Camping Gear

Choosing The Right Sleeping Bag

A good sleeping bag, or lack thereof, can make or break a camping trip. There are plenty of models out there to choose from, in a variety of lengths, shapes and fills. Choosing the right bag depends on your sleeping habits, the temperature and climate where you intend to camp, and whether you'll be carrying the bag in a backpack, boat or car. Use the guidelines below to help you select the sleeping bag to meet your needs.

Intended use

How do you plan to use your sleeping bag?

• Wet or dry environment
  • If there is a good chance of rain, look for a water-proof or water-resistant bag
  • If your bag is not waterproof, look for synthetic fills, they perform well even when wet
• In a tent, cabin or RV
  • Cabin or RV camping allows you to purchase a slightly heavier bag since you won't be lugging it around
  • Indoor usage bags do not require the same temperature range as an outdoor bag
• In warm, cold or moderate temperatures
  • Pay attention to manufacturer temperature ratings
  • Buy for the coldest temperature you might face, but don't overdo it

Temperature rating

There is no universal standard for rating sleeping bags. Ratings vary according to manufacturer. How a bag performs greatly depends on its insulating material, construction and loft. When selecting a temperature rating for a sleeping bag, be sure to consider the following:

• The lower the rating, the warmer the bag, if you won't be out below 30 degrees don't purchase a zero degree bag
• If you plan to camp in warm conditions and also want your bag to be comfortable on cool spring and fall nights, look for a three season bag rated to 20 degrees
• Traditional camp bags are comfortable to about 40 degrees
• In general, consider the coldest night you will likely experience, and then drop down 10 or 20 degrees
• Keep in mind that temperature ratings always assume that the bag will be used with a ground pad
• The loft of a sleeping bag refers to how much the insulation "fluffs up"
  • More loft generally means more warmth
  • For maximum loft, look for a bag with a differential cut, one in which the inner lining is smaller than the outer shell. This allows the insulation to loft up to its maximum.

Fill/Insulation

Most sleeping bags are filled with goose or duck down or with synthetic insulation. These materials are sandwiched between the sleeping bag's shell and lining via enclosed channels, layers, shingles, or baffles. Various manufactures have different names for the filling in a bag.

Down

• Light and compressible
• The best natural insulator, with a higher weight-to-warmth ratio than any synthetic on the market
• The preferred choice for those who want to travel light in dry conditions
• This insulation is more expensive than synthetic fills, and loses most of its insulating capacity when wet, plus it takes a long time to dry
• Note that each down bag has a fill power number that indicates how much space an ounce of down will fill. The higher the power, the loftier and warmer the bag.

Synthetic

• Usually less expensive than down fills
• Higher end synthetic fills come close to down's efficiency and compactibility
• Because synthetic insulations work when wet, and also dry quickly, they are ideal for boating trips and for camping in wet conditions
• They also weigh more than down and take up more space when packed

Shapes and sizes

Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes and should be bought according to body type, sleep habits and environment.

Shape

• Mummy bags
  • Are cut to follow the contours of the body
    • A man's bag will be cut wider in the shoulders and narrower in the hips
    • A woman's bag will be shorter and wider through the hip area
  • This shape is considered the most efficient for weight and warmth
  • Most bags are designed to be Men and Women specific with padding bulked up in key parts of the bag to align to for the most male and female specific warmth and comfort

• Rectangular bags
  • More comfortable for those who tend to toss and turn or feel less constrained
  • Not as warm because the large top opening is more conducive to heat loss
  • Can be purchased with a hood for colder weather

• Semi-rectangular bags
  • Provide some extra room and warmth
  • They have a tapered foot, contoured hood, and additional room in the torso for comfort
  • Good compromise between the other two shapes

• Double bags
  • Rectangular in shape and will accommodate two people
  • Some models can be zipped apart and used as two separate bags
  • Some double bags also have more insulation on one side, so that on colder nights, the heavier side can be used on top for extra warmth and insulation
  • In general, these bags are most suitable for cabin and casual family camping use

