Our staff-tested picks for the latest, greatest stuff you need to make your camping trip comfy and fun

MUST-HAVE PACKING LIST

RULE #1 Borrow or rent gear the first few times you go to get a feel for what you'll really use. To that end, here's a list that'll work for a carcamping trip.

-Tent

- Ground cloth

- Sleeping pad

- Sleeping bag

- Pillow

- Flashlights with fresh batteries

- Lantern

- Camp stove

-Lighter fluid plus matches or lighter

- Fire starter (paper and/or wood)

- Cooking supplies (pot, spatula, pocket knife or multipurpose tool)

- Plates, cups, forks, knives

- Small cutting board

- Rain gear

- First-aid kit

- Bug spray

- Sunblock

COLEMAN PARTY STACKER COOLER

Keep like foods with like foods with a couple of these stacking coolers. Ideal for the organized camp cook. Three sizes, $18-$25; coleman.com

REI DOUBLE SHOT PRESS MUG

Join an insulated mug with a built-in plunger and-voilà!-it's a French press. $29; rei.com

JETBOIL PERSONAL COOKING SYSTEM

This ultracompact and fuel efficient unit is hot and fast-it boils two cups of water in two minutes. $100; jetboil.com

FREEPLAY ENERGY INDIGO LANTERN

It s an area light, flashlight style directional light, and-with the flip of the dimmer switch-a night-light, alt in one. …