Question 1

What new camping gear for 2026 did Outdoor Empire test in this video?

Accepted Answer

I ran through a handful of brand-new 2026 releases: a GSI insulated travel food stack, an Exped Versaluxe sleeping pad, a Stio Eddy Coast sun shirt, multiple camping lights, and NOCS binoculars. It was mostly car-camping focused, but there were a couple pieces that could still make sense in a tighter kit. Everything was first impressions, and we’ll torture-test the stuff that makes the cut.

Question 2

Is the GSI Glacier Insulated Travel Stack worth it?

Accepted Answer

I think it’s a clever spin on a thermos because it’s a nesting system that can keep food hot up to 8 hours or cold up to 18. You can separate stuff (like chili and cornbread) and the containers are genuinely leak-proof. At $39.95 it’s a solid deal, but John called it a luxury item—not a must-have.

Question 3

How comfortable is the Exped Versaluxe sleeping pad for car camping?

Accepted Answer

This pad surprised me—inflated it’s about 3.5 inches thick and it honestly feels like a real mattress pad, not the cheap crinkly stuff. The TPU is quiet, soft, and has a “silky” finish that doesn’t sound like a potato chip bag when you move. For car camping, especially if you want something compact for a smaller vehicle, it’s a winner.

Question 4

What is the R-value and weight of the Exped Versaluxe pad?

Accepted Answer

The Versaluxe is rated at R-2.4, so I’m not grabbing it for real cold weather—if it’s dipping below roughly 40°F at night, I’d pick something warmer. Weight is 48 ounces (about 3 pounds / 1350 grams), so it’s not a backpacking featherweight. It’s clearly designed for car camping comfort and packability.

Question 5

Are solar camping string lights actually useful or just a gimmick?

Accepted Answer

I used to think they were gimmicky, but string lights are legit functional—especially with family camping. This Ogery set is 49 feet long, solar-chargeable, and it also has spotlight/flood options plus a 5,400 mAh battery that can top off a phone. For cozy vibes and not tripping over stuff at night, I’d pack it for car camping.

Question 6

What’s special about the Devos LightRanger 500?

Accepted Answer

This is one of those “every single trip” items for us because it turns camp into a little street lamp when you need to actually see what you’re doing. The 500 has multiple brightness levels plus amber and red modes, USB-C charging, and it can act as an emergency power bank. The wave-on/wave-off feature is pretty slick—maybe a little gimmicky, but it’s handy in a tent if you use it deliberately.

Question 7

Are NOCS Field Issue 42 binoculars good compared to Vortex?

Accepted Answer

For a binocular that looks a little playful, the image quality is surprisingly high—multi-coated lenses, nitrogen-filled, and a lifetime warranty. We compared them against John’s Vortex Diamondback HD and honestly, it was hard to discern a big difference in quality. At around $200, they’re competitive if you want solid optics without buying the super serious glass.

This New Camping Gear is Kinda Genius

🛍️ Products Mentioned (10)

GSI Glacier Insulated Travel Stack

Exped Versaluxe Sleeping Pad

Amazon Product

Ogery Solar Camping String Lights

Olight ArkPro Ultra Flashlight

Devos LightRanger 500

NOCS Field Issue 42

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