Tents: things to look for: aluminum poles, rain fly that goes all the way to the ground, as much mesh as possible in inner tent, no-see-um proof mesh

ALPS mountaineering Felis 4 roomier simple tent for drive-in camping. Taller than backpacking tent, but still short enough for beach camping

Nature Hike Mongar 2 person tent Super budget tent with great reviews

Nature Hike Cloud Up 2 tent- inexpensive but still quality tent, small and light enough for backpacking (a friend of mine just got this one)

Sleeping pads: what to look for: R value- anything over 4 is safe for cold conditions. 2-3 is for summer. Self-inflating means the core is foam- more comfy but bulkier and heavier. 

Super comfy, only for drive-in campsites: Nature Hike 4" Thick foam core sleeping pad

REI Trailmade Sleepin Pad - middle of the road budget self inflating sleeping pad, comfy, good for range of conditions, still only around 2” thick

Nature hike Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad- 3” thick, high r value backpacking sleeping pad. More delicate than self inflating pads, but packs smaller and lighter 

Least expensive, lightest, also least comfortable, only for warm conditions: Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping pad

Sleeping bags: mummy bags back smaller and are lighter, less comfy, better for cold weather. Down packs smaller and lighter, is more expensive, loses ability to insulate when wet/damp, needs extra care for cleaning. Synthetic insulation less expensive, bulkier and heavier, keep some warmth when wet, can launder normally. 

Stoves:

Large car camping stove, cook real food, can use kitchen pots and pans: Coleman Triton 2 Burner Camp Stove

Ultralight backpacking stove - ultralight, only for boiling water for instant meals. Not very windproof

Evolved supply 750ml pot - my favorite pot, ultralight, for use on a stove or a fire

TOAKS Titanium pot with bail handle- if you have prime and don’t wanna pay for shipping for a titanium pot that you can use on a stove or a fire.