With the onset of Autumn, night time temperature are starting to drop into the mid-40’s F in Vermont’s north country, and it’s time to increase the R-value of my sleeping pad. On my next section hike of The Long Trail to the …
Read More »Vintage Backpacking Gear
Gossamer Gear Bug Canopy
On my past two backpacking trips, I’ve brought along a Gossamer Gear bug canopy to keep the bugs of my face when I sleep in open shelters. Weighing only 2.3 oz., this bug net can be hung underneath a tarp or in …
Read More »Tarptent: Squall 2 Single-Walled Tent
The Squall 2 is a classic ultralight tarptent, suitable for one or two people, that only weighs 34 oz, including a bathtub floor, collapsible rear pole, and stuff stack. Note: The Squall 2 has been discontinued. The Squall 2 requires just 4 …
Read More »Torsolite Sleeping Pad from Bozeman Mountain Works
On my last backpacking trip, the temperatures were warm enough that I could bring one of my lighter weight sleeping pads, a Torsolite, designed and manufactured by Bozeman Mountain Works, a boutique gear manufacturer that specializes in ultralight synthetic insulating clothing and …
Read More »Jacks ‘R’ Better 8’x8′ Square Silnylon Tarp
Jack’s ‘R’ Better (frequently abbreviated JRB) is a boutique manufacturer of quilts and other accessories for Hennessy Hammocks, such as The Nest, a down underquilt for insulating the bottom of a hammock in colder weather to extend its temperature range. They also …
Read More »Stay Warm and Cozy with the Exped Downmat 7 Sleeping Pad
The Exped Downmat 7 is a sinfully luxurious sleeping pad for cold weather camping when you need extra insulation below your sleeping bag to stay warm. Almost all sleeping bags, no matter their temperature rating, have one fundamental flaw. When you get …
Read More »Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
The Kelty Redwing 3100 (c.i.) makes a good large day pack if you need to carry a lot of stuff, but it doesn’t have the features or the volume for multi-day backpacking trips. I use mine mainly for leisure travel and going …
Read More »Six Moon Designs Starlite Ultralight Backpack
The Starlite Backpack from Six Moon Designs is a wonderful ultralight pack for any serious backpacker and at 4,200 cubic inches, this is a pack that can hold a lot of gear and food. I have owned my Startlite for over a …
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