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When it comes to climbing, the best climbing packs you carry your gear in can be just as important as the gear itself. Climb difficulty, the length of the approach, the type of gear necessary, and several other factors influence what specific pack will best suit your needs. Here is a breakdown of the types of climbing bags and some tips on how to choose.

Perfect for beginner climbers to crag frequent flyers, crag packs are designed for durability and accessibility. These are the most common backpacks for mid-level climbers who aren’t hauling too much gear and don’t need the lightweight options necessary for multi-pitch summits. While crag-specific backpacks will include features designed just for rock climbing, daypack backpacks and hiking backpacks will also get the job done at the crag.

Depending on the specific size, crag packs are used to carry rope, harnesses, shoes, chalk bags, quickdraws, snacks, and water through the approach to the crag. Since crag approaches tend to be less accessible than other hiking routes with overgrown greenery and sharp rock scrambles, backpacks designed specifically for the crag are often made out of more durable material including Cordura and ripstop nylon. This also means they can be worn up the wall if need be.

An effective crag pack will have ample outer loops for clipping gear that needs to be easily accessible and several handles for easy movement between sections of the crag. Crag packs will range from roughly 30 liters to 50 liters in size. If you plan to transport rope in your crag pack, opting for the 50 liter option would ensure additional space for the rest of your gear. If you have a separate rope bag, a 30 liter crag pack will typically have more than enough space for gear, snacks, and essentials.

Multiple-Day Mountaineering Packs 

Planning to wander into the wilderness with all the gear necessary to climb and survive? These larger 40 liter to 70 liter backpacks can accommodate all the gear needed for multiple-day rock climbing and mountaineering trips including rope, quickdraws, harnesses, climbing shoes, camping gear, and multiple-days worth of food and water. These backpacks will generally have fewer outside access points and opt instead for a top-loading design in order to streamline the bag for long treks and climbs. Similarly, these bags tend to have fewer outside loops and pockets for clipping gear to as immediate accessibility is less of a concern when you’re hiking longer distances between crags. These backpacks also come in a variety of options for ice climbing and cold weather trips.

Rope Bags

These bags are designed specifically to carry your lifeline wherever you need to go — whether that’s through a short approach to the crag or up the side of a multi-pitch cliff face. Some rope bags will unzip into tarps to keep rope and other gear off the dirt at the base of routes (one less thing for you to carry separately). Depending on the type of climb and the type of gear, sometimes a rope bag has all the extra space, loops, and nooks and crannies to carry everything necessary for a day at the crag — just clip a harness and shoes to the outside of the rope bag and you’re ready to go.

Other rope bags are smaller designed just for the rope to be clipped onto crag packs or multiple-day mountaineering packs as an attachment. Ropes, of course, can be coiled and carried in crag packs or other backpacks — but the design of a rope bag goes the extra mile to ensure one of the most important pieces of gear is protected and maintained.

Gym Bags 

These packs are great for beginner climbers who aren’t quite ready to venture out onto the real rock or seasoned climbers in metropolitan areas where a climbing gym is more accessible than daily trips to the crag. Climbing gym bags range in style and design from a typical gym bag to a smaller backpack — both effective designs depending on personal preference. Climbing gym bags need to carry shoes, chalk, a harness, and office gear. They generally feature separate internal pockets to store climbing gear and office gear because laptops and chalk don’t exactly mix well. These bags may have fewer outer loops than other types of climbing bags in order to keep valuable gear secure in non-climbing environments. 

Boulder Bags and Multi-Pitch Summit Packs 

This type of climbing bag is similar in size to climbing gym bags, but that is essentially where the similarities stop. Designed to be a small, lightweight addition to a not-so-lightweight, unwieldy crash pad or the lightest, most effective way to carry the bare minimum weight up a multi-pitch cliff face, boulder bags and multi-pitch summit packs are designed to carry just the essentials that don’t already fit on a harness.

Essentially smaller versions of crag packs, boulder bags and multi-pitch summit packs will have outer loops for clipping gear that needs to be immediately accessible without getting in the way. In the case of multi-pitch summit packs, almost all of your gear will be attached to your harness — the pack just needs to be large enough for food, water, and additional layers for that top route wind. These packs range from 10 to 20 liters and can fit inside larger climbing bags for multiple-day trips with a range of climb types.

Different climbing bags are designed with different types of openings which can impact accessibility. Depending on the type of climb, accessibility can impact anything from convenience to safety. Top loading climbing bags are typically streamline in design and make it easy to make sure gear is packed and secure. However, if your climbing shoes are at the very bottom of the bag there’s only one way to get through them — through the top. While other styles of opening are common in climbing bag design such as clamshell openings or burrito openings, the second most common after top loading bags is the hybrid design — a large, top-loading pocket with side zippers for easy access to items buried deeper in the bag.

Sizing and Comfort

Having an appropriately sized bag will make all the difference in comfort. This is especially important for the multiple-day climbing backpacks — carrying 70 liters worth of gear for any significant distance isn’t exactly easy, and it gets less easy with a pack that isn’t sized correctly. The length of the torso and waist measurements are a more accurate way to size hiking bags than just height. Load lifter straps and sternum straps are also something to consider depending on the amount of weight you plan to carry.

Extension Features

It may seem like a small feature, but a climbing bag’s ability to extend can make all the difference in certain situations. Some climbing bags are designed with tarps that extend out to protect rope on the ground — dirt can have detrimental effects on climbing rope and, as a result, climber safety. Some climbing bags even fold out into loungers for that crag session fifth hour nap. Other climbing bags include top tie-down tarps that allow a little extra space for after a day of climbing when your arms don’t have the energy to coil the rope back up quite as tightly as it was at the beginning of the day. 

Best for: Crag Pack

Weight: 3.3 lbs.

Size: 9.8 x 5.9 x 6.7

Capacity: 45 liters

Specs: Built-in rope bag, large back opening, internal gear loops, aluminum internal frame, 420-denier Triton ripstop nylon, top lid pocket

Pros: As one of the top rock climbing brands, a Mammut bag is guaranteed to be specifically engineered for exactly what a rock climber needs. Everything about this bag from the internal gear loops to the climbing shoe mesh pocket to the ripstop nylon is designed for a day at the crag. It even includes a built-in rope compartment, removable rope tarp, and a stowable rope attachment strap on top of the pack. The large top-loading option allows for quick gear packs while inner and outer daisy chain loops allow for plenty of storage options. With a 45 liter capacity, the Mammut offers the capability for multiple-day trips or crag sites that might call for some extra gear such as meals or hiking boots.

Cons: This bag comes with a steeper price tag than a lot of the other options available on Amazon. It also features only one external, compact pocket for essentials like wallets or keys.

Best for: Multi-Pitch Summit Pack/Boulder Bag

Capacity: 18 liters

Specs: Large exterior pocket, small accessories pocket, hydration system compatible, , high quality durable nylon

Pros: Petzl is another one of the more tried and true rock climbing brands so you can be confident that the gear is durable, effective, and will last through years of crag trips. The Petzl Bug is designed to sit snugly against your body — perfect for rock scrambles on the approach and keeping gear tight to your body for multi-pitch summits. The last thing you need during a multi-pitch climb is your gear catching on a rock or tree. With 18 liters of capacity, this pack can fit the snacks and essentials needed for a multi-pitch or shoes and chalk for a day bouldering. For bouldering trips, the Petzl features a daisy chain strap down its center to securely attach ​chalk bags, chalk bags, or whatever other gear you may need. Moving to a metropolitan area? The Petzl Bug’s compact design means it’s just as effective as a gym climbing bag as an outdoor climbing bag. 

Cons: Depending on size and color preferences, this bag gets a little pricey for its size.

Best for: Crag Pack

Weight: 12.7 oz

Capacity: 40 liters

Size: 22.8 x 13.4 x 7.8

Specs: High quality water and tear resistance nylon fabric, folds to 9.4 x 7.8 x 3.9

Pros: This bag’s claim to fame is certainly its weight and its price tag. The G4Free Lightweight Foldable 40 lb Travel Daypack is deceivingly durable considering its lightweight material. Despite how small the pack can fold, it can also carry everything you need for a day trip to the crag. At under $20, it’s far cheaper than any crag pack designed by brands such as Black Diamond, Patagonia, or Mammut — but it does the same job. With one main compartment, two top pouches, a front spandex pouch, and outer loops, this pack sports all the specs to comfortably carry your gear. The foldability of the bag also makes it great for those multi-day trips to different crags — use the bag for a day trip to the crag and then store it before continuing your longer journey.

Cons: In order to shave down on weight, the G4Free is not particularly well padded. While this won’t impact a day trip to the crag with a short approach, this bag may not be the right call for a longer hike.

Best for: Rope Bag/Boulder Bag

Weight: 3.08 lbs.

Size: 21 x 14 x 3

Specs: Includes 52” x 58” tarp

Pros: The Metolius Speedster Bag has the capability and capacity to be a boulder bag (shoes, harness and chalk etc,) a rope bag — or both. The Metolius Speedster has enough room for but not limited to a 70 m rope, shoes, harness, draws, and a chalk bag. The bag comes with additional zippered pockets for small items like wallets, keys, gopros etc.  With both a top-load opening and a front zipper pocket, accessibility is no issue. As one of the more prominent rock climbing brands, Metolius gear is guaranteed to be durable and last through countless trips to the crag. If multiply ropes are needed for your climbs, this bag can be designated for just rope and attached to a larger backpack. In addition, Metolius includes a built in 52” x 58” tarp to protect your rope at base ground

Cons: This bag lacks the outer loops that other boulder bags have for clipping gear.

Best for: Crag Pack, Trad Climbing Pack

Size: 22.2 x 8.4 x 6.5

Weight: 4 lbs.

Capacity: 45 liters

Specs: Includes 55” x 47” coated rope tarp made with durable water resistant material, backpack made of durable polyester with a polyurethane coating, clamshell zipper design, external tightening straps

Pros: While Tendon is a less prominent rock climbing brand, its backpacks feature a lot of the same specifications and capabilities as the higher end rock climbing bags such as a built in tarp. The backpack itself is made of a durable polyester material with a clamshell zipper design for easy access. The external tightening straps allow for additional gear — although the 45 liters of space within the backpack easily allow storage space for rope, shoes, harnesses, quick draws, snacks, water, and other essentials. The backpack includes hanging loops and mesh storage spaces specifically designed for storing gear and the outer pocket is just the right size for a phone, wallet, and guidebook. To top it all off, this backpack’s foam backing is removable for lounging

Cons: The Tendon Rock Climbing Backpack is similarly designed to Trango’s but slightly more expensive. Depending on brand preferences, you could save roughly about $30 by opting for Trango as an alternative.

Best for: Multiple-Day Backpacking/Climbing Trips, Trad Climbing Pack

Weight: 4.8 lbs.

Size: 13 x 11.4 x 32.7

Capacity: 75 liters

Specs: Daisy chains for outer gear storage, hydration system compatible, high capacity for gear, 8 compression straps, nylon

Pros: Mountaintop has been designing hiking backpacks for more than 30 years. For multiple-day climbing trips, this is the bag to have. Capacity options include 55 liter, 75 liter, and 80 liter — so no matter what your adventure, there’s a Mountaintop bag the right size. The eight external compression straps are perfect for attaching rope bags or crag packs between climbing sessions. While the bag offers a top loading design, it also features zippered front access to quickly reach the gear you need from the main compartment. The back of this backpack also adjusts to varying lengths which makes it both versatile and comfortable for any individual taking to the trails for an extended period of time. And the built-in rain cover will keep gear dry during rainy treks and nights between crags.

Cons: With how much capacity these packs can handle, the shoulder straps are a little light on padding depending on preference.

Best for: Day-trip Crag Pack

Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.

Capacity: 20 liters

Size: 21 x 8.5 x 8

Specs: Dynagrin ripstop nylon, internal hydration sleeve

Pros: The Cotopaxi Tarak is one of the trendiest climbing backpacks available on Amazon. Cotopaxi boasts individually designed backpacks — manufactured in the Philippines, creators are given creative license to use whatever remnant material color fabric they choose so every backpack is different. On top of being trendy and environmentally friendly, the Cotopaxi 20L is durable, features a hydration sleeve and is designed with a zippered front pocket and top lid for easy accessibility. The pack also includes several diagonally crossed external straps perfect for clipping gear, shoes, chalk bags, and anything else you need for a day at the crag. At 20 liters, the Cotopaxi is perfect as a day-trip crag pack, boulder back, or even a multi-pitch summit pack.

Cons: The Cotopaxi only has one easily accessible outer pocket and, because of the environmentally production process, the material is not particularly waterproof. While this generally doesn’t cause problems for day trips, the Cotopaxi might not be ideal for longer trips with unpredictable weather.

Best for: Day-Trip Crag Pack, Gym Bag, Multi-Pitch Summit Pack

Weight: 1.1 lbs.

Capacity: 16 liters

Size: 18 x 11 x 3

Specs: Hydration system compatible, removable foam backpanel, external zippered pocket, internal mesh pocket, 420d nylon and 1260d ballistic nylon

Pros: At 16 liters, this Black Diamond pack is perfect for a whole range of climbing capabilities. The backpack’s streamlined design means it would work well as a multi-pitch summit pack for food, water, and cold weather essentials. The lack of external gear hooks and varied internal pockets means it also serves well as a gym bag for metropolitan areas. And the durable material of the bag makes it effective for day-trip bouldering trips. This pack also includes a removable foam backpanel for crag lounging.

Cons: This backpack almost wants to be a crag pack. However, it lacks the external gear storage and capacity to be versatile enough for the crag.

Best for: Crag Pack, Trad Climbing Pack

Weight: 3 lbs.

Capacity: 55 liters

Size: 27 x 12.5 x 10

Specs: Internal zippered divider, molded back panel, aluminum internal frame, bottom zipper access with rain cover, hydration system compatible

Pros: While it has the same capacity as the Mammut Neon Gear, the Wasing hiking backpack is a fraction of the cost. With a molded backpanel, internal frame, bottom zipper access, and internal zipper divider, the Wasing backpack includes all the storage features crucial for keeping gear organized during a trip to a crag. At 55 liters, this pack has more than enough room to accommodate rope, shoes, harness, quick draws, guidebooks, water, snacks, and other essentials. The molded foam back panel keeps you cool for longer approach hikes and the rain cover and water resistant ripstop nylon will keep all your gear dry.

