Essential Gear Guide » Camping

Hammock Tent- leave that ground pad at home

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:00:15 +0000

The Blue Ridge Hammock Tent from Lawson Hammock, is made for the smart camper, or anyone else that enjoys convenience, comfort, and versatility.

This lightweight, low impact, bug-free, waterproof, three season shelter was specifically designed for backpacking and camping in hard terrain. No longer will uneven, rocky, or wet soil be a hindrance. Camp right at the foot of the river bed, steep mountainside, or thick jungle. With less vegetation disturbed or damaged you can reduce your environmental footprint; although, you can always use it as a bivy tent if you find the ideal spot.
Even if you just want to lounge around your backyard, the Blue Ridge will protect you from mosquitos and small ground dwelling flesh eaters.

Lawson Hammocks were invented in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. These versatile shelters are ideal for the light trekker or weight cautious backpacker. The tent is extremely easy to set-up and equally easy to disassemble.
When used as a hammock, there’s no dirt or due to wipe away from the bottom; just quickly fold and pack it away. The 36 inch width makes it suitable for two, especially when used on the ground as a bivy tent. Though the weight limit reads 250lbs, I tested it with 350lb and the tent held up just fine, probably because these hammocks are made of the finest materials, including a nylon pack cloth bed, rip-stop nylon rain fly and no-see-um netting.

Owner Wes Johnson is excited about sharing this great product because he knows once you try one you’ll make it part of your regular camping arsenal.

*Be sure to pick up some tree huggers to make setting up even easier.

Packs down to only 4.25lbs (approx.)

Length: 90 inches

Width: 36 inches

Packs to 22"x6"

Weight limit: 250lbs

Colors: forest green or cobalt blue

Includes no-see-um netting and waterproof rainfly.

Rainfly attaches directly to the hammock so no need to find multiple trees to tie to.

Patented archpole and spreaderbar system. Archpoles allow for more room as well as the ability to use on the ground as a bivy tent. The spreadbars keep the bed more "taught" so that you’re not sleeping in a coccoon and can roll over and/or sleep on your side. Much more comfortable that other camping hammocks.

Made of ripstop nylon and seam sealed.

Eliminates the need for carrying other items such as ground tarp or sleeping pad

Rated # 1 camping hammock on the market by publications such as Backpacker and Outside magazines.

brass-plated grommets reinforced with nylon webbing

Storage net pockets inside

one year guarantee

Eureka! Tundraline Tent- made for canoeists

craig — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:03:33 +0000

[Get It $300]

The new Tundraline 3 Tent from Eureka is specifically designed for extreme canoeists. With an extra easy set up and a ton of stake loops, this deceptively large tent is convenient and stable in windy conditions. The reason this is such a great tent for the canoeist is that it’s very stable for wind tunnel nights along the banks of the river. Second, this only has two poles and a sawn-in-place rain fly which means: you can set up quickly in the rain without getting the interior wet. Definitely a great tent to have in the lineup for any outdoor enthusiast.

*Attention kayakers, get your own damn tent!

We didn’t test this specific model of tent, but we know the features and the quality of Eureka tents have been outstanding in other inspections. If you’re trying to make a decision on a tent to purchase, you should consider what you will be using the tent for. If your primarily purpose is in conjunction with canoeing, kayaking, rafting or setting up along a river, then the Tundraline 3 Tent from Eureka is the way to go. If you think you might be hiking a ways (not just pulling it out of the canoe), you might want to consider one of the lighter tents made for Back Country adventures or a larger deal if you’re setting up at a campground.

Foot print: 14′x 6’5"
Height: 4’4"
Weight: 12 lbs
Packed Size: 9"x17"
Sleeping Area: 8′x6’5"

• 14.5mm aluminum frame with external pole sleeves for easy set up
• Post and grommet corner attachments
• 2 side opening doors
• Inner sleeping room is sewn into place for no-hassle set up
• A Scoop vent in each vestibule and 4 interior mesh roof panels for ample air flow
• Sewn-in design maintains double wall feature to ensure warmth retention or heat dispersion
• Large, single point vestibules feature reinforced stake out points and require only one stake at each end to secure tent
• Three additional stake out loops along each side of tent for stability in foul weather

SteriPen- the safe way to drink Agua

admin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:45:02 +0000

[Get It $100]

If you enjoy vomiting and explosive diarrhea, by all means don’t use the SteriPen Traveler on your next adventure.

