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Now that Spring has officially sprung, temperatures are rising, wildflowers are blooming, and the peak season for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains is just around the corner.
If you’re anything like us, this time of year is perfect for getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, hiking trails, chasing waterfalls, and spending long, lingering days at the lake.
Whether you’re a day-hiker, weekend camper, or serious backcountry trekker, there are an array of camping and hiking-related products that can make your time in nature more enjoyable.
Read on for our guide to the best camping and hiking gear of 2024, including 45+ of the best tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, hiking shoes, and other outdoor gear we’ve tested!
READ MORE:The 13 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds to Visit
TENTS
Haven XL Tent
As a big guy (6’3″, built like a linebacker), I’ve never been a fan of camping hammocks. They’re uncomfortable, and I tend to wind up wrapped inside them like an overstuffed burrito!
But the Haven Tent, which launched on Kickstarter in 2019 as “theworld’s first completely lay-flat hammock,” offered a unique design that makes it feel more like a hanging bed.
The Haven XL is bigger (30″ X 80″, 7 lb 10.5 oz) and the Full Kit comes with everything you need, including aBug Net, 2Spreader Bars, an 80″ x 120″Rainfly, 2Tree Straps, 4Guy Lines, 4 Stakes, 2Carabiners, and anInsulated Air Mattress with pump bag.
Calling this cozy, waterproof and bug-proof shelter a hammock really doesn’t do it justice. In our experience, it’s comfortable, fairly easy to set up, and has several internal storage pockets.
Use code “BRMOUNTAINTRAVEL” to save 10% off Haven Hammock Tents. Discount limited to one use per customer.
READ MORE:The 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit
Kelty Rumpus 6 Tent and Breeze Through Screen House
We’ve been fans of Kelty’s durable, yet affordable camping gear for nearly a decade, and the Rumpus 6 Tent and Breeze Through Screen House are no different.
The Rumpus 6 is HUGE– 117.5″ x105″, with a peak height of 75.5″ and an XL vestibule area. It weighs a whopping 17 lb 6 oz, so it’s definitely meant for drive-up family camping.
But we love the spacious interior, the quick set-up afforded by their “Quick Corners” feature, the pre-attached guylines, the 4 internal storage pockets, and especially Kelty’s Lifetime Warranty!
Their Breeze Through Screen House is also massive (132″ x 108″, peak height 90″, 18 lb 4 oz), offering a bug-free patio for summer shade, with quick-snap magnetic strips offering hands-free entry/exit.
READ MORE:The 20 Best Campgrounds in Georgia to Visit
MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 Tent
MSR’s Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 is a lightweight tent (3 lb 1 oz) that adapts their ever-popular, award-winning backpacking tent specifically for adventurous cyclists.
It has an impressive 29 sq ft of interior space, with 42 inches of headroom and a17.5 sq ft vestibule for indoor-outdoor transition and gear storage.
There are also tech-friendly pockets with cable ports for charging, large overhead gear loft pockets, and interior and exterior clotheslines for drying wet gear.
Other noteworthy features include a waterproof handlebar bag with handlebar spacers, a unified hub-and-pole system for fast set-up, an ultra-compact stuff sack, and a cool stargazing mesh.
With its $500+ price, this 2-person tent won’t appeal to campers on a budget. But for serious outdoor adventurers, the Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 is a worthwhile investment that’s designed to last.
READ MORE:The 15 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains
Quechua 2 Second XL Fresh & Black Waterproof Camping Tent
The Quechua 2-Second Tent won Popular Mechanics’ “Gear of the Year 2021” and an Innovation Award from Outdoor Retailer, offering the easiest set up of any tent we’ve tested.
This new XL version is bigger (designed for 3 people instead of 2), weighing 11.7 pounds, measuring 82.7” square, with a max height of 45.3” and a nice-sized gear storage area.
But the 3-season tent still offers their trademark easy 2-second set-up, budget-friendly pricing, and a “Fresh & Black” exterior fabric that keeps the inside of the tent 99% dark, even in broad daylight!
We also love the fact that the fabric helps to keep the interior of the tent cool, even in the dog days of Summer, by reflecting the sun’s rays and isolating the light.
