Looking into my crystal ball, I see I see its becoming clear I see a trip to your local outfitter in your future. Real soon. Take the debit card, and make sure you have plenty of room in the trunk, cause youre gonna need both.
Sierra Designs’ Clip Flashlight Tent
Clip Flashlight Tent
Here are the basics of what youll need:
Pack: Four thousand cubic inches ought to do itmaybe 4,500 if you take a lot of camera gear. Gregorys new Baltoro ($269; www.gregorypacks.com) is just the ticket with a 4,300 cubic-inch capacity for the medium-size pack, excellent suspension, lots of pockets and storage areas for extra camera supplies and fast access. Keltys Storm 3600 ($145; www.kelty.com) is a little smaller, but has enough room for two-night trips and offers a lot of value.
Tent: A solo tent should be fine. I really like REIs Chrysalis UL ($159; www.rei.com), which is light (just over three pounds) and offers lots of room for one person. And Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight ($170; www.sierradesigns.com) is a classica compact two-person tent thats palatial for one. You have to stake it out, but in return you get a sturdy tent that weighs less than four pounds.
Boots: These will be key, of course, so make sure you get a pair that fit as opposed to buying what I or someone else recommend. That said, L.L. Beans Cresta Hikers ($169; www.llbean.com) are a reliable choice for weekend trips. So too is the Asolo FSN 95 GTX ($160; www.asolo.com). Montrails Torre GTX boots ($165; www.montrail.com) are a third solid choice. All of these are mid-weight backpacking boots that are perfect for weekend trips with a moderate load.
Sleeping bag: I think Marmots Arroyo ($249; www.marmot.com) is about the best all-purpose bag out there. Its rated to 30 degrees, weighs just one pound, two ounces, and packs down to about the size of a softball. If the price is a bit steep, then the Mountain Hardwear Switch is a good choice in a synthetic-fill bag ($100; www.mountainhardwear.com). For either, the Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite pad ($50; www.thermarest.com) will work great.
Cookwear: This can get a bit complicated. Jetboils Personal Cooking System ($79; www.jetboil.com) is light and efficient. For more flexibility, a traditional cartridge-fuel stove such as Colemans Exponent F1 ($45; www.coleman.com) is great. GSIs Hard Anodized Extreme Mess Kit ($34; www.gsioutdoors.com) takes care of dishes, pot, and pan.
Clothing: For a typical weekend in decent weather, Id start with a set of light long underwear (REI Lightweight MTS runs $28 for bottoms, $24 for a T-shirt). Pack some light nylon shorts (Lands End Outrigger Cargo Shorts are great and cost $29; www.landsend.com). Then a mid-weight fleece jacket (L.L. Beans Knife Edge jacket works well for $79; www.llbean.com). Then a light rainproof layer, such as Marmots PreCip Jacket ($99) and Pants ($70). Add gloves, hat, and other accessories to suit the weather and your own needs.
Extras: Headlamp (Petzl Tikka$26; http://en.petzl.com), handy tool/knife (Swiss Army Camper$27; www.swissarmy.com), first-aid kit (ϳԹ Medical Personal Essentials$38; www.adventuremedicalkits.com), compass (Silva Guide 426$20; www.silvausa.com), sunglasses and sunscreen, and youre all set!
And the Light Shall Inherit the Earth: for Away.com’s guide to building the perfect 20-pound summer backpacking kit.