The Traveler is half the size of the SteriPEN Classic with the same great attributes. The convenient pocket sized gadget purifies water by way of an ultraviolet light. The UV kills 99.9 percent of protozoa while simultaneously turning you into a super hero upon consumption of the radioactive H2O*.

The SteriPen has been proven to protect against common microbes such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia as well as pathogens that cause Hepatitis and Legionnaires disease. This is the perfect travel companion to “at risk” water countries or long camping trips.

Also look for the SteriPen Adventurer with the Solar Charging Case. This item is not recommended for individuals seeking to contract Cholera, Botulism, or sound travel habits.

*The UV light doesn’t actually alter the water aside from protecting you against various microbes, pathogens and germs, i.e. you will not gain super powers.

SPEC’S

SteriPEN Traveler also features a soft-touch coating, offering a comfortable texture in your hand and scratch resistance in harsh environments
Requires no pumping, chemicals, test strips, extended time-keeping or filters; leaves no aftertaste, will not clog and does not require lubrication
Innovative SteriPEN system uses UV light rays instead of chemicals to purify water for drinking
Ultraviolet (UV-C) light rays safely sterilize clear water by destroying 99.99% of protozoa (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), bacteria and even viruses
SteriPEN protects you from risks that cause botulism, cholera, dysentery and typhoid, just to name a few
SteriPEN Traveler is simple to use: Just press a button and gently agitate the water with a quick stir
Purifies 16 fl. oz. of water (cold or warm) in less than a minute, or 32 fl. oz. in a minute and a half
Small size fits most containers—use it in cups, mugs, water bottles and canteens; carries easily in a shirt pocket
SteriPEN Traveler turns itself off once ultraviolet treatment is complete; light source can be used up to 5,000 times!
Watertight seals keep water away from the electronics; rubberized coating ensures secure handling in wet conditions
Low-power indicator lets you know when batteries need replacing; twist-off cap permits easy battery access
Long used by municipal water districts and bottling companies, low-level UV-C light treats water safely, and unit’s light will not damage eyes or skin
SteriPEN Traveler includes two nonrechargeable lithium CR123A batteries
Use only on clear water, as cloudy, sediment-laden water hinders effectiveness
SteriPEN Traveler features convenient battery access, water bottle and military canteen compatibility and an embroidered nylon canvas carrying case

SteriPEN water purifiers meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for microbiological water purifiers and have been independently tested by the Oregon Health Sciences University and the universities of Arizona and Maine. For complete test results visit www.steripen.com.

ULTRALITE GUIDE TARP –Fast and Easy!

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:25:04 +0000

[Get It $145]

Are you addicted to ultra-lightweight camping gear? Don’t worry, your friends won’t send you to rehab…but they will be jealous when you pull the Ultralite Guide Tarp from Brooks-Range Mountaineering from your backpack.
Experienced campers know that when bug season is over, the bulky, screened tent becomes an obsolete anvil in your backpack. At a mere 11 ounces, the durable waterproof 8’x10’ Ultralite Guide Tarp sleeps up to 3 people, and can be positioned in a variety of ways to block the wind and rain, as well as pitching the roof to let campfire smoke out; you can’t dry your socks next to a campfire inside a tent! So add the Brooks Range Ultralite Guide Tarp, Ultralite Mini Guide Tarp, or Ultralite Solo Tarp to your camping gear collection and go super light and fast…or bring some wine, cheese and fillet mignon with the extra weight you saved.

The folks at Brooks-Range.com have come up with a number of innovative backcountry products that focus on safety, efficiency and lightweight. They know that you’ll be satisfied with their products and they have a bomb-proof No Hassle Guarantee to prove it! Check out their website for high quality backcountry safety gear, free tips and tools, as well as their vast library of Avalanche Safety Links.

King Solomon 15°- double wide sleeping bag

admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:30:27 +0000

[Get It $320.00]

All I have to say is, thank you, thank you, thank you Big Agnes!

