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Redmond travel guide: all about Redmond, Washington

This travel guide is for visitors to Redmond, Washington. Learn how to get around in Redmond and view recommendations for things to do in Redmond.

Table of contents

Where is redmond, washington, use a ride-share service, take a taxi, use a rental car, drive your own car, how to use public transportation in redmond, how to rent a bike in redmond, how to rent a scooter in redmond, marymoor park, sammamish landing, sammamish river trail, redmond town center, evans creek preserve, idyllwood beach park, farrell-mcwhirter farm park, microsoft visitor center, pike place market, seattle aquarium, pacific science center, burke museum, woodland park zoo, discovery park, washington park arboretum, golden gardens, downtown bellevue, crossroads mall, bellevue parks, downtown kirkland, things you should not do in redmond, safety tips for redmond, seattle freeze.

Redmond, WA, is a city in the western part of Washington state. It is part of Washington’s most populous county (King County) and is approximately 15 miles from Seattle.

Redmond is one of the Eastside suburbs of Seattle and home to several large tech companies.

How to travel to Redmond

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Seatac) is the nearest international airport and is approximately 22 miles away. Driving to Seatac from Redmond takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

There are 4 ways to get from Seatac to Redmond:

There are 3 app-based rideshare providers at Seatac: Lyft, Uber and Wingz. To get to a ride-share, go to the 3 rd floor of the airport parking garage and look for your assigned vehicle. If taking a Uber Black vehicle, meet your driver outside the baggage claim area at the door you’ve selected.

A ride-share from Seatac to Redmond costs between $50 to $70, depending on the time and circumstance.

There are taxi stands on the 3 rd floor of the parking garage with taxis waiting. There 2 kinds of taxis available: metered and flat-rate taxis. Learn more about the difference here .

Generally, ride-shares and taxis cost about the same. However, it may be cheaper to use a taxi when there is surge-pricing (when demand for ride share outpaces supply due to unusual circumstances like bad weather, traffic and special events).

All rental car companies are located at an off-site rental car facility about 5-minutes drive away. To get to the rental car facility, use the free shuttle buses located outside the Main Terminal Baggage Claim area (Doors 2 and 24). These free shuttle buses run 24 hours a day.

At the terminal, follow signs to Parking to retrieve your car. General Parking (located on floors 1-3 and 5-8) rates are:

• Hourly – $6
• Daily – $34
• Weekly – $169

The closest parking spaces to the terminal are located on Floor 4 of the garage and the parking rates are:

• Hourly – $7
• Daily – $42
• Weekly – $294

How to get around in Redmond

Downtown Redmond is very walkable and many stores, parks, library and apartments can be accessed on foot. You will need to bike, use public transportation or a car to get around outside of downtown Redmond.

Use the King County Metro bus to get around Redmond and the Seattle area. If you’ve never used the bus before, read this comprehensive guide to get started.

Use the King County Trip Planner to figure out your route.

You can use cash (exact change only) or an ORCA card to pay for the bus ride. For new riders who live/work in Redmond, use this link to get your free $25 ORCA card . Rides for youths 18 years old or younger are free of charge.

 There are 3 bike rental stores in Redmond:

• Edge & Spoke (non-electric and e-bikes)

Address: 7875 NE Leary Way, Redmond

• Element Cycles (non-electric and e-bikes)

Address: 15932 Redmond Way #103, Redmond

• Pedego (e-bikes only)

Address: 8296 160th Ave NE #106, Redmond

All 3 bike rental stores are located near the Sammamish River trail, which connects to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Biking on these trails is a great way to explore Redmond, Woodinville, Kenmore, Bothell and Seattle. Learn more about the Burke-Gilman trail access and parking here .

Helmet use is encouraged but not mandated.

Lime scooters are available for rent in Redmond. Download the Lime app to locate and rent scooters.

Scooters should ride in bicycle lanes and on trails and yield to pedestrians. If you choose to ride on a sidewalk with pedestrians, getting off the scooter and walking the scooter is encouraged. Read the Redmond City government guide on scooter use to learn about scooter parking and regulations.

Things to do in Redmond

This is King County’s most popular park and it’s close to downtown Redmond. There is a off-leash dog park, hiking trails, velodrome, climbing wall and 3 playgrounds. During summer and fall, there are also drive-in movies, concerts and performances. Parking is $1. You can also bike or walk to the park via the Sammamish River Trail.

This is a lake-front park near Marymoor Park. There are small beaches to explore and a dock where you can enjoy the view of Lake Sammamish. It’s very popular on nice days and a laid-back place to enjoy the lake. You can walk or bike to it from Marymoor Park via the scenic East Lake Sammamish Trail. Parking can be limited on nice days.

Very popular walking and biking trail in Redmond. This paved-trail is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, and connects to Seattle, Bothell and Woodinville via the Burke-Gilman trail. Keep an eye out for herons, cormorants, ducks and other wildlife.

