To cut weight and bulk, some hikers use a 3/4 length sleeping pad instead of a full-length model. This is an option whether you prefer inflatable or closed-cell foam. To help you choose the best sleeping pad length, this guide outlines the pros and cons of using a 3/4 length vs full length sleeping pad. …
Camping
Tents fall into two categories: single-wall and double-wall. The ideal tent design for your trip depends on the climate and weather conditions you camp in, how much weight you want to carry, and personal preference. This guide lists the pros and cons of using a single-wall vs double-wall tent. I’ll cover weight, setup time and …
Roof top tents are becoming an increasingly popular shelter option among overlanders, road trippers, and off-roaders. When it comes to choosing a roof top tent, you have two main designs to choose from. This guide outlines the pros and cons of using a hard shell vs soft shell roof top tent. We’ll cover ease of …
Spotting a bear while hiking is both a beautiful and terrifying experience at the same time. On one hand, bears are absolutely incredible creatures to view in the wild. On the other hand, bears can be dangerous. Luckily, attacks are rare. This guide explains how to avoid bears while hiking or camping in bear country. …
Some car campers decide not to bother with a tent and instead set up a sleeping area inside of their vehicle. With a few small modifications, you can comfortably sleep in a car, SUV, van, or even in the bed of a pickup truck. Whether you’re overlanding, road tripping, or just car camping, sleeping in …
Rooftop tents are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to ground tents. Particularly among overlanders, road trippers, and off-roaders. This guide outlines the pros and cons of using a rooftop tent vs ground tent. We’ll cover comfort, setup time, costs, safety, ease of use, longevity, and more. Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the best shelter …
When choosing a sleeping bag or jacket, one of the most important decisions you need to make is the type of insulation it’s filled with. The insulation (or fill) determines the warmth, price, weight, durability, compressibility, performance in wet conditions, and more. The ideal insulation depends mostly on the climate and temperatures you plan to …
In the never-ending quest to cut weight and bulk, many minimalist hikers, bikepackers, and travelers are making the switch from a sleeping bag to a quilt. Everyone is going ultralight. This guide outlines the pros and cons of a quilt vs sleeping bags. I’ll compare weight, warmth, ease of use, cost, durability, comfort, size, moisture …
Condensation inside of a tent is an annoyance that every camper faces. It is an unavoidable natural process that occurs in every tent, regardless of the design and the materials it is made of. You can’t stop condensation but you can minimize it by taking a few simple precautions. This guide outlines how to reduce …
Backpacking tents fall into two categories: freestanding and non-freestanding. The ideal tent design for your trip depends on the climate, the type of ground you’re camping on, how often you plan to use it, personal preference, and more. This guide outlines the pros and cons of freestanding vs non-freestanding tents to help you decide which …