1. MSR Mutha Hubba NX
The bestselling MSR Mutha Hubba NX is a four-pound, freestanding, three-person tent. We love the roomy 39 square feet of living space, and that it packs up exceptionally small—just like an extra-large roll of paper towels. During testing it weathered an unexpected 60 mile-an-hour windstorm better than a full-sized BBQ and the 100-year old maple tree.
$549.95 | msrgear.com
2. Leatherman Signal
Designed with campers in mind, the stylish Leatherman Signal packs 19 tools into a compact 4.5-inch pouch. Features include a fire-starting ferro rod, one-handed blade, emergency whistle and tiny hammer for driving in tent stakes.
$119.95 | leatherman.com
3. Victorinox | Classic SD
These beautiful, limited edition Classic SD knives from Victorinox feature the artwork of Doug Leen, a former Grand Teton National Park Ranger. The Classic SD features seven tools, and at just 2.25 inches long, it’s a welcome addition to keychains around the Paddling Magazine office.
$23.99 | victorinox.com
4. Sea To Summit | Comfort Plus
Boasting car camping comfort in a backpacking-friendly size, the new Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat from Sea To Summit offers a luxurious three inches of comfort and shoulder season warmth with a 4.1 R-value. Sea To Summit’s innovative one-way valve allows the mat to deflate without re-inflating while being rolled up—though we did find it tricky to get the mat back in its stuff sack.
$159.95 | seatosummitusa.com
5. BioLite | Headlamp 330
The BioLite HeadLamp 330’s slim construction makes it totally unique. The 330’s nine-millimeter front profile sits almost flush on the forehead, and the lamp’s rechargeable battery rests at the back of the head so the lamp doesn’t slip or bob around. Provides 40 hours of runtime.
$49.95 | bioliteenergy.com
6. Uco Gear | Sprout Mini Lantern
Uco’s new Sprout Mini Lantern is an ultra-compact. A push-button control dims the light or boosts it to 100 lumens, and its magnetic lanyard hanging system allows for quick attachment anywhere—perfect for hanging from the tent ceiling. Three AAA batteries provide 60 hours of light on the lowest setting and five hours on the highest.
$14.99 | ucogear.com
7. Matador Freerain
Arguably the lightest and most compact waterproof backpack there is, Matador’s Freerain 2.0 can carry 24 liters and also pack up to the size of a nectarine. It’s a perfect bag to stash away and pull out for a day trip. Features a rolltop closure, breathable shoulder straps and a tall side pocket for a water bottle.
$64.99 | matadorup.com
8. NiteIze | RunOff Packing Cube
The waterproof RunOff Packing Cube from NiteIze is versatile and practical. The medium size is perfect for protecting and organizing toiletries or journaling supplies. The larger cubes can protect a small library of books, electronics and accessories, like laptop, cables or camera batteries. Features a Tru Zip zipper, which keeps water out.
$44.99 – $54.99 | niteize.com
9. Kammok | Mountain Blanket
This ultra-cozy blanket is made to get outside in the shoulder seasons. Kammok’s four-pound Mountain Blanket is incredibly soft, with an ultra-plush fleece interior, but able to withstand adventures outside with a water repellant exterior. Snaps along its edge transform it from camp blanket to a minimalist sleeping. A center opening in the blanket turns it into a poncho.
$135 | kammok.com
10. Big Agnes | Big Six Camp Chair
If comfort is king, you can’t do much better than Big Agnes’ Big Six Camp Chair. Designed with deluxe chillin’ in mind, the Big Six has a tall back, wide seat and sits 20 inches off the ground. Set up is quick and easy with a shock-cord pole set. The Big Six is packable for stashing in your truck, trunk or drybag.
$149.95 | bigagnes.com
11. Frost River | Isle Royale Bushcraft Pack
Made with the modern bushcrafter in mind, traditional style and function meet in this heavy-duty waxed canvas Frost River pack. The Isle Royale Bushcraft Pack is an all-purpose paddling, hiking and travel bag, with the ample pockets, leather closures and lace compression system to customize to any load. Personalize it with a monogrammed patch.
$330 | frostriver.com
12. Appalachian Gear Company | All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
Made from 100-percent alpaca fiber, this hoodie from the Appalachian Gear Company is super warm for its weight. The knit structure and fiber properties allow perspiration to escape while retaining its insulating properties, perfect for wearing while active.
$137 | appalachiangearcompany.com
