Backcountry.com Camping Gear Expert Shells Out Beta on Season’s Best Gear

Whether you’re a burly mile-counting thru hiker, weekend warrior wilderness backpacker or car camper extraordinaire, having the right reliable gear to keep you comfy and smiling in the outdoors is imperative. But, with so much camping gear out there to choose from it’s hard to know what’s best.

No sweat, let Backcountry.com’s camping Merchandising Division Manager, Matt Enloe, be your compass and lead you down the trail of primo gear, pointing you to the right stuff for your summer camping adventures. Enloe’s done the homework, so all you have to do is choose what’s best for you and get out there. Here’s a list of the best tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, stoves and a few extras for summer fun.

TENTS

Lightweight
The North Face Flint 2 Bx Tent 2-Person 3-Season - Like the description says it is not the lightest but it certainly is in the ballpark at 4.5 pounds, but you will be hard pressed to find a tent of this quality at this price. $148.95.

Marmot Limelight 4-Person Tent w/ Footprint and Gear Loft - More space for larger groups backpacking. $298.95.

Car Camping
Big Agnes King Creek 6 Tent: Family Tent - A vestibule you can park your car in and plenty of height to stand up inside the tent. $449.95.

Stoic Templum 2 Tent - 3-Season w/ Footprint and Gear Loft - Great for car campers. Easy to set up and take down. $189.00.

Other
Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 6+2 Tent 6-Person 3-Season - Comes with its own integrated screen room for those buggy nights. $569.90.


SLEEPING PADS

Lightweight
Therma-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker Sleeping Pad - The next pad in the Neo Air Series, a little more affordable than the original Neo with a little less insulation. $99.95 - $119.95.

Car Camping
Kelty Sleep Eazy Air Bed - The only way to car camp. $99.95 - $119.95.


SLEEPING BAGS

Lightweight
Marmot Plasma 15 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down - Super light weight high end down bag, quite possible the best 15 degree bag on the market. Vertical baffle construction. $468.95.

Sea to Summit XtII Sleeping Bag: 12 Degree Down - A use of 3D Nano Shell technology makes this bag the most technically advanced sleeping bag on the market. Great for situations where moisture might be an issue. $528.95 - $568.95.

Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 32 Sleeping Bag: 32 Degree Synthetic - Still the best synthetics (UltraLamina series) on the market. $189.95 - $199.95.

Big Agnes Heart Mountain SL Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Down - Lots of room at near ultra lightweight. $359.95 - $379.95.

Stoic Somnus 30 Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Down - Lightweight and great for the summer months. $269.00.


STOVES

Jetboil Sol Titanium Stove - Because titanium is sexy. $149.95.

Primus Profile Duo Campground Stove - Solid construction and quality in a campground stove. $119.95.


EXTRAS

Jetboil CrunchIt Fuel Canister Recycling Tool - Don’t forget to recycle. $5.90.

Lafuma Transabed XL Plus Lounge Chair - Great comfort while car camping or even on your deck. $109.90 - $124.90.


Backcountry.com is an online retailer of high-end outdoor gear. The etailer carries more than 1,000 brands in various categories, including backpacking, camping, cycling, hiking, climbing, trail running, paddling, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and adventure travel.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com