Size

• Choose a bag that's big enough for comfort but not so big as to add weight, or create an abundance of dead space that is hard to keep warm
• A bag that is too small will cause the insulation to become too compressed to work efficiently
• There are also women's-specific bags to consider
  • Check each manufacturer to determine whether "women's" means a shorter men's bag, or whether the cut and insulation are indeed female-specific
  • Women's bags are typically cut wider through the hip and torso area, come in shorter lengths, and have extra insulation in the foot and midsection

Shells

• There are a variety of outer layer shell materials available
• Most shells are made of polyester, cotton, or nylon microfiber that is tightly woven, light and, to varying degrees, water- and wind-resistant
• The higher the thread count, the better the wind- and water-resistance.

Other features

Lining

• Most high-end bags have a nylon taffeta or a cotton blend lining
• Non-technical camp bags usually have a polyester or cotton lining
• Fleece liners are for those looking for extra softness and warmth
• Matching rectangular bags will generally zip together as well to form a double wide bag

Zipper

• A two-way zipper affords better ventilation and flexibility
• If you want to zip two bags together, be sure to look for the appropriate left- and right-side configurations

Draft collar

• Located at the base of the hood
• Prevents heat loss from around the neck and shoulders

Accessory pockets

• While these can sometimes come in handy, be sure to check their position and padding
• If your head requires extra cushioning, some bags feature extra padding in the hood
• Better yet is a fleece-lined stuff sack that can be turned inside-out and filled with extra clothes to make a pillow
• If cold feet are a problem, look for a bag that has extra insulation in the foot area (typically found in high-end women's-specific bags)
• Some bags will be built with pockets that can be stuffed providing a pillow
• If you intent to use a sleeping pad, some models have a sleeve or pocket for your pad

Choosing The Right Tent

One of the first steps in enjoying the Great Outdoors is buying a tent. The key to making the adventure even more enjoyable and safe is buying the right tent. To do this, first determine your camping needs. Then, decide which features you must have and which you can do without. The type of tent you buy should ultimately depend on climate, geography, activity, and personal taste.

Determining your camping needs

One of the first steps in selecting a tent is determining the type of camping you will be doing, time of year you will going, and how many people will be in your tent.

Time of year you will be camping

• Four Season Tents
  • Four season tents are meant to be sturdy to stand up to harsh winds and heavy snow conditions
  • Known for their strength and minimal ventilation for warmth
  • Usually heavier in weight than a three season tent, these tents generally have more poles and are not comprised of as much lightweight mesh material that would be needed in the versatility required of a three season tent.
• Three Season Tents
  • A typical three season tent is built to withstand light snow, warm climates and a variety of conditions in between, and is versatile enough to be used much of the year
  • Three season tents are made with a lot of mesh material in order to be light weight and allow for more ventilation in warmer seasons
  • Generally these tents come with removable rainflys
• Family Camping Tents
  • Used for family or car camping, these tents tend to be a little heavier and are not meant to be taken backpacking
  • Usually provides more room and can accommodate more campers or camping luxuries
  • Center heights of these tents tend to be higher as well
  • Tents can be used year-round but are not designed for harsh winter mountaineering

Weight and Usage

• Four Season
  • For winter camping under extreme conditions, a mountaineering tent can withstand much of the worst nature has to offer
  • They generally weigh 5 to 10 pounds
• Three season
  • A typical three season tent is built to withstand light snow, warm climates and a variety of conditions in between, and is versatile enough to be used much of the year
  • Three season tents are made to be light weight
  • These usually weigh between 5 and 10 pounds
• Summer
  • Summer tents are designed for hot climates only
  • These usually weigh 4 to 8 pounds

Choosing a tent

Tent Components

Besides stakes and a stuff-sack, there are three basic components of a tent: the poles, body and rain fly.

