Lafuma GR Junior Mummy Bag

       The Lafuma GR Junior offers youngsters their own scaled-down version of a sleeping bag – just like their parents’ technical bags. Weighing just ounces shy of three pounds, the bag is light enough for a young camper to pack and unpack into the car by herself. The bag is 100 percent polyester inside and comfortable for temperatures to 50 degrees. And, measuring nearly six feet long – with the mummy hood – and offering a 27.5” inch width, there’s plenty of room for both kid and teddy bear.

   After helping my 3-year-old figure out how to tug and pull the bag out of its nylon stuff sack, she had no problem learning how to pull the bag’s side zipper up and down all by herself, as she snuggled down inside, all smiles.

   One safety precaution: the drawstring cord for the mummy hood is right at neck level.  As a parent, this was very alarming to me for obvious reasons.

Rating:  Whether you’re in the backyard or the backcountry, this sleeping bag will provide a warm and snug bed for youngsters. (Carolyn Price)

Lafuma Warm’n Light 800g Down Comfort Bag      

   There is nothing quite like climbing into a warm sleeping bag after a day of hiking or climbing. The Lafuma Warm’n Light 800D Comfort sleeping bag (1 lb., 13 oz.), with it’s ample room, makes the prospect of turning in for the night all that more appealing.

   The Warm’n Light’s rectangular design paired with a mummy style hood gives you the wiggle room you need, with the heat retention of a hood. The bag has a great three season temperature rating of 37 degrees.  A smart pocket that allows you to stow your alarm at ear level will eliminate missed alpine starts.  And a zipper allowing the bag to open fully into a blanket makes those hot summer nights more bearable.

   The misleading name of the bag implies that 800 fill power down was used; yet it is actually comprised of 650 fill power down which compromises the loft of the bag and adds weight.

Rating:  A budget oriented down bag that won’t break your back or your wallet.  (Alan Leonard)

Suggested Retail:  $139.95

Mountainsmith Dog Pack I

     You’ve got three days worth of your own food and equipment and miles of steep trail to cover until you reach the next campsite. If your dog is along, you won’t feel any guilt in having them carry their own food, as long as they’re sporting the Mountainsmith Dog Pack.

   The pack’s light and extremely durable design allows your dog to maneuver easily through thick, overgrown trails. What many other dog packs lack in comfort, the Mountainsmith makes up for it with soft padding along the harness that will prevent abrasions and burns.

   The pack can be easily taken on and off for quick breaks or a swim in an alpine lake. There are also a lot of compartments, making snacks and leashes easily accessible. However, while I chose the right pack size for my dog, Selma, the straps were still too loose, allowing her to slip out of the pack when she was headed downhill. (Louise Schollaert)

Rating:  Your pooch won’t pout when toting this pack. 

MSR Hubba Hubba Tent  

   Some tents are like vacation condos while others are simply shelters from the elements. The MSR Hubba Hubba tent falls somewhere in the middle. Even though I had no companions to help carry the tent during a recent solo hike, the lightweight Hubba Hubba (4 lbs., 10 oz.) was not a burden on my back in the slightest.

   When oncoming clouds forced me to speed up the tent-raising process, the Hubba Hubba’s all-in-one pole system made it easy. In a downpour, the tent’s rainproof abilities were flawless. Even with the doors open (one on each side) for ventilation, you can rest assured that the rain-fly – when staked out – won’t let water ruin your night.  Vestibules on either side of the tent provide ample space for gear storage space and a place for your pooch.  

  When you want to shed even more pounds, leave the tent at home and pack just the fly and poles; or consider investing in the one-person MSR Hubba tent, weighing a mere three pounds, seven ounces.

Rating:  Easy to set up, lightweight and watertight, this tent is a backpacker’s dream.  (Becky Brun)

Suggested Retail:  $289.95

Jetboil Personal Cooking System    

The Jetboil Personal Cooking System has done for hikers what the microwave has done for single moms – made life easy. Compared to the popular Whisperlite, which weighs 14 ounces, the Jetboil weighs only six ounces.  And, because its burner and cooking cup are one integrated unit, you won’t have to lug around any extra pots.  

   If I’m camping alone and it starts raining, I often opt for granola bars and trail mix for dinner. But the Jetboil’s fast and extremely easy set-up allowed me to eat a hot meal in minutes.

   At first glance, many people assume that the Jetboil, due to its design, can only be used for one-pot dishes such as Ramen or mac and cheese. But, when combined with the Jetboil Pot Support and Stabalizer Kit (weighing a single ounce) you can sauté to your heart’s content. You can even start your morning off with a strong cup of coffee, thanks to the compact Jetboil French Press, which breaks down and stows neatly away inside your cup.

   The Jetboil system is perfect for a solo or two-person long-distance trek but it can’t accommodate a larger group.  And, while the ultra-light backpacker in me loves the efficiency of propane/isobutene fuel canisters, the environmentalist in me despises their non-refillable and hard-to-recycle characteristics.

Rating:  It might look like it’s from another planet, but for solo treks, this is THE stove to bring along. (Becky Brun)

Suggested Retail:  Personal Cooking System - $79.95, Pot Support and Stavbalizer Kit - $19.95, French Press - $19.95