Clothing, shoes and accessories are very important to your overall camping experience. Take it from Jessica Simpson, camping with high heels isn’t very much fun. The editors here at 50 Campfires also know a thing or two about being stuck in the elements without the right attire. That is why we have chosen these 5 items to be awarded the 2013 Gear of the Year. From bugs to rough terrain – having the right gear can make any camping situation enjoyable.

White Sierra Insect Shield Repellent Clothing

Everyone is nervous about diseases that insects can carry. We’ve found the perfect, stylish way to protect yourself. White Sierra’s new line of insect repellent clothing has everything from hats to jackets. The insect repellent clothing repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges. The really cool thing about this clothing is just how long the protection will last you – up to 70 washes! Perhaps the single greatest thing about this new line is that testing has proven a 97% bite reduction. If you are camping and feel like you are a mosquito magnet then this White Sierra clothing is a must.

Visit White Sierra’s website

MSRP: Varies

TerraLUX TLH 50 Headlamp

What a great invention. The headlamp. We use it ALL the time for camping and have had our fair share of duds. We have found a true gem in the new TerraLUX TLH 50 headlamp. It’s small and very lightweight, but it really churns out the light. 540 lumens to be exact. It’s built to last with a durable aluminum housing, unlike most plastic headlamps that we’ve owned, which break easily. It doesn’t move around on your head and comes equipped with 4 settings: high, medium, low and quick flash mode. We simply love it.

Visit TerraLux Headlamps website

MSRP: $79.99

Korkers Ice Jack BOA

If you’re a person that still likes to get outdoors in the cold to camp, hunt or fish then the Korkers Ice Jack BOA boot are right up your alley. We’ve tried so many boots that claim to be warm and waterproof, but aren’t. Thus far we haven’t found a flaw in them. It’s 100% waterproof & includes 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation. The best thing about this boot is the interchangeable sole system. It comes with two outsoles – SnowTrac Winter Rubber Lug and IceTrac Studded Rubber Lug with carbide studs. Plus, the easily tie able BOA system! They’re simply the most adaptable, high tech boot we’ve come across.

Visit the Korkers website

MSRP: $209.99

Birksun Levels Solar Backpack

When we see the BirkSun Solar Backpacks it feels like we’re getting a glimpse of what everything wearable will look like in the future. You are already bring a backpack hiking and on camping trips. Why wouldn’t you want a solar panel on it to keep your devices charged? The backpack is stylish, has a 4.5W solar panel, every charger adapter you could think of, and a 2,400 mAh battery that’s ready to go when you need it. One hour of sunlight will generate a 18.75% charge boost for most smart phones. We are amazed how handy this backpack becomes when hiking and camping for a weekend.

Visit Birksun’s website

MSRP: $150.00

Lorpen Hunting COOLMAX Socks

We used to think, socks are just socks. Whatever pair we put on will be just fine for all of our adventures. Wrong, so wrong. Great socks make a world of difference. Our perspective changed when we got our hands on the Lorpen CoolMAX socks. They are designed to be lightweight for spring and summer activities, which makes them perfect for hiking and camping. Instead of making your foot sweat they actually help take moisture away. Plus they give actual cushion to your heel and toe area. These CoolMAX socks stay up and don’t bunch even on an all day hike, keeping us comfortable and cool.

Visit the Lorpen Socks website

MSRP: 2-pack $19.99

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