It’s about time someone made a quality sleeping bag to accommodate two people; I’m done trying to zip two different bags together.
The King Solomon 15° double wide sleeping bag from Big Agnes is the cream de la cream. The plush light weight down bag comes with two full size (20″x72″) sleeping pads that fit in individual sleeves on the back of the bag…a.k.a. no more sliding off your ground pad all night, these 2.5 inch thick rip-stop comfort pads stay in one place.
A zipper on each side of the bag allows easy access or escape for either sleeper. The built in pillow pockets are another nice feature for holding your rolled up jacket or inflatable pillow. There’s even interior fabric loops for your sleeping bag liners and built in no-draft collars for each person. You don’t have to worry about down in your mouth because the rip-stop microfiber nylon is down proof. Big Agnes thought of everything with this bag, if you need a two person sleeping bag this is the best!

FEATURES:

Double wide, 72″ length bag designed for two people. Available in regular length only.
Integrated pad sleeve. Never roll off your pad again
Bag has 2 separate pad sleeves and uses two 20″x72″ pads
Extra 2″ of length in the foot box helps accommodate up to 6′ 2″
One zipper on each side allow easy access for both sleepers
Built in pillow pockets hold a fleece or Big Agnes pillow.
Interior fabric loops for sleeping bag liners
Cotton storage sack and stuff sack included
Built in no-draft collar for each person
Features center no-draft flap. Fabric piece with Velcro closures on the center no-draft flap gives you the option to attach the top of the body of the bag to the center of the hood to eliminate more drafts when you move in your sleep.
No-draft zipper tube insulates along length of zippers
No-draft wedge insulates the connection between the bag and pad
Shell: Down proof, nylon microfiber rip-stop. WR surface treatment to repel water.
Lining: Soft, breathable down proof nylon with stain resistant finish.
Pad sleeve: Nylon rip-stop. WR surface treatment to repel water.

Portable Mesh Hammock- BYOH!

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:40:07 +0000

[Get It $90]

BRING YOUR OWN HAMMOCK!

The problem with most hammocks are that you have to find two tree’s or posts to hang them from, and once they’re up, they just stay in the same place and get dirty. Obviously the Portable Mesh Hammock from Kelsyus has that problem solved, but what you might not realize is that this piece of gear is wicked easy to pack and unpack, so you’ll actually use it quite a bit. I wouldn’t recommend lugging it deep into the wilderness for survival camping, but when you’re chilling in the yard, beach, or campground it doesn’t get much better.

It’s also worth mentioning that the inflatable pillow that comes with this hammock is freakin awesome. Its got separate internal batters to cradle your head perfectly; I would spend the hundy for that alone.

*Warning, this device is not meant to be used as a trampoline, parachute, or river raft!

Mesh Portable Hammock™

FEATURES & BENEFITS
� Features the same patented frame as the portable hammock, now with breathable mesh bed.
� Inflatable pillow included for customizable comfort
� Supports up to 250 lbs.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
package size: 8.875″L 7.125″W x 41.375″H

Eureka K-2 XT- by Jove, you’ve found it!

admin — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:00:10 +0000

[Get It $420]

Good luck finding a more ridged bad-ass tent for this amount of money. The Eureka K2 XT’s 8’11″ x 7’8″ floor space and open angle dome design creates the roomiest tenting experience I’ve ever seen for a three person model, so if you need a cramped footprint for ledge squatting, you’ll have to deal with something much less comfy. This expedition-grade shelter features a wind and snow-shedding 4-pole geodesic design that’s large, light, strong and efficient for mountaineering and winter camping. But don’t be fooled, the zippered high/low tent vents and scoop vents in the fly (accessible through zippers in the roof) make The K-2 XT a comfortable choice for summer and spring as well.
If you’ve ever put together a tent, you’ll have no problem with the K-2. The posts and grommet corner attachments, clips, and continuous mesh rod sleeves simplify the process while the optional guyouts provide added stability in Armageddon like winds.

Right out of the box, this masterful all-round tent weights in at 12 lbs on the button; with a minimum packing weight of 11lbs 12oz. This might seem pretty heavy for the serious mountaineers, but remember this thing is built for serious winter conditions and easily fits three; for the quality and space you really can’t beat it. Use it in the winter, the summer, the rain, the sleet, or at the bottom of the ocean.
I’m a fan of the 14-pocket organizer wall and gear loft loops.
There’s a reason the K-2 is among the most popular four-season tents on the market.

