Tents, Hammocks, and Tarps

The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy is a spacious bivy sack that is large enough to hold a thick air mattress and a cold-weather sleeping bag. It has a U-shaped zipper that provides access at the head-end along with a mesh panel that …

The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a one-person double-wall tent that only weighs 31 oz. Despite its low weight, the interior is remarkably livable, with vertical sidewalls, numerous internal pockets to keep you organized, and a roof vent to help minimize …

The Sierra Designs High Route FL 1 is a 28 oz double-wall trekking pole tent designed for people who want the full coverage and headroom of a two-peak pyramid, the ability to pitch fly-first in a storm, and the flexibility of a …

The 3F UL Lanshan 1 Pro Tent is an ultralight single-wall trekking-pole tent with a side door and vestibule that can be rolled back in good weather for ventilation and views. The interior has a fully integrated bathtub floor, so you can …

Recently on walkabout in the southern highlands of Scotland, I idly pondered how many nights I have spent under the Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar. I am not affiliated with Mountain Laurel Designs and am rarely given gear to test or review. I …

The REI Flash Air 2 Tent is an ultralight two-person tent with two doors and two vestibules that weighs 1 pound 15 ounces if pitched with trekking poles (regular tent poles are also included). It is a single wall tent with lots …

The Eureka Solitaire AL is a lightweight single-person bivy style tent that comes with durable aluminum tents poles. Weighing just 2 lbs 10 oz, the Solitaire AL costs $115 and provides backpackers with an interesting alternative to other solo backpacking tents costing …

The Hammock Gear Dyneema Fiber Hex Tarp is a six-sided catenary cut tarp made with Dyneema DCF that weighs between 4.75 oz and 6.57 oz, depending on its length (10′, 11′, 12′) and whether you want a green or camouflage-colored tarp. It’s …

The LanShan 2 Tent is a two-person trekking pole tent that’s become very popular with campers and backpackers because it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and reasonably well made. It’s available on Amazon and sold by a number of resellers including 3F UL, Meir, Flames …

The Sea to Summit Alto Tr1 is a one-person semi-freestanding double-wall tent that is lightweight and easy to pitch in tight spots. It has a single side door and vestibule that’s large enough to hold your pack without compromising access and is …

The Paria Breeze Mesh Bivy is an affordable and spacious single person bug bivy for use under a tarp or by itself in dry weather.  Bug bivies are more spacious than bivy sacks with floors and sidewalls to keep rain from splashing …

The MSR Freelite 2 is a lightweight double-wall tent weighing 32 oz with a rectangular floor plan that is wide enough to use with two 25″ wide sleeping pads. Newly updated in 2022, it is 9 oz lighter weight than the previous …

Kammok’s Pongo Pad and Puffin Pillow are a lightweight inflatable sleeping system offering comfort and versatility for various sleeping positions in a hammock or on the ground. While the concept of using an inflatable sleeping pad for back insulation in a hammock …

Paria needle stakes are square aluminum stakes with a curved hook at the end. They’re quite durable, stand up to being pounded with a rock, and the square body has excellent holding power in firm soil and rocky ground. I like using …