Cons: This bag lacks the same adjustability technology that some other higher capacity hiking backpacks offer — pay attention to sizing when purchasing. The straps also start to get uncomfortable once the backpack has been loaded up with roughly 35 lbs. of gear.

Best for: Crag Pack

Weight: 1 lbs.

Capacity: 40 liters

Size: 22 x 15 x 4

Specs: full-length zipper for alternate access, external accessories pocket, integrated rope strap, top loading design with drawcord closure

Pros: The Black Diamond Crag backpack is another bag specifically designed to effectively store rope, shoes, harnesses, quick draws, and everything else you need for a trip to the crag. The top loading design makes it easy to keep gear secure and load everything up at the end of the day — but full length side zippers also allow for easy access to different gear throughout the day. External accessories pockets are perfect for wallets, keys and guidebooks. The bag also includes a specifically designed integrated rope strap.

Cons: This crag pack is cheaper than the Mammut option but significantly more expensive than the Wasing backpack option.

​While the more mainstream climbing brands may only be available through companies like REI and Backcountry, these backpacks do the same job — sometimes for a fraction of the cost. With the wide range of climbing backpacks available here, there’s a durable, effective, best climbing packs perfect for whatever climbing adventure you choose to go on.

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While climbing in leggings, gym shorts, or even street pants is perfectly acceptable and relatively common, specially designed rock climbing pants will help to ensure that no aspect of your gear or clothing will inhibit your climbing abilities. When buying the best climbing pants you’ll want to pay attention to materials, the type of climbing you’ll be doing, the waistband and ankle closure systems, fit, and brand.

Rock climbing pants come in a variety of materials including spandex, polyester, and elastane — but the two main materials you’ll find in rock climbing pants are nylon and cotton. The different types of fabric perform different jobs for you on the wall so you should be aware of how the different fabrics behave and check the pants label before purchasing to see what the material breakdown is of the pair of pants you’re eyeing. They’ll also fit differently so — just like with climbing shoes — it’s helpful to try climbing pants on in person before purchasing.

Cotton is breathable and generally more comfortable than nylon options. However, it’s not as durable — if you plan to spend a lot of time climbing but mainly indoors where the terrain and environment is a little less harsh on your clothing, cotton might be the right move for you. On the other hand, if you plan to be putting your pants through a lot of knee bars and scrambles you might want to opt for nylon instead. Nylon is just as breathable, arguably more lightweight than cotton, and more durable. However, the less cotton in the makeup of your pants, the less comfortable they’ll be.

Type of Climbing 

As mentioned above, certain types of climbing pants are more durable than other pants. Some are more lightweight and breathable than others too. Weight these options in relation to where you do most of your climbing. Do you do a lot of outdoor bouldering? Your pants will need to stand up to some nasty falls onto less than forgiving terrain (because who actually lands on the crash pad?) Are you into rock scrambles and kneebars? You’ll need the same durability. Do you typically climb somewhere like West Virginia in the fall? Maybe opt for a thicker pair of pants for a little extra warmth? On the flip side, if you spend most of your time climbing in the summer maybe look at one of the more lightweight options. The type of climbing and the crag you frequent should factor into which pair of rock climbing pants you ultimately choose to purchase.  

Features 

Rock climbing pants come with some options for additional features — especially pants designed specifically for rock climbing.

• Integrated Belt: Some pants come with an integrated belt so you don’t have to worry about yours getting caught or in the way. Similar to drawstring pants but more secure, integrated belts will buckle in the front and then wrap around the waist of the pants internally the way the string of drawstring pants do. If you prefer pants that stay put but don’t need one more set of straps and strings getting in the way, keep an eye out for a pair of pants with an integrated belt.
• Ankle Closure System: A lot of rock climbing pants come with cinches or snaps at the ankles to keep the ends of your pants similarly secure and out of your way. You can roll the ends of your pants up and secure them with a snap if you want to keep a close eye on your heels when you need a strong heel hook. These also come in handy as temperatures rise at the crag throughout the day — give your ankles a little additional breathing room. If the pants you purchase are a little too long, cinches or ankle straps will help keep them from getting caught anywhere you don’t need them to.
• Pockets: Rock climbing pants also come with a range of pocket options — whether you’d like a couple of extra pockets for gear or as few pockets as possible. Zipper pockets can be helpful for lugging your phone up for a selfie at the top of a route or whatever else you need to take up the wall with you. If you prefer streamlined designs, there are also rock climbing pant options with fewer pockets or no pockets at all. Keep this in mind when looking at options.
• Weather Proofing: Depending on where you climb, it might be a good idea to get pants that are water-resistant or waterproof. If you’re climbing at the New in West Virginia, the summers are soggy. If you spend more of your time out at Red Rocks, waterproofing might not be as critical. Weatherproof pants tend to be slightly more expensive, so if you’re looking to stick to a budget and don’t climb in wet environments all that often, keep this in mind.

No one knows better than you how you want your clothing to fit. This is especially important to keep in mind when purchasing rock climbing pants. The right fit will determine whether or not you catch that high foot or take a big fall. If your pants don’t allow the stretch you need they could hold you back in inconvenient or even dangerous ways on the wall. On top of safety is, of course, comfort. While climbing pants are designed to fit a little better into climbing harnesses, different materials will still bunch more than others. Bring a harness with you to try on rock climbing pants to get an accurate feel for how they’ll fit on that multi-pitch all-day climb.

Additionally, rock climbing pant sizing is similar to rock climbing shoe sizing in that it doesn’t quite measure up to your street size. Between variations in design and the different fits of different materials, you’ll definitely want to check out the fit of your pants in a store before you purchase them.

Best Climbing Pants on the Market Review

Many of the prominent rock climbing gear brands design and produce their own rock climbing pants — which means there are a lot of options out there. Keep in mind that it all really comes down to how you want your pants to fit, what features you want your pants to have, and how much you want to spend on rock climbing pants. This guide can help determine what combination of materials and features are the best rock climbing pants for your needs.

Note: While this guide will mostly link to the men’s versions of pants, each product has a similar female equivalent.

prAna has been a front runner in rock climbing gear for years — and their rock climbing pants are no different. The Stretch Zion pant comes in 8 colors — pricing is dependent on which color you want. The original “Zion” stretch material is 97% nylon and 3% spandex so it’s comfortable and durable while also allowing the right amount of stretch for you to move wherever you need to. It’s also coated with a water-resistant material.

Beyond the specifically designed material, the Stretch Zion has every other rock climbing specific feature you could possibly want. An integrated belt system will keep these pants secure without leaving straps or strings out to get in the way. The ankles feature a roll-up leg snap closure system that allows you to tailor the length of the pant to wherever you’d like — and change the fit throughout the day. The thigh of the pants feature a dual-entry cargo pocket large enough to store whatever you might need on your way up the wall — and the dual-entry design means whatever you store will be secure and accessible at the same time.

• Material: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex
• Features: Integrated Belt, Roll-Up Leg Snaps, Dual Entry Cargo Pocket
• Water Proofing: Yes

• Features designed specifically for rock climbing including an integrated belt and roll-up snaps
• Material designed specifically for rock climbing

• Not as comfortable as cotton material pants

The La Sportiva Arco is as flashy as it is functional. It currently comes in two colors — rust and the brightest yellow you’ve ever seen in your life. The material is 97% cotton and 3% lycra — perhaps less stretchy than pants that come equipped with nylon material, but the Arco makes up for it elsewhere. Articulated knees and stretch inserts allow for more give exactly where you need it. The reinforced hems are similarly equipped for climbing — roll your hems up for years and the fabric won’t give.

The Arco also comes with some climbing-specific features like a toothbrush pocket. However, the closure system isn’t quite what the Stretch Zion offers. The drawstring system of the Arco will keep your pants secure, but it does leave strings exposed to get caught, tied-up, or cut on sharp edges. The Arco also lacks any sort of waterproofing feature — if you plan to brave the less pleasant elements maybe look for a pair of pants that includes waterproofing. However, these pants do boast wind resistant material for those chilly hours up above the treeline.

Specs:

• Material: 97% cotton, 3% lycra
• Features: Integrated toothbrush pocket
• Water Proofing: No

• Integrated toothbrush pocket
• Articulated knees, gusseted crotch

• Drawstring closure lacks a streamlined design of integrated belt
• Lacks waterproofing feature necessary for some longer, multi-pitch climbs

“What the sending man wears above treeline” is all the description on Outdoor Research for these pants has to say. And, don’t worry, there’s a Ferrosi pant for women too. The Ferrosi pant is as comfortable as it is durable. Not only is the material waterproof — it’s also wind resistant, breathable, quick drying, and UPF 50+ rated. Basically, these pants are going to hold up against anything the rock has to throw at you.

While the material of these pants can take on anything, the design does lack some of the features that other climbing pants including. For example, the Ferrosi lacks an integrated belt system or any waist-tightening system at all. You might have to wear an additional belt. The cuff closure also isn’t as effective as some of the other designs. Outdoor Research also recently updated the sizing for this product — if you’ve purchased Ferrosi pants in the past and are planning on purchasing another pair, you might want to try them on in store again to see if your size has changed.  

Specs:

• Material: 86% nylon, 14% spandex
• Features: Drawstring cuff closure
• Water Proofing: Yes

• Water resistant, wind resistant, quick-drying, UPF 50+ rated

The Ucraft Xlite, available in versions for both men and women, is one of the least expensive products on this list — while still offering plenty bang for your buck. These pants have an integrated drawstring waist closure — the ends of the strings will be hanging out around the middle of your waist, but the string that wraps around your waist is covered and protected from any sharp edges. They also have plenty of pockets in different locations making sure your gear is accessible anywhere and anytime you need it to be.

These pants are known for being particularly comfortable, but they aren’t waterproof. These pants are also known for being one of the most lightweight products on the market. The biggest drawback on these budgets pants is probably their durability. While they are plenty durable, when they go toe to toe with some of the other products on this list, they aren’t quite as durable and won’t last through as many trips to the crag. 

Specs:

• Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
• Features: Drawstring waist closure, quick-drying, brush loop
• Water Proofing: No

• Best budget
• One of the most lightweight, comfortable products on the market

The Arc’Teryx Gamma LT rock climbing pants will be on every list of recommended rock climbing pants — despite their hefty price tag. Since, of course, these pants are Arc’Teryx, they’re just about as expensive as it gets for rock climbing pants. For the price tag, however, you get plenty of bells and whistles. The Arc’Teryx Gamma LT comes with an integrated belt, gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and a built-in chalk bag loop. It also has plenty of pockets of varying designs so you can get the gear you need up the wall with you however you prefer.

These pants are water resistant, tear resistant, and known to be warm for alpine climbs or multi-pitch routes that have you hanging above the treeline for extended periods of time. That also means these are a thicker, heavier pair of pants — if you know you’re the type of person who climbs in warm climates and prefers not to carry any additional weight up the wall, these might not be the best pants for you.

Specs:

• Material: Nylon, Elastane
• Features: Integrated belt, gusseted crotch, articulated knees
• Water Proofing: Yes

• Trendy
• Durable, highly tear-resistant, breathable material

• One of the most expensive options
• Heavier

The Mountain Hardware Yumalina Pant is the warmest pair of rock climbing pants on the market. If you’re planning to do a lot of alpine climbing or even just climbing through the fall into the winter seasons, this might be best rock climbing pants for you. However, the fleece-lined warmth doesn’t sacrifice in the way of movement — the stretch fabric and gusseted inseam will give you all the movement you need while also keeping you warm.

The Mountain Hardware Yumalina’s water-repellent exterior means they’re great for all kinds of cold weather climbs. Keep in mind, however, that these pants won’t be able to do double duty — come summer climbing months, you might need to buy a more lightweight pair of pants. These pants do have some of the same bells and whistles you can expect from other pants — for example, a drawstring waist lets you adjust the fit of the pants to a certain degree.

Specs:

• Material: Nylon, Elastane, Polyester
• Features: Fleece-lined
• Water Proofing: Yes

• Warmest
• Doesn’t sacrifice stretch for warmth — gusseted inseam allows movement despite fleece lining

• Not versatile enough for summer climbing
• Expensive

It doesn’t get more fashionable than the prAna Axiom Jean. Available in three different washes, for a relatively reasonable price, these jeans are appropriate for the office or city — and the rock wall. Perfect for mid-workday climbing sessions or heading straight to the gym after work, these pants offer all the flexibility you expect from rock climbing pants with a gusseted crotch and 1% spandex material. As they’re made by the head honcho of rock climbing clothing, these jeans are more durable than your typical pair of denim jeans — however, they aren’t waterproof and might not be the best pair of pants for an outdoor climb.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of these pants is the lack of size adjustment features. As they are, essentially, jeans, there are no ankle snaps, cinches, or cuffs to adjust the length in any way. There’s also no integrated belt or drawstring for adjusting the waist sizing. Keep this in mind when you’re purchasing — however they fit when you buy them is more or less how they’re going to fit on your legs on the wall. Also, while they do stretch and offer a significant range of motion, the knees aren’t articulated.

Specs:

• Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex
• Features: Organic stretch denim with gusseted inseam for range of movement
• Water Proofing: No

• Versatile for mid-workday climbing
• Full range of motion despite denim look

• No knee articulation
• Lacks size adjustment features

The La Sportiva Talus has a lot of the same features and benefits as La Sportiva’s other pants products. However, there are several more options for colors here — if the flashy style of La Sportiva’s other products isn’t really your style, check out the Talus in colors like brick, chili, and ocean.

On top of additional color options, the La Sportiva Talus has all the same features as the Arco — with a slightly less alarming price tag. The elastic waistband has an integrated drawstring adjustment system. The pants also include an integrated toothbrush pocket and chalk bag loop. The pants are designed with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch for all the movement you could possibly want. However, these pants don’t have any sort of ankle closure system — no cinch closure, no snap system, no nothing. If that feature is important to you, you might consider paying a little extra or so for the La Sportiva Arco.