This outdoor mall has an eclectic mix of restaurants, stores and businesses (salons, medical offices). See store directory . In summer, there are family-friendly events and the water fountain turns into a kid splash pad.

This large park is located outside of downtown Redmond and features lots of easy hiking trails that are mostly flat. There are picnic areas and restrooms. Very kid friendly. Limited parking on nice days.

Small but excellent beach park in Redmond. It’s very popular during summer. There’s a kid-friendly swimming beach, playground and picnic areas with a scenic view of Lake Sammamish. There is also a dock for anglers and hiking trails.

68-acre park with an animal farm where kids can view barnyard animals like cows, horses and pigs. There are also hiking trails, a small playground and picnic areas.

Learn about Microsoft’s future products and its history at this museum/company store. Click here for its hours .

You can find more Redmond events here .

Main events

Derby Days – July

This is a free summer event with carnival rides, music performances, parades, activities, 5K race, beer garden and food vendors.

Redmond Lights – December     

This Redmond winter festival features light exhibits, parades, music performances and an international market.

Attractions outside of Redmond

The most famous market in the area. Lots of food stalls and restaurants to browse. Grab some food and enjoy the waterfront views.

The Seattle Aquarium is a short walk from Pike Place. It’s a small aquarium but worth a look especially if you have kids. Check out the nearby Pier 62 (waterfront park) while you are there.

A family-friendly attraction that’s fun for a rainy day. There’s a butterfly exhibit, kids crafting area, IMAX theater and science exhibits.

Wonderful natural history and cultural museum on the University of Washington campus. There’s an impressive collection of specimens and artifacts to fascinate kids and grownups.

Decent zoo with a fair number of animals. Not the best zoo I’ve visited but not the worst either.

Lots of hiking trails, scenic views and playgrounds at this beach park. There is a lighthouse but that requires a moderate hike to get to. This is the place to go if you want to take beautiful photos of Seattle.

This beach is popular with walkers, runners and tourists. There are restaurants nearby and a paved trail. Parking is limited on summer days.

Large, beautiful park on the University of Washington campus. Lots of varied walking trails, restrooms and a visitor center with a café. Free admission.

Scenic beach with walking trails, playgrounds, volleyball nets and mountain views. Open fires are allowed here. Good spot for watching the sunset. Parking is limited in summer.

Full of fancy malls and beautiful urban parks, downtown Bellevue has a more upscale feel than Seattle and Redmond. Overall, it’s a nice change of pace from downtown Redmond’s sleepier vibes.

Located on the border of Redmond and Bellevue, Crossroads Mall is an interesting community meeting place. It’s a place where locals hang out to workout, play games, watch free musical performances, use the library and dine at the varied food court. Nearby Crossroads Park is a family-friendly spot with playgrounds and picnic areas.

Several Bellevue parks are worth a visit: Bellevue Botanical Garden , Bellevue Downtown Park and Kelsey Creek Farm are some of the highlights.

Downtown Kirkland is an attractive waterfront neighborhood with a somewhat urban feel. It’s a wealthy area with lake-front homes and the cute downtown has nice restaurants and stores. It’s a “vanilla” town compared to Seattle and a lot less diverse than Redmond and Bellevue. Nevertheless, it’s a fun area to check out, especially during summer.

Do not walk in the middle of a trail

Always walk on the right side of the trail so that runners and bicyclists can pass you on the left.

Do not be invisible in the dark

It’s frequently dark and rainy in Redmond, especially during the cooler months, and it’s very dangerous if motorists cannot see you. Wearing bright, reflective clothes or lighted gear will keep everyone safe.

Do not litter or leave pet waste on the ground

Redmond is known for its pristine nature and littering and/or not picking up dog waste is a big no-no.

Redmond is a safe city to walk about, even at night, but crimes do happen. Taking the usual precautions, such as walking in groups and staying alert will go a long way.

Compared to Seattle, Redmond feels a lot safer and violent crime is rare here. The most common type of crime in Redmond is property crime (defined as theft, vehicle theft and burglary). You can protect yourself by never leaving valuables in your car and securing your home.

The Seattle Freeze is a real social phenomenon that you may encounter in Redmond. It’s characterized by unfriendliness, standoffishness, and a reluctance to befriend strangers. My own personal take on this is that Redmond is a city of transplants and many locals are reluctant to invest the time in getting to know newcomers. There are also lots of introverts here and the gloomy weather doesn’t exactly make people warm and perky.

If you are new to the area, the best way to make friends in Redmond is to befriend other transplants, then branching out to meet new people via hobbies/interests.

Related posts:

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• Top Free Seasonal Kids Activities in Redmond
• The Best Free Kids Activities in Redmond, WA
• Giggle Jungle Review
• Preschools and Daycares in Redmond, WA

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Sammamish River Trail

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Experience redmond.

Microsoft Building 88

Space Needle

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University of Washington

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The Best Travel Gear and Accessories of 2024

After a decade of travel, and numerous stints of nomadic living, I’ve learned how to travel pretty minimally, which means the things that I do buy are exponentially more important to me. It’s taken quite a few years time to learn what the best travel gear is, mostly through trial and error.

