Of all the equipment necessary to endure the many rigors of the outdoors, there is nothing more important than a quality, bombproof tent.  There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a rainstorm only to find your tent isn’t watertight, or being in a windstorm only to have your tent collapse around you.  If there’s one area to splurge when undertaking an outdoor excursion, it’s on your tent, and there’s no tent better to splurge on than the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1.  Designed as a four seasons expedition tent, the Trango 3.1 is capable of withstanding hurricane force winds, torrential downpours and raging snow storms, all while keeping you safe, dry and protected.

In truth, there isn’t really any area in which the Trango 3.1 doesn’t excel.  Featuring Mountain Hardwear’s proprietary Evolution Tension Arch technology with four Atlas Scandium XL poles, the Trango is rock solid in conditions that bring other, lesser tents feebly to their knees.  On a recent excursion, my wife and I were hit with 70+ mph winds, and the Trango shrugged them off like they were nothing.  And while it is rock solid, the Trango’s setup is a breeze.  Four poles provide support for the Trango’s canopy, while a fifth pole provides support when the Trango’s fly is in place.  From a sizing standpoint, the Trango 3.1 is an exceptionally versatile tent.  For two people, the interior of the tent provides an ample amount of storage for two plus gear next to you, or it sleeps three comfortably.  The Trango does come in 2 and 4 person sizes as well, so depending on your specific needs, you can get the same rock solid stability in various sizes.  In addition to interior room of the main tent, once the fly is in place, you gain additional, covered protection for your gear in both the front and back vestibules, and there’s a variety of other storage pockets to stow your gear while you sleep.  As for specific dimensions, the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 offers a floor area of 48 sq. feet, vestibule areas of 18 sq. feet and 5 sq. feet, and an interior height of 48 inches.  It’s a spacious tent, and it keeps you supremely comfortable in any less than ideal weather conditions.  Weight wise, the Trango 3.1 weighs in at 11 lbs. 6 oz., making it a little heavier than some other expedition tents.  The added weight, however, is more than offset by the added space, as the Trango 3.1 is really as comfortable as you’ll get in an expedition-ready, rock solid tent.

Aside from its ingenious pole system, the second defining element of the Trango 3.1 is its guaranteed watertight construction.  Featuring a fully taped fly, a taped perimeter seam, welded corners and welded guy clip anchors, the Trango is designed to stay dry amidst the worst of torrential downpours, and has been rain room tested to withstand 1,200″ of rain over a 24-hour period.  Helping keep out the elements, the Trango 3.1 features a tent floor constructed from  70D Nylon Taffeta 3000mm PE, a canopy constructed from 20D Nylon Knit Mesh and 40D Nylon Ripstop DWR, a fly constructed from 70D Nylon Taffeta 1500mm PU/SIL, and a  75D Polyester SD Ripstop 600mm PE reinforcement.  Despite its leakproof construction, the Trango 3.1 is ideal for any weather conditions you can throw at it.  During the high temperatures of the summer, the two door design allows superb airflow, keeping you as cool as possible.  You can also opt for setting up just the fly and footprint (sold separately), as a lightweight ,warm weather option.  In the winter, heat in the Trango is retained incredibly well, and as I discovered during a seemingly never ending snowstorm in which three foot drifts accumulated on the side of my Trango, it’s easy to forget how bad conditions are around you while you’re inside it.  It is, quite simply, a mobile fortress, capable of protecting you from the worst Mother Nature can throw at you.

