Why Choosing the Right Camping Brand Matters
Whether you’re planning a weekend in the woods with your kids or prepping for a week-long solo trek, one thing is certain: the gear you pack can make or break your camping experience. From sleepless nights in leaky tents to sore backs from flimsy sleeping pads, low-quality equipment often leads to high frustration. That’s why choosing the right camping brand matters.
With so many options on the market, you might find yourself wondering: What are the top-rated camping brands? Some specialize in family-friendly features like roomy shelters and kid-proof materials, while others focus on ultralight performance for serious backpackers. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor gear for families and backpackers—so you can invest in gear that lasts, performs, and enhances every trip.
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Top Family-Friendly Camping Brands
Family camping trips are all about creating memories—not battling broken zippers or confusing tent poles. The best brands for families prioritize reliability, comfort, and ease of use, without breaking the bank.
Few names in camping are as iconic as Coleman. For over 120 years, the brand has been a staple at campsites, cookouts, and family road trips across North America. Best known for their lanterns, stoves, and coolers, Coleman has since expanded into user-friendly tents, sleeping bags, and portable shelters—designed with simplicity and affordability in mind.
Their gear isn’t flashy, but it’s built to last and made to be shared: easy to set up, tough enough to handle kids, and friendly on the wallet. If you’re just starting your family’s camping tradition, Coleman is one of the most dependable brands to begin with.
For families who want gear that lasts—and goes anywhere—The North Face delivers rugged performance with premium design.
Founded in ‘68 for alpine explorers, the brand now makes durable, weather-ready tents and sleeping bags built for real-world use. While on the pricier side, their gear offers long-term value through smart features and dependable construction—ideal for families who camp often or need gear that can keep up.
Born on a stormy night on Mount Washington, NEMO set out to design gear that truly supports sleeping outside. Known for award-winning innovation, NEMO blends smart engineering with serious comfort—think pillow-integrated sleeping bags and roomy tent layouts.
Though priced on the higher end, their gear upgrades the entire camping experience. For families who camp often or prioritize comfort, NEMO is worth the investment.
Top Backpacking-Oriented Brands
When every ounce counts and conditions are unpredictable, backpackers need gear that’s light, reliable, and built to perform. These brands are trusted by thru-hikers, alpine trekkers, and backcountry explorers for a reason—they deliver technical innovation and durability.
Built by climbers, for climbers, Mountain Hardwear has been pushing the limits of technical gear since 1993. The brand is known for ultralight tents, high-performance sleeping bags, and iconic insulation layers like the Ghost Whisperer jacket.
Designed for harsh alpine conditions, their gear balances cutting-edge materials with field-tested durability. Mountain Hardwear is a go-to for serious backpackers who value packability, weather resistance, and gear that performs when it matters most.
Born from a wilderness honeymoon near the Arctic Circle, EXPED blends Swiss engineering with deep respect for nature. Known for ultralight sleeping mats, modular shelters, and smartly designed packs, EXPED’s gear helps backpackers go farther with less.
Their minimalist philosophy—maximum outdoor experience with minimal means—makes them a favourite among trekkers who value efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
Founded by a Seattle engineer in 1969, MSR was built on one belief: better gear leads to bigger adventures. Known for ultra-reliable stoves, water filters, and minimalist shelters, MSR is a top choice for backpackers who demand precision, durability, and no-nonsense performance in extreme conditions.
Many of their products are still hand-assembled in-house. For those trekking far off the grid, MSR offers the kind of gear that earns trust one storm, summit, or steep trail at a time.
Headquartered in the Colorado mountains they call home, Big Agnes lives up to its nickname—The Mother of Comfort. Known for plush sleeping bags, roomy ultralight tents, and smartly designed camp furniture, their gear turns rugged backcountry nights into something to look forward to.
With a deep commitment to sustainability and public lands, Big Agnes leads with eco-forward innovation, like solution-dyed tent fabrics and robust repair programs.
