Consider deluxe finishes in double-burner stoves and the handy Coleman Peak 1 model in singles. Extra mantles, a repair kit and a carrying case keep camps bright at night. Electric lanterns, hopefully with built-in rechargeable batteries, work for weekend trips. And water jugs insure pure water when today's stream or lake water is so often unfit to drink. Metal-clad coolers are sturdy, but heavy and may eventually chip and rust.
Plastic coolers cost less.
Jugs with solid lids and recessed drain spigots work best. Look for solid hinges and secure latches on coolers and recessed spigots and drains on both coolers and jugs. T ENTS Y ou can camp without a tent in fair weather away from buggy bogs, but decent two or three man geodesic dome or other compact designs protect you from buzzing bugs and dripping rain so you can extend your camping season. Tents in waterproof yet breathable materials such as Gore-Tex or Evolution II eliminate the need for separate rainflies while improving ventilation. If your budget is tight buy a decent poncho for emergency shelter and pull up stakes and head for home if it gets really wet.