In addition to the features I’ve already mentioned, here’s a quick rundown of all the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 has to offer:

• Guaranteed watertight construction with fully taped fly, taped perimeter seam, welded corners and welded guy clip anchors. Rain room tested with 1200″ of rain in 24 hours.
• Atlas Scandium XL poles
• Proprietary Evolution Tension Arch™ stabilizes tent using fewer poles
• Pitch Light™ configuration allows user to set up a superlight shelter using only the tent fly, poles and footprint (sold separately)
• 2 dry entry vestibules
• 2 dual canopy and mesh doors
• 2 Tension Shelves
• SVX window for a brighter interior and visibility of exterior conditions
• Welded guy clip anchors
• Internal guy system
• Reflective guy-out loops, starter point and zipper pulls for easy set-up at night
• Welded zipper flap construction is lighter and drier than a sewn flap
• Watertight door zippers
• Reflective zipper pulls
• Mesh storage pockets
• Mesh and canopy zippered thru-vent
• Superlight 1/4″ buckles and webbing reduce tent weight
• Reflective starter point
• Gear can be stored off the floor using canopy pockets or a accessory gear lofts (sold separately)
• Minimum Weight: 10 lb. 8 oz. / 4.76 kg.
• Packed Weight:  11 lb. 6 oz. / 5.15 kg.
• Packed Diameter:  8 in / 22 cm
• Packed Length:  24 in / 61 cm
• Pitch Light Weight:  7 lb. 13 oz. / 3.53 kg

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 is, in no simpler terms, an absolutely incredible expedition-ready four seasons tent.  Having used mine extensively over the past year, I’ve yet to find fault with it, despite the multitude of extreme conditions I’ve subjected it to.  As I said at the beginning of the article, if there’s only one thing you’re going to splurge on to conquer the great outdoors, your tent is it.  With an MSRP of $625, however, the Trango 3.1 isn’t overly pricey, and in terms of quality for your money, you won’t find better.  It’s waterproof, windproof and snow proof, and after a long days hike or climb, you really can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep.

To learn more about the Moutain Hardwear Trango 3.1 and the full lineup of Mountain Hardwear tents, head over to MountainHardwear.com for more details or buy now from Amazon.com
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Whether you’re planning to climb Everest, trek across Antarctica or are simply anticipating the arrival of the next ice age, the Marmot CWM MemBrain is without question the only sleeping bag that will keep you wishing for more cold.  As the most extreme sleeping bag in the Marmot lineup, the CWM MemBrain can withstand temperature drops as low as –40°F in the harshest alpine environments, keeping you warm, toasty and sleeping like a baby, no matter how frigid it may get around you.

Making the magic happen, the Marmot CWM MemBrain is loaded with Marmot’s 800+ fill goose down, carefully selected to provide the most efficient insulation possible.  As connoisseurs of down, Marmot relies on a series of guidelines to ensure optimum insulating.  Down comes from geese, not ducks, due to goose down’s higher quality; down comes from larger, more mature birds, due to the mature bird down’s larger filament clusters; and down must be properly sorted, washed and dried, to adequately prepare the filament clusters.  All of this adds up to down that boasts a higher loft, better insulation, lighter weight and greater durability, meaning your sleeping bag does exactly what it says it does (which in this case, amounts to keeping you alive and happy at –40°F).  Marmot doesn’t just talk about their down quality, they guarantee that every sleeping bag they sell has at minimum the down content listed, and they guarantee that your bag will perform exactly as it should, for the life of the product.

Of course, down alone does not a sleeping bag make.  Keeping the down in place, and ensuring unpleasant drafts are eliminated, the Marmot CWM MemBrain is over-engineered with reinforced linings, countless baffles and MemBrain waterproof/breathable fabric.  Specifically, there’s a 9-baffle chest section that runs vertically, ensuring that as you roll from side to side, the down stays perfectly in place.  There’s an 11-baffle foot box that runs vertically to keep your feet warm.  There’s a down-filled draft tube that eliminates cold leaks through the zipper.  There’s a 6-baffle hood that insulates your head with 6 chambers of down and an easy access hood cord.  I could quite literally, go on and on and on about how well the Marmot CWM is insulated.  But what it all boils down to is this:  the Marmot CWM MemBrain Sleeping Bag is the most rugged, well-designed sleeping bag you’re going to get.  I’ve used it in some supremely intense conditions, and I can say without question this thing can handle any weather conditions you can throw at it.  It’s exceptionally warm; drafts are non-existent; the multitude of baffles keep the down perfectly in place; and at 4 1/2 pounds, it packs up extremely well.  There is no better extreme temperature sleeping bag on the market.