READ MORE:Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit
Tentsile Connect Lite 2-Person Tree Tent (3.0)
Winning numerous industry awards from 2016-2018, Tentsile is known for their innovative tent/hammock hybrids, which are designed to be used either in the air or on the ground.
Their newest Tree Tent model, the Connect Lite, is a more affordable version of their Classic Connect, which offers an incredibly comfortable, double lay-flat interior with 2 separate sleeping bays.
The tent measures 13′ x 13′ x 8.85′, with a 52 sq ft floor area and a 65 sq ft covered porch area for stowing gear. It weighs 15.6 pounds, with a weight capacity of up to 880 pounds.
Standout features include apatented anti-roll strap system (which keeps the tent balanced), built-in no-see-um insect mesh,2 zipped entrance doors, and a removable 70D polyester rainfly. We also love that they’ve made set-up much more intuitive over the years.
Use our BRMTG promo code, “affiliate268484” to save an additional 5% off your purchase!
READ MORE:The 10 Best Campgrounds in Tennessee to Visit
Nemo Equipment Mayfly OSMO Tent & Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
The ultralight Mayfly OSMO Tent uses a proprietary fabric (made from 100% recycled polyester) that is 4 times better at repelling water than standard tent fabrics.
Our 3-person, 3-season tent weighs just 3 lbs 10 oz, with a 88″ x 68″ floor, an 8.6 sq ft vestibule, and a peak interior height of 42″.
We love the massive doors, the durable 68D PU ripstop floor, the tapered floorplan (which cuts down on weight), the intuitive set-up, and the Divvy Cube stuff sack (for dividing the weight with a friend).
Nemo’s Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is also great for backpackers, with 4 sizes available and weight ranging from 1 to 1.3 pounds.
Features include 3.5 inches of comfy cushioned loft, Spaceframe baffles for improved stability and weight distribution, quick inflation via theVortex pump sack, and excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
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Sleeping Bags, Pads & Blankets
Houdini x Rumpl Reconnect Blanket
Environmental sustainability has become an increasingly crucial concern in the outdoor gear industry, and this collaboration is a great example of eco-consciousness in action.
Houdini is known for their cutting edge sustainable materials, while the Oregon-based Rumpl excels in creating technical outdoor blankets. Their Reconnect Blanket is the result of perfect brand synergy.
It’s made with recycled materials, including a breathable waterproof shell fabric, comfortable C9 Ripstop lining, and hollow fiber insulation that keeps you warm even when it’s below freezing.
With the corner loops, you can stake it to the ground, hang it as a tarp, or use the double snap-on clips and wear it like a cape! The 2.6 pond blanket also packs down into a waterproof stow bag.
Best of all, the blanket is fully recyclable, and can bereturned to Houdini after it’s worn out to be reused for other products.
READ MORE:The 10 Best Campgrounds in Virginia
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Sleeping Mat & Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat
The older we get, the more important getting good sleep seems to be. And in my experience, having a good sleeping pad is CRUCIAL to sleeping well while camping.
Sea to Summit has myriad award-winning options aimed at backpackers, including the Comfort Plus Insulated Air Sleeping Mat and the Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat.
The Comfort Plus weighs 1 lb 14 oz, packs down to 5 x 9″, and features an Air Sprung Cell for support and stability, separate upper and lower chambers for 4-season comfort, a pillow-lock system, and a multi-function valve for easy inflation/deflation.
Their aptly-named Ether Light weighs just16.6 oz, packs down to 4.5 x 9.5′, and includes the same mattress-like features as the Comfort Plus, with a 4″ thickness and 5 sizes available.
READ MORE:The 10 Best Cherokee NC Campgrounds to Visit
SylvanSport Cloud Layer Double Sleeping Bag
Named the Best Double Sleeping Bag of 2021 by Gear Junkie, theCloud Layer Double Sleeping Bag from SylvanSport is a wonderful choice for camping couples.
It’s bigger than a Queen-sized mattress, with a removable organic cotton sheet inside and removable quilt layer outside that can also be used as a blanket while snuggling by the campfire.
The flannel lining, durable poly-fill, and draw-tight hood are designed for comfort and warmth on those chilly nights. But there’s also a double zipper that allows for ventilation when weather turns warm.
Other cool features include an inner pocket that holds your phone or other small gadgets,side baffles that create maximum roominess, and bottom sleeves that nest with a 4″ air mattress (sold separately).