• Poles
  • They are the support structures that hold up the tent
  • Can be made of aluminum, fiberglass, steel, or carbon fiber
• Body
  • It is the tent itself and is usually made of nylon or polyester
  • Tent walls are usually mesh or uncoated to allow for ventilation
• Rain fly
  • This is like an umbrella for your tent
  • It protects the tent body from UV rays and precipitation
  • Sometimes used as a tarp or its own tent when basic, ultra-light shelter is desired

Types of tents

• Summer
  • Summer tents are designed only for hot weather
  • Lots of mesh in the tent body for ventilation
  • A rain fly that stops several inches above the ground to provide maximum protection while improving ventilation
  • Light-weight, two-pole construction
• Three season
  • Three season tents are designed for versatility
  • Multiple pole high-strength construction to withstand wind and rain
  • A full-coverage rain fly that extends close to the ground
  • Premium models have a large vestibule to accommodate gear
• Winter/Mountaineering
  • Winter tents are designed for use in extreme winter conditions
  • Four or five aluminum poles with optional free-standing construction
  • Full-coverage rain fly
  • Steep sidewalls to shed wind and snow
  • Two doors on opposite ends or sides of tent, with vestibules, to provide easy entrance and exit as well as gear storage
• Single-wall
  • Single-wall tents are for those who want an ultra-light shelter with minimalist features
  • They do not require a rain fly to protect against moisture
  • High and low ventilation ports afford maximum air flow
  • Vertical sidewalls shed rain and maximum interior space

Styling

• Dome
  • Dome tents are aerodynamic and stable
  • They are designed to shed wind and all types of precipitation effectively
• Cabin
  • Cabin tents are best suited for established campgrounds or base camps
  • They feature a large, square design with high ceilings and vertical walls to accommodate cots, chairs, coolers and other creature comforts
• Hoop (tunnel)
  • Hoop tents available in two- and three-hoop varieties. Three-hoop models are especially popular with long-distance hikers.
  • They are lightweight (3 to 5 pounds)
  • Their low profile offers weather-resistance as well as a spacious interior

Materials

Tents come in a variety of materials and colors, and your choice also depends on how you plan to use it.

• Polyester fabrics
  • Withstand UV exposure better than nylon
  • The best choice for long-term campsites
• Nylon
  • These tents are generally lighter than polyester ones
  • Most tents intended for any camping beyond the back yard will be made of nylon
• Coatings
  • The fabric, of the rain fly and floor, will be coated to keep rain out
  • The higher the millimeter coating the more resistant the tent is to leakage through material

Ventilation

• Look for breathable sidewalls and roofs to minimize condensation
• Mesh windows, doors and panels allow air in, keep creepy crawlies out, and provide views

Size and weight

• The size and weight of your tent should coincide with your planned activity, number of people using the tent, and amount of gear you'll be bringing along
• A tent's weight includes tent body, rain fly, poles and stuff-sack
• Hikers and cyclists look for light weight and compactness. A hoop (tunnel) tent would be appropriate. Pole section length and fabric weight will also be a consideration
• Family campers usually choose the comfort afforded by larger shelters such as dome or cabin tent. Family and expedition tents can add as much as 10 to 20 pounds.
• A three season tent (to accommodate two or three people) generally weighs in at two to six pounds
• Small, ultra-light tents (bivy sacks) can weigh as little as one or two pounds

Other key features

Many features are built into many modern tent designs.

• Collapsible tent poles of aluminum, high strength aluminum, carbon fiber or tubular fiberglass, sections should be shock corded for faster setup
• Internal storage pockets for easy organization
• Steep walls to increase usable interior room, shed precipitation better and help vent out humidity
• Gear loops inside the tent
• Stake loops made from strong nylon webbing
• Larger family tents often offer partitions for improved privacy
• One-piece floors are better for waterproofing the tent because this eliminates possible leakage through seams
• Taped seams to eliminate leakage through seams
• Awnings should be peaked over doors and windows to allow for better ventilation
• Bath tub floors raise the ground level seams to reduce potential leakage

Camping Accessories 101

Sometimes it is the little things that make or break a trip. Here's a basic list to get you started on the right track.