In addition to the features I’ve already detailed, here’s a lengthier rundown of all the Marmot CWM MemBrain’s attributes:

• Filled and Finished in Santa Rosa, California

• Certified 800+ Fill Power Goose Down – Independently Tested and Certified by International Down and Feather Laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah. Retested at Fill Time in Santa Rosa to Ensure 800 Fill Power Every Time. If the Down Does Not Meet Our In-House Test, We Send It Back

• Marmot MemBrain® Waterproof/Breathable Fabric – Marmot MemBrain, Waterproof/Breathable Fabric

• 9-Baffle Chest Section – Baffles Run Vertically in Core for Maximum Down Control. Rolling from Side-to-Side Won’t Shift the Down

• Reinforced Foot Box Lining – To Handle the Extra Abuse of Boot Liners and Water Bottles

• “Feely” Draw Cords – Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling

• 11-Baffle Foot Box – Baffles are Vertical to Keep Down Around Your Feet

• Down-Filled Draft Tube – Eliminates Cold Leaks Through the Zipper

• Ground-Level Side Seams – Eliminates Drafts

• Hidden Draft Tube Pocket – Inverts Into Draft Tube and Used to Store Watch or Alarm and Stay Out of Our Face

• Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood – 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access

• Stretch Tricot Baffles – Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life

• Stuff and Storage Sack Included – Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag

• Velcro®-free Down-filled Collar – Keeps Warm Air Trapped in Your Bag; Collar is a Full 6-inch Baffle Width Integrated with the Draft Tube

• Velcro®-free Face Muff – Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face

• Zipper Guards – Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils
• 6-foot height; also available in sizing up to 6’6″

Pricing for the Marmot CWM MemBrain sleeping bag is set at $679 – a steal considering this is likely the last sleeping bag you’ll every buy for extreme conditions.  To learn more about the Marmot CWM MemBrain as well as the full lineup of other fantastic Marmot sleeping bags (I own 2 other Marmots for warmer temperatures that I love equally as much), head over to Marmot.com or buy now from Amazon.com
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If you spend any amount of outside, you already know the value of a high quality knife.  A good knife is invaluable for a variety of tasks – trimming rope, preparing food, cutting wood, etc. – and for anyone undertaking any type of backpacking or hiking excursions, a knife is an essential tool in your arsenal of required gear.  When venturing into the outdoors, one of my favorite knives is the SOG X-Ray Vision.  It’s a practical, tough as nails folding knife that can withstand a tremendous amount of punishment, and best of all, it keeps functioning flawlessly despite the abuse.

Making the SOG X-Ray Vision so great is a variety of factors, one of which is its remarkable blade.  Constructed in Japan from VG-10 steel, the blade is 3.75″ x 0.125″, and features a combination half straight-edge, half serrated Tanto design with a bead blasted finish.  If you’re unfamiliar with VG-10 steel, it’s an supremely robust steel that’s incredibly sharp; it takes and holds an edge incredibly well; and it’s remarkably corrosion resistant, making it the perfect blade material for an outdoor knife.  As for the design itself, it’s an ideal length for most cutting tasks; the straight-edge portion of the blade is perfect for a variety of general cutting and filleting needs; the serrated portion of the blade is ideal when you need to cut rope quickly; and as is inherent to Tanto blade design, the tip is exceptionally strong and geared towards piercing.

Mated to the blade, the SOG X-Ray Vision boasts a glass-reinforced black Zytel handle and SOG’s Arc-Lock locking system.  The handle features a relatively slim profile and is comfortable to hold, and brings the total length of the knife to 8.37″.  As for the Arc-Lock system, it’s a completely ambidextrous design that is lightning quick.  Blade deployment is almost instantaneous with the appropriate flick of your finger – so fast, in fact, it can appear as thought the X-Ray Vision has blade assist built into it.  Retracting the blade is equally as quick, and again easily accomplished with either hand.  In terms of strength, SOG states the Arc-Lock can withstand 1000 lbs. of force.  I’ve yet to take the X-Ray Vision to a lab to verify their figures, but in real world use, I’ve yet to have a single misfire of the Arc-Lock system.  It’s a brilliant design – super quick and super strong – and I’ve used it in some pretty demanding conditions.

