Photo: Steve West (Getty Images).
When your outdoor adventures mean more than starting a campfire within eyesight of the SUV and drinking a few beers as you BBQ, the necessary equipment for survival becomes mandatory. Embracing nature is all about being ready for the unexpected. That’s no easy feat, especially when you are planing to trek to parts unknown. All that gear has to be effective, durable, and light enough to carry.
It all starts with shelter, and the age old debate of size versus weight. Your planned carry-along might be the best in the marketplace, but is it realistic to tote it up the mountain or into the woods with you? The Ghost Sky 2 Tent by Mountain Hardware is made with Featherlight NSL poles to reduce weight, but still offer solid stability, making it an ideal option as your home-away-from-home.
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Once you have your temporary housing set, it’s key to light the facility, navigate your new stomping grounds and keep your tech devices charged. Keep everything illuminated with the Venture 20 Solar Recharging Kit by Goal Zero, and the FD41 Focus Flashlight by Fenix. Also, in the event that anything goes wrong during campground set-up, it’s imperative to have some tools on hand. The Ultimate Survival Tool by SPARtool is impressively dynamic, offering a saw, pick, hammer, bottle opener and shovel all-in-one.
Since getting out in the wilderness is more about being on the move than being in one spot, you’re going to want to pack up all your equipment and hit the trail. To do so, make sure you have breathable but tough boots (like some American made ones by Danner), lined with quality socks and a stand-up hoodie that is so comfortable you’ll probably wear it long after you’re back home.
Wherever your outdoor adventures take you, whether it’s an overnight at the national park or a week out in the wilderness, there’s no substitute for being prepared. Pick up gear necessities made by brands that have already proven their capabilities, giving you the added security of knowing you’re equipped for the unexpected.
Camp City | Military Grade Gear for the Outdoors
Expect the best but be prepared for the worse when embarking into nature & the great outdoors. Embracing nature is all about being ready for the unexpected.
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Danner, Wildland Tactical Firefighter
Keep yourself on the path, even it means jumping through flames, with the Wildland Tactical Firefighter Boot, $350, from Danner. This boot is handcrafted in Portland, and features a fire-resistant, durable, rough-out leather and breathable mesh lining. Made in USA.
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Camelbak Militac M.U.L.E.
Hydration is key on any excursion, and Camelbak has..well.. your back. The Militac M.U.L.E., $142, supports up to 100 oz. bladder systems to quench your thirst outdoors.
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SPARtool, Ultimate Survival Tool
When you need to bring a lot of tools, but don't need the weight turn to the SPARtool, $165. The SPARtool, weighs in at 2lbs 13oz, and is made of Carbon steel and Ballistic nylon. Made in USA.
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Casio, WSD-F20BK
Never get lost again with the WSD-F20BK, $500, from Casio. This isn't just a 'smart watch', it's a brilliant watch. The WSD-F20BK has built in GPS to always keep you moving in the right direction, and also features Android Wear 2.0 to keep you connected to your digital life.
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VOORMI, The Eleven.9 Hoodie
The Eleven.9 Hoodie, $149, is your favorite hoodie, but better. Voormi uses exclusive Rocky Mountain Highcountry Merino wool which is ultra comfortable and warm enough to live in. Made in USA.
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Darn Tough, Via Ferrata Micro Crew Cushion
No matter what time of year it is, the Via Ferrata Micro Crew Cushion socks, $20, are perfect for any outdoor excursion. Darn Tough is known for unprecedented durability and having a unique “put it on, forget it’s on” feel. Made in USA.
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Mountain Hardware, Ghost Sky 2 Tent
Keeping a good roof over your head is important, and so is keeping your pack lite on the trail. Mountain Hardware designed the Ghost Sky 2 Tent, $429, with that in mind. Made with Featherlight NSL poles to reduce weight and increase stability.
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Goal Zero, Venture 20 Solar Recharging Kit
For those of us that always bring electronics with us camping and hiking, keeping those devices charged is crucial. Enter the Venture 30 Solar Recharging Kit, $169, from GoalZero. Weighing only 1.5lbs this kit is lightweight and rugged enough to keep you charged anywhere in nature.
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Fenix, FD41 Focus Flashlight
Never lose track of what's in sight with the FD41 Focus Flashlight, $85, from Fenix. With a lightweight design, 5 different light modes, and max 900 lumens, this flashlight is ideal for keeping your late night excursions well lit.
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Osprey, Aether 85AG Pack
When you're going on a serious hike you're gonna need to carry a lot of gear, and the Aether 85AG Pack, $247, will handle just about all you can throw at it. With it's lightweight construction and custom fit Anti-Gravity harness the Aether 85AG Pack will definitely make that hike easier on your back.
