wine, and bourbon all taste better outdoors. If you fancy a proper al fresco cocktail, come prepared to your camp with a complete travel bar kit. This handsome 17-piece set from Mixology & Craft Store includes premium accessories like a cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, jigger, and more. Every piece is finished in shiny copper, and the entire set rolls up in a stylish, vintage-look bag.

Korchmar Twain Leather Weekender Bag

Korchmar Twain Leather Weekender Bag

If you’re going all-in on a luxe camping setup, you need a worthy bag for stashing your clothing, bourbon, smoking jacket, and pipe. Korchmar’s 22” Weekender Series is classy, stylish, and timeless — the perfect accompaniment. The waxed canvas model with leather handles and trim exudes a rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic, while the flagship leather edition boasts a more sophisticated look that’s equally at home in the city, at your Montana ski chalet, or tucked into the hatch of your SUV at a front-country luxury campsite. Every Korchmar bag is handcrafted in the USA using the finest premium-grade leather and materials.

Article originally published December 2019 by Chelsea Batten.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Pitch up in the best motorcycle tents for camping with your two-wheeler
There's nothing like cruising a backcountry road at sunset, wind in your hair, George Thorogood in your ear, and a few bugs in your teeth.
Wingman-of-the-Road Goose Motorcycle Camping System lake feature

After a few long years of pandemic-fueled "lockup," more and more of us are finally getting back to road-tripping. For some, that means camping across the country in an RV; for others, adventure awaits on the back of a two-wheeler (be it pedal or gas-powered). If you fall into the latter camp, we get it. There's nothing like the excitement of cruising down some backcountry road at sunset with the wind in your hair, George Thorogood in your ear, and a few bugs in your teeth.

If you're planning an extended trip, then you'll be looking to overnight along the way. If an ordinary roadside motel just won’t do, maybe you need a more adventurous alternative. Here are our picks for the best motorcycle tents for camping with your two-wheeler along the way in 2023.
Lone Rider MotoTent V2
Best motorcycle tent overall

Read more
Keep clean anytime, anywhere with the best portable showers for camping
After a weekend or a week in the backcountry, nothing makes you feel human again like a decent shower.
Man using a portable outdoor shower near the beach.

In spite of what soap companies want to implant in our minds, going outside and getting dirty isn’t going to be the end of us. Even eating dirt every once in a while can be good for us (seriously). If you’re trying to stay well-groomed and hygienic, however, you’re still going to have to clean off eventually — even in the great outdoors.

Whether you’re on the go, at a remote dispersed campsite in the middle of nowhere, or chilling in the beach parking lot after a morning surf sesh, a portable camping shower can be your best friend and get you clean with little effort. So, we rounded up some of the best portable showers of 2023. (Keep in mind that these aren’t just for showering yourself off either. Spraying down dirty kids, a muddy dog, or dirty dishes while in the front country are all easy enough with a portable hot water camp shower, too.)

Read more
These are the best skinning knives to up your hunting game this year
Whether you're after a single blade or a skinning set, we've got the right blade for you
Skinning knife

There are no shortcuts when it comes to hunting, and preparation is key to every success. You'll have your best hunting knives sharpened and ready to go, scent blocker on, and you'll stalk your game constantly. In a sport that takes so much patience, these are the elements that can make or break a hunting trip.

But once you take your shot and have your game, you need to skin it. While most hunters prepare themselves with the best hunting gear, they often overlook the importance of having the best skinning knife tucked away. To properly skin and dress in the field, you need the right knife. With a poor-quality knife, you'll struggle to clean the animal properly and risk repeatedly missing the skin, so get it right this season with the best skinning knives you can get your hands on.

Read more