Once you go rooftop tent, you will likely never go back and after testing one last fall—and soon after buying our own—we’re #TeamTepui for life. The Autana Sky model sleeps up to three on its built-in three-inch foam mattress and the removable annex with PVC floor is like a bonus living room down below. tepuitents.com
2Big Agnes Dream Island 15, $249.95
If you’re camping with your cuddle bug, there’s nothing like a doublewide to keep you as close and warm as possible. Rated to 15 degrees. this synthetic fill bag fits perfectly inside a Tepui, which is so comfy you don’t even need a sleeping pad (although the improved sleeve design works wonders when on the ground). bigagnes.com
3Big Agnes Dream Island 15, $249.95
If you’re camping with your cuddle bug, there’s nothing like a doublewide to keep you as close and warm as possible. Rated to 15 degrees. this synthetic fill bag fits perfectly inside a Tepui, which is so comfy you don’t even need a sleeping pad (although the improved sleeve design works wonders when on the ground). bigagnes.com
4Jetboil Genesis Base Camp System , $349.95
At the top of many a gear guide over the past two years, get as gourmet as your camp chef skills allow with a 5-liter pot, nesting stove, and ceramic non-stick fry pan on a two-burner base. Its innovative design is compact, easy to clean, and also comes with an attachable windscreen. jetboil.com
5Jetboil Genesis Base Camp System , $349.95
At the top of many a gear guide over the past two years, get as gourmet as your camp chef skills allow with a 5-liter pot, nesting stove, and ceramic non-stick fry pan on a two-burner base. Its innovative design is compact, easy to clean, and also comes with an attachable windscreen. jetboil.com
6Klean Kanteen Food Canister Set, $89.08
Food stays freshest in Klean Kanteen’s line of flavor- and odor-proof stainless steel canisters with recycled cardboard-lined lids that keep contents hot for up to eight hours and cold for up to 22 hours. Plus the full four-piece set is currently on sale for a steal. kleankanteen.com
7Klean Kanteen Food Canister Set, $89.08
Food stays freshest in Klean Kanteen’s line of flavor- and odor-proof stainless steel canisters with recycled cardboard-lined lids that keep contents hot for up to eight hours and cold for up to 22 hours. Plus the full four-piece set is currently on sale for a steal. kleankanteen.com
8UCO Stormproof Match Kit, $7.99
The desert can get windy AF, so stash these surefire fire starters just in case. ucogear.com
9UCO Stormproof Match Kit, $7.99
The desert can get windy AF, so stash these surefire fire starters just in case. ucogear.com
10Thermarest x Polerstuff Slacker Double Hammock, $89.95
Trees might be more scarce in Moab than most locales, but this ripstop polyester design covered in poppy flowers with aluminum caribiners at each end hangs easy from pretty much anywhere. And don’t forget to throw it in your pack for the most epic of hiking breaks. polerstuff.com
11YETI Tundra 45, $349.99
YOLO: This summer is the summer to finally splurge on that YETI. Built to be damn-near indestructible with UV-protection, textured grips, tie-down slots, and non-slip feet, three inches of patented PermaFrost insulation keep provisions cool all weekend (one dry goods basket also included). yeti.com
12Leatherman Wingman, $39.95
Never go camping without a Leatherman—specifically this pocket-sized classic with 14 tools at the ready. leatherman.com
13Thermarest x Polerstuff Slacker Double Hammock, $89.95
Trees might be more scarce in Moab than most locales, but this ripstop polyester design covered in poppy flowers with aluminum caribiners at each end hangs easy from pretty much anywhere. And don’t forget to throw it in your pack for the most epic of hiking breaks. polerstuff.com
14Black Diamond Apollo Lantern, $49.95
200 lumens of bright, LED-powered light is packed into a soup can-sized, collapsible base with a battery-saving dimming function. Plus, a double-hook hang loop let you put it just about anywhere. blackdiamondequipment.com
15Leatherman Wingman, $39.95
Never go camping without a Leatherman—specifically this pocket-sized classic with 14 tools at the ready. leatherman.com
16YETI Tundra 45, $349.99
YOLO: This summer is the summer to finally splurge on that YETI. Built to be damn-near indestructible with UV-protection, textured grips, tie-down slots, and non-slip feet, three inches of patented PermaFrost insulation keep provisions cool all weekend (one dry goods basket also included). yeti.com
17Black Diamond Apollo Lantern, $49.95
200 lumens of bright, LED-powered light is packed into a soup can-sized, collapsible base with a battery-saving dimming function. Plus, a double-hook hang loop let you put it just about anywhere. blackdiamondequipment.com
18Helinox Chair One & Table One, $99.95 & 199.95
Step up and set up your spread on this ultra light outdoor dining set. Using technology that is applied to tent pole design, it all packs down to fit anywhere. backcountry.com
19Helinox Chair One & Table One, $99.95 & 199.95
Step up and set up your spread on this ultra light outdoor dining set. Using technology that is applied to tent pole design, it all packs down to fit anywhere. backcountry.com
20Petzl Actik Headlamp, $44.95
Say goodbye to headlamp headaches with the lightest Petzl yet. It’s powerful too, with 300 lumens and long battery life (60 hours at full blast!). backcountry.com
21Petzl Actik Headlamp, $44.95
Say goodbye to headlamp headaches with the lightest Petzl yet. It’s powerful too, with 300 lumens and long battery life (60 hours at full blast!). backcountry.com
22Tepui Tents Autana Sky, $1,850
Once you go rooftop tent, you will likely never go back and after testing one last fall—and soon after buying our own—we’re #TeamTepui for life. The Autana Sky model sleeps up to three on its built-in three-inch foam mattress and the removable annex with PVC floor is like a bonus living room down below. tepuitents.com
As soon as the lifts stop spinning every spring, we mountain dwellers immediately switch gears and head west to start mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and hiking—before, after, or in between exotic adventures around the world (we see you living your best lives all over Instagram, locals … and you’re making us jealous).
Just under a four-hour drive from downtown Aspen, Moab is a mecca for the active set during the spring and fall off-seasons. It’s known as Utah’s “adventure capital” and for good reason—endless slickrock trails await any outdoor activity with the Colorado River running through it. From secluded Westworld set-worthy sites to designated areas in Arches* and Canyonlands National Parks to to BLM operated campgrounds everywhere in between—the best home base here is one that’s under the stars. So before you plan your next trip, upgrade your gear closet with these tried-and-tested picks for the ultimate camp site.
*Note: Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park is closed through November 30, 2017, for a major construction project.
