| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |








Backpacker Magazine – 2010 Editors' Choice/Gear Guide
Having the right boots, packs, bags, and tents is never enough. Here, a roundup of all the other "essential" pieces of gear you'll want in the great outdoors.

International Travel
Navigation Center
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Backpacker Expeditions
READERS COMMENTS
I agree with: Posted: Jun 01, 2010 TimD
This site is unusable.
Posted: Mar 12, 2011 David
Don't laugh but I bought the Coleman Klicitat 20 degree mummy last year (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=9090&product_id=8465-510). I've used it in freezing weather and stayed very warm (wearing a knit cap and socks). The stuff is Climashield XP, which stuffs quite small and it's fairly light. Overall, a great bargain.
Posted: Oct 11, 2010 Bill R.
I'm a real Gear Hound who likes nothing better that reading up on the latest and greatest, but by God, I absolutely hate the format Backpacker uses on this site. A click thru to a postage stamp size column for everything. And, half the time, you have to click BACK to get to the main menu. The Essentials page has a Alphabet click list, so you have to guess how they've named the item you're looking for, click thru on the Letter and THEN click thru on the item you want. If you're lucky enough the guess correctly. Time for a major overhaul, Backpacker!!
Posted: Jun 01, 2010 TimD
I'm a real Gear Hound who likes nothing better that reading up on the latest and greatest, but by God, I absolutely hate the format Backpacker uses on this site. A click thru to a postage stamp size column for everything. And, half the time, you have to click BACK to get to the main menu. The Essentials page has a Alphabet click list, so you have to guess how they've named the item you're looking for, click thru on the Letter and THEN click thru on the item you want. If you're lucky enough the guess correctly. Time for a major overhaul, Backpacker!!
Posted: Jun 01, 2010 TimD
REI Sub Kilo all the way. Light, warm. Size of a softball in the stuff sack. Highly recommend!
Posted: May 21, 2010 patrick
uh, the Gear Guide has it's own section for sleeping bags, the Essentials is just for all the other stuff that isn't the basics
http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide-2010-sleeping-bags-pads/gear/14106
Posted: May 17, 2010 erin
get the rei sub kilo. on sale now for $139
Posted: May 07, 2010 alex
So the A-Z "Essentials" don't include a sleeping bag... not to worry they include a yoddling lesson and Wine. That should distract you from the lack of a sleeping bag.
Sorry, I have no recommendations on a bag for you beyond going to REI on the basis that you can actually lay down in the bag and try it out.
Posted: May 07, 2010 Matt
RE: Sleeping Bag Question
I've been using this bag for the last year or so, and it's treated me very well: http://store.mpgear.com/sierradesignsverde20degreesleepingbag.aspx
The price is really unbeatable for what you're getting. The bag compresses nicely and isn't too heavy. I'd highly recommend it unless you're looking for a down sleeping bag.
Posted: May 04, 2010 Devin
No Sleeping bags on the list? That's what made me click the link. I need a new one. Any recommendations for 20 degree bags anyone?
Posted: May 04, 2010 Rg
ADD A COMMENT