5. Mammut Ajungilak Shield For those campers who love to go sans tent, Mammut offers a waterproof bivouac bag and 15-degree down sleeping bag rolled into one. In addition to the weather-resistant shield, the Ajungilak also has a plastic convertible roof to cover your exposed head. $530; mammut.ch
TENTS 
1. Black Diamond Oneshot Black Diamond’s rugged tent construction makes it ready for all four seasons, while the design is spacious enough that you don’t feel like you’re in a coffin. It’s a perfect tent for fastpackers and solo adventurers—or for hiking couples who like to snuggle. $299; blackdiamondequipment.com
2. Sierra Designs Meteor Light 2 The Meteor Light is spacious but still relatively light with a simple two-pole set-up. It’s a great option for backpacking duos. $269; sierradesigns.com
3. Mountain Hardwear Habitat 3 Stretch out a bit and bring the dog along too. The Habitat 3 is a roomy tent for base camp trips or multi-sport adventures that require a little extra gear. Our tester appreciated the color-coded poles for easy set-up. $325; mountainhardwear.com
4. Big Agnes Royal Flush 3 If below-zero temps don’t deter your desire to spend days in the wild, then the four-season Royal Flush is your domain of choice. The durable rip-stop fabric will keep out the wind and rain, while the new lightweight poles and oversized stakes are bomber tough for stability. $699; bigagnes.com
5. Kelty Grand Mesa Feeling the economic pinch? The Grand Mesa offers lightweight backcountry performance and a quick two-pole pitch at a price you can afford. $139; kelty.com 
Expert Favorites Andy Nichols hikes for a living. Through his company Shenandoah Mountain Guides, he leads trips in the Virginia Blue Ridge and trains mountain rescue squads. With a job that requires daily outings in the woods, having the right gear is essential. Over the years it’s safe to say he’s tried too many boots, packs, and tents to count. So when he finds something that works, he sticks with it. “We have hundreds of different backpacks and sleeping bags of different varieties for our clients, but we don’t just go out and buy the latest and greatest,” says Nichols. “We make sure it’s tried and true before we offer it.” Here are a few of his favorite pieces of gear.