Top Canadian Camping Brands 🍁
From coastal forests to alpine peaks, Canada offers some of the most diverse camping terrain on the planet—and its homegrown outdoor brands rise to the challenge. These Canadian companies blend functionality with local insight, offering gear designed for our wild backyard.
Founded in Québec in 2012, Hooké blends outdoor performance with a deep respect for Canada’s wild places. Known for durable, sustainably made clothing, the brand champions ethical hunting, responsible fishing, and a lifestyle rooted in authenticity and adventure.
Whether you’re fly-fishing on a northern river or setting up camp deep in the woods, Hooké’s apparel is built to last—and built with purpose.
Founded in Montréal in 1984, Altitude Sports has grown from a single storefront into a trusted name in Canadian outdoor retail. Their in-house label delivers smartly designed camping gear, travel accessories, and merino essentials that balance performance, comfort, and affordability.
Built with premium materials and thoughtful details, this gear is perfect for families and everyday adventurers who want reliable function without overspending. As a Certified B Corp, Altitude Sports also puts sustainability and ethics at the heart of every product they craft.
What started as a quest for the perfect sailing hat on the Great Lakes has become a Canadian icon. For over 40 years, Tilley has outfitted adventurers with timeless hats and apparel built to handle sun, wind, rain—and everyday life in between.
With a focus on durability, comfort, and classic design, Tilley is ideal for family road trips, campground lounging, or globe-trotting getaways.
Born on the slopes of Québec and fuelled by the freeskiing spirit, Orage has spent over 30 years blending technical performance with bold, fashion-forward design. From their legendary Gilltek insulation to their waterproof DERMIZAX shells, Orage builds ski and outerwear that’s made for movement, built to last, and styled to stand out.
Honourable Mentions
Not every great outdoor brand is a household name—yet. These under-the-radar labels are trusted by serious adventurers for good reason, offering standout gear with niche specialties and impressive reputations.
Founded by a climber in the British Peak District, RAB is known for cold-weather gear that performs when conditions are anything but cozy. Their insulated jackets, sleeping bags, and technical layers are lightweight, durable, and trusted by alpine pros. For campers braving shoulder seasons or unexpected chills, RAB gear offers rugged warmth without the bulk.
If you’ve ever slept comfortably on a backcountry trip, there’s a good chance it was thanks to Therm-a-Rest. Pioneers of the self-inflating sleeping pad, they’ve been keeping campers off cold, uneven ground since the ‘70s. Today, their lineup includes compact mats, cozy quilts, and ultralight pillows—ideal for both car campers and minimalist trekkers.
Based in Seattle, Outdoor Research builds gear to handle unpredictable weather—from sudden squalls to alpine sun. With a strong reputation for gloves, rain shells, and modular layering systems, they combine innovation with real-world feedback from guides, climbers, and scientists.
What to Look for When Choosing Camping Gear for Your Family
How do I choose the right camping gear for my family?
Start by thinking in terms of comfort, simplicity, and durability. Look for tents with easy setup systems (like colour-coded poles), sleeping bags with room to grow, and gear that can handle a bit of roughing up from kids.
What camping gear should I invest in?
Prioritize high-quality shelter and sleep systems—these two elements have the biggest impact on comfort. Lightweight is helpful, but not at the expense of warmth or ease of use. Even for short trips, the right choices can make all the difference. Think of this not as just a checklist—but as an investment in your family’s time outdoors.
Which camping brands are best for families?
It depends on your style of adventure—but from Coleman to NEMO, the options we’ve listed above offer a strong balance of comfort, innovation, and trust.
Get Ready for Your Next Camping Adventure
Whether you’re camping with your kids under the stars or solo-trekking through alpine terrain, the right gear can transform the experience. From family-tested staples to backcountry-ready designs, these brands offer reliable options for every kind of camper. Start with what matters most—shelter, sleep, and safety—and build your kit from there.
Your next great story around the campfire starts with the gear you bring.
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