READ MORE:The 10 Best Helen GA Campgrounds to Visit
Therm-a-Rest Vela 32F Double Camping Down Quilt
Formed in 1971 by former Boeing engineers, Therm-a-Rest created the world’s first self-inflating sleeping pad. They’ve been a cornerstone brand of the outdoor industry ever since.
Their Vela 32F Double Camping Down Quilt continues that legacy of innovation, using high loft 650-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, which absorbs 90% less water and dries 3 times faster than normal down.
Weighing 2 lbs 3oz and measuring 80 x 82″, the 2-person quilt uses box baffled construction with mesh walls to minimize cold spots, and full-perimeter side baffles to prevented those chilling drafts.
We also love that the quilt is Responsible Down Standard Certified, which ensures that the waterfowl used in their down supply chain are treated humanely.
READ MORE: Exploring the Mt Pisgah Campground in Canton NC
BACKPACKS
Deuter Aircontact Core 45+10 SL&Gregory Jade 28 LT Plus Size Pack
In the 15+ years we’ve been reviewing outdoor gear, we’ve been delighted to see more brands offering products designed for the female form, including these two backpacks from Deuter and Gregory.
Deuter’s Aircontact Core 45+10 SL trekking backpack features a shorter length and acarrying system adapted to the female anatomy, with a Y-shaped frame and mobile hip fins that wrap around the hips.
Noteworthy features include added comfort via theAircontact back system with Air Spacer mesh, ergonomic ActiveFit shoulder straps, and a lumbar pad that helps distribute and stabilize the load.
Gregory’s Jade 28 LT Plus Size Pack is the first we’ve ever seen designed for women who wear 2x-6x, with extended length shoulder straps and hip belts, plus additional fit revisions for larger frames.
We love the top-loading design,VaporSpan ventilated back panel, comfort cradle hip belt (with pockets), padded shoulder straps, interior hydration sleeve, and myriad pockets for storing gear.
READ MORE:The 20 Best North Carolina Hiking Trails
Uncharted Seventy2 Pro Survival System
We wrote a detailed story about the 10 Hiking Essentials, a packing list that includes emergency items the National Park Service recommendsto help if you should experience minor injuries, abrupt weather changes, or get lost while hiking.
The Seventy2 Pro Survival System from Uncharted Supply Co. may be the ultimate collection of those items (and then some), including 60+ professional-grade survival tools to support 2 or more people!
Made of waterproof welded600-denier dual-coated tarpaulin, this 36L roll-top backpack includes so many elements, there’s no room to list them all here.
Suffice it say that there’s a full First Aid kit, essential tools, items for warmth and shelter (including a survival tent), food and water, air masks/filters, goggles, and so much more!
We love the well-labelled interior organization, as well as the basic survival instructions printed directly onto the insert of the kit to provide clear steps when time is of the essence.
READ MORE:The 20 Best Hiking Trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest
Mystery Ranch Men’s Radix 47 & Women’s Scree 33
Based in Bozeman MT, the Mystery Ranch brand is beloved by backpackers and mountaineers alike for their rugged, durable packs.
Their new Radix 47 is a lightweight backpack (3.5 lbs) designed for hikers and mountain climbers who feel the need for speed, but don’t want to sacrifice durability and load-bearing strength.
Features include an adjustable lightweight harness w/ergonomic fit, an off-center zipper for more convenient accessibility, a pocketed lid for essential items, andcompressible front and side pockets.
The Scree 33 is a smaller daypack designed for women, with a Futura Yoke that easily micro-adjusts to your torso length.There’s also a removable waist belt and an internal frame sheet that adds support.
Mystery Ranch’s 3-ZIP design provides quick access to the interior, while the hydration reservoir-compatible bag also features a zippered lid pocket, waist belt pockets, and water bottle pockets.
READ MORE:Hiking Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC
Watershed Animas Backpack
We’re avid boaters and have kept a pontoon docked at a lake near our house for the last 14 years, so we can attest to the value of a good dry bag.
North Carolina-based Watershed has been making durable waterproof dry bags since 1995, and the US Navy has tested them to 100 meters submersion without any leakage!