Specs:

• Material: 96% nylon, 4% spandex
• Features: Integrated drawstring closure, integrated toothbrush pocket, articulated knees
• Water Proofing: No

• Less expensive than La Sportiva Arco with most of the same features

• Lack of ankle cinch closure

The prAna Halle offers everything you’ve come to expect from prAna products after reading through this list. With the same Stretch “Zion” fabric as the top pick pants, these pants are durable, flexible, stretchy, abrasion resistant, and water resistant — everything you need for a day at the crag. But they’re also stylish enough to wear around town with a relaxed fit and a slight bootleg cut.

Some of the other rock climbing specific features this pant includes are roll-up snap ankles — adjust the length of the pants to any length you’d like securely. However, these pants lack any sort of integrated waist adjustment system — keep this in mind if you’re particularly against belts. A hidden zip pocket will keep your gear secure and accessible as you head up the wall and articulated knees will make sure you get all the reach you need where you need it.

Specs:

• Material: 97% nylon, 3& spandex
• Features: Hidden zip stash pocket, articulated knees, roll-up ankles
• Water Proofing: Yes

• Lightweight
• Stretch “Zion” performance

If you’re looking for a more high-end winter climbing pant, the Black Diamond Alpine will likely be the best rock climbing pants option for you. They’re durable, breathable, designed with a four-way stretch fabric, and lightweight. They also have a water-resistant finish for all the snow, ice, and rain you can throw at them. They also come with some of the rock climbing fit features you’d expect from Black Diamond — a hem-chord adjustment system will let you adjust the length and fit of the bottom hems of your pants while an integrated belt system will let you adjust the waist.

These are, however, also the second most expensive pair of pants on this list — second only to the Arc’Teryx Gamma. If you’re looking for a winter climbing pant with a little less hefty of a price tag check out the Mountain Hardware option. These also lack the fleece lining that the Mountain Hardware pants have to offer. If you’re thinking of taking on some seriously cold environments, consider Mountain Hardware.

Specs:

• Material: Bluesign Approved
• Features: Four-way stretch, ankle hem-chord adjustment system, adjustable belt, concealed zip pockets
• Water Proofing: Yes

• Expensive
• Not fleece lined

When thinking about important gear for rock climbing, make sure you don’t forget about the importance of rock climbing pants. Protecting your lower half while also providing it with the full range of movement necessary to climb can be just as crucial as having the right shoes, the right chalk, and the right ropes. While there are plenty of options on the market, this list compiles all the best climbing pants and certainly includes the right pair for you.

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There is much debate around the subject of belay glasses. Some rave about how belay glasses save their neck during long belay sessions, while others insist they’re an unnecessary purchase that just makes you look like a bit of a nerd. Whatever your stance on the matter, there’s no denying the level of comfort that a quality pair of belay glasses can provide.

We’ve all been there. A friend is working on their project and you’re on belay. After a session of craning your neck to offer a good belay, it hits you. An excruciating pain at the base of your neck; a pain so sharp that you can barely move. A pair of belay glasses could make sure that never happens again.

I’ve always been a fan of products that make life easier, and belay glasses one such product. It’s surprising how few people use them! There are, of course, a few things to watch out for when deciding which pair to buy. Since belay glasses are a relatively new concept (invented in 2007 by German climber Albi Schneider), there isn’t a huge variety to choose from, yet prices vary widely. We’ve provided a handy list of features to consider when shopping for belay glasses, as well as our definitive list of the 5 best belay glasses on the market today.

Belay Glasses really are an item that will change your life. Once you slip on the specs, you can easily watch your partner send without craning your neck. You’ll be able to give them your full attention, and won’t have to glance away periodically to give your neck a break.

But you don’t want to create any new problems by using a pair of faulty belay glasses. Just like you research your cams, harness, or shoes, you should dedicate some time to figure out what to look for in a pair of belay glasses, and find the perfect pair for you. We’ve done the research for you so you can quickly find the right pair. 

How Do They Work?

Belay glasses enable the belayer to watch their climber while keeping their neck in a relaxed position. This is made possible with prismatic lenses that are fashioned on a pair of eyeglasses to reflect the light from above, which allows the belayer to watch their climber without craning their neck.

The glasses are designed in such a way as to provide a split field of vision for the belayer. This means you can effectively watch your climber above through the lenses and keep aware of your surroundings using your peripheral vision. 

Why Wear Them?

There are three main benefits to wearing belay glasses: comfort, safety, and style! Okay, maybe not style. But there are a range of color options for you to add some individual flair to your gear. Now, onto the important stuff.

• Comfort: Not just for the older crowd, belay glasses are a great option for anyone who doesn’t like to experience a stiff neck or, worse, throbbing pain while belaying. Since your neck is relaxed, you can belay for longer periods of time and aren’t at risk for serious neck injuries later down the road.
• Safety: If you’re not watching your climber the entire time they are climbing, you are putting them at risk for an unsafe fall. You should be watching them to offer an attentive belay. Belay glasses make this easier to achieve, and you can clearly see when a climber is clipping, about to fall, etc. This means fewer short clips or hard catches. Belay glasses also help you to stand closer to the wall. Without them, you might be tempted to step further away to get a better view. If your climber were to fall with you too far from the wall, they might fall further and pull you into the wall, creating a dangerous situation for both of you.

• Price: The cheapest pair of belay glasses on our list clocks in at just under $14. The most expensive will set you back $110. There is a huge gap in prices, but they all essentially do the same thing. When considering how much you’re willing to spend on a pay of glasses, think about how often you’ll be using them. If you’re planning to use them every time you climb, it may be worth it to splurge on a nice pair. If you just want them to occasionally use at the gym, you might be able to get away with purchasing the cheapest option.
• Durability: As with most climbing gear, you want your belay glasses to be rugged and able to handle wear and tear. Plastic frames are cheaper, but they are less durable. Metal frames offer stronger, thinner frames at a higher price point.
• Lens Quality: You want to make sure that the lenses on your belay glasses don’t end up scratched and distorting your view. Plastic lenses are more likely suffer this issue than glass lenses.

As with any other piece of gear in your kit, you want to make sure you know how to use your belay glasses before you head to the gym or crag with them. For the most part, it’s self-explanatory; however, there are a few tips to get the most out of your fresh pair of specs.

• Keep your belay glasses around your neck (or lower on your nose) for the first few clips. When your climber is close to the ground you can watch them directly, then slide your glasses on around the third clip or so. This prevents you from having to tuck your head down or some up with some other creative way to try to view your climber through the glasses while they are in your direct line of sight.
• Opt for a pair with a carrying case. This not only protects your belay glasses when not in use, but it also makes it easier to transport them between climbs. There are many cases available that clip right onto your gear loop so your glasses will be handy whenever you need them.
• Make sure they fit your head comfortably. The last thing you want is to create another potential problem if your glasses slip or cause any interferences with your line of sight.
• Clean the prisms before each use
• NEVER take your brake hand off the climbing rope while belaying. If you’re adjusting your glasses for any reason while on belay, remember to do it only when safe and only if your brake hand is on the rope.

Now that you know what to look for in belay glasses, let’s dive into the reviews! Here are the top 5 belay glasses on the market today.

Y&Y dominates the belay glasses market, and the Classics are their most popular product. The Classics are sleek, simple, and fully adjustable. Their metal frames offer a streamlined look, improve visibility, and make it easy to bend the glasses to perfectly fit your face. The nosepiece is made of flexible plastic that comfortably shapes to your nose.

To top it all off, the Classics come with an anti-shock case, glasses cord, microfiber cloth, and replacement pieces. These replacement pieces will extend the life of your glasses and come in handy when accidents happen.

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Wide field of vision

Designed specifically for glasses-wearers, the Clip Up can be clipped on most eyeglasses and sunglasses. The prisms are shaped like wide-angle trapezoids, which guarantees a clear and broad field of vision. These are a really cool option for glasses-wearers because you can easily flip the belay glasses up or down to switch from “on” and “off” positions while belaying, depending on where your partner is on the wall. They work for those of us that need glasses or for anyone who wears sunglasses while they climb.

Some common problems with these glasses involve the way in which they clip onto your normal glasses. Sometimes, they can cause your glasses to slip down your nose from the added weight. Others mentioned they can be difficult to clip on correctly.

• Durable
• Wide field of vision
• Nifty idea

• Expensive
• Potential issues with clipping mechanism

Shop now at Powernplayusa.com

These belay glasses are the most expensive on the list by far, but they made the list because of their sleek design and the fact that they’re assembled personally by belay glasses inventor Albi Schneider. These original belay glasses are made from high quality stainless steel frames and scratch resistant glass prisms. Since the frames are made of stainless steel, they are more flexible than plastic models and can be worn over regular glasses and fit a variety of head sizes.

The classic glasses are silver frames with two color options for the temples. For an extra about $15, you can choose from black, green, blue, or snow white colored frames. Regardless of which color you chose, these glasses will definitely turn heads when you wear them at the gym or crag!

• Sleek design
• High quality
• Durable

These glasses are a #1 best seller on Amazon, and for good reason. These belay glasses are similar in design and functionality as top of the line belay glasses at a fraction of the price. The slim profile of the frames increases your field of vision, so there aren’t any obstructions. They’re high-quality and come in several color options. They even come with a carrying case and rope retainer.

• Wide field of vision
• Slim profile

If you’re on a tight budget and just want to see what all the hype about belay glasses is about, these are the pair for you. The Epic Peak belay glasses design is a copy of Y&Y’s. Although they look similar, the field of vision is much narrower. They’re quite rigid and don’t allow for much flexibility to fit different head sizes. They do come with a case and neck strap for easy storage.

Do these glasses work? Yes. But do they come with the functionality, quality, and bells and whistles of more expensive options? Definitely not.

• Cheap materials
• Narrow field of vision

Belay glasses offer so much more than the credit people often give them. They enable you to be a more attentive belayer by keeping your eyes on the climber the entire time. Some people don’t like belay glasses because they require some getting used to, but once you get over the initial awkwardness it can be hard to stop using them. Now that we’ve covered the types of belay glasses and our top picks, you are ready to get out there and start shopping! Remember that even though there aren’t a ton of options out there for belay glasses, options still exist. It’s important to take the time to research and test your options when looking for the perfect pair of belay glasses. Remember that what works for one person may not work the same for you.

There’s no denying that a good pair of belay glasses can make you a safer, more competent belayer. One without neck pain! It’s definitely worth giving the best belay glasses a try to step up your game. 

Brianne is a freelance writer from Southern California. She loves spending time outdoors climbing, hiking, and cycling, or simply walking her dog Archie around town. Follow her adventures on Instagram @brianneschaer.

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A roof top tent is one of the best ways to enjoy life on the open road without having to look for a campsite at night. When you have a roof top tent, your car or truck is your campsite.

That being said, roof top tents are quite complex pieces of gear. There’s a lot of technology that goes into building a quality roof top tent. Plus, you need to be sure that you have a model that works well for your vehicle and your camping needs.

To help you find the right model for your needs, we put together this ultimate guide to the best roof top tents. In this article, we’ll give you recommendations for our top ten favorite roof top tents on the market today. Then, we’ll even offer some of our top tips for finding the right roof top tent for your next road trip adventure.

One of the simplest, yet most functional roof top tents on the market today, the Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent is a solid option for nearly any mid-to-large size vehicle. The tent is built using 210D nylon rainfly for maximum durability as well as mesh paneling for added ventilation on hot days.

The Skyrise comes in two size options (2 or 3 person) and can be fit to trucks, crossovers, and SUVs. Inside, the tent has a 2.5” inch foam mattress across the floor for maximum comfort. Plus, you can easily mount the Skyrise without tools and set it up in just minutes to maximize your fun outside.

• Affordable
• Can be used on a variety of vehicles
• Fully waterproof design with mesh for breathability
• Comfortable mattress

• Not a lot of interior space

The TMB Motorsports Pop Up is a hard shell roof top tent that’s perfect for any adventure. The tent can fit most vehicles, including crossovers, so long as the vehicle has roof rails and crossbars.

The tent is made from a thick, waterproof polyester canvas and a hard-sided aluminum shell for maximum weather protection. Included with the tent is a memory foam mattress, which is perfect for getting a great night’s sleep. Oh, and the best part? The TMB Motorsports Pop Up tent can be set up in just seconds. All you need to do is open the latches and crawl in!

• Quick and easy to set up in seconds
• Very comfortable memory foam mattress
• Can be mounted on most mid-to-large size vehicles

• Not a lot of ventilation
• Not ideal for winter use

Designed with extended adventures in mind, the Tepui Explorer Autana is a fully-featured roof top tent for a truck or SUV. The Explorer Autana has a private canopy entrance and a removable annex to maximize your interior living space.

The tent uses an A-frame design that is spacious enough to sit fully upright for comfort at night. Made from super-high quality 600D ripstop polyester fabric, the Explorer Autana is durable enough for year-round use. It also has large windows for plentiful ventilation and a telescoping ladder for easy access.

• Included annex doubles living space
• Large windows for ventilation
• Telescoping ladder for easy access
• Strong enough for winter use

• Expensive
• Very heavy
• Takes a while to set up and take down

A great mix of both performance and comfort, the Pittman Outdoors AirBedz is a premium hard shell roof top tent. This tent is made with an insulated and durable aluminum base that can be mounted onto most SUVs and trucks.

Quick and easy to set up, the AirBedz provides a spacious interior for added livability. It even includes a high-density foam mattress that’s perfect for a good night’s sleep. The best part? The AirBedz tent packs down into a super sleek hard shell box that maximizes your vehicle’s fuel efficiency on the road. What’s not to love?

• Fuel efficient hard shell design
• Spacious interior for two
• Includes premium telescopic ladder
• Includes a sunroof for added natural light

• Very expensive
• Too big for most crossovers and smaller vehicles
• Not very practical for short trips

Made to accompany you wherever life on the open road might take you, the Tepui Explorer Kukenam is a classic A-frame rooftop tent that works with most roof racks. The Explorer Kukenam is made with 600D ripstop polyester and cotton fabrics for exceptional durability and year-round performance.

Inside the tent, there are four large internal pockets for gear storage, as well as a 2.5” high-density foam mattress. The windows and the doors of the Explorer Kukenam also have no-see-um mesh netting for added comfort when camping during the summer months.