My travel gear works for me, but it may not work for you. Because I travel so often, and because I don’t want to be replacing my gear every few months, the quality of what I choose to use is of utmost importance.

Cost is the next determining factor, but I think you’ll find that the travel accessories I use are pretty reasonably priced. That said, sometimes I do think it’s worth forking out for a piece of quality travel gear that’s going to last you—quite literally—for your entire life.

I travel carry-on only—with two bags—one on my back and one on the front. For more information on how I pack, and how I get away with never having to check a bag, you might like this article on how to travel carry-on only .

If you’re looking for what I believe to be some of the best travel gear on the market, look no further than here!

Travel Gear Roundups

• Best Backpack Brands
• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Carry-On Backpacks
• Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Best Travel Daypacks
• Best Packable Backpacks
• Best Waterproof Backpacks
• Best Carry-On Duffel Bags
• Best Tactical Backpacks
• Best Hiking Backpacks
• Best Roll Top Backpacks
• Best Anti-Theft Backpacks
• Best Laptop Backpacks
• Best Luggage Brands
• Best Carry-On Luggage
• Best Hardside Luggage
• Best Soft Side Luggage
• Best Lightweight Luggage
• Best Checked Luggage
• Best Samsonite Luggage
• Best Luggage Sets
• Best Garment Bags
• Best Hardside Luggage Sets
• Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage
• Cheap Luggage Sets
• Best Men’s Luggage
• Best Wheeled Luggage
• Best Affordable Luggage
• Best Affordable Carry-On Luggage
• Best Luggage for International Travel
• Best Spinner Luggage
• Best Carry-On Luggage for Men
• Best Rolling Luggage
• Best Travel Shirts
• Best Travel Shoes
• Best Rain Jackets
• Best Travel Clothing Brands
• Best Travel Water Bottles
• Best Jacket Brands
• Best Mirrorless Cameras for Travel
• Best Merino Wool Brands
• Best Travel Gadgets
• What to Wear Hiking
• Best Hiking Shirts
• Best Hiking Pants
• Best Hiking Sandals
• Best Midlayers
• Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking
• Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
• Best Hiking Boot Brands
• Hiking Shoes vs. Boots
• Best Hiking Camera Backpacks
• Best Backpacking Tents
• Best Tent Brands
• Best Sleeping Bag Brands
• Car Camping Essentials

Essential Travel Gear and Travel Accessories

Let’s start with the basics. The bare essentials. On every trip, you’re going to need backpacks/luggage, toiletries, various tools, and organizational methods to keep it all in one place. After years of extensive testing, these are some of the best pieces of travel gear and travel accessories on the market today.

Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack (Men)

The Osprey Farpoint 40L is, in my opinion, the all-rounder best travel backpack. The best part? It’s sized for carry-on only!

If you’re looking for something slightly larger, the 55L version is another great option (it comes with a detachable daypack) and is also sized for carry-on travel.

Click here for my full Osprey Farpoint review .

Osprey Fairview 40L Backpack (Women)

For the ladies in the crowd, the Fairview 40L is the same bag as the Farpoint but built for the female frame. Again, the 55L version of the Fairview is a slightly larger version with a removable daypack which is also sized for carry-on travel!

Click here for my full Osprey Fairview review .

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack comes in 20L and 30L sizes and is the best travel daypack for every adventure. It’s carry-on sized, serves well as an every-day backpack in the city, but is just as well suited to a hike in the mountains.

This is like the Swiss Army knife of backpacks, and where many others have failed, Peak Design has come through with a remarkably elegant and functional design. With top and side access points and removable internal organizational panels, this is one of the most versatile bags you can buy.

Compression Sacs

The secret to traveling light? Compression sacs ! They’re like packing cubes with a vacuum. Put your clothes inside, roll the compression sacs to press all the air out, and seal it shut.

You’ll fit a lot more stuff into a much smaller space—up to an 80% reduction in size!

Compression Packing Cubes

If packing cubes and compression sacs had a baby, they’d be compression cubes . They have a compression zipper to shrink the size!

Stay organized and save space at the same time.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Sac

Keep yourself organized with these see-through travel sacs .

Great for organizing cables, toiletries, or whatever other random travel accessories you have rolling around your bag.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

The perfectly-sized toiletry bag, the Sea-to-Summit toiletry bag is water-resistant, durable and has loads of internal mesh pockets.

It comes with a shatterproof mirror and easily hangs from any hook which makes it ideal for unpacking and repacking (as in, you never have to unpack it!)

GRAYL GEOPRESS Filtered Water Bottle

Not only is the GRAYL GEOPRESS BPA-free, but it removes 99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoan cysts. You can drink from almost any freshwater source around the world, like hostel sinks, wells or lakes and even murky rivers without getting sick.

Not only does it purify the water, but it filters it, too, so even sedimentary sources are perfectly safe to drink from. Take clean water with you wherever you go—and stop buying so many plastic water bottles!