The 40L Animas Backpack is a great example of their quality craftsmanship. It’s made with UV-resistant polyurethane-laminated nylon, with welded seams and expedition-grade hardware.
Named after a Colorado River, the Animas also features a wide opening for easy packing, padded shoulder straps and waist straps for weight distribution, and anairtight ZipDry seal.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Virginia Waterfalls for Hiking
5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack &Allhaula Duffel 65L
5.11 Tactical specializes in “making purpose-built gear for those who demand more of themselves, for the greater good.”
Built with rugged330D ripstop nylon, their Skyweight 36L is aninternal frame backpack with a padded back panel, load lifters, and a lumbar pad for comfort, plus an airflow channel in the back panel for cooling.
Notable features include apadded shoulder harness, clamshell opening, concealed rain cover, external hydration sleeve, loads of pockets and internal organization options, and a removable hip belt.
Their new Allhaula Duffel Collection is similarly focused on durability, with each bagbuilt with 840D Nylon, a storm flap over the wide-mouth opening, and a weather-resistant TPU coating.
You’ll love the versatility of using external handles or stowable shoulder straps, theinternal compression panel with adjustable straps, and myriad pockets and loops for stashing your stuff.
READ MORE:15 Helen GA Hiking Trails Worth Exploring
HIKING BOOTS & SHOES
Baffin Womens Hike & Mens Zone Hiking Boots
Launched by Peter Hubner in Stoney Creek, Canada in 1979, Baffin has grown over the last 45 years into one of the Great White North’s most respected outdoor brands.
They test all their products in the world’smost extreme environments, with the goal of crafting rugged, durable hiking boots and outerwear that can stand up to any adventure you choose to tackle.
The Hike is a women’s high-performance winter boot for active lifestyles. It’s waterproof, with a breathable soft shell upper, Polar Rubber outsole, and guaranteed to keep your feet warm in the coldest climates. They’re also snowshoe compatible.
For men, the Zone is a great boot that was tested by brand ambassadors during marathons in the Arctic and Antarctic. Like all Baffin shoes, they have layers of insulation that gradually conform to the unique shape of your foot.
Note that they tend to run small, so we recommend ordering one size up!
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Lems Boulder Summit & Outlander Waterproof Boots
The Boulder-based Lems brand was born out of founder Andrew Rademacher’s desire to create shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot, so you feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.
Their Men’s Boulder Summit is a waterproof boot that holds true to Rademacher’s minimalist ethos, combining the original Boulder design with therugged outsole of their Outlander boots.
Cool features include a wide toe box for maximum range of movement, a zero-drop footbed to correct posture and align the spine, and asticky rubber outsole with deep lugs for exceptional traction.
The Women’s Outlander is a waterproof all-season boot designed to tackle even the gnarliest terrain, with the same waterproof uppers and 4mm deep lugs they use in the Boulder boots.
We love how the zig-zag grooves (a.k.a. siping) on the soles provide biting edges that cut into ice and snow to help you keep your footing even when the ground is slippery and wet.
READ MORE:Hiking the Mingo Falls Trail in Cherokee NC
Teva Women’s Ellwood Sneaker & Men’s Terra FI 5 Universal Hiking Sandal
Teva has been Mary’s favorite brand of outdoor shoes for as long as I’ve known her. She just recently let go of a pair I’m fairly certain she’d had for 15+ years!
But even as the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary by reviving some of the most popular styles from their archives, they’re also releasing new lines that are very much of the 21st century.
Take the women’s Ellwood Sneaker, for instance. It’s a lightweight, stylish hiking/street hybrid made with 30% recycled materials, with a rugged rubber sole and a peppermint-based anti-do treatment.
Their men’s Terra FI 5 Universal Hiking Sandal is more in line with what you expect from Teva.
Made with recycled plastic and polyester, it’s got a cushioning molded PU midsole, a TPU shank for stability on uneven terrain, and adurable Spider Rubber outsole that offers awesome traction on the most slippery trails.
READ MORE:Hiking the Preachers Rock Trail Near Dahlonega GA
Lowa Innovo GTX Mid, Randir GTX Mid & Fortux GTX
Launched in Germany in 1923, Lowa has a reputation as one of the world’s premiere manufacturers of hiking boots and shoes. These 3 new launches for 2024 only serve to reinforce their design innovation and quality.