• Annex sold separately
• Installation can be tricky

Crafted for smaller SUVs and crossovers, the Tepui Explorer Ayer is a roof top tent that’s built with the same great fabrics found in all of Tepui’s tents. The Ayer uses an A-frame design to shed rain and snow while providing ample interior living space and a comfy 2.5in foam mattress.

Thanks to the included telescoping ladder, the Ayer is easy to access, even if you need to answer nature’s call in the middle of the night. The tent’s large interior pockets make gear organization a breeze, while the no-see-um mesh netting around the tent helps keep creepy crawlies out during the summer months.

• Sized for smaller vehicles
• Affordable compared to other models
• Includes quality telescoping ladder
• No-see-um mesh netting

• Minimal headroom due to A-frame design
• Installation requires specific a crossbar set-up

As the lowest profile soft shell rooftop tent available today, the Tepui Low Pro is a revolutionary roof top tent for any car-based adventure. The Low Pro is highly aerodynamic and gas efficient, thanks to its streamlined 10” profile.

Plus, the tent is built on a TEC composite base, which helps cut weight for use on smaller vehicles. Inside, the Low Pro continues Tepui’s great legacy, with a comfortable 2.5” foam mattress and mesh netting for ample ventilation. Like all Tepui tents, the Low Pro also has a telescoping ladder for your convenience.

• Aerodynamic and fuel-efficient design
• Lightweight TEC composite base
• Telescoping ladder
• Lots of ventilation

Built with comfort at the forefront, the Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 3 is a large roof top tent for three people. The Nomadic 3 is made using marine grade 600D rip-stop canvas with waterproof treatment for maximum weather resistance and is mounted onto marine grade stainless steel for durability.

The interior of the Nomadic 3 is very spacious as it extends far off the side of your vehicle. Inside the tent is an included 3” thick high-density foam mattress with a quilted cotton cover to maximize your comfort as you sleep. The tent even includes a tubular telescoping ladder for easy access for the whole group.

• Very durable materials and design
• Fully waterproof fabrics
• Thick 3” foam mattress
• Includes a telescoping ladder
• Spacious interior with gear storage pockets

• Not very well ventilated
• Too heavy for most smaller vehicles

One of the world’s premier soft shell roof top tents, the Tepui Ruggedized Autana is a do-anything shelter for the most exciting of road trips. The Ruggedized Autana is a spacious 4 person tent with a diamond plate base for added durability and robustness.

The tent is made from ultra-durable ripstop fabric throughout for added weather-resistance in foul conditions. The Ruggedized Autana is best used on a truck or 4×4 trailer. Plus, it even includes an extended canopy with a removable annex to maximize your comfort and living space on the road.

• Incredibly durable construction
• Includes a removable annex and private canopy entrance
• Has built-in screen sky panels for natural light
• Very spacious

• Very expensive
• Not suitable for SUVs and crossovers
• Very heavy (245lbs)

The perfect rooftop tent for campers on a budget, the Smittybilt Overlander is a quality shelter that doesn’t break the bank. The Overlander can fit 2 or 3 people on its full-size foam mattress and has a large sunroof for stargazing at night.

Built using 600D heavy-duty fabrics, the Overlander is waterproof for those summertime storms. Each side of the Overlander even has mesh mosquito net windows for added breathability. If all of that wasn’t good enough, the Overlander even has interior LED strips to add some ambient night while you relax at night. Plus, it can also be combined with an optional annex to double your living space.

• Very affordable for a roof top tent
• Waterproof construction
• Included interior LED strips for nighttime lighting
• Can be combined with an optional annex for added living space

• Not suitable for winter use
• Quite bulky when packed up

A roof top tent is a complex piece of gear. So, when you’re shopping around, keep these key factors in mind:

Tent Weight

When it comes to roof top tents, the weight of the tent is incredibly important. This is because every vehicle has a max load that can be mounted to its roof. Smaller vehicles, like sedans and crossovers, can hold significantly less weight than an SUV or a truck.

So, before you buy a roof top tent, check your vehicle’s specifications to see how much it can hold. Don’t forget that you need to factor in the weight of you and your gear in addition to the weight of your tent when doing your calculations.

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Your backyard garden can be more than just a place to grow fresh fruits and vegetables; it can also be a space where you can practice your passion for rock climbing. Building a climbing wall in your garden can provide a unique and thrilling way to stay active and challenge yourself physically. The wall can be constructed using durable materials and designed to replicate the … [Read more…]

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If you’re an avid camper, at some point you’re going to want to test your mettle and head out into the great outdoors during the winter months. Even when the temperatures drop and the snow starts to cover the landscape, the mountains are a great place to enjoy some fresh air and adventure during the colder months of the year.

However, heading into the backcountry in the winter can be quite risky, especially if you don’t have the right gear. Cold, wet, and windy conditions are the name of the game in the winter, so you need to be prepared for whatever the mountains might throw at you.

The answer? The best 4 season tent. Any good four season shelter that’s worth its salt is going to be the ultimate survival tent when the weather takes the turn for the worse. However, with so many models out there today, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit over your head researching different four season tents.

That’s where we come in the picture. Up next, we’ve put together the ultimate buyer’s guide to four season tents, complete with all the information you need to get the tent that’s right for your needs. We’ve even reviewed ten of our favorite tent models so you can spend less time researching winter tents on the internet and more time enjoying the outdoors. Let’s get to it!

Okay, first things first: What is a 4 season tent? Well, simply put, any tent that you can use in the winter months is going to be considered a “four season tent.” However, since there is no international standard for what a “four season tent” really is, it’s up to you, the consumer, to decide what you need for your adventures.

In our minds, any good 4 season tent will be able to withstand heavy snowfall and the high winds that are typical in mountainous regions in the winter months. Plus, a good winter shelter will trap heat well to help campers stay warm while also staying breathable to reduce condensation inside the tent.

In fact, the best way to describe a four season tent is to compare it to a three season tent. Here are the main differences:

• Able to withstand heavy snowfall.
• Sturdy pole construction for durability in large storms.
• Minimal amount of mesh to help with insulation.
• Often have large vestibules for gear storage.
• Generally heavier than 3 season tents

• Lots of ventilation for summer months.
• Inner tent has bug net to keep mosquitos and flies out.
• Waterproof but not strong enough for snow.
• Can handle small storms but often break in gale-force winds.
• Emphasis on lightweight.

There are many different types of 4 season tents out there, each made for a specific purpose. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each kind:

Mountaineering 4 season tents are some of the burliest shelters on the market today. These tents are specifically designed to weather the harshest storms on the planet, so you can expect thick, beefy poles and durable fabrics in any good mountaineering tent.

Generally speaking, you won’t find a four season mountaineering tent that can accommodate more than 2-4 people, as these tents are designed to be used on-the-go and need to be fairly portable. This means that they often aren’t very roomy, but they often have large vestibules for gear storage in harsh conditions.

Basecamp 4 season tents are made to be set up once and stay in place for days or weeks on end. These shelters are meant to house a lot of people (think, up to 10 or more) and are sometimes used just as a kitchen area or common meeting space in foul weather.

In general, basecamp tents are large, bulky, and heavy, but are built to withstand pretty harsh conditions. Most basecamp tents are geodesic in shape, which provides a good mix of durability and interior space.

Treeline tents are sort of like three season backpacking tents, but are often a bit burlier. They are meant to be used just around treeline (so at lower elevations) in the winter months, so they often have more durable rain flies and poles, as well as larger bathtub floors to keep the snow out. However, they’re generally not strong enough to hold up in a big storm in the mountains.

Canvas tents are large shelters made from durable cotton canvas. They are ideal for people at lower elevations, particularly at hunting camps and campgrounds, who want a spacious retreat in the winter months. Canvas tents can be used all year long, but are quite popular in the winter because many of them can be outfitted with a wood stove for extra warmth.

Four season car camping tents are very similar to three season car camping tents, but they tend to have stronger poles and rain flies for use in heavy snow. Additionally, they tend to have less mesh on the inner tent body to help campers stay warmer in the winter months.

Unlike a tent, a tarp does not provide a fully enclosed living space. However, in heavy snow conditions, a quality tarp can be all you need to stay warm and dry in the mountains. Many winter campers opt for an ultralight tarp as their shelter, which can be pitched on the snow and provide a lot of protection from the wind and snowfall. However, they take a lot of practice to pitch properly, especially in challenging conditions.

Buying a 4 season tent is a large investment, so it’s important that you know what to look for when you’re shopping around. Here are some of the key features to keep in mind when choosing your next 4 season tent:

Modern 4 season tents feature either double or single wall constructions. Confused by what that means? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.Basically, a double wall tent is any tent that has an interior body and an exterior rainfly. The job of the interior body is to provide breathability and some insulation while the rainfly protects you from the elements. Often, double wall tents will be more weatherproof than single wall tents, but they tend to be both heavier and bulkier than their single walled counterparts.Alternatively, single wall tents put just one layer of fabric between you and the outside world. This means they are much lighter and packable than double wall tents, but they are often colder and less weatherproof.

Our advice? Unless you plan on heading out on an alpine climbing trip where every ounce makes a difference, you’d probably be happier with a double wall tent, even if it means a little extra weight in your pack.

Every tent has a maximum occupancy, however, the size of tent you need is wholly dependent on who you like to camp with. If you camp alone or with just one other person, then a one or two person tent will do just fine. If you have a family or lots of camping buddies, you may want a 4 person tent or even something larger.

Vestibules are like a tent’s garage space. They allow you to store your gear in a safe area while keeping the inside of your tent free of clutter. However, vestibules add weight and bulk to your tent, so there is a tradeoff here. Plus, you often have to buy 4 season vestibules separately and attach them to your tent if you want to use them.

While a 4 season tent is designed to keep you warm, it’s also important that they be breathable and well-ventilated. Generally, the more mesh a tent has, the more breathable, but with 4 season tents, there is often very little mesh integrated into the tent body.

Thus, the most breathable four season tents will have built-in ventilation points, which are often more effective than breathable fabrics. More often than not, the double wall tents will actually breathe more than a single wall tent because they have more vents and rely less on breathable fabrics in their design.

Setting up a tent can be a pain, so it’s important to find a tent that is quick and easy to pitch, even in foul conditions. Some new four season shelters even allow campers to pitch them from inside the tent, which protects you and your gear from moisture in harsh weather.

There’s no two ways about it: winter can be a wet and windy time of year. Thus, any good 4 season tent needs to be fully waterproof and strong enough to stay upright in strong winds. Exceptionally bad weather calls for a tent that’s made from a waterproof-breathable fabric that’s fully seam-sealed. Additionally, quality 4 season tents will be made with durable aluminum poles with a quality construction that can withstand high winds in the mountains.

No one likes buying new gear, only to have it break after a few trips of use. Thus, durability is always a concern when buying a new tent. Durable 4 season tents will come with beefy poles and thick rain flies that aren’t prone to breaking or ripping in the wind. However, as you can imagine, durability is almost always a compromise between weight and cost, as it’s quite difficult to find a tent that is durable, lightweight, and affordable. Often, we need to sacrifice one of those three qualities when choosing a tent

Our advice? We’d prioritize durability in your four season tent, even if it means spending a bit of extra money. In the long run, if you have to buy a handful of different cheaper tent models because they don’t last very long, you’ll probably spend more money than you would’ve if you’d invested in a more durable tent in the first place.

Weight is a concern for all backcountry travelers, especially when you have to carry your gear on your back for days or weeks on end. Unfortunately, 4 season tents are almost always heavier than their 3 season counterparts. That being said, if weight is a huge concern for you, your best option is to get a single wall 4 season tent. Single wall options are going to almost always be lighter than the double wall options, but they do sacrifice both durability and weather-resistance along the way.

Just like the weight of a tent, the packed size of a shelter can greatly impact your camping experience, especially if you need to change campsites each night. While some tents pack down quite small, others are rather bulky, which can be problematic when you need to fit everything into your backpack each morning.

As you might imagine, single wall tents often pack down into a smaller size than a double wall tent. However, just like with weight, packed size is often a compromise between durability and cost, as more compact tents often use lighter, thinner materials.

Money, money, money. While many of us would like to be able to buy whatever gear we want without worrying about the cost, money is a major factor in a lot of our decision-making processes. Our advice is to spend as much as you’re comfortable with on your new 4 season tent. While a higher cost does not always accompany a higher quality product, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a durable, versatile, quality 4 season tent for rock bottom prices.

Sure, if you only plan to occasionally use your 4 season tent for shoulder-season camping in a campground, you probably don’t need to break the bank. Alternatively, if you’re headed into the mountains for some winter mountaineering, a quality tent could make all the difference.

With so many different tent brands out there, it’s important that you trust the manufacturer of your gear. Here’s our take on three of the best 4 season tent brands around:

Salt Lake City-based equipment manufacturer, Black Diamond, was started as a technical climbing gear company by legendary mountaineer, Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia fame. These days, Black Diamond is well known for producing some of the world’s best climbing, skiing, and hiking gear, and their tents are no exception.

Founded by a small group of disgruntled former Sierra Designs employees, Mountain Hardwear is a manufacturer of premium outdoor equipment for high-mountain technical adventures. Their line-up of tents is specifically designed to meet the needs of alpinists and mountaineers, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best quality 4 season tent out there when you choose a Mountain Hardwear tent.

Well known for their top-of-the-line camp stoves, MSR (Mountain Safety Research) makes some fantastic 4 season tents for backpacking and mountaineering, alike. MSR prides itself on quality, lightweight designs that are functional and versatile, so you can take your new MSR 4 season tent with you on any adventure.

At this point, you should have a solid understanding of the different kinds of 4 season tents available to you. So, here’s our take on the 10 best 4 season tents on the market today:

For those fast and light solo missions into the mountains during the winter months, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the MSR Access. This 1 person alpine tent is perfect for backcountry skiers, split borders, snowshoers, and mountaineers, alike who need a warm, yet lightweight shelter for the night.

Made with a central support system that’s designed to hold up in heavy snow and high winds, the Access is perfect for those wintertime conditions, especially near treeline. Plus, it uses a limited amount of mesh on the tent body to help insulate you from the cold while the rainfly’s Xtreme Shield waterproof coating is designed to keep you dry. With lots of interior space to relax and store your gear, there’s a lot to love with the MSR Access tent.