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Multi-Tool

Measuring only 2.25 in. in length and weighing less than 2 oz, the Squirt PS4 is small enough to take along on every adventure.

The stainless steel body houses a pair of regular pliers, needle-nose pliers, scissors, 3 screwdrivers, wire cutters, replaceable tweezers, a wood/metal file, straight knife, and a bottle opener.

Just make sure you don’t try to carry this on, or TSA will confiscate it!

Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp

Black Diamond has been a household name for climbing and outdoor adventure gear since the late 80’s. This headlamp cranks out 400 lumens with a longer burn time in a more compact form.

It has multiple brightness modes, flood and spot modes, dimming, red, green and blue modes, an adjustable strap, and it glows in the dark so it’s easy to find. This is one the best headlamps I’ve ever used.

Sea to Summit Ascent Sleeping Bag

Made from responsibly sourced 750-fill-power duck down, the all new Ascent sleeping bag from Sea-to-Summit is perfect for backpacking or camping—it weighs just 2 lbs 7 oz and is rated to 15-degrees (F).

This versatile sleeping bag is ideal for most climates, including fall, spring, summer and mild winter weather. It packs down to the height of a water bottle and takes up just 6.2 liters of space when compressed, making this the perfect sleeping bag for hiking and camping.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack

An essential piece of the best travel gear, a dry bag keeps your valuables safe whenever you’re near the water. The Ultra-Sil dry sack comes in sizes from 2L – 35L and is ultra-lightweight and completely waterproof!

Pack a change of clothes or carry your camera, this lightweight dry bag is durable and comes with a roll-top enclosure.

Pacsafe Prosafe 800 Luggage Lock

Lock your zippers to keep your belongings safe, whether you’re checking your bag on a plane, riding the train or bus, staying in a shared hostel room, or simply browsing night markets.

Works great on lockers, too, if you ever need to stash your bags somewhere for a day.

Best of all, this lock is TSA-approved and you don’t need to carry a key around with you.

My number one travel accessory! I never travel without earplugs .

Whether you’re sleeping on the plane, in a loud hostel or hotel, or just need to block out the world for a while, these are an essential travel item.

aLOKSAK Waterproof Bags

If you’re going to be near the water, you need a way to keep your electronics and important documents dry.

This set of four waterproof bags do everything they’re supposed to—and nothing more. Waterproof to 200ft.

Universal Power Adapter

The most forgotten piece of travel gear? A power adapter!

Make sure you’re equipped for whatever country you end up in with this universal power adapter that fits every country (on both sides!).

Men's Travel Clothes

As a male traveler, myself, these are all my top picks, and the clothes I always take with me when I travel. Everything below is a piece of performance travel gear that will keep you warm, dry, ventilated, or whatever your particular travel situation calls for.

Arc'teryx Beta LT Weatherproof Jacket

The granddaddy of lightweight rain shells, the Beta LT by Arc’teryx is top of the line. Be forewarned, it isn’t the cheapest piece of gear you’ll buy, but this is an item that lasts a lifetime.

It’s completely waterproof but also breathable at the same time, which means you won’t drench yourself in sweat (and you’ll actually stay dry).

Made to be lightweight and packable, this is the perfect rain jacket for every adventure.

Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody

The Atom LT Hoody by Arc’teryx is one of the best midlayers you can buy, and also serves as an outer layer when weatherproofing isn’t an issue.

It’s incredibly lightweight and packable, but versatile and also does a remarkable job regulating your body heat.

Vuori Tradewind Performance Tee

I’ve been loving all things Vuori lately, and their Tradewind Performance tee is no exception. I don’t know how they do it, but everything they make is unbelievably comfortable and made for active lifestyles.

The Tradewind is a polyester/elastane blend with UPF protection and quickdry capabilities. Whether you’re working out at the gym, hiking in the backcountry or even lounging around at home, this shirt does it all.

It’s soft and stretchy and, being made mostly from polyester, this travel shirt does an excellent job wicking sweat and regulating body temperature.

Bluffworks Chino Travel Pants

Bluffworks makes pants just for travelers. Though they have a few different versions available, the chinos are by far the most versatile pair.

These technical travel pants are breathable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-dry, stretchy, and best of all, comfortable. These will serve you everywhere from the board room to the top of a mountain.

KÜHL Radikl Shorts

KÜHL is known for their pants, and they make great shorts as well. Whether you’re on the plane or hiking in the mountains, the Radikl shorts by KÜHL are perfect all-rounder short for active and adventurous travelers.

They are rain and stain resistant and they feature 4-way comfort stretch technology and multi-functional pockets.

Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2

Hiking boots can be too bulky to travel with, and their bulk and stiffness can actually be uncomfortable on the trail. I’ve found hiking shoes or trail runners are almost always a better option.

These hiking shoes are lightweight, travel easily, are waterproof with waterproof membranes and have aggressive grippy soles to keep you confident on any terrain.

