Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Outdoor enthusiasts often find Amazon Prime Day offers the perfect opportunity to stock up on camping essentials at bargain prices. However, eagle-eyed shoppers have already seen that some brands are rolling out deals on bestselling gear in advance of the official July 16 kickoff date, making right now the perfect time to score deep discounts on hiking boots, portable power stations, survival gear, and more before the online shopping frenzy starts.
Merrell footwear is among the best early Prime Day deals on camping gear, with the top-selling Moab 3 hiking shoes starting at just $64 right now, while folks looking for a high-quality but affordable tent will find Coleman's Skydome XL teeming with value at 50% off the normal price. A ton of sleeping equipment is also on sale, with sizable discounts on sleeping pads, cots, and more. After Men’s Journal looked through the early Prime Day deals on camping gear, we found six that are a must-shop before the sale begins.
The reigning No. 1 bestselling hiking shoe on Amazon, Merrell's Moab 3 has become a staple for any camping or outdoor enthusiast. It's available in a variety of colors and comes in sizes 7 to 16, with wide widths available. Over 6,000 shoppers have given these shoes a five-star rating because of their comfort, durability, and consistent fit. The boot is packed with technology including a Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, which helps cushion and maintain a rigid form when traversing rock, sand, grass, and more.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “I’ve been a fan of Merrell hiking shoes for about 10 years...They feel great right out of the box. No real break-in is required. The Vibram sole grips rocks and tree roots very well.”
This 8-person tent is perfect for families or groups that are exploring the outdoors. Designed by outdoor-industry leading brand Coleman, this tent can be set up in under 5 minutes thanks to the pre-attached pole system. The configuration of the tent allows for three queen airbeds to fit inside, providing ample room for sleeping and relaxing.
What Shoppers Are Saying: "Excellent tent! I think it’s even bigger than it is advertised. We used it recently and were very comfortable. Lots of space! We are looking forward to using it for many camping trips in the future!"
Upgrade your next campsite sleep with this camping cot and pad that collapses into an easy-to-transport bed. It's currently Amazon's No. 1 bestselling camping cot, and shoppers say its comfort and sturdy design keep them cozy and off the ground. The 75-by-28-inch sleeping pad has approximately 3 inches of padding and is removable from the cot itself for easy cleaning. In situations when it is difficult to power an inflatable mattress or for anyone who needs to give their back a rest, this camping cot is an excellent pick.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “The cot is amazingly sturdy and easy to set up/take down. If you have room in your vehicle and tent, this cot will absolutely enhance the enjoyment of your next camping trip.”
Whether bikepacking or just trying to reduce your load on the trail, this lightweight hydration pack is a great pick-up from one of the most trusted brands in the game. It has a 3-liter reservoir, which is ideal for staying hydrated in the hot summer months, and its carefully designed back panels help encourage airflow to help keep your back dry during day-long rides or hikes. It also has 6 more liters of storage space for sunscreen, extra clothes, and snacks.
What Shoppers Are Saying: "The one I use has endured music festivals (EDCLV, Lost Lands, North Coast, and more) and day-long hiking and biking trips. The pocket space is very good for the size—I've never run out of space for books, snacks, and water when hiking."
Camping furniture can often be comfortable or functional, but rarely both. This folding camping chair is compact enough to fold into a small carry bag but functional enough to be comfortable while supporting up to 330 pounds. It might not seem like a substantial discount, but it's still far less expensive than even the most basic similar model at REI.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “This chair is easy to set up, is so comfortable, and I love how compact it can get.”
Sleeping in a tent, truck, or RV can be difficult, but this thick memory foam camping mattress assists in providing comfort and cooling. The high-density foam provides a solid, comfortable foundation, and the item includes a washable and waterproof cover to protect the item from the elements. The mattress rolls up and has straps to slide into an included carrying case.
What Shoppers Are Saying: "Great sleeping pad! I like that it is the perfect thickness—very comfortable. Rolls up easy, is lightweight, and perfect for the back of my Subaru."
