We’re at the point in the year where you can almost feel the weather changing—the warm breezes of summer moving in, the winter chill melting away. I’d say it’s getting the Backpacker editors in the mood to go on a hike, but honestly, what doesn’t?
If you’re looking to fill a gap in your gear closet before your favorite trail melts out, Backcountry’s ongoing Summer Sale is a good chance to do it. Right now, the retailer is offering up to 50 percent off on a variety of gear, ranging from big-ticket items like tents to essentials like kitchen gear, pack towels, and more. We went through the sale and picked out 7 tester-approved buys that we guarantee will serve you well wherever the trail takes you this season.
Granite Gear Crown 3 Pack (Photo: Granite Gear)
Granite Gear Crown 3 60L Backpack
$168 (30 percent off) at Backcountry — Men’s
$156 (35 percent off) at Backcountry — Women’s
If you’re ready to make the jump to a lighter pack, the 2 pound, 6.4 ounce Crown 3 is an excellent entree into the category. Made of 100D robic nylon with 210 in high-wear areas, this top-loader features a removable lid that you can use as a lumbar pack for short dayhikes from camp.
Therm-a-rest Parsec 32F Sleeping Bag
$231 (45 percent off) at Backcountry
I’ve dragged this bag around the world, depending on it on camping trips in Kenya’s Hells Gate National Park, weekend paddles in Colorado, and backpacks through Utah’s Canyonlands National Park. For a mummy bag it’s light—1 pound, 8 ounces for a regular—and, thanks to a plush draft collar and hood, comfortable even when the weather gets chilly.
SOL Escape Bivvy
SOL Escape Bivvy
$45 (35 percent off) at Backcountry
Years ago, when I was younger, poorer, and, arguably, stupider, I spent two weeks sleeping in one of SOL’s reusable bivvys on a climbing trip that took me all around the Western U.S. by bus and train. So I can personally testify: This thing works much better than you would expect, even if its non-breathable design does tend to leave the user moist. I don’t necessarily recommend using this to replace your sleeping bag, but it’s a reliable emergency solution on dayhikes or extra insurance against sudden cold fronts on a long backpacking expedition. While it’s heavier than a traditional emergency blanket, it’s much more durable, too, with a more fabric-like feel, and packs nicely into its own stuff sack for reuse.
Exped Flexmat Plus (Photo: Exped)
Exped FlexMat Plus Sleeping Pad
$51 (15 percent off) at Backcountry
As someone who almost always opts for a closed-cell foam pad (lighter, and I hate blowing things up), comfort isn’t necessarily my first priority. But it’s still on the list, so this thicker mat is a welcome addition to the category. At 1.5 inches thick, it’s about twice as plush as a Z-Lite. (At 17.6 ounces, it’s slightly heavier, too)
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum (Photo: Courtesy)
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum Tent
$455 (30 percent off) at Backcountry
If you’re looking for ultralight comfort on the trail and traditional-tent comfort in camp, you could do worse than the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum, a semi-freestanding tent that shaves weight with smart design and space-age materials. A single hubbed pole forms the backbone of this 28-square-foot, double-vestibule, double-wall tent, which weighs in at just 1 pound, 15 ounces.
Big Agnes Gold Camp UL3 Tarp (Photo: Courtesy)
Big Agnes Gold Camp 3 Tarp
$140 (30 percent off) at Backcountry
Looking for something a little bigger (and a little cheaper) than the Tiger Wall? This floorless pyramid has space for three people and their gear, with plenty of headroom. As with any pyramid, pitching it is an art—the first time I had to put one up took probably 20 minutes and help from a couple of patient friends—but the end result is a thoroughly livable shelter at just over 1 pound, 4 ounces per person. Worried about keeping out bugs? You can add on the mesh inner for $85 and another 2 pounds, 5 ounces.
(Photo: Courtesy)
Black Diamond Distance 8L Backpack
$90 (50 percent off) at Backcountry
For a few years, now, this vest-style running pack has been my constant companion both on my neighborhood paths and for long days above treeline on the Colorado Trail. Generous pockets on the straps hold a phone, snacks, and a soft flask with room to spare, while the stretchy suspension keep it from bouncing even when you kick up the pace. At half-off, it’s an obvious pickup.
The post The 7 Best Deals on Backpacking Gear at Backcountry’s Summer Sale appeared first on Backpacker.