• Lightweight and easily packable
• Central support system resists snow loading
• Limited mesh on body for insulation
• Xtreme Shield waterproof coating on rainfly
• Orange color for maximum visibility

• Expensive
• Can be tricky to pitch the vestibule properly

Perhaps the burliest tent in this review, the Black Diamond Eldorado is a modern take on a classic, compact mountaineering tent. This tent features a spacious, 2 person interior that’s meant to accommodate taller people and lots of climbing gear.

The Eldorado is easily set up from the inside using two internal aluminum poles that make it simple to set up your tent without getting soaked in a storm. Although it’s a single wall tent, it has two zippered vents at the peak, one at the door, and one toward the bottom of the tent so it can breathe and ventilate to reduce interior condensation. Oh, and even though it’s a single wall backpacking tent, the Eldorado’s tough ToddTex fabric is ready to withstand the harshest of conditions.

• Spacious two person tent
• Can be set up from the inside
• Lots of ventilation
• Durable fabric and design

• Takes time to perfect the setup process
• Expensive
• Heavy

Burly, yet comfortable, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 is the latest addition to Big Agnes’ line up of award-winning tents. Made to be taken anywhere in the world, the 3 person Copper Spur HV3 is one of the best rated expedition tents around for the money.

The Copper Spur HV3 uses a high-volume hub design and large diameter poles to help it hold up against mountain conditions and deep snowfall. It also has two doors with adjustable mesh/fabric windows so you can ventilate the tent quickly or batten down the hatches to stay warm. Plus, it’s super spacious inside, thanks to its high ceiling height and plentiful gear storage. What more could you want?

• Built to handle heavy snowfall and high winds
• Simple to set up and durable pole design
• Spacious interior and high ceiling height
• Easy to see red fly color

• Heavy
• 3 is an odd number for a tent

For a fully weatherproof expedition tent, you can’t beat The North Face Bastion 4. This 4 person tent is one of the best rated models out there for high alpine use in the world’s most severe weather. Intended as a basecamp tent, the Bastion 4 features 40D silicone-coated and water-resistance treated ripstop nylon on the fly for maximum waterproof performance.

The Bastion 4 uses a combination of pole sleeves and pole clips to ensure the highest level of durability and stability in harsh conditions as well as a nylon bucket floor for waterproofing and structural support. The tent even comes with a large, spacious vestibule that’s perfect for storing gear and getting ready in the morning.

• Made for the world’s worst weather
• Highly durable fabrics
• Large vestibule for gear storage
• Plenty of interior pockets for organization

• Very heavy
• Expensive
• Tricky to pack
• Not great for changing campsites every day

One of the most versatile tents in our review, the 6 person Big Agnes Mad House 6 is a shelter that’s ready to handle any task. Featuring two doors, two vestibules, and the option to split the tent into two rooms, the Mad House 6 is a perfect 6 person tent for the family that likes to get out and explore.

Although it was originally made for mountaineering, the Mad House 6’s spacious interior design and plentiful gear storage options also make it ideal for use as a car camping tent. Its highly waterproof construction is great for rain or snow, while the integrated vents and windows can even keep you cool during the summer months, making the Mad House 6 a true year-round tent.

• Spacious interior with two entryways
• Can be split into two rooms
• Highly waterproof
• Integrated vents and windows for breathability

• Too heavy for backpacking
• Tricky to pack
• Very expensive

The 8 person Marmot Lair is a palace of a tent, made specifically for base camping in harsh, high elevation environments. The Marmot Lair has a unique geodesic dome shape to hold up in high winds while also providing maximum interior living space and ceiling height.

This 8 person tent features two large D shaped doors and one vestibule, which is perfect for storing gear. It has a removable floor so it can be used as a communal camp dining or common area, as well as interior pockets to make gear storage easy. Oh, and it even has an integrated sunroof window on the fly for plenty of natural light.

• Incredibly spacious
• Highly durable in strong winds
• Large vestibule
• Can be converted into a common area with removable floor

• One of the most expensive tents on the market
• Very heavy (26lbs) and only for basecamp use

The ultimate in luxury camping, this canvas tent from White Duck Outdoors is the perfect getaway shelter for hunting or family trips into the great outdoors. This four season tent is made with a highly durable cotton canvas fabric that’s fully water and UV resistant for maximum durability.

The White Duck Outdoors canvas tent offers plentiful living space, thanks to its 9’ ceiling height and steep wall design. It also includes both a standard bug mesh door and four windows for natural light during the summer months, as well as a 5” wide stove jack opening to keep you warm in the winter.

• Durable cotton canvas fabric that’s waterproof and UV resistant
• High ceiling height and steep wall design
• Luxurious amount of living space – very comfortable
• Stove jack for winter use
• Windows and bug mesh doors for summer

• Not good for backpacking
• Set up can be tricky

If you’re a camper on a budget, the Alps Mountaineering Taurus 4 is one of the best rated 4 season tents for the money. For under $200, the Taurus 4 provides a simple, yet functional freestanding design that can keep you warm and dry in the winter months.

Featuring two vestibules and two doors, the Taurus 4 makes it easy to store your gear and get in and out of the tent at night. The Taurus’ mesh roof and integrated mesh windows provide ample airflow and ventilation while the 75D waterproof-treated polyester fly keeps snow and rain on the outside. 

• Very affordable
• Comfortable interior
• Two doors and two vestibules

• Not great for severe weather
• Very heavy when compared to similar tents

Tried, tested, and trusted, the Black Diamond Bombshelter is the ultimate expedition tent for the windiest of environments. This dome tent features a two door, two vestibule design for maximum comfort and gear storage.

Made from ToddTex single wall fabric, the Bombshelter is relatively lightweight, yet durable and breathable while also keeping you dry in the rain and the snow. The Bombshelter’s dome design is also made to withstand the worst storms, so you can hunker down and dream of bluebird skies in the mountains.

• Very durable and wind-resistant design
• Quality ToddTex fabric keeps overall weight low
• Two vestibules and two doors for comfort
• Can be pitched from inside

Unlike the rest of the tents in this review, the Black Diamond Mega Light is a purpose-built lightweight year-round shelter that can keep your pack weight down while keeping you dry. Although you can buy the separate Mega Bug to use in the summer months, the Mega Light is the ultimate lightweight winter shelter, especially if you dig yourself a small tent platform and pitch it above your sleeping bags.

At just over 2lbs packed weight, the Mega Light uses one sturdy aluminum pole and can be pitched in nearly any environment. You can use the Mega Light as a winter survival tent or simply pitch it for the rain while you cook. Although it’s not a tent for anyone, the Mega Light is perfect for the gram weenies among us who aren’t willing to splurge on that extra weight.

• Simple and lightweight
• Can be used in nearly any environment
• Perfect emergency winter shelter
• Can be pitched quickly with practice

• Not very warm
• Not great for basecamps

Here are our answers to some of your top questions:

First and foremost, a four season tent is any tent that is designed to be used all year round, even in the winter months. To be considered a four season tent, a shelter must be able to withstand fairly heavy snow loads and be warm enough for winter use. However, there really isn’t an international standard for what is considered a “4 season tent.”

Basically, it’s up to consumers to decide what kind of tent is appropriate for the conditions they face. In our reviews, we only included tents that we personally would be comfortable taking into the outdoors during the winter months with cold temperatures (well below 0 degrees Celsius/32 degrees Fahrenheit) and heavy snowfall. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you live somewhere with mild winters, some of these tents might be a bit overkill, unless you plan to travel to the mountains and camp there.

Anyone who plans to go camping in well below-freezing temperatures or in places with heavy snowfall would benefit from using a 4 season tent. However, even in the spring, fall, and summer, a 4 season tent has its uses. Indeed, since four season tents tend to be more durable and robust in severe weather, a four season tent is a good option for some summer mountaineering trips.

That being said, if you plan to go car camping at your local campground, a four season tent might be a bit more than you need. Really, it all comes down to a judgment call based on the conditions you expect to experience on your camping trip.

Staying warm in a 4 season tent is just like staying warm in a 3 season tent. You’ll want to be sure you have a warm enough sleeping bag and a quality sleeping pad before you head into the backcountry. However, in the winter, you’ll also want to bring a plethora of extra layers to stay warm at night. If none of that works, you can also try filling up a hard plastic water bottle (like a Nalgene) with warm water and use that for a bit of extra warmth at night in your sleeping bag.

Packing up a tent is a pain, to say the least, especially when you have a big, bulky, four-season tent. If you’re struggling to put your tent back in the bag when moving from campsite to campsite, we recommend just trying to stuff it in instead of folding the tent up. Simply place the poles in the tent bag first, then stuff in the body of the tent, then the fly. This usually is the best method to use in the field.

If you’re trying to pack up your tent for storage after you let it dry out completely at the end of a trip, try the following:

• Step 1 – Fold the tent fly in half and lay it down on the floor.
• Step 2 – Fold the tent body in half and lay it down on top of the tent fly.
• Step 3 – Holding both the tent body and fly together, fold the long edges toward each other to make a nice, long, rectangular shape with the tent.
• Step 4 – Pull to tightenPlace the folded poles at one end of the tent.
• Step 5 – Roll the tent around the poles, being sure to tuck the tent in as you roll to ensure a tight fold.
• Step 6 – Place the rolled tent and poles into the bag
• Step 7 – Voila! You have a well-packed tent.

At the end of the day, you’re probably only going to invest in one 4 season tent. If we had to choose just one of the 10 best 4 season tent that we reviewed here, we’d probably go with The North Face Bastion 4, for it’s durable, versatile, and storm-proof design that can be used in a campground or the mountains. Happy camping!

A professional mountain guide and experienced outdoor educator, Gaby enjoys traveling and exploring the world’s most remote locales. As a writer and editor, Gaby has written for a variety of climbing and travel blogs, news sites, and climbing magazines. She is currently finishing a master’s degree in outdoor education but in her free time, Gaby loves a strong cup of coffee and searching for the next great adventure.

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While nothing builds climber strength quite like being on an actual climbing wall, this isn’t always an option. Sometimes your hands might need a break from the wall — grip strengtheners go a long way to help with conditioning and injury prevention. Sometimes a wall isn’t as accessible as you would hope and a trip to the crag or a gym only comes every once in a while. Sometimes extended travel threatens to negatively impact your climbing progress.

Hangboards are the next best option — but if even those types of training tools aren’t accessible or available, another option exists. There are relatively inexpensive, effective tools you can use to strengthen your grip strength, condition for endurance climbing, and prevent injury — even without touching the wall or a hangboard. There are a lot of ineffective tools out there — here are some tips for buying the best grip strengthener.

How do grip strengtheners really benefit your climbing? Any rock climber will tell you that no tool out there can perfectly replicate the muscle movements your hands and forearms make on the wall — there’s a lot more to climbing than just the squeeze movement that grip strengtheners provide. But grip strengtheners still have a lot to offer to rock climbing strength in terms of endurance, conditioning, and injury prevention. For example, rock climbing almost exclusively activates the flexor tendons in your forearm — the muscle used for gripping. On the flip side, rock climbing almost entirely neglects forearm extensors. Any active individual knows the dangers of over-utilizing one range of muscles or tendons without properly activating the opposite as well. This is where grip strengtheners come in — there are tools available that help you exercise your forearm extensors to counter the strain that climbing puts on the flexor tendons. This significantly helps with injury prevention. Then, there’s the main goal — strength. These tools will help strengthen your grip, increase muscle, tendon, and bone strength, correct muscular imbalances, increase blood flow, and increase flexibility and stability in your hands and forearms.

And, of course, the benefits of strength training for your grip go beyond the rock climbing world. Using grip strengtheners can help to prevent injuries including carpal tunnel and bicep tendonitis and increase strength needed to do all sorts of heavy lifting necessary in day to day life. 

Several different types of grip strengtheners exist — but regardless of which style you decide best fit your needs, grip strengtheners are relatively straightforward to use. Workouts can be as simple as squeeze and release and extend and release (depending on which type of grip strengthener you’re using). Do warm-up sets by squeezing or extending ten times. Then, squeeze or extend for ten seconds ten times for one set. Complete as many sets as you can without straining the tendons or muscles. As you continue to use grip strengtheners, you’ll find you are able to complete more and more sets. For as inaccessible as climbing walls can be, these tools are extremely accessible and convenient. Use them on public transportation, during office meetings, or on the couch to build climbing strength even when you’re far from the climbing world.

As with all exercise, listening to your body is vital. Pay attention to where and how your muscles and tendons hurt. While grip strengtheners can be hugely beneficial for injury prevention, they can also lead to injury if you don’t use them correctly — as with all exercises. 

One of the most important factors when using grip strengtheners is picking the correct resistance for your abilities and needs. Many grip strengtheners use 50 pounds as the beginner resistance. If you’re already a relatively strong rock climber (which you should be before aggressively training with grip strengtheners — beginner climbers should work to develop skill and technique before focusing more heavily on grip strength), your “beginner resistance” may be higher than 50 pounds. But, again, make sure you’re not over-exerting by choosing too heavy of a beginning weight. A lot of grip strengthening products offer ways to increase or decrease resistance — do so. Grip strengtheners that work extensor forearm muscles are great to use between climbing sessions — this will balance out all the strain you put on the primary forearm muscles that are used for climbing. Since climbing really stresses each finger individually, grip strengtheners are also helpful between workouts to balance out the capabilities of various fingers. If you work a lot of pocket problems, your middle fingers may be strained more frequently and more intensely than some of your exterior fingers. Grip strengtheners can help to balance this out.

As with all exercise, consistency is key. Using a grip strengthener once every month when you remember or have to take a long break off of climbing won’t result in significant grip strength gains. Try to be as regimented with grip strengthener tools as you are with the rest of your climbing habits. 

There are two key factors to consider when choosing which grip strengthener best fits your needs — type of tool and resistance level variation capabilities. There are many different types of grip strengthening tools. Some tools work with a squeeze motion while others require that you extend your fingers — as discussed, these movements work two different sets of muscles and serve two different purposes for climbing training. Consider which one would benefit your climbing needs most. There are also different tools that have the ability to exercise one finger at a time versus an entire hand squeeze. Again, as we’ve discussed, this serves to either focus on weaker fingers or balance out the abilities of each finger. Each type of grip strengthener really serves a different purpose — consider where your weaknesses are and which tool would serve your needs best.

