Table of Contents
My Shelter
having the right shelter is essential for successful backpacking trip—it can make or break your experience, especially for newcomers. Below, I share the shelter setup I bring for my backpacking adventures.
My Tent
Backpacking Tent
Big Anges Fly Creek HV UL1
$246.85
Ultralight Design
Ventilation
Sustainable
Limited Interior Space
Front-Entry
Durability
Specs
Sleeps – 1 Person
Dimensions – 86 x 38/28 (L x W head/foot) inches
Weight – 2 lbs 4 oz
Additional Models – 2 person
Detailed Review
Overall, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL Ultralight Tent offers significant weight savings and eco-friendly features, making it appealing to weight-conscious backpackers. However, potential buyers should consider its limited interior space, Front-Entry limitations, and the need for careful handling due to its delicate materials.
Ultralight Design - Weighing approximately 2 pounds 4 ounces, the Fly Creek HV UL2 is exceptionally lightweight, making it ideal for backpackers prioritizing minimal pack weight. Its compact size allows for efficient packing without occupying excessive space.
Ventilation - Featuring a double-wall construction with ample mesh, the Fly Creek promotes excellent airflow, reducing condensation buildup inside the tent. This design ensures a comfortable sleeping environment, particularly in warmer conditions.
Sustainable - The tent utilizes solution-dyed fabric, which is highly resistant to UV fading and significantly reduces energy consumption and water usage during manufacturing. This eco-friendly approach benefits the environment and enhances the fabric's durability.
Limited Interior Space - The tent's compact design results in a snug interior, making it more suitable for solo campers or those comfortable with close quarters. Accommodating two people can be challenging, especially with gear, leading to a cramped experience.
Front-Entry - More of a preference thing but the single front-entry door design can be less convenient compared to side-entry tents. This configuration may require campers to maneuver over gear or each other, impacting overall ease of use.
Durability - The tent's ultralight materials, while contributing to its minimal weight, are more susceptible to abrasion and require careful handling. Users must be cautious to prevent damage, especially when camping on rough terrain.
Most tents come with the essentials, like stakes, poles, and a rainfly. However, many require you to purchase the footprint separately (you can also use a tarp). A footprint adds an extra layer of protection for your tent floor, helping to prevent wear and tear by keeping it off the direct ground.
My Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bag
Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass 30 Sleeping Bag
$180.00
Lightweight and Packable
Affordable
3-Season Warmth
Basic Feature Set
Limited Comfort for Broader Frames
Specs
Tested Lower Limit – 30 degrees (F)
Tested Comfort – 40 degrees (F)
Weight – 1 lb. 12.6 oz.
Fits Up To (in.) – 72 inches
Shoulder Girth (in.) – 62 inches
Hip Girth (in.) – 53 inches
Stuff Sack Size – 7 x 13.5 inches
Additional Sizes – Bishop Pass 30 Sleeping Bag
Detailed Review
The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 Sleeping Bag is a lightweight and affordable option designed for three-season backpacking. Weighing under 2 pounds and compressing to the size of a small melon, it’s highly packable, making it ideal for minimalist adventurers. Filled with 650-fill-power duck down, it provides adequate warmth for temperatures as low as 30°F, performing well in cool conditions. While its affordability is a major draw, the bag lacks advanced elements like neck baffles, which might impact comfort on colder nights. Additionally, its standard fit may feel restrictive for larger users, making it better suited for average-sized campers.
Lightweight and Packable - Weighing just under 2 pounds, the Bishop Pass 30 is notably lightweight for a down sleeping bag. Its compact design allows it to compress to 7 x 13.5 inches, making it easy to pack alongside other gear in a backpack.
Affordable - The Bishop Pass 30 offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. This makes it an attractive choice for backpackers seeking quality performance at a lower cost.
3-Season Warmth - Filled with 15 ounces of 650-fill-power duck down, the bag is rated for 30°F and performs well in typical three-season conditions. Users have reported staying warm during cool nights, indicating the bag meets its temperature rating effectively.
Basic Feature Set - To maintain its affordability, the Bishop Pass 30 has a minimalist design, lacking some advanced features found in higher-end models. For instance, it does not include a neck baffle, which could affect heat retention on colder nights.
Limited Comfort for Broader Frames - With shoulder and hip girths of 62 inches and 53 inches respectively, the bag offers a standard fit. However, individuals with broader frames or those who prefer more room to move may find it somewhat restrictive, affecting sleep quality.