ExOfficio Travel Underwear

Ditch your cotton underwear—they don’t serve travelers well.

ExOfficio makes underwear just for travel, which means they’re lightweight, ultra-breathable, quick-dry, moisture-wicking, and gosh darn comfortable.

You could easily travel forever with just two pairs of ExOfficio’s—one to wear and one that you wash in the sink (or shower) each night.

Cool Mesh II Wrightsock

Wrightsock doesn’t have any fancy marketing, but they make one heck of a sock.

Though they produce a lot of styles, the Cool Mesh —their best selling— is a breathable, lightweight double-layer sock designed for a minimal feel.

They’re great travel socks that serve well for running, walking and hiking. Best of all—they dry really fast!

Women's Travel Clothes

The female members of the TravelFreak team weighed in and provided some recommendations for their favorite travel clothes. Similar to the men’s section, these are all performance items as opposed to fashionable ones.

Arc'teryx Beta LT Weatherproof Jacket

Invest in quality gear once and you’ll save money over time. The Beta LT by Arc’teryx is the epitome of this mantra.

It’s a top-of-the-line, lightweight rain shell that you’ll use for the rest of your life. Though it comes with a heftier price tag, it’s the only one you’ll ever need, which means you’ll save a lot of money in the long run.

This is, by and far, the best travel rain jacket I’ve ever owned.

The Atom LT Hoody belongs in every traveler’s bag. It’s a warm yet breathable midlayer that also serves as an outer layer when you’re not dodging the rain. Surprisingly lightweight given its warmth rating, there’s a reason Arc’teryx is one of the best outdoor clothing brands on the market.

Ably Polly T-Shirt

The ultimate travel t-shirt, the Polly by Ably is made from 100% premium cotton but treated with Filium. It’s a revolutionary technology that makes fabrics water-repellent and stain- and odor-resistant.

Wear it for days on end and nobody would be able to tell!

Athleta Stash Pocket Leggings

A pair of leggings are a must for any female traveler, but a good pair of leggings will elevate the entire travel experience.

You want leggings that will last—and these ones will. Built with breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric, these Athleta leggings have light compression properties and a buttery soft feel with 4-way stretch for full range of movement.

Perfect for hikes, yoga or long plane rides.

prAna Isaline Sports Bra

prAna makes some of the best clothes for active adventurers, and the Isaline sports bra is no exception.

Made from recycled polyester, this sports bra is moisture-wicking, comes with removable modesty cups and features a wide racerback with lattice straps.

Great for jogs, yoga, relaxing and even summer hiking.

Columbia Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Since hiking boots are bulky to pack, hiking shoes are the next best option with a sneaker-like low profile.

The Redmonds by Columbia are waterproof yet breathable which means they’re perfect in the rain—or any time, really!

The soles are sticky and, above all else, these won’t cost you an arm and a leg (you wouldn’t be able to wear shoes without a leg, anyway).

Electronics

Running a travel blog means I have to travel with slightly more/different equipment than most. Weight and size of electronics are big factors, but everything here easily fits into my two bags. What you see below is essentially my mobile office!

MacBook Pro

Big enough for professional work but small enough to carry everywhere you go, the MacBook Pro is the best option for professionals who travel or people who need to get work done on the road.

As someone who works and travels constantly, I use the 15″, but this is probably too big for the average person.

Google Pixel 4

Sporting the best camera in any smartphone available, the Google Pixel 4 is also one of the best overall smartphones you can buy.

It runs pure Android, which means it doesn’t come with any extra software installed (a.k.a. “bloatware”) that might slow down your device.

LaCie Rugged Mini 4TB

Hard drives have a habit of breaking or crashing when on the move.

Luckily, LaCie makes a drive with a patent-pending rubber casing that protects the drive from drops and heavy-ish abuse.

Inside the casing are Seagate drives which are some of the best and most well-respected drives in the industry.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

No bag is fully packed without an eReader, and the Paperwhite is arguably the gold standard.

Featuring a paper-like reading experience and a crisp 300ppi display, the latest Paperwhite is now waterproof, which means no more worries in the bath or by the beach!

JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker

Bring the party—or the chill—everywhere you go. This Bluetooth speaker is incredibly rugged and durable (it’s fully waterproof!) and has sound so good it might surprise you.

Bring it to the beach, start the party at your hostel or listen to podcasts in the shower—it’s all good with the Flip 5 .

Plus, the cylindrical shape means it fits perfectly in your water-bottle pocket, so it’s extremely portable!

Travel Photography Gear

If you’re interested in my photography equipment, these are the mainstays of my kit. For some extra photography accessories, plugins, and courses, check out my post on  the best equipment for travel photography .

Fujifilm X-T3

The most compact, pro-level travel camera you can buy at a very reasonable price point. You won’t find a better bang for your buck than the X-T3 .

For other options, check out this post on  the best mirrorless cameras for travel .

