Nothing like going through a list of things for this camping season, I’m wondering what we need:
- Bivy sack. We needed one and I got a Outdoor Research Helium Bivy. At 18 ounces, it even has a hoop. It hasn’t been super durable although the three week trip through the desert wasn’t the best. An alternative is the REI Minimalist at $99. It doesn’t have a hoop but is cheaper and you can always throw a rain jacket over your head.
* Sleeping Bag stuff sack. There are many but Outdoor Gear Labs recommends the Z-Packs bags as really light weight. We have a bunch and they are incredible. The best is the “pillow” bag with flips inside out and is comfy! Then if you really want compression sack to squeeze out that fat synthetic bag, they like the Sea-to-Summit eVent and the 10 liter seems about right.
- Trekking poles. We’ve been using the Gossamer Gear LT4S and they are amazing. Expensive but at 4 ounces, incredible. I lost a basket, so in looking at their site again, they have the LT3 which is 2 ounces and fixed. Black Diamond recommends 120cm poles for someone 5’8″ to 5’11”
