Fire Starting

The simplest items in this collection are also the ones people forget to pack. We carry stormproof matches, stormproof firesticks, and the UCO Arc Lighter for situations where a standard lighter quits. The Arc Lighter doubles as an LED flashlight, which makes it worth carrying even when conditions are fine. UCO beeswax and citronella candles round out the section for ambiance and bug deterrence, with the Candlelier and Aluminum Candle Lantern giving you somewhere to put them.

Camp Stoves and Heat

There are two very different stove categories here and the buyer is usually one or the other. The Winnerwell Nomad and Woodlander are wood-burning tent stoves built to heat a canvas or hot tent through winter camping. They connect to a flue pipe that exits through the tent wall and burn wood or wood pellets. Starting at $430, these are serious equipment for dedicated cold-weather setups.

The TOAKS titanium stoves are the opposite end of the spectrum. The wood-burning model runs on foraged twigs, so you carry no fuel at all. The alcohol stove includes a 650ml titanium pot and runs on denatured alcohol. The solid fuel cook system uses fuel tablets. All three weigh well under 200 grams. The BioLite Portable Grill and Firepit sits between the two camps: a flat-pack fire pit and grilling surface for car camping that packs down thin enough to leave in the truck permanently.

Water Purification

GRAYL covers press-through bottle purifiers. The GeoPress (24oz) and UltraPress (16.9oz) remove viruses, bacteria, and particulates in seconds per fill, and we stock replacement cartridges for both. LifeSaver covers higher-volume and personal filters: Jerrycan and Cube for camp and vehicle water, plus Liberty, Wayfarer, and Bottle for trail and go-bag use, with Lifeline as a light straw option. Replacement cartridges and the shower attachment sit with the units they fit. For matching treatment to the water you actually face on overland and car-camping trips, read our guide to off-grid water treatment.

Water Storage and Hydration

HydraPak covers collapsible storage throughout this section. The Seeker is a lightweight roll-top bag for carrying water from source to camp. The Force is a more durable hydration reservoir with a wide mouth for easier filling and cleaning. The Watercell X is a flexible shower bag in 4L and 6L sizes, useful for rinsing gear or a quick outdoor rinse-off. Stow and Flux are HydraPak rigid carry options for everyday trail hydration.