The other important factor to consider is whether the tool offers variable resistance functions — can you change the resistance level of the tool? Do you need to for what you’re hoping to train? For some tools, it’s very important that you’re able to change the resistance level in order to most effectively train and also avoid injury. For other tools, its effectiveness lies in its simplicity — and your hand will adjust to its resistance level. 

IronMind has been producing hand grippers since 1988 and holds a spot as the industry leader. This burly aluminum alloy tool will definitely remind you of a weight room. The simple design combined with its production materials mean this tool is extremely durable — toss it in a briefcase, suitcase, or backpack and go. And if you still can’t really figure out how to best use the tool as effectively as possible, IronMind includes a downloadable training guide. While these aren’t great for training individual fingers, they’re extremely effective at increasing hand strength.

This tool’s resistance comes from a coil — and it’s fixed variable resistance. If you want to up your resistance or back it off a little, you’ll have to buy a second, third, fourth, fifth gripper — which has the potential to get pricey. But they certainly have a resistance level for just about everyone — from 60 pounds to 365 pounds. Some users also said that those with smaller hands had a harder time using this tool. They were forced to grip the handles further up which sacrificed leverage and comfort.

• Type: Whole Hand Grip
• Resistance: 11 difference fixed resistance levels
• Material: Aluminum Alloy

• Burly, simple, durable
• Downloadable training guide included

• Non-variable resistance levels
• Potentially pricey for a wide range of resistance levels
• Slightly less ideal for small-fingered users

As the brand name might suggest, whereas other grip strengtheners are designed for weight lifters or general strength building, the Metolius Gripsaver was designed specifically for climbers. This tool is unique in its ability to work both your grip strength and your extendor strength — squeeze the resistance ball for a grip workout and slip your fingers into the loops to extend. This design truly encourages exactly what climbers need most — a balance between the muscles they over-exert and the ones they barely use at all to climb. The design also allows climbers to extend individuals fingers at a time to work specific weaknesses.

You can get a 3-pack of Metolius Gripsavers at various levels of resistance. Climbers offered that the lowest level gripsaver — the blue one — was virtually useless for anyone who already climbs. But the additional two strengths are sufficient for an in-between climbs workout. Unfortunately, any resistance strengths outside of these three levels isn’t available — so this tool is still more or less a fixed resistance option which might be something to consider if you’re more interested in scaling up or scaling down strength training.

• Type: Whole Hand Grip/Individual Finger Extendor
• Resistance: 3 fixed variable options for purchase
• Material: Rubber, synthetic

• Three different resistance levels
• Specifically designed for climbers
• Offers options to exercise both grip strength and extension strength

• One of the more complex designs, less durable

This uniquely designed tool has more or less cornered the market on strength training for individual fingers. Designed for musicians — seven coils separated out with three layers of plastic allow you to press down on one lever at a time, all levers at once, or any combination in between. The Gripmaster’s lowest resistance level is 1.5 pounds per finger which is more than accessible for any climber. This tool is one of the smaller options — it would easily fit in a pocket or purse.

Much like some of the other grip strengtheners, the Gripmaster Hand Exerciser has a fixed resistance level — but several different options are available for purchase. And, as one of the cheaper options, purchasing several different resistance levels won’t break the bank. Options include the XX-Light, the X-Light, Light, Medium, and Heavy. Pro and regular options are available. The main difference between the two is size — the pro has a larger range of motion and larger finger pads. The Gripmaster Hand Exerciser also has one of the more complex designs with more moving parts — meaning there are more parts that could break. Some users have also complained that older models were better padded, and the newer models can get uncomfortable after long periods of use. 

• Type: Individual Finger Grip
• Resistance: 5 fixed variable options for purchase
• Material: Plastic

• Inexpensive
• Uniquely offers strength training for individual fingers
• Small enough to fit in a pocket or purse

• Less durable with more moving parts
• Lack padding

While the finger stretcher is almost certainly one of the least sophisticated of the hand strengtheners, its benefits and effectiveness are just as certain. To use this tool, slip your fingers in the loops, extend slowly as you count to three, hold your fingers at their maximum extension point for one second, and release as you count to three. These little, rubber tools easily attach to keychains, gear loops, carabiners, etc. so it’s easy enough to always have one with you for the quick extendor workout between meetings, on public transit, or anywhere else.

Three resistance levels are available from 30 pounds of resistance to 50 pounds to address whatever level of forearm imbalance you’re feeling. You can also stack them together to increase resistance levels if your fingers can safely handle the pounds. These finger stretchers also help address problems like carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and tennis elbow. Be careful which finger stretcher product you purchase. Quite a few of these rubber finger stretchers are out there on the market — a lot of them break easily. Climbers have confirmed that these specific finger stretchers made by 5BILLION hold up to plenty of extensions — even though these are also the cheapest of all the tools we reviewed.

• Type: Whole Hand Extension
• Resistance: 3 fixed levels
• Material: Rubber

• Highly transportable
• Inexpensive

• Only 3 resistance levels available
• Doesn’t allow for individual finger extension
• Essentially the same tool as the Metolius Gripsaver without added benefit of grip training

While these are essentially glorified stress balls, the Friendly Swede Hand Grip is extremely well-rated on Amazon and by climbers alike. These thermoplastic rubber, egg-shaped balls come in three resistance levels — 20 pound, 30 pound, and 50 pound. While that lowest resistance level may sound rather low compared to what we know climbers are capable of gripping, it still serves to increase flexibility, alleviating pain, and preventing tension. In fact, while these tools do less for grip strength, they do wonders for hand tension. Like finger stretchers, these tools are easy to transport — but whereas finger stretchers can easily attach to keychains, these little grips get lost relatively easily. These tools also essentially serve the same purpose as the Metolius Gripmaster — without the added benefit of extendor training or being designed specifically for rock climbers.

The bright colors, low resistance levels, and egg shape also make these tools great for brand new, younger climbers. Want your child to get into the family business? Friendly Swede Hand Grips are the perfect introductory grip strengthening tool.

• Type: Whole Hand Grip
• Resistance: 3 fixed resistance levels
• Material: Skin-safe thermoplastic rubber

• Easy to transport
• Great for tension relief

• Essentially the same tool as the Metolius Gripsaver without the added benefit of extendor training
• Easy to lose
• Low resistance levels

Out of all the grip strengthening tools, this style is one of the best grip strengtheners for varying resistance levels. The NIYIKOW Grip Strengthening offers a tool that can range anywhere from 22 pounds of resistance to 132 pounds. While the maximum resistance of 132 is lower than the maximum resistance that most climbers can comfortably train with, this tool is a great starting point for anyone looking to build some serious grip strength in the future. 132 pounds of resistance is nothing to scoff at, after all. The solid steel coils that provide the resistance levels are extremely durable meaning the tool itself is as well.

The NIYIKOW Grip Strengthener is also, far and away, the most expensive of the grip strengtheners we examined. And, while it does boast an impressive resistance range, it might still be just the first of several tools an experienced climber chooses to purchase to train grip strength — an expense that might add up fairly quickly. 

• Type: Whole Hand Grip
• Resistance: Variable from 22 to 132 pounds
• Material: Rubber, solid steel coils

• Easily vary resistance levels for training
• Extremely durable

• Expensive
• Maximum resistance level far below average maximum climber capabilities

Are you the type of person that tracks whatever you can using apps and high-tech gadgets? FitBit? Apple Watch? Garmin? The Sguegg Digital Hand Dynamometer is the high-tech equivalent of those apps and gadgets — for grip strength training. The Sguegg measures your grip strength in real-time using a dynamometer and uploads it to an app on Android and iOS. The app keeps track of your daily strength exercises, prompts you with daily challenges to increase grip strength, and lets you compete against fellow climbers who also have a Sguegg.

The bluetooth tool recharges in two hours, and then holds that charge for 80 hours. However, this is obviously one more thing you’ll have to keep in mind with the Sguegg — you’ll never need to charge a finger stretcher or any of the other grip tools. If you know you’re the type of person who needs to see data, real-time stats, and the opportunity for competition with fellow climbers, the sguegg might be the fun grip strength trainer for you.

• Type: Whole Hand Grip
• Resistance: Fixed
• Material: Silicone Exterior

• High tech strength tracking

• Requires charging
• Measures grip strength more than it works to increase it

In a lot of ways, training on the wall is just as important as how you train off the wall. Exercising opposing muscles in between sessions, relieving hand tension, and staying consistent are all problems that grip strengtheners can solve. While every climber is different and the needs of every climber vary in the same way, this guide has all the information you need to pick the best grip strengthening tool for your needs.

Elizabeth is a military public affairs journalist who enjoys nothing more than reading, researching, and writing — except, of course, rock climbing.

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A quality 4 person tent is critical for a great camping trip with a small group. The right 4 person tent can ensure that you and your friends or family have a nice, relaxing place to unwind after a long day of hiking and adventuring.

But, finding the right 4 person tent can be a challenge. Since 4 person tents are so popular, there are literally hundreds of options for you to choose from.

To get you started on the right path to camping bliss, we’ve created this guide to the best 4 person tents. Coming up, we’ll offer our recommendations for the top ten 4 person tents on the market today. Then, we’ll wrap things up with a bit of advice on how to get the 4 person tent that’s right for your needs.

Designed specifically for backpacking in a group, the MSR Papa Hubba NX 4 is the largest tent in MSR’s legendary Hubba series. The Papa Hubba provides ample room for a group of four while packing down to be smaller than the size of most 2 person tents.

The tent itself is quite spacious, with plenty of head and elbow room so everyone can enjoy the personal space they need. Thanks to the tent’s Easton Syclone MAX poles, the Papa Hubba is very durable, even in high winds. The Papa Hubba even has the ultra-durable Xtreme Shield waterproof coating on its rainfly for lasting weather protection on any trip.

• Spacious interior
• Relatively lightweight and very compact
• Two large doors and vestibules for access and storage
• Fully waterproof and adjustable rainfly

• Very expensive
• Not great for four-season use
• Can get a bit warm in very hot climates

Crafted for comfort, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4 is a palace of a tent. Your home away from home in the great outdoors, the Copper Spur HV UL 4 features a high volume design that maximizes living space inside the tent.

Within the tent, there are plenty of ways to organize your gear, including internal pockets and two large vestibules. Better yet, you can convert the vestibules of the Copper Spur HV UL 4 into awnings for extra shade and outdoor living space on those hot summer days.

• Convertible vestibules can become awnings
• Lots of gear storage space
• High volume design
• Easy clip set up system

• Can be a bit bulky for backpacking
• Rated for 4 people but is best with just 3 campers

When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, the Big Agnes Guard Station 4 is your go-to shelter in the mountains. The Guard Station 4 is a mountaineering tent built for durability in any conditions, thanks to its external pole design which adds rigidity to the overall structure.

The Guard Station 4 can be set up in just minutes either as a tent or a group shelter on-the-fly. Inside, there’s plenty of living space and a fantastic 65” (165cm) center height. As a single-wall tent, the Guard Station is highly versatile. Plus, it has two vestibules, one of which can be staked out as an awning in hot weather.

• One of the most expensive tents on the market
• Very heavy and bulky
• Overkill for most backpacking trips

Lightweight yet surprisingly spacious, the MSR Zoic 4 is a summerweight backpacking tent for those who prioritize weight savings above all else. The tent has a roomy interior to prioritize comfort with a large floor plan and steep walls for added headroom.

The Zoic 4 is easy to set up, thanks to its hub pole system. It has two large vestibules that make gear storage a breeze, as well as four built-in gear lofts so everyone can keep their personal belongings organized at all times.

• Lots of storage opportunities for gear
• Lightweight and livable
• Easy to set up
• Two large doors with vestibules for convenience
• Well ventilated

• Not good for cold weather camping

This tent might be called the “Dog House,” but it’s certainly a bit more comfort. The Big Agnes Dog House 4 is a versatile, budget-friendly tent that’s great for that family camping trip. Featuring one large door, the spacious Dog House 4 is a single-wall tent that prioritizes functionality over luxury.

The tent has a large back window that can be used for ventilation while the interior of the Dog House 4 has plenty of small gear storage options. The best part? You can pitch the Dog House 4 in just minutes, so it’s a great addition to any family camping trip.

• Great value for the money
• Large window for ventilation
• Spacious interior
• Easy to set up

• Rainfly doesn’t provide full coverage
• Heavy
• Not great in bad weather
• No vestibules for gear storage

Perhaps the most unique tent in our review, the Black Diamond Mega Light is a floorless tarp shelter that’s perfect for use year-round. The Mega Light can be pitched on its own or with the corresponding Mega Bug, which serves as an inner tent body.

When used on its own, the Mega Light is one of the lightest 4 person tent options out there. With practice, it can be pitched in just a few minutes and offers a lot of space for a group of 4. Plus, you can pitch it directly onto the snow for year-round camping adventures.

• Very versatile tent
• Can be pitched with a mesh inner body
• Easy setup
• Lightweight and spacious

• Expensive for just a tarp
• Not for everyone
• Takes practice to set upproperly

One of the world’s leading expedition tents, the Black Diamond Bombshelter 4 is our go-to tent for super windy conditions. Thanks to its semi-geodesic design, the Bombshelter 4 holds up well even in the middle of a harsh storm.

The tent is made with ultra-durable Toddtex single-wall fabric and can be pitched from the inside with four poles to help keep you dry even as you set up camp. Plus, the Bombshelter has a two-door, two vestibule design to make it easy for you to enter and exit the tent while also providing plenty of gear storage in wet conditions.

• One of the most durable tents on the market today
• Can be set up from the inside
• Two doors and two vestibules for gear storage

• Very expensive
• Heavy
• Not great for warm-weather trips

Camping on a budget? Have no fear, the Coleman Sundome 4 is here. As our top pick for a 4 person tent under $200, the Sundome is a solid option for any family car camping getaway.

Simple, yet functional, the Sundome 4 is a warm-weather camping tent that’s perfect for a small family that doesn’t want to break the bank on their shelter. The tent has large widows and ground-level ventilation to keep you cool in the midsummer heat while a large door provides easy access to the interior. Oh, and you can even fit a queen-sized airbed inside if you want a bit of luxury on your next camping adventure.

