Categories: May 2008

TENT CITY ESSENTIALS

OSPREY REACT

Carry what you need for a marathon day of music or sneak off grounds for a day hike. It will all fit in this daypack, which features convenient mesh side pockets and easy options for internal organization. The best thing about this bag is that it’s part of Osprey’s ReSource line, which is always constructed from 70 percent recycled materials.

$74 H OSPREYPACKS.COM ——————–

PRIMUS ATLE 2 BURNER CAMP STOVE

Make that famous grilled cheese for the whole crew with ease on this convenient two-burner stove that’s equipped with simple adjustable flame control, side wind shields, and a lightweight stainless steel cover.

$85 H PRIMUSSTOVES.COM ——————–

KELTY BINTO BAR

Organize your straggling gear or set up that morning Bloody Mary station. It all works with Kelty’s Binto Bar, which features three removable and stackable Binto storage cubes, six internal zippered pockets, and a wind-protected food preparation surface.

$120 H KELTY.COM ——————–

SEA TO SUMMIT POCKET SHOWER

What’s that smell? Oh wait, it’s you. Two long hot days at a festival will do that to anyone, but now you can freshen up at the campsite with the Pocket Shower. The light and compact cleaning contraption zips into a pouch that weighs just 4.25 ounces, but when full it can rinse you off for over eight minutes.

$25 H SEATOSUMMIT.COM ——————–

OUTDOOR RESEARCH RAMPART JACKET

A little rain is nice to cool down those days that turn into summer scorchers. But when it’s drizzling you can still roam the grounds with this trusty shell that’s totally waterproof but also outfitted with easily accessed side zippers for quick venting. At just over 13 ounces, there’s no reason not to keep one in your daypack.

$79 H OUTDOORRESEARCH.COM ——————–

AHNU REDDING

For the conscious festival nomad who needs a reliable full-time summer sandal—the Redding has found the balance between lightweight comfort and durability. The tough rubber soles will help you keep your footing when you’re moving to the beat, while the eco-friendly bamboo in the upper wears easy and resists funky odor.

$90 H AHNUFOOTWEAR.COM ——————–

SEA TO SUMMIT X-BOWL/X-PLATE

Reduce waste and save space. Don’t serve camp food on plastic that takes thousands of years to biodegrade. These bowls and plates pack down to a half inch but fold out to a size big enough for a full meal when it’s time to chow.

$15-17 H SEATOSUMMIT.COM ——————–

THE NORTH FACE FOUNDATION 6

The family’s first festival? Pile in together in this tent that’s large enough for the whole group. The Fusion Pitch system offers a quick set-up with a combination of clips and the usual poles and sleeves, while also increasing the amount of air that flows between the canopy and the fly.

$299 H THENORTHFACE.COM ——————–

TRAVEL HAMMOCK ALL TERRAIN HYBRID

Take a little time between sets to lounge among the mountains views. This durable hammock sets up quickly and can easily be turned into a waterproof shelter or no-frills A-frame tent—perfect for the festival minimalist.

$70 H THETRAVELHAMMOCK.COM ——————–

WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING MITYLITE

For summertime camping trips, there’s no need to go all out with a bag that’s going to make you burn up in the tent. This ultra-comfortable 40-degree down bag won’t weigh you down when you’re on the go, as it comes in at just 1 lbs. 10 oz. Bonus: it can be totally opened up to act as a lightweight comforter.

$270 H WESTERNMOUNTAINEERING.COM ——————–

IBEX BALANCE BOXER

If you like to dance in the Southern Appalachian heat, you know swamp ass is real. Meet your new line of defense. Made from thin, soft wonder fabric Merino Wool, these boxers wick moisture, regulate body temperature, and kill odor so you can groove out like a wild gazelle.

$30 H IBEX.COM ——————–

KAYAKER DECAPPER BOTTLE OPENER

Yes, you’ll be the dude opening everybody’s beer, but you won’t mind because the DeCapper is a simple pushdown bottle cap opener that works with almost no effort. Plus, you’ll be the guy with the cool new gadget.

$20 H THEDECAPPER.COM ——————–

KELTY SHADEHOUSE

Block out the sun or rain while you commune with the crew over a few cold ones. The Shadehouse is a quick shelter option that pops with the ease of a tent. With a new expansive design it’s the perfect way to set up a festie basecamp.

$180 H KELTY.COM ——————–

GRANITE GEAR : AIR GROCERY BAG

A smart, eco-friendly way to bring your favorite munchies to your camping spot won’t intrude on you limited pack space, as this nylon bag compresses small enough to fit in your pocket.

$17 H GRANITEGEAR.COM ——————–

CRAZY CREEK COMFORT CHAIR

It’s lightweight easy to carry out to the field for an afternoon acoustic set. The Comfort Chair has an additional two inches of width and four inches of back height more than the original Crazy Creek chair, so you get a little extra support for a long afternoon of lounging.

$23 H CRAZYCREEK.COM

Published by
Jedd Ferris