Arguably a sleeping bag is the most important piece of someone’s hiking gear. A month or so ago I was moved to action in support of the Standing Rock Reservation activists and protestors.  In addition to being active in the NYC area, I donated a bunch of goods including my rock solid Appalachian Trail staple Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15F sleeping bag.  Paying it forward meant I need a new sleeping bag! After doing some internal reflecting and thorough research, I decided to invest in a Katabatic Sawatch 15F full down sleeping bag/quilt.  

Hiking diets can be notoriously bad and severely lacking in nutritional content and variety. Without extensive effort in planning and prepping, creating a fulsome and complete diet can be difficult; introducing Harmony House’s Original Backpacking Kit of dehydrated vegetables and legumes. 

When out on a backpacking adventure being able to easily heat up a big freeze-dried meal is a good way to cap off a long, hard day on the trail. For the mornings, I personally like waking up to oatmeal and a nice hot cup of black coffee to sip on before heading out of camp. What’s best is how quickly and easily I’m able to do these things with my Jetboil Flash Cooking System.  Simplicity and efficiency at its finest, two cups of boiling water in just two minutes at the push of a button. The Jetboil Flash Cooking System is a must-have for any modern backpacking enthusiast, adventure-traveler, or road tripper that wants the ability to quickly eat on the go.

The Nemo Astro Insulated Lite provides a comfortable nights sleep on a versatile, three-inch thick inflatable sleeping pad that will easily keep you warm three seasons a year, while only weighing only 19 ounces. Nemo Equipment provides this insulated option for their Astro sleeping pad with an added layer of Primaloft® to help keep warm. At the same time doubling as a light weight option to  help shave those extra ounces. The Nemo Astro Insulated Lite comes in two sizes, 20 Regular and 25 Long Wide, at 72 x 20 x 3 inches, and 76 x 25 x 4 inches, respectively. I have been testing the 20R version specifically.