Sleeping Bags, Pads & Equip.

Reviews - Sleeping Bags, Pads & Equip.

“Life is better in a hammock.” is the motto of Trek Light Gear and I must agree with every word.

My first camping trip was a weekend outing in the winter of 1961.  Since it was one of the most miserable times of my life, I remember it well.  After just a week in the Boy Scouts, I found myself sitting in the woods cold, dirty, and wet.  By the end of that weekend I had a choice to make.  I could either give up on the whole concept of outdoor living, or get stubborn and learn how to be comfortable in the wilderness.

Read more: Life Is Better In a Hammock

Reviews - Sleeping Bags, Pads & Equip.

As I get older, I find that I appreciate a good mattress more and more.  That's as true in the woods as it is at home.  Maybe even more so!  I started my quest for more comfortable field mattresses earlier this year and I've been keen to see what all is available, so when I was asked if I wanted to check out a new compact air mattress from Aerobed, I jumped at the chance!

Read more: Aerobed Pakmat Review

Reviews - Sleeping Bags, Pads & Equip.

Recently, we had a chance to try out the new Kelty Supernova 3-IN-1 sleeping bag, and it was smooth sailing and great sleeping under the North Carolina skies!

Read more: Kelty Supernova 3-IN-1 Review

Reviews - Sleeping Bags, Pads & Equip.

While getting ready for his trip down to North Carolina, Tim Stetzer acquired a Thermarest Sleep system to review.  After spending a few cool spring nights in the system, he's ready to report how well the system worked and how comfortably he slept under the stars.

Read more: Thermarest Sleep System Review

Reviews - Sleeping Bags, Pads & Equip.

Since almost a year ago when I started spending nights out in the woods in the cooler months, I realized the need for a layer of insulation between myself and the ground.  In the summer, there is not really much need, since the temperatures often dictate that sleeping with much of anything covering you can be uncomfortable.  When the nighttime temperatures dip much below 65 degrees Farenheit, there can be a noticeable loss of heat to the ground.  I spent a couple of cold nights learning the need for insulation even when the temperatures stayed above 40 degrees Farenheit.  After that, beds made from thick evergreen boughs have provided adequate insulation from the ground for my winter escapades.  However, the problem with this method is that it requires a supply of boughs (which does not exist in all regions), the time and energy to cut and lay the boughs for a bed, and of course the impact, however small, that this imparts on the environment.  Hence, my acquisition of the Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest sleeping pad.  Realizing all of these issues, I accumulated enough money to spend on some new gear, and I headed straight for the sleeping area of the local Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Read more: Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Review