The Fortux GTX is a sporty waterproof shoe designed for long-distance speed hiking and trail running. They’re lightweight (11.6 oz) and well-cushioned, with coolfeatures such as a speed lace cinch and a smooth rocker sole with a natural rolling motion that reduces impact.
Their Innovo GTX Mid is an all-terrain hiking boot recommended for day hiking and short backpacking jaunts. We love the modern design, the cushioning DYNAPU midsole, and the comfortable (and grippy) TERRA TRAC sole.
Serious hikers will appreciate the new Randir GTX Mid, a lightweight hiking boot designed for the most uneven and rocky terrain the mountains have to offer.
Features include a molded ankle cuff for cushioning comfort, a heel brake that offers excellent stability, and a VIBRAM CORNERSTONE sole for added traction.
READ MORE:The 20 Best Hiking Shoes for Women and Men
Meindl MFS Vakuum Hiker & Lady Comfort Meran Light Hiker
Another German shoe company, the Meindl family’s history in the shoemaking business dates back to 1683. But Meindl & Co was formally founded by Lukas Meindl in 1928.
Meindlinvented the Vibram multigrip outsole, and was among the first to bring waterproof Gore-Tex technology to Europe. They also developed the Air Active footbed, MFS Vakuum construction, and other innovative features.
Their MFS Vakuum Hiker is a classic example of their craftsmanship, using MFS Vakuum Technology (adaptive memory foam linings), a breathable Gore-Tex liner, comfortable Air-Active foam/fleece footbeds, and their exclusive Multigrip rubber outsole to create a lightweight, high-tech hiking shoe.
Women will love their Lady Comfort Fit Meran Light Hiker, which feature soft nubuck leather uppers, waterproof Gore-tex liners, corkComfort Fit footbeds that conform to your feet, and Vibram Comfort Hiker II outsoles that provide grippy strength and stability even on slick mud and gravel.
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CAMP COOKING GEAR
MSR WindBurner Duo Stove System & Guardian Purifier
Mary and I are not serious backpackers, but those who are will appreciate the lightweight (1 lb 5 oz), windproof, modular WindBurner Duo Stove System from MSR.
It’s built for 2, with an efficient radiant burner and pressure regulator that lead to faster boil times than conventional stoves (4.5 minutes per liter), and a compact nesting system that makes it easy to carry.
The set includes a 1.8 L aluminum pot with integrated heat exchanger and insulated cozy with handle, a 0.85 L integrated bowl, and a BPA-free drinking/straining lid.
We also recommend MSR’s Guardian Purifier, which meets US Military testing standards for removal of viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and sediment from “worst-case” water conditions.
It is extremely durable, pumps 2.5 liters per minute, self-cleans on every stroke, and comes with a long-lastinghollow fiber cartridge that treats up to 10,000+ liters of water!
READ MORE:Exploring the Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC
Gerber ComplEAT Cook Set & ComplEAT Cutting Board Set
When it comes to camp cooking, Gerber is one of the most trusted names in the business, starting out as a culinary knife brand back in 1939.
Their 16-pieceComplEAT Cook Set has everything you need to cook for a group of 4, including a 5.6 qt stock pot and 2.6 qt sauté pan with 3-ply base construction, a detachable handle, a basting dome and slim lid, 4 plates, 4 bowls, a mixing bowl, and a hot pad.
Out favorite part is that it all nests together in a neat stack that fits into a compact storage bag. But at 10 pounds, the set is best suited for drive-up camping.
For a fully stocked camp kitchen, check out their ComplEAT Cutting Board Set, whichincludes two dual-sided outdoor cutting boards (made from bamboo and polypropylene), a 3.25” paring knife, a 6” chef knife, a removable inner tray, and a base storage tray.
These also nest together into a 4.25 pound stack for your carrying convenience.
READ MORE:Exploring the Davidson River Campground Near Brevard NC
Solo Stove Campfire Gear Kit | Solo Stove
Another great camp cooking combo, the Solo Stove Campfire Gear Kit allows you to cook meals hearty enough to feed a family, but packs down small enough to be easily portable.
The kit comes with their Campfire ultralight camp stove, 3-liter and 1.5-liter pots with handles, a tripod to hang the pots from, and a sleep carry case to make the whole package portable.