Maps, compass and field guides

• Maps will tell you where you are and how far you have yet to travel. They can also help you find campsites, water, and emergency exit routes.
• Used with a map, a compass will help guide you through unfamiliar terrain. Be sure to learn how to use it before you go into the outdoors!
• Field guides will help you identify flora and fauna, and will discuss the geological history of the terrain you are passing through

Personal and key items checklist

Here are some key items to bring along on any trip lasting more than a day:

• Biodegradable shower soap and/or wet wipes
• Comb or brush
• Contact lens supplies
• Deodorant
• Emergency Beacon or Personal Locator
• Feminine products
• Food and/or snacks
• Insect repellent
  • Particularly if you plan to be in the woods or near water
  • Multi-purpose lotions will protect you day and night
• Matches
• Medications
  • Including prescriptions, pain killers and antihistamines
  • Bring along a plastic storage container to keep them dry
• Personal hygiene items
• Scissors
• Signal Mirror
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat
  • A particular necessity if you're out in the open or in high altitudes
  • An SPF (sun protection factor) of 25 or higher is recommended year-round
• Tissue
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush and paste
• Water

Lights

What you choose depends on what you'll be doing and where you'll be camping.

• Lanterns
  • Lanterns, because of their size, fuel or battery requirements, are best in base camps or more permanent campsites
  • They are also suitable for car camping
  • For extended backpack trips choose LED models which require less power and longer battery life or fuel models if you plan to carry fuel
• Headlamps
  • Headlamps are great for those who don't want to be encumbered with a flashlight
  • They are especially useful in the backcountry, and are good for those who must hike or climb in the dark
  • Choose a beam pattern to meet your needs of area light, distance light or both
• Flashlights
  • Flashlights come in a wide range of sizes and styles
  • Don't forget to bring extra bulbs and batteries
  • Choose LED lighting for longer bulb life and longer battery life
  • Choose Krypton, Xenon or Halogen bulbs for bright output or high watt LED bulbs

First aid kits

You can buy prepackaged kits or create your own. It is an essential on any trip. Items should include (but are not limited to):

• Adhesive tape
• Antibiotics Cream
• Antiseptic
• Band-Aids
• Calamine Lotion
• Gauze
• First aid booklet
• Insect Bite/Bee Sting Medication
• Moleskin
• Needle and thread
• Pain relievers and other medications you may require
• Pencil and paper
• Pressure bandages
• Scissors
• Snakebite Kit
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers

Knives and tools

These will serve a variety of purposes, such as cutting a cloth into bandages, repairing eyeglasses and gear, and opening cans.

• Straight knives
  • Take up more room, but are often sturdier than folding knives
  • Better for jobs where a lot of cutting or slicing is required
• Folding knives
  • Basic and utilitarian
  • Usually consist of one blade that folds into the handle
• Utility knives
  • Offer more choices than straight or folding knives
  • Usually come with a variety of blade sizes and edges
• Multi-use tools
  • Combine knife blades with a host of other implements such as pliers, screw drivers, corkscrews, bottle openers, allen keys, even socket wrenches
  • Many are sport-specific (such as those made for biking, snowboarding and golf)

Sleeping pads

A sleeping pad will add comfort, help decrease heat loss between you and the ground, and protect your sleeping bag from extra wear. The two main types are inflatable and foam. Pads are available in varying widths, lengths, and thickness. Generally speaking a thicker pad means more comfort, but also means more weight and bulk.

• Foam pads
  • Foam pads come in varying thicknesses and lengths, which affects compressibility
  • Unlike inflatable pads, foam won't puncture and will last longer
  • Most foam pads aren't as comfortable as inflatable pads
• Inflatable
  • Inflatable pads can be self-inflating, inflated manually, or with a pump
  • They are generally more comfortable than foam
  • Inflatable pads stand the risk of puncture
  • When deflated inflatable pads are more compact and pack easier than foam, especially used for backpacking trips

Emergency blankets

Useful if you get wet, lost, cold or the weather takes a turn for the worst.

• Made of thin, reflective material that will help you retain body heat
• Emergency blankets are light, weighing as little as 3 ounces
• They are designed to retain 80% of a person's radiated body heat
• Most are made of polyethylene film and aluminum laminates

Camping Stoves And Cookware 101

When buying camping stoves and cookware, consider how many people you will have to feed and how many meals you will have to prepare on a typical trip. Also, consider whether you prefer gourmet meals or are content with simply boiling water for dehydrated fare. Your answers will help narrow your choices.