Fujinon 16-55m f/2.8

The elite “standard zoom” for the Fujifilm X-mount series with a fixed f2.8 aperture. It’s a pricey lens, but if you’re serious about your photography, you’ll definitely want this one in your arsenal.

Because Fujifilm cameras have a 1.5x crop factor, this lens is equivalent to 24-82mm, which is similar to the industry standard 24-70.

Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 Wide Angle

Every travel photographer needs a wide-angle lens, and this is, without question, the best one available for the Fujifilm X-mount.

Because Fujifilm cameras have a 1.5x crop factor, this lens is equivalent to 15-36mm (similar to the standard 16-35).

3 Legged Thing Punks Corey Travel Tripod

You may or may not have heard of 3 Legged Thing, but they’re a company to watch. The Punks Corey is made of aluminum, weighs 3.4lbs and is just 13.7″ when folded.

It’s lightweight and compact but expands to a full 58″ high. It even turns into a monopod when the situation calls for it. Ballhead included.

DJI Mavic Pro 2

Without question, the Mavic Pro 2 is the best drone for travel photography. With 31 minutes of flight time and a range of up to 4-miles, you’ll be able to capture any aerial you want.

The Pro 2 features a Hasselblad camera with a 20MP CMOS sensor for optimal image quality.

Highly recommended are the Fly More bundle (extra batteries and propellers) and DJI Care Refresh (warranty)—which you will most definitely be using.

GoPro Hero 8 Action Camera

Everybody knows GoPro, and for good reason. They make the best action cameras on the market.

Their latest release, the GoPro Hero 8 , ships with some of the best stabilization technology I’ve seen, which means you can film without a gimbal!

The 12MP sensor shoots at 4K and, like the Hero 5 and 6, has a touchscreen LCD.

Rode Video Mic

Any videographer will need an external mic, and this Rode shotgun mic fits the bill. It’s an excellent all-rounder microphone and it won’t break the budget.

Vello ShutterBoss Wireless Intervalometer

If you plan to shoot tripod selfies or long exposures longer than 30 seconds, you’ll need an intervalometer. Vello makes the best and this one is wireless up to 250 feet!

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance. In the same way you’d insure your home, health or car, it’s equally important to insure your trip. Whether your trip gets canceled, you get injured on the road or your smartphone gets stolen, travel insurance covers your back.

It could, literally, save you thousands of dollars.

My insurance company of choice is World Nomads . Just fill out the form below for a free quote, check out the full World Nomads travel insurance review , or click here for a comparison of the top travel insurance companies out there.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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I’m a Lifelong Camper — Here’s the Cooking Gear You Need to Have an Actually Good Meal in the Woods

Make more than just s'mores on your next trip.

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Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Camping is a great way to step out of our day-to-day and be present in our surroundings, whether communing with nature or building memories with loved ones. As an avid camper, I’m more than happy to leave technology at home, but I’m much less willing to forgo the pleasure of eating (and sharing) a home-cooked meal on my outdoor adventures. Sure, there’s an undeniable nostalgia of cooking s’mores or hot dogs over an open fire, but camping gear has come a long way since my childhood camping trips. 

When it comes to packing, I’ve managed with just the bare essentials for multi-day backpacking trips when every ounce counts, and I’ve also loaded up a boat full of coolers and provisions to feed seven campers for a long weekend. With any camping trip though, preparation is key. A functional camp kitchen involves a camp stove , cooking equipment , utensils , and storage at a minimum. There’s also ample opportunity to integrate packable, space-saving cooking gear to up your camp culinary experience without overloading your car. Assembling a camp kitchen also means you’ll be ready for impromptu trips without forgetting any essentials. 

Wherever your next adventure takes you, these are the 15 camp kitchen essentials this lifelong camper recommends for enjoying gourmet meals al fresco. 

Coleman Classic 2-Burner Propane Stove

For some, camping is about getting back to the basics. In the same vein, I love the simplicity and classic design of this two-burner camp stove . I can fit a pair of 12- and 10-inch pans (or a sizable griddle) on the cooktop — opening my campsite menu to more elaborate dishes. Equipped with dual 10,000 BTU burners, the Coleman Classic delivers solid heat output, but it’s the precise temperature control that I appreciate most. On simmer, it browned my pan-fried gnocchi to perfection.  

The stove is compatible with the standard 16.4-ounce propane cylinders, which is a breeze to set up. In the words of one happy camper , “It is incredibly simple to use; just pop it open, connect the propane port to the stove, connect the propane tank to the port, turn the dial on the stove to start the propane, and fire it up.”

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

When I’m backpacking, I swap my bulkier two-burner for this lightweight, all-in-one cooking system . Comprising an insulated thermos that doubles as the cookpot, plus a burner, bottom cup that’s both a measuring cup and bowl, stabilizer stand, and butane fuel canister, the packed weight is shy of one pound. It’s capable of boiling one liter of water in 1 minute and 40 seconds. Tacking on the Pot Support makes it compatible with Jetboil’s Summit Skillet , expanding your cooking options beyond dehydrated meals and anything that just requires adding boiling water. 

