Camp in comfort

Costco can help you enjoy the great outdoors with quality camping gear

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and summer is on the horizon. You booked your camping (or, perhaps, glamping) spots months ago, and now it’s time to get some new supplies for your upcoming adventures.

Fortunately, you can leave the gear research to Costco buyers, who vet hundreds of pieces of camping equipment each year in order to bring the best to our members. All of the items in this story (with the exception of one, noted below), are available in warehouses and Costco.com. Here are some highlights.

Home away from home

You’ll find two new tent options in the warehouses this spring, both by Core Equipment. The 10-person tent sets up in just two minutes and, at 14 feet by 10 feet, it can hold four queen-size air mattresses. Boasting an integrated three-level lighting system with a wall switch, a power port allowing access to run an extension cord inside the tent, access via two separate doors and an optional divider that can create two separate rooms, this tent takes camping to the glamping level.

Core’s six-person dome tent (Item 1395294) has an integrated lantern and a unique pole design that provides increased headroom. Pro tip: “Airdrying your tent after each use before packing in the bag helps extend its life and ensures no mold or mildew,” says Matt Clark, director of business development at Core Equipment.

Those who prefer to sleep off the ground will enjoy the Cascade Mountain Tech heavy-duty cot, with its durable canvas fabric and steel frame (Item 2622109). It’s endorsed by the U.S. Forest Service.

For your food

Keeping food safe from warm temperatures is essential to a great camping experience. The 62-quart rolling cooler with telescoping handle by Igloo is well insulated and features an antimicrobial-treated liner to help prevent odors and stains.

The foodies in your party will enjoy making baked goods on the road with the Camp Chef outdoor oven, available only at Costco.com (Item 2622139). Great for everything from camping to tailgating to emergency preparedness, this portable, 30-pound oven heats to 400 F and fits a 9 x 13-inch pan. A 1-pound propane bottle can power a temperature of 350 F for up to seven hours. Gooey cinnamon rolls, anyone?

The Tundra Pro three-burner cooking system with griddle, also by Camp Chef, has folding legs with levelers and a three-sided windscreen. “This system is great for RV camping and family get-togethers at a state park,” says Costco sporting goods buyer Chris Taylor.

Cozy around camp

Nothing beats hanging out by a campfire. The Rio swinging hammock chair (Item 2622071) supports up to 300 pounds and features hammock-style suspension. It’s equipped with a drink holder and a pillow, so you can kick back and relax.

“This chair has had a lot of social media attention,” Taylor says. It’s no surprise, given the amazing value his team has negotiated on this item.

“Outdoor chairs used to be very activity-specific, but today they are multipurpose,” Taylor adds. “Your camping chair can now serve as your soccer game and beach chair, too.”

Trying to pack light? The Cascade Mountain Tech high-back ultralight chair and ultralight backpackers table (see buyers’ picks on page 61) both have stabilizing legs and feet. The table can hold up to 50 pounds. “They are a super compact and transportable solution that can unfold into a full-size furniture set,” says Matt Boileau, product manager for Cascade Mountain Tech.

Once you have the basics packed and you’re ready to head out, remember John Muir’s famous words: “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”

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Laura Bode fills this month’s consumer reporter slot with this behind-the-scenes look at a Costco program. Email questions about this article to connection@costco.com.