In Part 3 of the Backcountry Camp Series, we talked about what you need to know when picking out the best lightweight sleeping bag. Here in Part 4, we talk about a handful of lightweight sleep systems. For this review, my intended use is September archery season here in Idaho, so you could have overnight temps in the 20s or in the 50s. September in Idaho typically is fairly dry, so a down bag is usually a great option.
With that in mind I decided to include lightweight sleeping bags in the temperature range around 15 degrees to cover those frequent cold September nights in the Idaho high country. I tested these bags/quilts into the 20s, but most of the time the temperatures hung in the 30s and 40s.
What are some of the best ultralight sleeping bags? There are so many to choose from! How do you decide between down or synthetic? What style of sleeping bag is the right fit for you? Do you prefer a sleeping bag or a quilt? And what’s all the rage about quilts anyway? The market is full of good quality, ultralight sleep systems. When discussing sleep systems, it’s extremely difficult to report as to whether the bag/quilt lived up to its temperature rating because everyone sleeps differently.
In this Kelty Salida 2 review we show you why this entry level floored backpacking tent gives you a lot for the price point. Weighing in at 3lbs 14oz, it’s the heaviest of the shelters I tested, but also the least expensive by a long shot. If you don’t feel like emptying your wallet on a tent, this is a fantastic option that gives you a good amount of interior space and a freestanding design. It is also a double wall tent, so you avoid potential condensation issues.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is a time tested, well built tent from Big Agnes. In this review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, you’ll see why it’s been loved by backpackers and hunters for many years, this tent is full of features and provides you with a good amount of space, both in the vestibules and interior.
So, you want an ultra-durable tent that will handle just about anything you throw at it while still being reasonably lightweight? In this Hilleberg Anjan 2 review, you’ll see why the Anjan 2 is that tent. Hilleberg is long known for building some of the best tents on the market, and this one is no … Read more
The Nemo Hornet 2p is a tent with a great reputation and with good reason. It is crazy-light for a two door, two vestibule, two-person tent. It weighs in at an impressive 2lbs 6oz trail weight (1lb 15oz “minimum weight” which I’ll discuss below). In the Nemo Hornet 2P review we are going to highlight … Read more
In our search for the best ultralight tent I came across this gem which prompted this Zpacks Duplex review. Coming in at an insane 19oz (without poles or stakes), this is the lightest 2 person floored tent I’ve been able to test by a long shot. It is the perfect combination of lightweight, functional, and … Read more
The VIAM Outdoors CC Divide is a very different shelter than the others I’ve reviewed. I wanted to test this one out because it offers so many options. The VIAM Outdoors CC Divide is offered in two different material weights, as well as with or without a floor. The CC Divide gives you the ability to use a wood stove inside the shelter for those late season trips. This is an absolute game changer!
In this Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo review we’ll show you some of its impressive specs and features. With a ton of interior space, large vestibules, and a 45 inch peak height, this thing was appropriately dubbed the “Backcountry Palace” by users. In this Lunar Duo Explorer review we discuss its features, of which its two doors, two huge vestibules, and massive interior space give you a fantastic shelter.