Their Campfire stove measures 7 x9.25″ and weighs just 2.2 pounds, but offers fantastic airflow, efficient burn, and the low smoke Solo is known for.
Both pots are made from durable stainless steel, with volume markings for accurate measuring and room to nest the Campfire stove inside.
READ MORE:The 10 Best Campgrounds in/near Bryson City NC
Klean Kanteen Food Storage Container Set &Lunch Box Set
The Climate Neutral Certified Klean Kanteen is part of the growing movement towards more sustainable food storage solutions.
Their newly designed TKCanisterInsulated Food Container Set features8, 16, and 32 oz recycled stainless steel containers that are fantastic for keeping food and drinks hot (or cold).
Each one uses Climate Lock double-wall vacuum insulation and leakproof TKClosure internal threads for improved thermal performance.
The stackable, nest-able Rise Food Box Family Set includes their Snack, Lunch, and Big Meal sizes, all made from recycled, BPA-free stainless steel, with leakproof food-safe silicone lids.
We love the fact that they’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe, rust-proof and shatter-proof, and do not retain the flavors of your food!
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Engel UltraLite 60L Cooler
We spend a lot of time exploring the great outdoors, especially when we take our pontoon boat out on the lake from mid-Spring to early Autumn. So we tend to use coolers several times a week.
The UL60 is the first cooler in Engel’s new UltraLite Series, weighing just 21.5 pounds (8.8 pounds less than Yeti’s Tundra 65) and keeping ice cold for up to 7 days via 2 inches ofclosed-cell foam insulation.
Measuring 29.5 x 18 x 17″, it’s got a lot of cool features, including an almostindestructible injection-molded design, leak-resistant drain, and a non-slip base.
We also love the built-in bottle opener, internal divider for separating food and drink, and tie-down slots that make it easier to transport on your boat or kayak.
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IceMule Jaunt 15L
Whether you’re having picnics in the forest or hiking up mountains, the Jaunt cooler from Icemule is the perfect companion.
Though it’s fairly compact (7 x 7.5 x 17” closed), their 15-liter cooler can hold up to 15 cans of beer/soda without ice, or up to 10 cans with ice.
The Ultra-Tough Muleskin™ Exterior, roll-top closure, and waterproofing keep the inside content secure, and the air-mesh padded straps and sternum strap make it comfortable to carry.
There’s a weatherproof small front zippered pocket for stashing your cell phones and money. This eminently portable cooler also has excellent insulation to keep things cold for over 24 hours!
READ MORE:The 15 Best Smoky Mountain Waterfalls to Visit
TECH GEAR
Maven B.7 Binoculars
Although we’re not hardcore bird nerds, we do spend a good bit of our spare time watching them.
At home we see hummingbirds, woodpeckers, bluebirds, goldfinches, and other backyard birds of Georgia. When we’re at the lake, herons, egrets, hawks, osprey, and kingfishers are common sights.
Maven’s pocket-sized B.7 Binoculars are excellent for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife, with a compact design that weighs just 12.5 ounces and measures 2.75 x 4.75″.
They’re available in 8×25 and 10×25 models (with just a $25 price difference), both of which are covered by an unconditional lifetime warranty.
And while they’re a bit more pricey than traditional-sized binoculars, their exceptional clarity, depth of field, and intuitive focus mechanism make them a luxurious splurge for serious birders.
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ThermacellE55Rechargeable Repeller
Of all the tech gear we’ve gotten over the years, the Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller is one we use the most often.
North Georgia is hot and humid, and mosquitos are a constant presence for much of the year. So we use this DEET-free mosquito repeller for coffee in the garden, lunch on the patio, and picnics at the lake.
Charged via USB, the device provides up to 5.5 hours of protection with the push of a button. It comes with a 40-hour repellent cartridge plus a 12-hour refill, with other refills sold separately.
In our experience, the advertised 20-foot protection radius is a bit of an exaggeration.But with no scent and no spray involved, it’s still a great solution for airborne pests!
READ MORE:The 15 Best Campgrounds in North Georgia
MPOWERD LuciSolarSite Lights &LuciSolarString Lights+ Detachable Power Hub
We recently purchased a vintage houseboat on a lake less than 30 minutes from our house.