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You only have to unexpectedly deck once to understand how crucial crash pads are to rock climbing safety. Crash pads are predominately used for bouldering but are also sometimes used at the beginning of outdoor sport climbing routes with high first clips. They’re also mainly used outdoors as indoor gyms are generally built with padded flooring. There’s a wide range of crash pads available on the market and personal preference has a lot to do with which crash pad is the best for you. The guide below outlines the differences between different crash pads and how to pick the best crash pad for your needs.

There are several different design types to choose from when it comes to rock climbing crash pads — each design will wear, travel, and catch your falls a little differently. On top of that, there’s a whole spectrum of foam stiffness and pad size that crash pads fall on. A lot of choosing a rock climbing crash pad has to do with your personal preference for these different design features — but you also have to keep in mind what type of terrain you’ll be climbing on, how good you are at placing crash pads, and how well you can predict the direction of your falls. Here are several things to consider when selecting a crash pad.

Different designs of crash pad are categorized based on how they fold for storage and travel — taco, hinge, hybrid, and baffled.

Crash pads with a taco design are a single piece of foam and, in order to travel with the crash pad or store it, you fold it in half — like a taco — the best you can. The major upside to taco designed crash pads is that there is no separation in the foam. Other crash pad designs use two pieces of foam and — no matter how small the gap between the two pieces of foam is — there’s always a chance for rock and rough terrain to poke through the gap between the two pads and injure the climber during a fall. Crash pads with a taco design eliminate this risk. However, they are the most difficult to store and travel with. In storage mode, they won’t lay or stack flat. And in travel mode, they won’t lay flat against your back. This can make them a little cumbersome. Taco designed crash pads also tend to become misformed after years and years of use and forced folding.

Crash pads with a hinge design, as mentioned above, are two pieces of foam connected along a seam. The two separate pieces of foam and hinge mean that the crash pad folds neatly in half when it’s time to head to the crag, leave the crag, or be stored away until the next trip to the crag. Also as mentioned above, there’s one major flaw with the hinge design. If the hinge of the crash pad is accidentally placed over a sharp rock or uneven terrain, it could poke through the hinge of the crash pad and injure the climber falling on the pad. If you plan to predominately climb in areas with rough terrain, this might be something to keep in mind.

Crash pads with a hybrid design have made efforts to remedy this flaw in hinged crash pads. Hybrid crash pads are essentially hinge crash pads with an additional, thinner, continuous layer of foam on the top of the crash pad. This means if a rock or uneven terrain manage to make it through the bottom, separated portion of the crash pad, the upper, continuous level will protect the climber. Climbers tend to prefer crash pads with hybrid designs because you get the portability and storability of a hinge crash pad with safety capabilities closer to that of the continuous foam of a taco design crash pads.

The last crash pad design is the baffled design. Baffled design crash pads are seven foam-filled tubes encased in a thinner layer of foam. They essentially look like lumpy taco design crash pads. The lumpiness of the design means that baffled design crash pads work more cohesively with rough, uneven terrain — and there’s no risk of terrain poking through any hinges as the folding system is the same as the taco design crash pad. Baffled design crash pads do fold and store a little easier than taco design crash pads as the separate foam tubes.

Between all these designs, the only safety feature difference is what type of hinge you’re dealing with. Other than that, it’s all about personal preference. How do you want your crash pad to carry? How do you want it to store? Do you want it to lie flat at the crag? Are you okay with some lumpiness?

Foam Stiffness 

There are three main types of foam used to make crash pads — open cell, closed cell, or memory foam. Some crash pads use more layers of foam than others. Some use thicker layers of foam than others. All of these factors will determine how firm and durable your crash pad is. For obvious reasons, thicker and stiffer foam is going to last longer than thinner, softer foam. In general, stiffer crash pads are more forgiving on high falls and less stiff crash pads are better for those 1 to 2 foot tricky sit start routes — but a lot of this also has to do with personal preference. Even the softest crash pads are going to provide an adequate layer of protection between you and the terrain.

Pad Size 

There are two categories of pad size for rock climbing crash pads: medium (generally 3×4 feet) and large (generally 4×5 or 4×6 feet). Different pad sizes are good for different types of climbers. Medium-sized crash pads are much easier to transport and they’re generally less expensive. However, the more terrain your crash pad can cover the safer you’ll be. There is always the option of stacking crash pads or lining them up side by side — but this also creates a whole maze of seams, hinges, and gaps that you’ll have to hope you don’t hit on your fall. For that reason, even though large crash pads are more expensive, they’re significantly safer.

If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive, durable, medium-sized crash pad to start out your outdoor bouldering journey, the Black Diamond Impact is a great choice for beginners. The polyurethane-coated, 600-denier ripstop polyester as well as the abrasion and water-resistant sides and bottoms will get you through years of adventures outside — without breaking the bank. Shoulder straps, a hip belt, and two side grab handles make this pad easy to carry to and from the crag. The closed-cell polyethylene foam top and high-compression polyurethane foam bottom make this pad just the right level of stiffness for beginner climbs.

This crash pad also comes with a 3-strap closure system with easy-hooking buckles for even more ease of transportation. As a medium-sized crash pad, the Black Diamond Impact weighs in at only 9 pounds and 8 ounces. Also as a medium-sized crash pad, it’s easier to store for those beginner climbers who may not have had to designate an entire corner of the garage to climbing gear yet. The main downside of this crash pad is the same as the major downside for all crash pads with a hinge fold design — if you’re climbing over terrain with some rough rocks, there’s a chance those rocks could poke up through the hinge and injure the climber during a fall.

• Type: Hinge
• Weight: 9 lbs 8 oz
• Size: Medium
• Dimensions: 45x40x4

• 3-strap closure and easy-hooking buckles

• Hinge fold poses potential for poke through

If your main priority is ground coverage, look no further than the Black Diamond Mondo Crash Pad. This monstrosity lays out at 44 inches by 65 inches — the best large rock climbing crash pad on the market. It’s also 5 inches thick with a closed-cell PE foam layup on top and high compression PU foam on bottom. It can be a little unwieldy to transport — especially considering it weighs over 20 pounds. But it also comes with a three-strap closure system and improved buckles to make it as secure as possible. Padded shoulder straps mitigate some of the discomfort and a hip belt takes some of the weight off your shoulders.

The Black Diamond Mondo was designed with four corner grab handles and two shoulder webbings for easy movement around the crag and a PU-coated 1000d Nylon top, sides, and bottom so you can drag it around the crag to your heart’s content without worrying about durability. You’re paying for this coverage, however. The Black Diamond Mondo comes with about $350 price tag. Again, one of the biggest flaws of this crash pad is the hinge closure design that poses the potential for poke through. However, with a pad this large it would be difficult to manage with some of the other closure systems.

• Type: Hinge
• Weight: 20 lb 6 oz
• Size: Large
• Dimensions: 44x65x5

• Suspension system for better transportation
• Padded shoulder and waist straps

• Hinge fold poses potential for poke through

The Organic Simple crash pad is exactly what it sounds like —  a no-frills, no gimmicks, solid crash pad. Made with some of the most durable foam on the market, this crash pad will make it through countless trips to the crag, and its indestructible closure buckles will keep it securely stored during and between those trips. The Simple also includes handles on both sides for dragging between boulders.

The Organic Simple is somewhat expensive for a medium-sized crash pad — especially when it is, in fact, so simple. You also won’t be able to pack a lot of extra gear in this pad. However, it is relatively lightweight compared to some of the other medium-sized crash pads on the list.

• Type: Hybrid
• Weight: 12 lb
• Size: Medium
• Dimensions: 48x36x4

• Lightweight
• Indestructible closure buckles
• Durable material

• Expensive for a medium crash pad
• No extra features

The Mad Rock Duo Crash Pad was designed to carry its own weight — and the weight of an additional crash pad. If you’re headed to a crag with some big, dynamic climbs that necessitate a couple of stacked and lined up crash pads, you’ll want the Mad Rock Duo along for the trip. Since designers knew you’d be carrying additional weight, they designed the Mad Rock Duo with a suspension system that will help carry both crash pads comfortably. The Mad Rock Duo was designed with an innovative strap system for carrying a second pad — its ability to transport other crash pads has a lot of rock climbers saying it’s the best one out there.

At 17 pounds and about $238.95, the Mad Rock Duo is moderately sized and priced. It also comes with a water bottle holder, a welcome mat, load lifters, and an excess strap pouch. Who doesn’t love extra pockets? It is still a hinge closure system — perpetual poke through problems. And climbers have said this crash pad’s stiff foam isn’t great for shorter falls.

• Type: Hinge
• Weight: 17 lb
• Size: Medium
• Dimensions: 56x42x5

• Suspension system for better transportation
• Innovative strap system for carrying additional crash pad

• Not ideal for short falls
• Hinge fold poses potential for poke through

The Metolius Session II is a solid medium-sized crash pad for a reasonable price. The 900 d poly outer fabric of this crash pad will keep it in tip-top shape for trip after trip to the crag — and its built-in carpet square for shoe cleaning will make sure it looks brand new too. On top of that, the aluminum speed-hook buckles are guaranteed for life according to the Metolius website. At only 9 pounds, the Metolius Session II is one of the more lightweight medium-sized crash pads — roughly the same weight at the Black Diamond Impact beginner crash pad.

The Metolius Session II comes in black and gray or green and black — color variation options that aren’t available for most rock climbing crash pad products. The redesigned closure flap of this crash pad is meant to make carrying the Metolius Session easier — however, some climbers have said that the redesigned flap comes open during transport.

• Type: Hinge
• Weight: 9 lb
• Size: Medium
• Dimensions: 50x37x4

• Lightweight
• Redesigned closure flap
• Low cost for a medium-sized crash pad
• Carpet square for shoe cleaning

• Redesigned closure flap known to open during transport
• Hinge closure prone to poke through

Finally, a crash pad you can use without worrying about those pesky poke through rocks. The Mad Rock R3 is the top baffle design crash pad on the market right now. This makes it extra versatile on rough terrain with some uneven landings. While it doesn’t fold as easily as a hinge design crash pad would, the closure flap system makes it reasonably easy to carry to and from the crag. The Mad Rock R3 is as durable as all of Mad Rock’s other crash pads — but Mad Rock also sells replacement recycled foam for this pad which extends its life span even further.

The Mad Rock R3 is less expensive than the Mad Rock Duo with less of the multi-pad bells and whistles — but it comes with plenty of space for packing additional gear. There are several factors, however, that make this crash pad less than ideal for higher falls. While you can finally stop worrying about rocks poking through a hinge closure, you do have to worry about rolled ankles if you land between baffles in an awkward way. The Mad Rock R3’s foam is also softer than a lot of other crash pads on this list so it’s not ideal for falls from higher distances.

• Type: Baffle
• Weight: 18 lb
• Size: Medium
• Dimensions: 55x35x4

• Prone to ankle rolls on high falls
• Softer foam

And, last but not least, the best taco design rock climbing crash bad on the market — the Black Diamond Drop Zone. This 12-pound crash pad comes with about $229.95 price tag (making it the most expensive of the medium-sized crash pads), waterproof rubberized backing, easy-to-use buckles, and a gloriously continuous piece of foam through which no rocks could ever poke ever (as they would if this were another hinge design crash pad).

Likely the most significant downside to the Black Diamond Drop Zone is the foam thickness. At 3.5 inches, this crash pad has the thinnest foam out of all the crash pads on this list. Sure, it’s composed of 1 inch of closed-cell PE foam on top and 2.5 inches of high-compression PU foam on the bottom — but it’s still just not quite as thick as other crash pads. If you’re planning on taking a lot of hard falls, this might not be the best option for you.

• Type: Taco
• Weight: 12 lb
• Size: Medium
• Dimensions: 48x41x3.5

• Waterproof rubberized backing
• No gaps in foam
• Packable
• Easy-to-use buckles

Every crash pad on this list — with its pros and cons — will serve any boulderer or lead climber well out at the crag. With options for folding style, foam thickness, and extra features, any preference you may have for your climbing gear, a crash pad exists to meet them. No matter how many bouldering trips you’re planning and to what crags, there’s the best crash pad on this list that will fit your needs.

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The time of year is upon us where it’s time to head the outdoors and get a little taste of nature that has eluded us through the winter.  The popularity of camping, hunting, hiking, and backpacking grow steadily and companies supplying gear are more plentiful than ever.

It’s great to have options but so many options only makes matters more confusing.  To clear the water a little, we put together this article as a guide on the best camping gear essentials – what you need to know heading into this camping season.

No part of your camping experience is more important than the shelter you choose.  This is as much for safety as it is for your enjoyment!  Even summer nights can get chilly without a good place to stay.  Here are the most popular options for shelters this season:

An important note on picking a camping tent is not to go by the number of people staying with you but with the size you need.  Most tents count a 2×6 foot space as being one person.  If you have a lot of gear or want some extra room, go with a bigger tent.

1 Person or Solo Tent

If you are a backpacker or just want a place all your own in the backcountry, there is no better way than a solo tent.  They are small, lightweight, and the modern options offer great protection and comfort no matter where you camp.

If you are after a solo tent, you want to try to get one that has good storage options like pockets and maybe a gear loft.  Having a covered vestibule area is also a good option.  Mostly what is going to tip the scales is the overall weight and packed size.  These are key with any good solo tent.

2 Person Tent

If you want a little more space, a two-person tent is a great way to go.  You can split the weight among two people and get by carrying next to nothing.  You can also choose to stay in one alone for the extra space.  A 2 person tent is a great option for a solo camper who is staying put for a few days.

Solo tents are still mostly judged by weight and size.  These tents are often made for backpacking couples but are a good choice for those with pets or who need a bit more space for gear.  While they are not as common as other tent sizes, there are enough brands available that you will have a choice in what you want.

3 Person Tent

This is still a rare tent size, possibly one of the rarest.  Many people who are sleeping three to a tent will go with a 4 person tent that is easier to find and has more room.  Where a three-person tent comes in handy is for couples with a child or pet they want to take along.

Most 3 Person tents are a little heavy for backpacking but are great for shorter hiking trips.  Size is a key decision to make for a 3 person tent.  More room is always appreciated and most people with a 3 person tent have some other agenda than staying in it overnight.  Popular with rock climbers, fishermen, and hunters.

