Ryobi is quietly the best brand for camping (and the 6 tools to buy)

Published Sep 6, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family. He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles. If you're a fan of Ryobi's bright, neon-colored tools found at Home Depot, you likely already know the company makes far more than just tools for around the yard and house. One of its best-kept secrets is how the 18V platform can power camping and outdoor gear. I own a ton of Ryobi products for camping, and here are several that are absolutely worth buying. The company has a bunch of obscure tools you'll love, along with outdoor items like coolers, camping lights, fans, bug zappers, and so much more. Seriously, anything you might buy at an outdoor store is probably available from Ryobi, more affordable, and will run on the battery packs you already own. Let's get into it. Why you should buy Ryobi gear for camping One battery powers everything Before I get into a few recommendations, I wanted to mention why I think Ryobi is the best tool brand for camping, outdoor adventures, or even off-grid living. What makes Ryobi so popular with the DIY crowd is affordability, availability at any nearby Home Depot, and the expansive 18V ONE+ platform of tools, accessories, and other gear. Everything runs on the same battery, and that means you're not buying proprietary chargers or battery packs for a Dometic cooler, Anker's neat iceless coolers, lights, or other gear. Every single Ryobi 18V tool or product is backward-compatible with any other item and with every battery. Furthermore, you don't need endless AA, D, or C batteries, tons of cables, or other power sources to fill up an air mattress, keep the lights on, or chop firewood. A few Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery packs and some neat, affordable products can handle everything. Here are a few worth considering. Camping essentials in one bundle Credit: Ryobi Whether you're going camping, relaxing on the back patio, or just need a few essentials for outdoor use, the Ryobi 18V 3-Tool Campers Kit has you covered. For $134, you'll get a 4-inch clamp fan, a Bluetooth speaker, an outdoor Area Light, along with a 2Ah battery and charger. All three of those "tools" run on any Ryobi 18V battery. That way, you have lights, music for vibes, and a fan during the warm months, all in one affordable little package. It's pretty neat, and I bought this exact kit on sale for $99 last year. Ryobi 18V 3-Tool Campers Kit Get three outdoor products (that you can use anywhere) along with a battery and charger for one low price. Ryobi Hybrid Battery-Powered 24qt. Cooler A portable iceless cooler Credit: Ryobi Keeping food and beverages cold during a camping trip is always a challenge, not to mention remembering to get ice and hoping it doesn't melt too fast. That's why you'll love Ryobi's Hybrid cooler that runs on a battery, your car's DC port, or an extension cord. The Ryobi Hybrid 24qt. cooler is part of the hybrid tool line, meaning it can run off more than just a battery. Whether it's for backyard BBQs, camping, or beach trips, Ryobi's iceless cooler is a solid option. It features a rugged design, large all-terrain wheels, and can hold around 40 cans for all your favorite beverages. It was out of stock most of the year, but it's finally back. Don't sleep on this item. Ryobi 18V Bug Zapper Get rid of those pesky bugs and skeeters Credit: Ryobi No one wants to deal with bugs and mosquitoes while they're trying to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. And while there are many solutions to this problem, why buy something extra that uses a bunch of batteries or wears funky bracelets when you can just buy the Ryobi 18V Bug Zapper for $100? This solution is similar to the electric bug zappers people have plugged in at home, but it uses your existing 18V ONE+ battery packs. It'll cover about 1.5 acres around your camp, deliver 2,550 volts to zap bugs, and has an easy-to-remove tray for cleanup. There's also a built-in LED light and handle, and one battery will keep it running all weekend. You're welcome. Ryobi 18V Bug Zapper $90 $100 Save $10 Keep pests and flying critters away with the Ryobi battery-powered 18V Bug Zapper. Ryobi 18V ONE+ Battery Inverter Power Source Power lights, phones, and more Did you know Ryobi makes a battery inverter that turns your 18V (or even 40V) battery packs into a power source to charge phones, tablets, and laptops, or run other small items with an extension cord or via USB? Ryobi's 150W 18V Power Source and a battery pack are all you need for your next camping trip. It features built-in LED lighting, USB-A and high-speed USB-C ports, and a 3-prong AC port for all your electronics. Grab this thing during a power outage at home, camping trips, days at the beach, and so much more. The opportunities to use it are endless. And if you own any of Ryobi's 40V tools, they offer an even bigger 300W version. I take this thing with me every time I go camping, and it's hugely useful. Ryobi 18V Power Source and 150W Inverter Plug the Ryobi 18V power source into your power tool battery and use it to charge your phone, laptop, power lights, a mini fridge, and more. Ryobi Hybrid TriPower Tripod Light The ultimate camp light Credit: Ryobi Next up is one of the wildest products you'll see from Ryobi. I'm talking about the Hybrid TriPower Tripod Light. The huge thing in the photo above is actually a tripod that can extend up to 7ft high, meaning it'll easily light up your entire campsite or a cabin in the woods. On top, there's an adjustable directional LED light that puts out a ridiculous 3,800 lumens. You can even remove the light and throw a speaker or fan on top, too, making it pretty versatile. Ready for the best part? This is a "hybrid" tool, meaning it can run off of more than one power source. The TriPower Tripod light works with an 18V battery, a 40V battery, or an extension cord, so if you have power where you're camping, you don't even need to waste a battery pack. This single tool has so many uses that I recommend it to DIYers, outdoor enthusiasts, and more. Ryobi Hybrid TriPower Tripod Light Tool Type Light Warranty 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty Ryobi's Hybrid TriPower Tripod Tower light does it all. It's a tripod light that extends to 7ft, delivers 3,800 lumens thanks to four flexible LED light panels, and works with 18V or 40V battery packs. The light is removable for portability, and you can even add fans or speakers to the tripod instead. Ryobi 18V Dual Function Inflator and Deflator Perfect for cars, bikes, toys, and more Last but certainly not least, you'll want a good inflator and deflator. While Ryobi makes a pretty awesome little 18V deflator for under $40, if you're going camping or outdoors, you'll want something that can deflate your air mattress or recreational toys just as fast as it can inflate them. Ryobi's dual-function inflator can deliver up to 160 PSI for vehicle tires, pool floaties, rafts, an air mattress, and more. It comes with a quick-connect air chuck and the ability to pre-set a specific PSI, and then it'll auto shut off once it reaches your preferred level. There's a built-in LED light, on-board storage for the accessories, a built-in handle, and you'll love the extended hose attachment. Ryobi 18V ONE+ Dual Function Digital Inflator Material Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Color Ryobi Green This cordless power tool inflates up to 160 PSI for tires and air mattresses. It is hands-free with an auto-shutoff setting, a digital pressure gauge, and an LED worklight. And these are only the beginning As you can see, Ryobi makes a lot more than just power tools. The company has a growing selection of outdoor gear, camping equipment, fans, lighting, and so much more. You'll love the Ryobi 4-inch USB Lithium misting clamp fan. The company makes a bunch of speakers, and I use a Ryobi 2500W gas inverter generator while camping in Alaska every summer. Ryobi isn't slowing down, either. The company has a bunch of new tools coming this fall, including an 18V Propane Heater for tailgating, and much more. Ryobi is quickly becoming my go-to brand for camping, recreation, and emergency preparedness.