Wade Mercer | Fishing & Outdoor Gear

Deer camp gear I would pack for a hunt that works: glassing, scent control, camp comfort and getting a deer out of the woods. I compared well-reviewed options and picked the ones that earn their place in the kit. Some links may earn me a commission.

For men getting outside in North Carolina and nearby South Carolina, I put together straightforward places to hike, camp, and fish, from mountain trails and state parks to lakes, rivers, and quiet beaches. I picked spots with room to walk, cast from the bank, and spend a full day outside. Please check current hours, fees, and fishing rules before you go, and save this list for your next trip. Some links may earn me a commission.

For women getting outside in North Carolina and nearby South Carolina, I put together welcoming places to hike, camp, and try fishing at an easy pace. I picked state parks, lakes, beaches, and gentle trails that feel approachable for a first trip or a relaxed return. Please check current hours, fees, and conditions before you go, and save this list for your next outing. Some links may earn me a commission.

For parents with young kids, I put together my favorite easy outdoor spots in North Carolina and nearby South Carolina, from shady trails and lakes to beaches and first fishing spots. I like places that are gentle and simple to enjoy on a short family outing. Please check hours and fishing rules before you go, since they can change. I hope this helps you plan a day outside together, and some links here may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you.

This is the kit I would hand a kid on their first fishing trip, built for a parent who wants one bag and no tangles. It covers ages 3 and up, from a push-button rod to the vest, hooks, and snacks. I like gear that is easy for a kid to hold and cast, so I picked 30 essentials from published specs and buyer feedback. Everything is under $80, most items under $25. Come sit by the fire with us. Some links may earn me a commission.

For campers who want the campsite to stay useful after dark, with light for meals and power for the essentials. I like lanterns and power stations that are simple and easy to carry, so I kept this list to 17 picks — 6 power and solar options and 11 lanterns — that cleared my bar for strong reviews. Start with the devices you want to run, not the peak-watt headline. Some links may earn me a commission.

I like a camp breakfast that comes together without a fussy setup, so I picked stoves, pans, and coffee gear that match the burner and the group I am feeding. I kept this list to 20 well-reviewed picks — 7 stoves, 10 cast-iron and cookware pieces, and 3 coffee and hot-water picks — and I would check pan size against the burner before I buy. I hope these mornings taste as good as they look. Some links may earn me a commission.

For campers who want a better night outside, with room to sleep and gear that fits the sleeper and the season. I kept this list to the tents, sleeping bags and pads I would pack — roomy family tents, warm rectangular bags and pads that range from simple foam to quick electric inflation. I checked the reviews and availability on each one, so measure your bedding against the tent floor before you buy. I may earn a commission if you buy through my links.

For campers who want a better seat and a useful table, without bringing half the garage. I like chairs and tables that pack small, set up fast and fit the vehicle, so I kept this list to 30 researched options — folding chairs, roomier rockers, hammock seats and practical tables, in distinct formats only. Start with seat height, packed dimensions and your vehicle space. Grab the one you're missing before the weekend, then see Better Nights Outside for the rest of camp. Some links may earn me a commission.

For anglers and campers who need cold drinks and fresh food to last the day out, not just the drive there, I focus on insulated coolers and bottles in sizes for solo trips, family days, and longer stays. I narrowed this to 30 options after comparing size, insulation, and capacity, and I skip anything flimsy, hard to clean, or too bulky for a day trip. Pick the size that covers your next trip — some links may earn me a commission.

For anglers who want the right rod for the job, without decoding labels on their own. I like rods that match the water and the lure, so I sorted light-tackle, bass, catfish and coastal picks by what each one needs to do, using published specs, bestseller ranges and buyer feedback. Only 30 rods here — 20 picks and 10 gift ideas — each with its own job. Grab the one you're missing before the weekend, then see Fishing Reels to complete the setup. Some links may earn me a commission.

For anglers who want a reel that matches the rod and the way they fish, without sorting through endless options. I like reels that balance well with the rod, so I kept this list to 30 researched picks — 20 everyday options and 10 gift ideas — spanning spinning, baitcasting and specialty reels. My notes flag size, retrieve side and compatibility for each one. Grab the one you're missing before the weekend, then see Fishing Rods to complete the setup. Some links may earn me a commission.

For anglers whose rods end up leaning in corners between trips, and who want them stored safely instead. I like storage that fits the room and the rod count, so I compared 30 researched options, from wall and ceiling racks to freestanding organizers and rolling carts. Only racks, stands and carts for up to 16 rods here — 20 everyday picks and 10 gift ideas. Grab the one you're missing before the weekend, then see Fishing Rods for the rods to fill it. Some links may earn me a commission.

For bank and boat anglers who want less rummaging and more fishing, with gear that stays organized on the move. I like tackle bags that carry comfortably and keep trays easy to reach, so I compared bags, backpacks, slings, binders and storage boxes — 30 picks in all, 20 everyday and 10 gift ideas. Choose the smallest setup that comfortably holds your kit. Grab the one you're missing before the weekend, then see Fishing Lures to fill it. Some links may earn me a commission.