Since it’s so packable, I also bring it on car and boat camping trips, as it’s adept at boiling water, freeing up a burner on my Coleman stove for more complex cooking tasks. One adventurer emphasized how it’s revolutionized their coffee. “I've done dehydrated meals, noodles, and all the standard fare, but my favorite is how it's elevated my coffee in the field. If you love coffee like I do get the French Press attachment and thank me later.”

Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe

As an avid camper and nature lover, I try to reduce my environmental footprint whenever possible. For frequent campers, investing in a refillable fuel canister can cut down on a ubiquitous form of waste: single-use fuel canisters. After my first time using it, it quickly dawned on me how many green canisters I’ve gone through in 30+ years of camping. I also love the portable and durable design of the storage case. The four-foot connector hose is easy to attach and long enough for flexible kitchen setup. Any extra length can be wrapped around the canister, so it’s safely tucked out of the way. 

As one camper notes, “I just got home from a 5-night beach camping trip. We cooked breakfast and dinner every day, and I still have at least half a tank.” The sustainability perks were noted by many customers. Another camper chimed in: “After going through countless 1-pound canisters, I decided to buy this 5-pound. tank. It cost me $5 to fill it up and has lasted quite a long time.”

Gerber ComplEAT 16-Piece Cookset

Gerber Gear

Having once relied on a Tupperware bin containing mismatching plates, pots, and pans, I’ve found the streamlined design of this camping cookset does wonders for simplifying my packing list and enhancing meal prep. The entire 16-piece set neatly stacks together for compact storage bag (I’m a big fan of the diagram explaining the order to repack the set). Starting from the bottom, there’s a deep sauté pan, hot pad, and stock pot with an integrated strainer lid — adding versatility and practicality. Moving up, the tableware is another standout for me, as the distinct colors help clearly identify whose plate is whose. I also appreciate the versatility of the mixing bowl and the space saved by the detachable pan handle. 

In their review, one camper emphasized that “the ‘nesting’ feature to minimize space is simply amazing.” Another raves about the functionality and quality construction: “It's literally everything I need for a camping trip...and is definitely durable to withstand being outdoors.”

Gerber ComplEAT Griddle

From eggs and pancakes to burgers and grilled cheeses, a griddle is a must-have for whipping up campsite comfort food or cooking for a crowd. Measuring 1 foot by 11 inches, this carbon steel griddle is a compatible addition to almost any two-burner stove. Hardly anything sticks to the carbon steel surface, and I love the raised sidewalls, which help keep everything in the pan for less mess and better flavor. 

The griddle handle is the same detachable handle used in the ComplEAT 16-piece cookset . As one camper puts it, “What’s better than preparing an entire breakfast with 1 tool?” adding that the removable handle made it incredibly easy to clean and pack away.  

MSR Folding Utensils

Backcountry

Whether car camping or backpacking, I make space for essential utensils to upgrade my campsite dining experience. This folding utensil set covers the bases with two forks and two spoons. Made from lightweight, BPA-free nylon, they hardly make a dent in my packed weight and avoid the risk of leaching chemicals into camp meals. They measure just 4.5 inches when folded, and 8 inches when unfolded and locked into place. 

With a 4.5-star average rating from over 200 campers, the utensils are a tried-and-true step up from plastic models. As one shopper says: “What I really like best is that they are easy to clean. No grooves or channels to clean and you don’t have to separate the pieces to scrub them.” 

Gerber ComplEAT Cutting Board Set

Cooking outside my home requires a bit more focus and planning. While nature is perfect (to me at least), it rarely provides an ideal kitchen setup, so bringing a quality cutting board is essential for safe and effective meal prep. This cutting board set includes a pair of cutting boards — one bamboo and one polypropylene — alongside two knives and two trays (I actually swap out the inner tray for more storage space). Having a dedicated tray for raw meat and veggies helps divide tasks between sous chefs and adds assurance that I won’t put myself or fellow campers at risk of food poisoning. 

The whole set stacks together securely for compact storage, though the 4-pound weight means I reserve it for car and boat camping trips. The functionality was praised by many customers. As one adventurer puts it, “I was impressed with the well thought out design and concept behind the whole package,” adding that the rubber feet do a great job of holding the board in place during use. 

Radius Outfitters Small Camp Kitchen Organizer

Having all my cooking equipment at the ready helps put me at ease when settling into a new camp kitchen setup. This kitchen organizer provides intuitive storage across a series of utensil sleeves, knife sheath, and see-through pockets for whatever campsite dining requires. Besides knives and cutlery, I typically pack in a bottle opener, corkscrew, lighter, scissors, and spatula, with some room to spare. The durable exterior keeps everything clean and protected from the elements. 

The ability to hang the organizer just about anywhere is a major plus. When the picnic table gets busy (or there isn’t one), I hang it from a nearby tree, which gives the benefit of having all my cooking equipment at eye level. If cooking for a crowd, the large kitchen organizer may be a better choice.