Eureka K2 XT GENERAL FEATURES:

4 pole geodesic dome tent with vestibules
9 mm 7001-T6 freestanding, shockcorded aluminum frame
Post and grommet corner attachments, clips, continuous mesh rod sleeves, and an external vestibule hoop simplify set up
High/Low venting, side opening doors with twin-track zippers
Zippered High/Low tent vents (2 each in roof and side walls) and 2 scoop vents in fly (accessible via zippers in tent roof) provide comfort year round
High/Low venting twin point front vestibule; single point rear vestibule
Cold weather PU window in vestibule brightens interior
Reflective web, storm guyouts, and logos for nighttime visibility
Includes 14 pocket organizer wall, 4 gear loft loops, and 1 flashlight loop

BASICS

Sleeps 2 – 3
Floor Size 8’11″ x 7’8″
Pack Size 7.5″ x 25″
Min Weight 11 lbs. 12 oz.
Seasons 4
Tent Area 52 sq. ft.
Center Height 4′

ARCHITECTURE

Frame 9 mm 7000 series aluminum
Vents 2 zippered in roof, 2 scoop vents zippered in fly, scoop vent in vestibule
Doors 2 high/low
Windows 2, plus 1 in vestibule
Vestibules 2
Vestibule Area Front: 18.08 sq. ft. / Rear: 3.75 sq. ft.

FEATURES

Gear Loft D
Gear Loft Loops 4
Flashlight Loop 1
Storage Pockets 20

FABRIC

Wall 70D nylon taffeta, uncoated
Fly 75D StormShield polyesterripstop, 1800mm
Floor 70D nylon taffeta, 3000mm
Mesh 40D No-see-um

PHANTOM Sleeping Bag- now you see it, now you don’t

admin — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:52:00 +0000

[Get It $425]

The official sleeping bag of Andrew Lloyd Webber isn’t an illusion, but it will disappear if you don’t hide it from your thieving friends. Mountain Hardwear has put together an impressive line of Phantom products, notably the Phantom 0° Sleeping Bag which is the lightest four-season bag around. This snug mummy cut bag is insulated with 800-fill down, so it’s toasty warm, uber light, and highly compactable; the perfect bag when you don’t know what to expect.
The Phantom’s tuck-stitched shell is constructed from 15 denier lightweight tear resistant fabric, with a DWR finish. The super-luxe inner lining provides a silkier sleep experience while the tight 5 inch baffle spacing prevents cold spots by keeping the down in place.

*Sleeps one person comfortably or two people very awkwardly

Insulation: 800-fill Down
Temp. rating: 0 F / -17 C
Lining: 20D Nylon Taffeta
Shell Fabric: Superlight 15D
Weight: 2 lbs, 10 oz / 1190.00 g
Size: REG, LONG, REG, LONG, REG, LONG

Three Wire Bivy- when light is right, bivy’s better

admin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:49:56 +0000

[Get It $300]

The Three Wire Bivy from Big Agnes protects you against the elements and more importantly, the mosquitos.
With a mesh bug netting option under the already breathable yet waterproof eVent fabric, the bugs won’t kill you and neither will suffocation.
The bottom of the bivy is constructed of durable, lightweight Cordura, while the DAC Featherlite NSL poleset utilizes reverse Combi pole optimization for extra strength and weight reduction; oh yeah, the Eco-Friendly anodizing pole process significantly reduces the use of hazardous chemicals; sweet.
With a packing weight of 32oz, this bivy is a must for the solo alpinist. Setup only takes seconds and I personally like the point of entry over my former bivy, not to mention perfect headroom and ventilation.

DAC Featherlite NSL – featuring eco-friendly anodizing, super light and strong poles with press fit connectors, and lightweight swivel hub
All DAC poles made from TH72M aluminum: the latest technology in lightweight tent poles featuring improved durability.
Internal pole connected to external pole with DAC swivel hub
eVENT top fabric – eVENT is a breatheable, waterproof fabric that vents moisture directly to the outside, keeping you and your bag dry inside
Durable, lightweight Cordura rip-stop bottom fabric
2 closure options: interior layer of mesh bug netting for ventilation or eVENT fabric layer for complete protection
Peaked visor and zipper flap protects against the elements
Mesh bug netting closure
Reinforced stake out loops at head and shoulder
Stake out loops at foot
Superlight aluminum X-peg stakes included
All seams are taped
Stuff sack included
PVC-free and solvent-free seam tape
Note: we list several weights for our tents to aid your product research.
Trail weight refers to poles, fly and tent body.
Packed weight includes poles, fly, tent body, stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, instructions, and packaging.
Fast Fly weight refers to the poles, tent fly and accessory Fast Fly footprint.