More than ever before, adventure destinations around the world are within our reach. The Internet and social media have opened our eyes to incredible places we never knew existed—some on the other side of the globe and some in our very own neighborhoods. It’s safe to say that the flood of adventure photography on Instagram alone has kicked up our wanderlust a few notches.
This summer, we hope you’re planning to visit at least one or two of the places you’ve been wistfully scrolling past on your phone, and we want to help you prepare by introducing you to a few companies that are making it easier than ever for you to get the most out of your adventures. They’ve got great gear, reliable planning resources, and most importantly, they’re all passionate about getting people outdoors.
Here are our top 4 favorite camping websites:
1. The Dyrt
Visiting The Dyrt’s website or downloading their mobile app is like making friends with the world’s wisest camping guru. On this site, people share reviews, photos, and ratings for campsites all over the country so that you can know exactly how to pack and prepare for your visit. You’ll find everything you need to know about amenities, activities, wildlife, and local culture, and if you leave reviews of your own, you can win prizes from some of the best brands in the outdoor industry (including us!). There’s a campsite for everyone on The Dyrt, and we guarantee that as soon as you start searching, you’ll want to start packing!
2. Hyperlite Mountain Gear
When you’re on a multi-day backpacking trip or need to travel light, your old, heavy gear might not cut it. For those times, we love Hyperlite Mountain Gear. This company is revolutionizing the outdoor gear industry with their incredibly light packs, tents, and trail kits—one of their most popular shelter systems weighs just 1.87 pounds! Their ultralight gear is also strong and tough enough to withstand extreme conditions, including thru-hikes of the Grand Canyon and winter camping in Alaska. With this gear, you can go anywhere without any unnecessary weight dragging you down along the way.
Photo from Hyperlite Mountain Gear AT thru-hike packing list.
3. Adventure Medical Kits
With a kit from this company in your pack, you’ll have the supplies you need to handle emergencies and first-aid situations anywhere you travel. The kits come in a variety of sizes and specialties, from compact and travel-sized to professional mountaineering options. They even have kits specifically for dogs! Never let an emergency catch you unprepared—with Adventure Medical Kits, you can travel safe and smart no matter where your travels take you.
4. Cotopaxi
This Salt Lake City-based startup believes in great gear and giving back to community. Their cleverly designed packs, tents, sleeping bags, and jackets are recognizable for their vibrant colors, and all of their products are made in ethical, sustainable working conditions. Cotopaxi also uses part of their profits every year to award grants to nonprofit organizations doing good work all over the world. If you’re looking for quality gear with a conscience, make sure to check out this company.
