The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest 55L Backpack is a lightweight, surprisingly durable, and comfortable option that is well-suited for those who want a minimalist pack that can carry gear comfortably. Despite not being the best option for heavy loads and lacking some ventilation, this is a great option for shorter trips where you don’t need to carry as much gear, or for minimalist-backpackers who like to travel light.
The Hydro Flask 22L Soft Cooler Pack is an easy-to-use, transportable, and functional option that is well-suited for camping trips and single-day trips for the whole family. Despite being more expensive and having a smaller capacity, the comfort of using when transporting, the ample pockets and wide top-lid, and the convenience factor of the pack makes it a great choice for any person who wants to be able to bring food and beverages for a single-day or weekend trip.
The GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven is a practical, convenient, and long-lasting option that is a great alternative to heavier cast iron pots. Despite not being able to get as hot or cook as evenly as cast iron options, this aluminum dutch oven is good for those who want a lighter-weight, durable, and fast-cooking choice.
The Eureka Gonzo Grill is an easy-to-use, versatile, and durable option that is well-suited for camping. Despite being heavy and awkward to carry, this would be a good choice if two people were transporting the grill, or if you didn’t have to carry it long distances to a campsite. We would recommend this grill for those who want a simple, durable, and easy-to-clean option.
The Eureka K-2 XT Tent: 3-Person 4-Season is a easy-to-use, ventilated, and durable option that can withstand heavy rains, winds, and snow. Despite being expensive, heavy, and a little snug for 3 people, this is a great tent to use during inclement weather when sharing the weight-load with 2 or 3 others. This tent may be expensive for Eureka, but for a rugged, warm, and easy-to-set-up option, we think the price and weight are ‘outweighed’ by the positives.
The Eagles Nest Outfitters OneLink Hammock Shelter System is a transportable, easy to use, and lightweight option that works well for both lounging and overnight camping. Despite being a little heavier than a lightweight two-person tent, this hammock shelter is versatile, with various additions like the bug net and rain tarp. We would recommend this system for 1-2 people who want one product for both a seating area and overnight protection.
The ALPS Mountaineering Morada 4 Tent: 4-Person 3-Season is a durable, comfortable, and easy-to-use tent that is well-suited for 3-4 people during camping trips. Despite not being the lightest weight and holding some moisture in hot weather, this is a good option for those who want a protective tent that feels roomy inside. Even though it doesn’t have the most square footage for a 4-person, the higher cross pole makes it seem like there’s more headroom, and makes leaving and entering the tent easy.
The Western Mountaineering Apache MF Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down is a high-end bag that is well-suited for those who want an adjustable bag that is snug without being confining, while providing a high warmth to weight ratio. Despite the high price and slightly smaller dimensions than some other mummy bags, the high quality down, anti-snag zipper, and durable outer material make this a long-lasting and wise choice for 3-season use.
The Stanley Adventure Cooler – 30-Quart is an affordable and functional option that works well for campers who want a cooler that can be used as a seat or a table, can be easily packed, and can be loaded and unloaded with only one person. Despite some issues with leaking and not keeping items cold for more than 2 days, this is a good choice for those who need to keep drinks and food cold for a weekend trip and don’t want to break the bank.
The Osprey Packs Tempest 20L Backpack for women is a breathable, comfortable, and adjustable option chock full of features, making it well-suited for all-day use. The large feature set packed into this small pack makes it a great option. While 20L may not be enough storage space for pack rats, that is a personal preference and not a design flaw of the pack.