A 3-season sleeping bag is my go-to since most of my camping happens between spring and fall. However, depending on where you live or plan to camp, you might want to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating better suited to that specific climate. Keep in mind that sleeping bag warmth ratings are based on using a properly rated sleeping pad, so it’s essential to pair the two for optimal insulation.
My Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Pad
Tensor All-Season Ultralight Sleeping Pad
$198.95
Comfort
Ultralight
High Insulation
Price
Inflation
Specs
R-Value – 5.4
Packed Size – 4 x 10 inches
Inflated – 72 x 20 x 3.5 inches
Weight – 1 lb
Sleeping Capacity – 1-person
Additional Models – Regular Mummy, Regular Wide, Long Wide
Detailed Review
Overall, the NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is lauded for its comfort, lightweight design, and excellent insulation, making it a top choice for serious backpackers. However, potential buyers should consider the higher price point and minor usability challenges when making their decision
Comfort - The Tensor All-Season boasts a 3.5-inch thickness with supportive horizontal baffles, providing a stable and comfortable sleeping surface suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers. Its soft face material enhances comfort, reducing the likelihood of slipping during the night.
Ultralight - Weighing approximately 16 ounces (1 pound), the Tensor offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for ultralight backpacking. It compresses down to about 10 x 4 inches, roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle, facilitating easy packing without occupying significant space.
High Insulation - With an R-value of 5.4, the Tensor All-Season provides substantial insulation, suitable for four-season camping. This high R-value ensures warmth in various climates, reducing the need for multiple pads across different seasons.
Price - The high-quality materials and design of the Tensor All-Season come at a higher cost, which may not be justifiable for occasional backpackers or those on a tight budget.
Inflation - While the pad includes a pump sack, some users find the inflation process requires more effort compared to other models. This could be a minor inconvenience after a long day of hiking.
An important thing to know before buying a sleeping pad, it what types of climates you’ll be camping in. Then you can find a pad with an appropriate R-Value to match sure your warm enough. The R-value of a sleeping pad measures its ability to resist heat loss and provide insulation from the cold ground. The higher the R-value, the warmer the pad will keep you by retaining body heat and blocking the cold.
Here’s a quick breakdown of R-values for sleeping pads:
- 1-2: Suitable for warm weather camping, where ground insulation isn’t critical.
- 2-4: Ideal for 3-season use, offering moderate warmth for spring, summer, and fall trips.
- 4+: Designed for cold-weather or winter camping, providing significant insulation to keep you warm.
My Pillow
Pillow
NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow
$54.08
Lightweight and Compact
Easy Inflation and Adjustability
Comfort
Limited Thickness
Price Point
Durability
Specs
Packed Size – 4 x 3 inches in diameter
Inflated – 72 x 41 x 4 inches
Weight – 3 oz
Detailed Review
The NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow offers a lightweight and comfortable solution for backpackers, campers and travelers. Weighing just approximately 3 ounces and packing down small, it is easy to carry without adding bulk. The pillow combines an inflatable air cell with a layer of Primaloft insulation and a soft jersey cover, offering a balance of support and comfort. It features a micro-adjustable valve for easy inflation and customizable firmness. The micro-adjustable valve can take a bit getting used too, but I practiced at home a few times before my first trip with this pillow and haven’t had any issues on my trips.
Lightweight and Compact - Weighing approximately 3 ounces and packing down to the size of a lemon, the Fillo Elite is exceptionally portable, making it ideal for backpackers, campers, and travelers who prioritize minimal weight and space. When inflated its small enough to fit inside the top of the head area of mummy bags which prevents slipping off during the night.
Easy Inflation and Adjustability - Equipped with a micro-adjustable valve, the Fillo Elite can be inflated with just a few breaths. You can easily fine-tune the firmness to your preference, ensuring personalized comfort.
Comfort - The pillow features a combination of an inflatable air cell and a thin layer of Primaloft insulation, providing a balance between support and softness. The soft jersey cover adds to the overall comfort, enhancing sleep quality.
Limited Thickness - With a maximum thickness of 3 inches, some side sleepers may find the pillow lacks sufficient loft to provide optimal neck support, potentially affecting sleep quality.
Price Point - The Fillo Elite is considered expensive compared to other backpacking pillows, which might deter budget-conscious consumers despite its features.
Durability - To achieve its like weight and size, thinner materials have been used. While I haven't had an issues, thinner materials are more prone for punctures and leaks if not handled properly.
I invested in an inflatable pillow for backpacking because I was annoyed at waking up as whatever placeholder I was using for a pillow would move around!
