Camp Gear: 3 Great Options
Heading to the campsite this weekend? You’ll need a sturdy pack, some nice boots — and something for Fido too. Here are some great options for getting camp-ready:
Gregory Contour 70 — $300
One of our struggles while backpacking is anticipating what to keep handy and what to safely bury. The Contour 70 helps by dividing the pack into camp, trail and on-the-go pockets, all placed to keep the load centred and comfortable. While it eases packing, especially if you’re new to the game, it means the pack is littered with zips, clips and straps. Generous padding on the hips and shoulders made the pack feel like we could have piled on the weight and still felt comfortable. This 1.9-kg pack is a great option newbie backpackers and veterans alike; the women’s equivalent is the similar Cairn 68. Gregory
Ruffwear Approach Pack — $80
Make Fido carry his own load with this pup-specific pack. Designed for day-hikes or overnight trips, the Ruffwear Approach Pack offers up to 16 litres of space in its main saddlebags, plus additional items can be strapped to the gear-attachment loops. Top-loading stash pockets keep small essentials at-the-ready; colour-coded zippers keep you organized. It is strategically padded to be easy on your dog’s body, plus, it has a super-handy assistance handle for when your companion needs a little help up-and-over — there is even a heavy-duty leash attachment. The pack is available in five sizes, ranging from two to 16 litres (S-L/XL; fits dogs from 33 to 107 cm in girth), and comes in two colours. Ruffwear
Hi-Tec Original Sierra Lite Hiker (Women’s) — $85
This retro-inspired hiker (a re-issue of Hi-Tec’s original boot) is great for the everyday outdoor girl — whether hiking the foothills or through the hills in your neighborhood. This high-top has great ankle support (with padded collars), moisture-wicking liners, lots of cushion through the insole and we found it sturdy enough for a variety of trails. However, my favourite feature of the Sierra Lites is that they are lightweight enough for everyday wear, and because of the trendy colours I don’t feel self-conscious wearing them for urban recreation. (Available in three colours.) Hi-Tec