Being outdoors — or, as the kids say, "touching grass" — can do wonders for your health. According to Harvard researchers, spending more time in nature may help lower your risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Scientists are still studying exactly why it has these benefits, but we've all got anecdotal evidence that immersing yourself in nature can reduce stress. After all, who hasn't gone for a walk after a heated moment and come back feeling calmer and more collected?
That said, the older you get, the harder it can be to enjoy the dirt. Tents aren't nearly as comfortable as your lived-in home, and air mattresses aren't exactly known for supporting your lower back. Instead of giving up on getting down to earth, we turned to the leading retailer in alfresco exploration, REI, to find camping gear that makes hiking and camping far more comfortable. The general rule of thumb for older campers is to stay as elevated as possible. Look for portable furniture that makes you feel at home, footwear that supports your arches, and more.
Read on for the essentials to add to your camping checklist.
Best Camping Gear for Older People From REI
The North Face Wawona 4 Tent
REI
Unless you have a trailer or camper, a good tent can make or break your trip. If you're car camping instead of backpacking, prioritize easy setup and enough headroom to stand comfortably. This tent pitches in just a few minutes and offers a maximum height of 75 inches, making it easy to move around inside. It comfortably fits a family of four, though we wouldn't blame you for claiming it all for yourself, with room for a side table, portable lamp, and a stack of books.
Exped MegaMat Duo Sleeping Pad
REI
As someone who's dealt with severe hip pain, I can confidently say the ultrathin backpacking sleeping mats are no longer an option. I needed more support, and I found it in Exped's MegaMat. It's the Rolls-Royce of travel mattresses, and it might even be more comfortable than the mattress I have at home. It gently cushions pressure points, making it well worth the investment. It's easily one of the most treasured items in my camping kit.
Exped Mega Pump
REI
If you've found an inflatable mattress that you sleep soundly on, consider yourself lucky. But don't waste your breath and energy blowing it up. A rechargeable pump inflates and deflates your mattress in just a few minutes, saving both time and effort.
REI Co-op Campwell Folding Cot
REI
If you can't get down to the ground, opt for a sturdy cot. This one unfolds in seconds, provides better support than sleeping on the ground, and makes getting in and out of bed much easier.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch
REI
Speaking of sleeping, nothing ruins a beautiful morning outdoors quite like waking up with neck pain. Pack a supportive pillow like this one. It's lightweight, compresses easily for travel, and provides far better neck support than a sweatshirt stuffed into a pillowcase.
REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles
REI
Heading out for a day hike? Don't forget trekking poles. They can reduce the load on your knees and hips by up to 40 percent, making climbs and descents noticeably swifter. They also improve stability on uneven terrain, helping prevent slips and falls (a dangerous misstep can happen at any age).
Mountain Summit Gear Heavy-Duty Table
REI
If your campsite doesn't have a picnic table, bring your own. And even if it does, it's probably not the cleanest surface for meal prep. This roll-top table is lightweight, durable, and one of REI's highest-rated outdoor furniture picks.
REI Co-op Siesta Sleeping Bag
REI
Many modern sleeping bags are designed in a narrow “mummy” shape to save space and weight, but that snug fit isn't ideal if you have stiff hips. Instead, choose a roomy rectangular bag — or a spoon-shaped design if you want something that balances comfort with packability.
NEMO Stargaze Evo-X Camp Chair
REI
A well-designed folding chair can completely transform your evenings outside. This one reclines automatically, making it one of the most comfortable options we've ever tried. It won't keep the bonfire smoke out of your face — but at least you'll be relaxing while you dodge it.
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
REI
This is REI's top-rated hiking shoe, and for good reason. There's virtually no break-in period, so you can wear them on your next trip right out of the box (I did that for a 15-mile hike!). They're durable enough to tackle rugged trails while remaining flexible enough to keep your feet comfortable mile after mile. These also look cute off the trail, which is an added perk.
Bedrock Sandals Mountain Clogs
REI
While we definitely recommend packing a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or sneakers, we also suggest bringing an easy slip-on pair for wearing around the campsite. These are perfect for late-night bathroom runs or as recovery shoes while you relax by the fire. They also have a grippy sole, making it much sturdier than your average pool slide.