All in all, if you’re looking for a rugged, exceptionally functional outdoor knife, you can’t go wrong with the SOG X-Ray Vision.  It’s tough as hell; it’s easy to carry; and it cuts anything you can throw at it.  For $170, it’s a must on any serious outdoor lover’s must-have gear list.  To learn more about the SOG X-Ray Vision, you can learn more at SOG.com or buy now at a discount from Amazon.com.

With temperatures dropping and winter just around the corner, outdoor activities require more planning than simply heading out for a run or hopping on a bike.  Quality gear is required that’s versatile, functional and comfortable, because otherwise whatever it is you’re doing (skiing, snowboarding, etc.) is going to get unpleasant very, very quickly.  Of all the late fall / winter activities I enjoy, in no area is quality gear more important than in backpacking.  In truth, quality gear not only makes traversing rugged terrain more enjoyable, when you’re on the side of a mountain and an unexpected storm hits, it can also save your life.

For the backcountry lovers among you, over the next week or two we’re going to be bringing you some of the favorite gear we use when venturing off the beaten path.  This gear is absolutely the best of the best, and in the event you’re out for a leisurely weekend hike or you’re seeking to compete directly with the worst mother nature has to offer, this gear has you covered.

Kicking off our special outdoors feature, we’ve got a look at the Arc’teryx Naos 85 – an exceptionally robust backpack that can carry virtually anything you can throw at it.  At its heart, the Arc’teryx Naos 85 is about storage, and there’s precisely 5,187 cubic inches at your disposal.  It’s a big pack, to be sure (the biggest in the Arc’teryx AC² line, actually), but it’s perfect if you’re looking for something to carry a week’s worth of gear or when things get cold, bulky winter gear.  There’s a ton of space, and to be honest, we’d be scared to go any bigger, due to the fact this bag loaded usually puts you around the 50 lb. mark.  But despite its ample load carrying ability, the Naos 85 is, in and of itself, exceptionally light.  It weighs in at only 6 lbs. 4 oz., meaning the bulk of the load you’re carrying is coming from your gear, not the pack itself.

As already noted, it’s easy to approach 50+ lbs. of gear in the Arc’teryx Naos 85, which would get exceptionally uncomfortable without the right fit.  Thankfully, the Naos 85 ranks as the most comfortable backpack we’ve used, as it offers a variety of features to fine tune the fit and beautifully transfer the weight where it needs to go.  One of the ways the Arc’teryx Naos 85 makes hauling loads of gear a breeze is through a fortified double ring Load Transfer Disc in tandem with large side-mounted hipbelt straps featuring weight-stabilization technology.  When hiking, the Load Transfer Disc and hip belt actually pivot with you, increasing your stability and agility and transferring the weight remarkably well from your back to your hips.  Further enhancing comfort during your expeditions, the Naos 85 features an integrated MonoFrame with an adjustable bonded GridLock shoulder strap system.  The Monoframe offers a superbly rigid level of back support, whereas the adjustable Gridlock straps allow an exceptionally precise fit based on your exact build.  All of this adds up to the most comfortable large capacity pack we’ve used, with several of our staff members undertaking all-day hike with 50+ lbs. on their backs, and all reveling at how good they felt at the end of the day.

