Top Camping Gear People Are Buying Right Now (May 2026)
- John Bedsole
- May 28
- 4 min read
As summer kicks off, outdoor retailers are seeing a surge in camping gear sales — especially across the Southeast. Whether you’re planning a weekend in the woods, a fishing trip, or a family campout, these are the top‑selling items right now from BOA’s strongest affiliate partners: Sportsman’s Warehouse and Sportsman’s Guide.
1. Heavy‑Duty Water Containers
Top Pick: Reliance Aqua‑Tainer 7‑Gallon Water Container Price: $19.99 Rating: 4.7 (16,885+ reviews)
Why it’s trending: Summer heat is already hitting hard, and reliable water storage is a must for campers, fishermen, and overlanders.
2. Portable Power Stations & Solar Panels
Top Pick: NEBO Intrepid 600 Portable Power Station
Price: $699.99 Rating: 4.39 (24 reviews)
3. Lightweight Summer Tents (Sportsman’s Warehouse)
Top Pick for Most Campers: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 3‑Person Tent
Price: $189.99 Rating: 4.6 (114 reviews)
The ALPS Lynx 3 is one of the most popular lightweight tents on the market — and for good reason. It’s easy to set up, well‑ventilated, and built for warm‑weather camping. At under 7 lbs, it’s perfect for weekend trips, hiking, or anyone who wants a reliable tent without the bulk.
Why it’s a bestseller:
Lightweight, non‑canvas design
Simple two‑pole setup
Excellent airflow for hot Southern nights
Durable enough for multi‑day trips
Best for Families: Sportsman’s Warehouse Speed‑Up 6‑Person Cabin Tent
Rating: 5 stars (6 reviews)
For families or groups who want more room — and want it fast — the Speed‑Up 6‑Person Cabin Tent is a winner. The instant‑setup frame means you can have camp ready in minutes, and the tall cabin design gives everyone space to move around comfortably.
Why families love it:
Instant setup — no complicated poles
Lightweight polyester (not canvas)
Mesh windows + roof for airflow
Spacious interior for kids, pets, or gear
4. Jetboil & Compact Camp Stoves (Sportsman’s Warehouse)
Top Pick: Camp Chef Mountain Series Rainier 2X Cooking System Price: $49.95
Why they convert: Fast meals, lightweight design, and perfect for fishermen and hikers.
5. Sleeping Pads & Summer Sleeping Bags (Both Retailers)
Top Pick: Sportsman’s Warehouse Yellowstone 40°F Sleeping Bag
Price: $59.99 Rating: 5 stars (5 reviews)
The Yellowstone 40°F bag is built for warm, humid Southern nights. It’s lightweight, breathable, and roomy — perfect for summer camping across Alabama, Georgia, and the Gulf Coast.
Why it’s perfect for summer:
40°F rating — ideal for warm climates
Breathable polyester shell
Roomy rectangular cut
Lightweight and packable
⭐ Bonus Pick: Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
Price: $64.99 Rating: 4.4 (16,267 reviews)
The Static V is the best mid‑priced pad Sportsman’s Warehouse carries. At 2.5 inches thick with Klymit’s V‑chamber design, it offers real comfort without the premium price tag.
Why it’s the best value:
2.5" thick for solid comfort
Lightweight and compact
Extremely durable
Huge review volume — proven bestseller
Perfect for summer car camping or tent camping
6. Bug‑Season Essentials (Sportsman’s Warehouse)
Top Pick: OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Spray
Price: $9.99 Rating: 4.62 (61,584 reviews)
OFF! Deep Woods is the undisputed bestseller for mosquito and tick protection — especially in the Southeast where humidity and standing water make bug pressure brutal. With a strong DEET formula and massive review volume, it’s the go‑to choice for campers, anglers, and anyone spending time outdoors from May through August.
Why it’s the top seller:
Heavy‑duty DEET protection
Works against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies
Trusted brand with huge review volume
Affordable and always in demand during bug season
7. Solar Power Banks
Top Pick: Goal Zero Boulder 100‑Watt Solar Panel Briefcase
Price: $299.95 Rating: 4.6 (1,720 reviews) Seller: Sportsman’s Warehouse
The Boulder 100 is the most reliable, best‑reviewed portable solar panel Sportsman’s Warehouse carries. With a rugged aluminum frame, tempered glass, and a folding briefcase design, it’s built for camping, overlanding, and off‑grid setups. Perfect for charging power stations, 12V systems, and keeping your camp powered during long summer trips.
Why it’s the top pick:
100W output — ideal for power banks & camp electronics
Extremely durable construction
High review volume = proven reliability
Folds into a protective briefcase for easy transport
Best overall value at Sportsman’s Warehouse
As we roll into the heart of camping season, having the right gear can make the difference between a good trip and a great one. The products above are the ones outdoor families, weekend warriors, and seasoned campers are grabbing right now — and for good reason. They’re reliable, field‑tested, and built to handle real‑world use across the Southeast and beyond. Whether you’re gearing up for a quick overnight or a full summer of adventure, these picks from Sportsman’s Warehouse and Sportsman’s Guide will keep you prepared, comfortable, and ready for whatever the woods throw your way. Get your gear early, get outside, and make this season one to remember.
Comments