Camping Gear
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Tent: Eureka Sunriver 2
As seen on the Badger State Trail of southern Wisconsin
The Sunriver 2 is my favorite tent of all time. It’s extremely light-weight, coming in at just over 2 lbs, and can be set up in the dark in less than five minutes. The fabric and screen are durable, and it’s been my go-to tent for years. Unfortunately, it’s now unavailable from most vendors. While I can’t speak for it directly, the Eureka Suma Tent looks nearly identical in frame and aesthetic. It’s a three season tent, but can take a decent beating from rain, especially when equipped with an extra tarp.
Sleeping Bag: Coleman 0°F Mummy
This is one of my luxury items.
Staying warm can really make or break trips for me. A cold, unpleasant night will leave me sleep-deprived and unhappy the next morning. I’ve found that if a sleeping bag is rated to, say, 40°F, it may be survivable at that temperature, but it won’t be comfortable. As such, I upgraded to this mummy-style sleeping bag with a substantially lower temperature rating, and I’ve - quite literally - been a happy camper ever since.
Cooking Gear:
Camp Stove: Snow Peak Burner
This stove is very light-weight and compact, and comes with a slim white case that can fit in my pocket. However, the stove does come with a few disadvantages. The fuel canisters each cost about five dollars, but that adds up quickly. Further, they can be difficult to come by, especially abroad. I may end up switching the burner out for a MSR Whisperlite stove, since that one comes with a fuel bottle that works with anything from white gas to diesel. That way, I won’t have to plan extended trips around where I can find the proper canisters.
I use compact Snow Peak cookware and extendable utensils to prepare meals with the stove.
Other Accessories
Portable Solar Charger - This item comes in handy on longer treks to recharge small devices, like my shaving razor, GPS device, GoPro batteries, or cell phone. It also provides a convenient flashlight for writing journal entries or reading late into the night. That said, I’ve found it takes longer to recharge than I’d hope, so you should test it before using it on a trip and temper your expectations accordingly.
Inflatable Travel Pillow - The pillow compresses down into a small travel case about the size of my fist, and is suitably light-weight for carrying on treks. Normally I just use one of my bike panniers or shoes as a pillow, but have found the inflatable pillow to be far more comfortable.
Baofeng GT-5R or Eton Wind-up Radio - Bringing a radio can be helpful in order to receive regional weather forecasts, listen to music, or communicate for help if in need. The main differences between the two radios listed above is that the Baofeng operates off of a battery that must be recharged from an outlet and allows you to send transmissions (IF you have a HAM radio license), while the Eton radio is operated from an internal rechargeable battery that is driven by a wind-up mechanism and does not allow you to transmit.
Garmin InReach Explorer - This device uses the Iridium satellite constellation to allow you to send and receive messages, provide weather reports, and open a direct line of communication with rescuers if you find yourself in need - from anywhere in the world with a clear view of the sky. It’s invaluable in letting friends and family know you’re alright when you’re in a zone where cell data is unavailable and provides a reliable back-up plan if all else fails. GEOS also sells insurance plans to cover rescue expenses.
