Spring Camping With Mountain Hardwear

Camping gear — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Warm spring nights are positively begging for some time spent out under the stars. Whether you’re an urban camper who gets in a weekend or two away from the daily grind, or a serious trail traveler who can go full weeks without seeing civilization, you’re going to need the right tent and accessories to make your backcountry abode comfortable. We’ve been testing a few essentials from Mountain Hardwear on spring climbing and fly fishing trips, and their latest line of serious gear is perfect for adrenaline junkies or casual campers alike.

Shifter Tents
Don’t mistake the line up of Shifter tents for simple budget minded heavyweights. The Shifters are the ideal answer for backpackers seeking a little extra room for gear, or car campers looking for quick set up. We’ve been testing the 2-person tent, but it comes in 3- and 4-person configurations too. The two poled main body goes up in minutes, and when combined with the roomy, dual vestibule rainfly, it is positively a backcountry palace. One side of the vestibule adds a “shoulder” system for extra height when stowing packs (or wet, smelly dogs), while the other lends excellent ventilation. It ships with a floor saving footprint tarp and gear loft, eliminating costly accessorizing. If you’re picking one tent for all your spring and summer adventures, this is it.

Lamina Z Sleeping Bags
The all new Lamina Z sleeping bags are an REI exclusive. Taking design cues from the award winning Hyperlamina Spark, the Z series provide a cost effective bag for all conditions. The Lamina Z Spark and Lamina Z Flame offer 3-season comfort to forty-two and thirty-two degrees respectably. With body-mapped Thermal.Q insulation, your core and feet get a little extra warmth, taking advantage of your body’s heat needs. Full length zippers, extra heat baffles, and shoulder stow pockets (for a headlamp or car keys) keep the comfort maxed out. Don’t be surprised when your trail buddy tries to steal it after a long backpacking trip into the wilderness.

Scrambler 30
Updated this spring with an Outdry waterpoof membrane, the Scrambler 30 has been a favorite daypack of climbers and hikers for years. It easily hauls a load of rope, quickdraws, and climbing shoes just as easily as a spare change of clothes and hiking gear, and is comfortable no matter how unwieldy your load is. Padded shoulder straps and back panel help stabilize the pack, while compression straps and a simple top loading design keep things stress free. If you’ve been looking for one pack to do everything from packing camping gear to epic trail hikes, you won’t find a better bag.