But despite its excellent load carrying capacity and applaudable comfort, what may be the Arc’teryx Naos 85’s most endearing feature is its waterproofing.  Arc’teryx built the Naos 85 to be completely waterproof, meaning that when things get wet, there’s no need for a weatherproof cover.  Helping keep your pack dry on the inside, all seams are fully-sealed, and the molded AC² fusion points are all equally waterproof.  In addition, each of the Naos 85’s external zippers feature WaterTight technology, while the Naos’ 420ACT fabric and Spacermesh is incredibly light, strong and waterproof.  Finally, the Naos 85’s roll-top closure offers an additional layer of protection from wet weather.  We’ve had the Arc’teryx Naos 85 out for multiple day stretches of rain loaded with gear, and every time, the inside has remained perfectly dry.  While we don’t recommend submerging the Naos 85 for extended periods of time, torrential downpours will do little to ruin your packed gear, and when space is tight, we don’t for a second question leaving the Naos 85 outside the tent amidst heavy rain.

There’s a variety of other features of the Arc’teryx Naos 85 that I’ve failed to mention – six external compression straps, a kangaroo pocket and laminated map pocket, a hydration bladder sleeve and HydroPort, a removable top lid, etc. – but to make it simple, if you’re looking for the ultimate wet weather expedition pack, look no further.  The Naos 85 is super comfortable, incredibly spacious and superbly waterproof, and if you (like us) love getting off the beaten path and exploring the great outdoors, you won’t find a better way to haul your vital gear than the Arc’teryx.  Pricing for the Naos 85 is set at $650, and it’s available in either Blackbird or Gold Rush color options.  To learn more about the Arc’teryx Naos 85, you can see the full specs at Arcteryx.com or buy now from Amazon.com.

For those of you new to fatherhood who may be thinking becoming a dad means giving up an active lifestyle, nothing could be further from the truth. The secret to staying active after kids is finding gear that can withstand the rigors of whatever it is you want to do, all while keeping your child comfortable and protected while you do it. For the avid backpacker/hiker, the new Kelty FC 3.0 child carrier exemplifies this ideal perfectly.

As Kelty’s top of the line child carrier, the FC 3.0 takes comfort during long hikes to an entirely new level. And trust me, as anyone that’s used a child carrier knows, comfort is the key consideration when you have an extra 30+ pounds strapped to your back. Making the FC 3.0 so comfortable, Kelty has introduced a new waistbelt torso length adjustment geared towards a variety of users. The result is a drastically more comfortable, contoured fit, regardless of body type, and one that’s exceptionally comfortable to use on long hikes. The new torso length adjustment also allows your child to ride lower – this serves to create a lower center of gravity, increasing balance while further aiding in your comfort (remember, comfort is key… your back and shoulders will thank you). Another highly welcomed feature of the FC 3.0: the patented auto-deploy kickstand. By engaging as soon as the pack is taken off, the auto kickstand makes loading and unloading a far less arduous task, as you can simply slide it off your shoulders and onto the ground (and vice versa). Storage wise, the Kelty FC 3.0 boasts a total of 1150 cubic inches of storage space divided between under the seat and rear compartments – an ample amount for whatever adventures you undertake.

Of course, it doesn’t matter how comfortable you are if you child isn’t enjoying his or her self, as there’s nothing worse than an unhappy son/daughter five miles into the woods. To ensure your kids comfortable transport, Kelty FC 3.0 boasts a fully padded, ventilated cockpit and five-point adjustable harness, designed to keep your child comfortable and secure. In addition, the FC 3.0 also features a removable sun/rain hood along with a changing pad, offering even more protection and convenience during long treks, regardless of the weather conditions.

Spending some time with the Kelty FC 3.0, I can attest that it is supremely comfortable on longer hikes. I can easily venture out comfortably 2-3 hours into the woods with my wife and son – an impressive feat considering my son’s typical attention span registers right around the 30 second mark. There’s just something about getting outside that mesmerizes him – every time we go for a hike it’s like it’s his first time seeing the outdoors. He’s captivated by everything. And that’s the beauty of the Kelty FC 3.0. You can take your child outside and show them things that without it, it would be impossible for them see. It’s the perfect way to blend your love of the outdoors with family time, which makes it one of our top picks for Father’s Day.

The Kelty FC 3.0 child carrier is priced at $249.95. For more info, you can check out the full details of the Kelty FC 3.0 at the Kelty website.