As we prepare our new home-away-from-home for Summer, nighttime lighting has become a key consideration. And MPOWERD offers two excellent solutions.
Their Luci Solar Site Lights include 6 lights, 6 rugged ABS stakes, and a charging case for storage. Recharged via solar power or USB, they can illuminate 1,000 sq ft for up to 20 hours on 1 charge!
The Luci Solar String Lights + Power Hub offers up to 40 hours of light on a single charge, with 40 warm white LEDs on a 44 ft nylon-braided cord, and a detachable 4,000 mAh rechargeable battery.
We love the fact that you canrecharge the unit via the solar panel or built-in USB port while still leaving the string setup intact, which makes it perfect for lighting our dock’s outdoor patio!
READ MORE:The 15 Best Lakes in Georgia to Visit
MISCELLANEOUS OUTDOOR GEAR
Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon
The Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon has become our most treasured piece of outdoor gear, especially since we bought our lovely little 1966 houseboat.
Measuring 38.6 x 20.9 x 23.2″ and weighing nearly 29 pounds, this behemoth offers 8″ all-terrain wheels that can conquer tough terrain,140 Liters of storage capacity, and a 250 lb carry limit.
We love everything about it– the rust-resistant collapsible frame, rain and sun cover, easy access pockets, storage case, durable dual-layer fabric construction, and limited lifetime warranty.
We’ve been using this sturdy wagon for everything from moving heavy furniture and decor to coolers and camp chairs. After years of schlepping stuff to our boat by hand, it’s a game-changer!
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York Nordic Dual Grip Travel Folding Walking & Hiking Poles
Created with travelers in mind,York Nordic’s Dual Grip Travel Folding Walking & Hiking Poles quickly fold up to just 13.5 inches, so they’re supremely portable.
They come in 3 sizes, and include both a black foam hiking/trekking grip and a cork Nordic Walking grip with glove strap, so they can easily adapt to whichever grip style you prefer.
Their poles are made from aircraft grade aluminum with solid tungsten steel tips, unique flip locks, a screw-on “basket” for walking in snow/mud, 2 sets of detachable rubber feet, and a travel bag.
All York Nordic trekking poles come with a 5-year warranty, and every purchase includes free access to an online Nordic Walking community with free instructional videos.
READ MORE:10 Best Apps for Hikers and Backpackers
James’ The Ellis Multitool
My late father was an avid knife collector, and he taught me from an early age the value of a good multi-tool when you’re exploring the great outdoors.
The new Ellis, from the Portland-based James Brand, uses premium materials (including aSwedish Sandvik stainless steel blade) and a minimalist design to create a fine blend of style and function.
It’s their first tool ever to include scissors, in addition to the partially serrated blade, All-Things scraper (which can be used as a flat-head screwdriver and prying tool), and deep-carry wire clip.
Weighing just 2.6 oz and measuring 3.5″ closed (6.5″ with open blade), it’s a compact option for a daily use multi-tool.
READ MORE:The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips
Orvis Clearwater Waders
I’m not the most patient person when it comes to fishing, but in recent years I’ve enjoyed learning about fly-fishing for trout in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
So I was excited to test out the Clearwater Waders from Orvis, which are made with a lightweight and waterproof4-layer nylon fabric and constructed with a modern fit.
They offer an impressive level of breathability, and I love the side-release buckles for waist-high conversion on warm summer days. They also have great pockets for storing your fishing gear.
Other great features include anatomical neoprene booties with integrated gravel guards, aKangaroo-style hand-warmer pocket, and a 1½” webbing belt to ensure a snug fit.
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Coalatree Camper Hooded Jacket
We’re nearly a month into Spring, but nighttime temps at higher elevations in North Carolina are still in the 30s and 40s. So bringing a jacket along is definitely a good idea!
Coalatree’s Camper Hooded Jacket is made with DuPont Comfort Max Fiberfill, which retains warmth even when wet, and keeps you cozy down to temps of around 20ºF.
The jacket also has 6 pockets for stashing your gloves/phones/etc, and we especially love the internal stuff pocket that transforms the coat into a travel pillow.
They come in 3 colors and 5 sizes, and are especially helpful during those windy days in the Blue Ridge Mountains. -by Bret Love
