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The Lowdown:
You try to walk the line between comfort and low weight. Carrying a 50-pound pack doesn't sound like fun, but you don't want to sleep under a space blanket either. Most of the people reading this guide fall into this category.
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The Lowdown:
Who care what you have to carry as long as you're comfortable when you get to camp. A massive pack and huge, supportive boots represent the norm on your trips, but your tent has more space than the average vacation home. |
The Lowdown:
If you've ever cut the tags off something to save weight then you definitely fall into this class. You'd rather go twice as far with half as much gear on your back then suffer under a heavy pack and pitch a huge tent. |
The Lowdown:
All the rules just went out the window because you don't have to carry your gear anymore. Only the size of your vehicle limits the comfort of your camp. You're on this trip to chill, so pull out all the stops and bring everything but the kitchen sink. |
Tent:
- Double wall tents tend to be more comfortable—more warmth and ventilation, less condensation.
- Try to find something under 6lbs, and get under 5lbs if you can.
- Freestanding is nice, but certainly not necessary.
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Tent:
- Look for something with a large floor space, and don't be afraid to get one designed for more people than you'll put in it.
- Large vestibules and double doors make life more comfortable.
- Get something freestanding to make it easier pitching.
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Tent:
- Don't even consider anything over 4lbs, and try to get near 2lbs.
- Look for single-walls designs or something made from SilNylon.
- Don't stress about freestanding tents—tube tents weigh very little.
- Do you really need a floor or even four walls? Consider tarps or wings instead of a full-on tent.
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Tent:
- Basically, look in the Family Camping section and find the biggest thing you can imagine pitching, and make sure it's free standing.
- You should really be looking for something with two or more doors and vestibules.
- Try to find an interior height at least as tall as you.
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Pack:
- Something in the 3000cu inch range should be plenty big.
- Aluminum stays or other frame supports are worth the weight.
- You don't want a mess of pockets, but two or three help keep things organized.
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Pack:
- Think big—3500cu inches will be the minimum if you bring a large tent.
- Pockets become really important when you have this much stuff, don't be shy.
- Look for features like a sturdy frame and a plush hip belt to help support the weight of your massive load.
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Pack:
- Something about 2400cu inches should be plenty big.
- Definitely don't go over 4lbs for any reason.
- Look for simple sack-and-a-lid designs.
- You don't even need a frame since your whole kit will weigh next to nothing.
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Pack:
- What pack? You're driving to the camp site. Think about getting a massive expedition-style duffle to hold everything.
- You'll need to go at least 5600cu inches to hold it all, and going up to 9000cu inches probably won't be overkill.
- Find something with at least two end handles so someone can help you carry it.
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Sleeping Bag:
- Down or synthetic bags both work well here.
- Get a bag with continuous fibers or baffled construction to eliminate cold spots.
- Only consider mummy bags—none of those big rectangle things.
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Sleeping Bag:
- Don't stress on weight. Look for comfort features like double zippers and baffled construction.
- Bags with keeper loops or slots for your sleeping pad keep you from rolling off the bed in the middle of the night.
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Sleeping Bag:
- It's all about down insulation—low weight, low bulk.
- Get the lightest thing you can find with an appropriate temperature rating.
- Think about going with an under-rated bag and sleeping in your clothes if it gets too cold.
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Sleeping Bag:
- Go big, go wide, go plush. Look in each bag's feature list and wide the widest shoulder width you can.
- In fact, consider a two-person bag just for you.
- Don't get down insulation. The advantages won't help.
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Sleeping Pad:
- Go with a foam or inflatable pad. Either will work.
- If you go inflatable, look for something around 1-inch thick.
- You may go with a 3/4-length pad, but only do it if you have a removable back panel or something to put under your feet.
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Sleeping Pad:
- You'll want to find an inflatable pad at least 1.5-inches thick.
- Consider getting a pad specifically designed for winter use, as it'll be comfortable and warm.
- Don't go too overkill. The really big pads weigh a ton, and you still have to carry it.
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Sleeping Pad:
- Both inflatable and foam pads will do.
- The temptation is to go with the lightest, thinnest thing, but a very little bit of padding makes for a good night's sleep.
- Consider going with a 3/4-length pad if you have something to put under your feet.
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Sleeping Pad:
- Just get the biggest, widest, thickest inflatable pad you can find.
- A separate pump wouldn't hurt to help get some air in that beast.
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