Camp Stoves Basics

Think of your camping plans and destination prior to buying a stove.

Size and weight

• While a multiple-burner stove may be great for car camping, it will be too cumbersome for wilderness backpacking or climbing
• Stoves vary in weight from a few ounces to two pounds or more
• The weight stated by the manufacturer usually includes only the burner, not the fuel cartridge or tank

Burners

• Multiple-burner stoves are somewhat heavy, but are great if you want to prepare two things at once, such as eggs and coffee
• A small, single-burner stove will suffice if you just want to boil water or heat up a can of soup
• The size of the burner will dictate heat distribution, for larger pots or pans choose larger burner heads

Accessories

• If the stove you want doesn't include a carrying case, buy a small padded bag to protect knobs and hoses
• Many models have push-button ignitions
• Some cartridges and propane tanks will accept a lantern head; a convenient feature for those who want a single fuel source for cooking and light
• An adjustable flame feature allows you to control your cooking better as well as conserving fuel usage
• If you are travelling abroad, find out which fuels will be available and base your stove purchase accordingly

Cartridge Stoves (or Backpacking Stoves)

• Generally lighter and require less maintenance than their liquid gas counterparts
• They are clean burning and tend to simmer better
  • Cartridge stoves use compressed gasses (such as butane, isobutane and propane) that come in their own containers
  • In cold weather, these fuels become less efficient--butane is undependable at temperatures below 40 F and usually won't work below 32 F
  • Cartridge stoves are usually sold as a burner that attaches to the top of the cartridge, or is connected by tube to a canister. Canisters that attach directly to the burner tend to be lighter than those that use tubes or gas lines.
  • Most American-made canisters have re-sealing valves that close when not in use. These cartridges can then be stored and used later.
  • Cartridge stoves can be tricky to use in windy conditions
• Fuel types for compressed gas cartridges include the following
  • Blended fuel, usually a combination of propane and butane
  • Isobutane is sometimes added to improve performance
  • Butane cartridges don't burn as hot as other cartridge fuels, and are not efficient in cold weather
  • Isobutane burns consistently, but not as hot as blended fuels. It also loses efficiency in cold weather.

Liquid Gas Stoves

• Liquid gas stoves have refillable fuel tanks, burn hotter, and work better in cold and windy weather than cartridge stoves
• However, they can also be more difficult to use, and tend to be heavier and more expensive
  • Liquid gas stoves are designed to work with a variety of fuels, which can be an important consideration when travelling internationally
  • If bulkiness is an issue, look for a model with a removable fuel tank
  • You may want to invest in a second tank if you'd rather not have to attempt a refill on the trail
• Liquid fuels for gas stoves include the following:
  • White gas is inexpensive and widely available in North America
  • Kerosene is available throughout most of the world, but it tends to smoke and clog fuel lines
  • Certain models can be powered by unleaded gasoline

Cookware

Choosing the right cookware

• The cookware you choose should be determined by the number of people you will be cooking for
• Weight of pots and pans depends on if you are hiking in to a site or car/RV camping
• The types of meals you will prepare is important
  • If multi-course meals are a necessity, two pots and a frying pan should suffice
  • If your meals tend toward the dehydrated or canned variety, two cooking vessels are probably all you'll need
  • If you're travelling alone or with one other person, two pots--1.5 and 2 liter--should suffice
  • For larger groups, choose a cook set with bigger (and more) pots
  • Cookware is available in stainless steel, aluminum alloy, cast iron, non-stick, and even titanium versions. Price and weight will help you narrow down your choices.
  • Unlike home cookware, most camping cookware doesn't have permanent handles, so be sure to bring a pot lifter and lid for each pot
  • Cooking utensils and tableware are a matter of personal preference
    • In general, a serving spoon, spatula and knife (or multi-tool) will get you started
    • In terms of tableware, inexpensive metal or plastic dishes and cutlery, and heat-resistant mugs are standard
  • If you are on the trail and weight is key a pan can often double as a way to cook food and a plate or bowl to eat from