Sea to Summit Frontier Collapsible Pour Over

Sea to Summit

I do most of my camping these days in New York’s Adirondack Park, and coffee is a must for chilly mornings and an energy boost for my morning paddle. And with no house chores or deadlines to worry about while camping, I have ample time for making a more flavorful cup (or several) of pour-over coffee. This collapsible pour-over system is both convenient and effective at making morning brews. The filter is made with a stainless-steel mesh filter and EU food-grade silicone, ensuring quality and safety. 

The pour-over base can fit virtually any mug or thermos. I love how easy it is to clean and that it folds flat for packing. Weighing just 2 ounces, it’s also a feasible backpacking coffee solution. When camping with larger groups though, I pack this insulated French press to keep up with demand. 

Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug

Since I pack my own reusable water bottle for staying hydrated, any additional drinkware is meant for morning coffee and alcoholic beverages. This insulated mug does the trick for hot and cold drinks alike, helping pare down my packing list. The double-wall vacuum insulation and magnet lid provide excellent temperature retention and leak resistance. In the succinct words of one shopper : “Easy to clean and keeps my drinks hot for a long time.” 

I also appreciate that the short and wide design makes it less prone to tipping over. If it does fall, the stainless-steel material holds up well to wear and tear. For storing at home, I love the stackable design. Simply remove the lid and nest each mug on top of the next.

Collapsible Dish Basin

Having to do dishes is perhaps my least favorite part of camping — and by way of cooking delicious camp meals, I aim to get out of this chore whenever possible. But when camping with just my husband or a smaller group, it’s an inevitable duty that I’m happier to embrace with this user-friendly basin. While cooking, I typically have it set up nearby to pre-soak anything that’ll take more effort to clean later. The removable drain plug opens with a simple twist but is secure enough that it won’t accidentally release. 

Measuring 12 inches by 12 inches by 2.8 inches when collapsed, it neatly tucks in any number of my gear bags. The convenience and space-saving perks have earned it a 4.8-star average rating from over 1,400 shoppers. “Easy to use. Easy to clean. Easy to empty,” said one satisfied camper . 

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Soap

While toiletries and kitchen cleaning products are distinct categories at home, camping (and backpacking especially) require a more strategic approach. This highly concentrated soap can be used for dishes, laundry, and washing up. I mainly use it for dishes and handwashing — and a couple of drops is about all I need to get the job done, even with cold water. The 100 percent biodegradable formula is essential given the outdoor use. 

It comes in a 3.3-ounce bottle, which goes a surprisingly long way while still being TSA-friendly. “We use it for all the things, from cooking to clothes in a pinch,” said one camper, adding that it lasted their family of six on a tour of U.S. National Parks. 

Yeti LoadOut GoBox Gear Case

Alongside my insulated, hard-top Yeti cooler , I rely on this durable gear case to keep my camping provisions and equipment safe and sound. The 30-liter gear box comes with me on multi-day boat and car camping trips. I appreciate how the removable divider and caddy trays help keep gear organized and in place, especially during transit. The divider or trays can be taken out to accommodate larger items as well. 

It’s yet to go overboard on any of my boat trips, but the dust-proof and fully submersible construction has given me the confidence to leave it out during rainstorms without any leaks. According to one reviewer, it’s “very sturdy, very durable, and seems to me it will last a lifetime.” For greater storage needs, note that the LoadOut GoBox is a stackable design that pairs with Yeti’s 60-liter and 15-liter versions.

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3000

Whereas the LoadOut GoBox holds more durable equipment like my camp stove, this gear box is my go-to for transporting wine, snacks, and more fragile items. It comes with three removable Velcro dividers that can be configured and customized to best suit your storage needs. There’s also Velcro on the bottom to hold the box in place on the floor of your vehicle. I love the convenience of the removable lid for having one-handed access to anything I need while cooking. 

The design blends style and durability. Leather handles add character while providing a secure and comfortable grip. The 1680D Cordura exterior covering can stand up to the elements and handle the wear and tear that comes with outdoor adventure. When not in use, I’m a fan of the ability to disassemble and store flat in my closet. Reassembling takes just a few minutes.

Kelty Noah’s Tarp

Being prepared can help make light of rain and bad weather. This spacious tarp gives somewhere to congregate outside the tent, plus shelter for the camp chef and dining area, and if the weather takes a turn. For those camping in the desert or open areas, the tarp is also well-suited for sun protection. It’s typically the first thing I set up on arrival, as the 12-foot by 12-foot tarp (there’s a 16-foot by 16-foot version , too) protects all my camping gear while I set up the tent and get the lay of the land. 

I’ve always been able to secure the tarp to trees for camp kitchen coverage, thanks in part to the multiple guy-out points. However, it can be set up with poles if needed. As one camper notes, “The 12-foot version easily covers a picnic table [with] room to spare.” Another traveler chimed in that “It’s built to last many seasons of use,” adding that there are tons of options to configure the tarp for camping. 

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