Budget Friendly Shelter
Tent – Budget Friendly
Budget Friendly Tent
REI Half Dome 2 Tent with Footprint
$299.00
Spacious
Durability
Easy Setup
Weight
Bulkiness
Specs
Sleeps – 2-person
Floor Dimensions – 88 x 52 inches
Weight – 5 lbs 12oz
Additional Models – 3 person
Detailed Review
Overall, the REI Half Dome 2 Tent with Footprint is praised for its spacious interior, durability, and ease of setup, making it a versatile option for various camping scenarios. However, potential buyers should consider its heavier weight, possible quality control issues, and bulkiness when evaluating its suitability for their specific needs.
Spacious - The Half Dome 2 offers a roomy interior with near-vertical walls, providing ample headroom and comfort for two occupants. This design enhances livability, making it suitable for both backpacking and car camping trips.
Durability - Built with robust materials, the tent demonstrates resilience against various weather conditions. Its sturdy structure ensures longevity, making it a reliable choice for extended use.
Easy Setup - Featuring a color-coded pole system and symmetrical design, the Half Dome 2 allows for quick and straightforward assembly. This user-friendly setup is advantageous for both novice and experienced campers.
Weight - Weighing approximately 5 pounds 12 ounces, the Half Dome 2 is heavier than most ultralight backpacking tents. This additional weight may be a consideration for those prioritizing lightweight gear for extended treks.
Bulkiness - Due to its spacious design and durable materials, the tent's packed size may be bulkier compared to more compact backpacking tents. This could pose challenges for those with limited pack space.
Sleeping Bag – Budget Friendly
Budget Friendly Sleeping Bag
REI Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag
$99.95
Sizing Options
Affordable
Eco-Friendly Materials
Heavier Weight
Bulky Size
Specs
Tested Lower Limit – 21 degrees (F)
Tested Comfort – 31 degrees (F)
Weight – 3 lb. 4.6 oz.
Fits Up To (in.) – 72 inches
Shoulder Girth (in.) – 62 inches
Hip Girth (in.) – 58 inches
Detailed Review
Overall, the REI Co-op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag is praised for its inclusive sizing, affordability, and eco-friendly materials, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious campers. However, potential buyers should consider its heavier weight, bulkier packed size, and possible zipper snagging issues when evaluating its suitability for their needs.
Sizing Options - The Trailmade 20 is available in six different length and width combinations, accommodating a wide range of body types. This inclusivity ensures a tailored fit for many users, enhancing comfort during sleep.
Affordable - Priced under $100, the Trailmade 20 offers excellent value, making it accessible for budget-conscious campers and backpackers seeking a reliable sleeping bag without compromising essential features.
Eco-Friendly Materials - Constructed with 98% recycled synthetic insulation and a recycled polyester shell, the Trailmade 20 appeals to environmentally conscious consumers by incorporating sustainable materials into its design.
Heavier Weight - Weighing approximately 3 pounds 4.6 ounces, the Trailmade 20 is heavier than some alternative sleeping bags, which may be a consideration for backpackers aiming to minimize pack weight.
Bulky Size - Due to its synthetic insulation, the bag has a larger packed volume of about 14.4 liters, making it bulkier compared to more compressible down-filled options. This could pose challenges for those with limited pack space.
Sleeping Pad – Budget Friendly
Budget Friendly Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad
$59.95
Durability
Ease of Use
Lightweight
Limited Comfort
Minimal Insulation
Specs
R-Value – 2
Folded – 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches
Unfolded – 72 x 20 inches
Weight – 14 oz
Sleeping Capacity – 1-person
Detailed Review
Overall, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is praised for its durability, ease of use, and lightweight design, making it a reliable choice for many backpackers. However, potential buyers should consider its limited comfort and limited insulation when evaluating its suitability for their needs.
Durability - The Z Lite Sol's closed-cell foam construction makes it highly resistant to punctures, tears, and abrasions, ensuring reliability in rugged terrains where inflatable pads might fail.
Ease of Use - With its accordion-style design, the Z Lite Sol unfolds instantly, eliminating the need for inflation. This simplicity is especially beneficial after long days of hiking, allowing for immediate setup and breakdown.
Lightweight - Weighing approximately 14 ounces, the Z Lite Sol is considered ultralight, making it an excellent choice for backpackers aiming to minimize pack weight. Its minimal weight does not compromise its functionality, providing essential insulation and comfort.
Limited Comfort - At 0.75 inches thick, the Z Lite Sol offers minimal cushioning, which may not provide adequate comfort for side sleepers or those accustomed to thicker pads. Users may experience pressure points, leading to interrupted sleep.
Minimal Insulation - with an R-Value of 2, the Z Lite Sol is only recommended for warmer weather trips.