4 Person Tent 

This is one of the most popular tents on the market.  They are great for small families and work well for a couple with extra gear.  Most will fit everything you need and have more features than smaller tents.  The largest models are often cabin style and are very popular in the current market.

Space is a key decision with a 4 person tent, whether it’s for a family or a couple on an extended stay.  You also want gear storage room.  Most 4 person tents can fit a queen air mattress which is nice for car camping.  Weight is an issue so these are not often used for backpacking or extended hiking trips.

6 Person Tent 

As we move into the realm of larger families or those people who want a lot of indoor space when they are camping, the 6 person tent is a great option.  It’s still small enough to carry shorter distances but large enough to keep from feeling crowded.

Though there are dome style tents in a 6 person size, most of the really popular models are cabin style.  They allow a little more room and are easier to move around in with higher ceilings.  Many have extra features and storage areas.  Some even have covered porch areas.

8 Person Tent

As you get larger, tents get more complicated with more features.  Picking a large tent can be a challenge with so many to choose from that are so different.  Plan around your family size and the room you need. Then you can consider all of the extras.

The 8 person tent often has plenty of extras from storage areas to porches and even whole rooms netted off.  These are a great option to enjoy those outdoor evenings without the bug problem.  Some even come with built-in lights or other high-end features.

10 Person Tent

Nearing the maximum size of tents, the 10 person is nearly as large as they come.  There are a few 12 and even 16 person tents but they are usually cumbersome and almost always expensive.  For those that need extra space, 10 is about the best it gets!

A 10 person tent should be picked based on overall size and features.  Usually you will have plenty of storage room and enough floor space for 2 air mattresses.  Many will have screen rooms or porches.  If you want the most possible space, this is where you get it!

Cabin Tent

If you are unclear on what we mean by a cabin tent, it’s a tent that usually has more vertical walls and a higher roof.  It will look much more like a small cabin when erected than the normal dome style tent.

You can get cabin tents for as few as 4 people but the maximum goes up as far as 12 or 16.  If you are taller or want a tent you can move around in, this is the tent you want to go with.  Price ranges go from affordable to very expensive.  Size and budget can be a huge factor in what cabin tent you want.

Pop-Up Tent

Nothing is as frustrating as having to set up a complicated tent after a long trip.  This is where the Pop-Up tent comes in.  These range from very easy to set up all the way to automatic.  Some go up in as little as 10 seconds.  If you have traveled a long way, having a quick set up tent is a feeling you can’t explain.

Most pop-up tents are fairly light on features to keep their weight and size down.  A pop-up model will always pack down larger than a standard model made for the same number of people.  Sure, it’s a tradeoff but one that may very well be worth making.  They can be quite cheap but get expensive fast with premium brands.

Roof Top Tent

If you have the right vehicle and want to change up the way you camp, a rooftop tent or truck tent are perfect options.  They get you off the ground, set up in minutes, and are among the most comfortable options out there.  Models can fit trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, and some mini-vans.

The fit is always the most important factor in deciding what tent you need.  Not all tents fit all vehicles. After that, weight and set up are usually top considerations.  Most of these are comfortable and roomy so that is a final factor.  If you want something different, these are a great option!

4 Season Tents

These tents will be able to withstand all the weather conditional, you can check out this article for the best 4 season tents on the market today!

Nothing beats a good night’s sleep and when you are out in nature, very little is more important.  The number one complaint from non-campers is they are uncomfortable and sleep poorly.  We are here to rectify that and help you get the sleep you need for a day’s adventure.

Sleeping gear is best thought of as a system and to better look at it, we will look at it in layers, starting with what keeps you off the ground and working up to those extra comforts that you may want to consider.

There are a few options of what you sleep on that can make a difference.

Air Mattress

The air mattress is one of the most popular options and done correctly, it can be quite comfortable.  It’s also the easiest way to get a large sleeping surface for more than one person in a small, portable package.  This is the perfect option for families.

With an air mattress, you want to look at size first to make sure you get enough room.  Next, you probably want something with a flocking on the top to prevent sliding.  Other considerations are thickness of the mattress and pumps for inflation.

Camping Cot

A folding cot is a great option for one person.  There are even a few that are wide enough to sleep two.  The downfall is their large size and weight but they do get you off the ground and provide a lot of support and comfort.

Size is key when picking out a camping cot.  Not only its size when folded but the overall size when set up are important factors.  Weight is often a concern.  There are no cots that are good for lightweight travel.  These are usually reserved for car camping.

Sleeping Pad

A sleeping pad is one of the most portable and lightweight options.  Some work like a mini air mattress and self-inflate for more comfort.  If you want something packable this is one of the best and most popular options.

With a pad, the more you pay the smaller they are when packed.  This can be very important for backpackers and hikers.  Most pads are quite comfortable but look for those with that little extra foam padding.  You also need to pick one of an appropriate size for your body.

Camping Hammock

The camping hammock has become one of the most popular options lately.  They have a lot of the same strengths as the other options.  With a hammock you are off the ground, well supported, and have a system that packs down small.

There are a few negatives to hammocks as well.  Not everyone finds them comfortable for one.  More importantly, you need trees for a hammock to work for you.  Not all campsites will have a place to set up a hammock readily available.

A good sleeping bag is a ubiquitous piece of camping gear.  They are warm, provide extra padding, and often pack down relatively small.  They are the most popular option by far and about the only option for backpackers and hikers.

A sleeping bag is best selected on temperature rating first.  It’s always best to get one made for cooler temperatures than what you will be camping at.  The next trait you want to select on is how small it packs down and how little it weighs.

Camping Blanket

You can use most any blanket for camping but some are better than others.  Ideally, a camping blanket should be low weight and not too bulky.  It should be made of a quick-drying fabric that wicks away moisture.  Stain resistance is always good too.

Selecting a blanket is much like selecting a sleeping bag.  You want something warm enough but that packs down small.  These are best for cooler summer nights though there are a few that can go down to lower temperatures and still keep you comfortable.

Camping Pillow

There are some specially made pillows that pack down small and do a good job of replicating how you sleep at home.  Though these are often neglected, it’s a good idea to consider one for the best night’s sleep possible.

You can use most any pillow for camping but the best ones are the packable ones.  How small and light is often the number one option to consider.  It should also be made of a material that dries quickly.  If you get a good one, it will improve your camping experience.

Eating has always been a center point of camping.  Whether its s’mores, hot dogs, or a pre-pack meal, you need a way to prepare it.  A few extra utensils are always handy to have around and make every meal a little more pleasing.

You also likely want a way to transport your food and drinks while keeping them fresh.  Having a way to get your morning started right is a good idea.  With modern camping gear, your dining experience in the woods can be even better than what you do at home.

Coolers 

Likely the first challenge with camping is getting everything to your site and storing it in a way that it doesn’t spoil.  Fresh food while camping is an amazing experience!  We can’t forget your favorite drinks either, be that a few cold beers or a can of soda.

Coolers come in so many sizes and with different amounts of time that they can hold ice before it melts.  Price is always the determining factor so look at something that fits your needs and how long you plan to stay outdoors.

Camp Stove 

There are many varieties of camp stoves from those made for one to those made for a family.  Some run on compressed gas while others use alcohol or wood for a fuel option.  While gas may be one of the best cooking methods, it’s also one of the most expensive.  Wood and alcohol are much more affordable.

Pick your camp stove based on size first.  If you need more than one burner to get your meal done right, make sure you have that available.  If you want something small and portable, the smallest camp stoves are only a little larger than a deck of playing cards.

Camping Grill 

If you are lucky, you may score a campsite with a grill.  There is no food like grilled food, especially when camping.  If you don’t have one at your site, bring your own!  There are a number of foldable and collapsible grill options that make this possible.

Most grills are made to set up above a campfire.  To do this, most have fold-out legs but some collapse completely into a small package suitable for backpacking.  If you have a love for grilled foods, check out a few camping grill options. They tend to be far more affordable than most camping gear.

Camping Cookware 

While the cookware you use at home could work well for camping, there are options that are more specifically suited to the activity.  These can be the large cast-iron pans that are very popular for family outings to collapsible models that fold away for easy transport.

Weight and size are critical when selecting camping cookware.  The lightest can weigh under a pound for a decent sized pot.  Conversely, a cast-iron Dutch oven can weigh as much as 16 pounds.  Pick what you need but keep an eye on how much it weighs and plan ahead on how you will deal with it.

Camping Utensils 

There is a lot to cover with utensils.  It could be everything from your fork and spoon to spatulas and other cooking implements.  Even chop-sticks are becoming a commonplace item for the camp dining table.  And you can’t forget a good knife.

Plan ahead with what you need and if you have the space, take a few extras.  Spoons and forks are the most commonly needed extra but an extra knife will never go amiss.  If you are frying or grilling, a good spatula, grill fork, and tongs are a great idea!

Camping Coffee Maker 

It’s just not the same in the morning without a cup of coffee.  There are a few ways you can accomplish this.  You could go with the boiling water, add instant coffee method but why when you could simply get a great, portable coffee maker designed for camp use.

The camp coffee maker market is full of options depending on what you want.  You could go with a simple percolator and get it over the fire.  A more modern way is to go with a battery powered or propane powered coffee pot much like what you use at home.  If you want the maximum swank, you can also get a French press.  It’s all up to you!

While your standard outfits for the outdoors should do fine for camping, there are a couple of items that deserve special mention.  For the rest, go with what is comfortable to you and the conditions you will be camping in.

A couple of notes on regular clothing:  You do want clothing that wicks moisture well and dries quickly whenever possible.  You should always bring at least one extra set of clothing past what you think you will need.  This is just in case of bad weather.  For the specific items:

Camp Shoes 

While we have our normal hiking footwear to get us to camp and on our daily adventures, it’s a good idea to have a specific pair of shoes just to wear around camp.  This is a matter of convenience but has implications for your foot health.

You want your camp shoes to go on and off easily and be able to deal with being wet.  They should be just what you use around the campsite when you are doing the daily tasks.  These are not hiking or distance walking shoes.

Camping Towel 

For your time around camp, its good to have a general purpose towel for the many uses you can apply it to.  There are many companies making specific camp towels that are very affordable and absolutely indispensable.

The key features of a camp towel over a standard towel is how small they pack and how quickly they dry.  These are excellent for cooling off in the summer, keeping sweat out of your eyes, and can even be used to cover your head if it’s too sunny out.

For those extra needs on primitive or backwoods sites and a little extra safety, its good to have the gear you need to get things done.  Some of this is just common sense like a water supply but other items are too often left behind.

The point of this section is to highlight the extras that will make your camping more comfortable most of the time but if things go bad, they can keep you safe and healthy.  Don’t neglect any of these items you may need.  They create a well-rounded camping kit.

Camping Knives 

You always need some good camping knives for a variety of reasons.  This could be the normal food prep stuff and opening packages or it could go a little further.  There always seems to be rope that needs to be cut and wood shavings to keep a fire going.

A good camp knife should be sharp and robust.  A kitchen knife won’t do everything you need.  A good, durable folding knife may work but a better option is for a good fixed blade knife.  You can get as elaborate as you feel you need.

Camping Axe 

If you are camping at a primitive site, you may need to clear small trees and split firewood.  This is the time you need an axe to do the work.  Honestly, there are a few times you will probably need a full sized axe but when the time arrives, you will be glad you have one.

A camping axe should be medium sized for portability.  You don’t need a Paul Bunyan double bit axe to get most tasks done.  Just a good serviceable tool that isn’t too heavy for you to use safely and effectively.

Camping Hatchet 

If you think an axe may be too much for your needs, a good hatchet is a perfect compromise.  It may lack the power you will get with an axe but it can do most of the same tasks.  It will take just a bit longer.

With a camp hatchet, you need something small and light.  Having a sharp, keen edge is more important with the smaller tool than it is with the axe.  You can get a large variety of sizes, weights, and materials.  Most of which are of decent quality.

Camping Saw 

For camping, sometimes you need to clear a few branches or trees out of the way.  You may need to cut down some firewood.  A good folding camp saw is an affordable and indispensable tool around camp.

There are a few different styles but often the most successful are those that fold like a pruning saw.  These are small, lightweight, and usually very effective at cutting.  You can also go with a bow saw design which are a little easier to use but are more costly and pack larger.

Water Containers for Camping 

You need a source of water near camp.  Something more than just a water bottle.  This will be used for many tasks around the camp in addition to drinking water.  You need water for dishes, cleaning, and maybe even bathing.

You can get a variety of collapsible water storage devices.  Most of these are very affordable.  This is a need most people neglect but if you want an efficient camp.  Keeping a couple of gallons of water right at your tent is just a good idea.

Water Bottle for Camping 

For your more personal water needs, you do need to have a good water bottle.  This is mostly for drinking but a water bottle can be an indispensable piece of kit for many needs.

You can get plastic or metal bottles.  Both have their strengths and weaknesses and there may be a time you want one of each.  Plastic bottles are very light and convenient to carry.  Metal bottles can be used to heat water and even for some cooking tasks.

Camping Water Filter 

A good water filter is necessary for any trip that is not at a fully equipped campground.  If you are going into the backcountry, don’t even consider going without a good way to get clean water.  There are a variety of types to suit every need.

You can get filters that are personal for one person or filters that are high capacity and can provide water for a whole group.  Prices range from very little to quite expensive.  The main thing to look out for is how effective they are at cleaning contaminants out of the water.

Camping Lighter 

Fire is one thing that every campsite needs.  Getting fire can be very easy with the right materials and conditions but it can be much harder if your wood is wet and things are a little less than perfect.

A good camp lighter should be able to deal with getting even damp wood going with the right skills.  A normal pocket lighter just isn’t going to cut it.  You need special gear to make sure you get the fire you need for cooking and the general cheer of a campsite.

Spotlight for Camping 

There are a lot of uses for lights when camping and we are going to cover all the possibilities but first, you want a light with a little power.  A spotlight or searchlight can come in very handy for seeing what’s around you and providing plenty of light in an emergency.

Sometimes camping can be a little nervous and having a light with good power and distance is a great way of relieving that stress.  It can also be a good way to signal for help if you have problems.  And let’s face it, sometimes you just need a whole lot of light.

Camping Lantern 

For a more central and communal light, nothing beats a good lantern.  These have been a camping stable for as long as there has been camping.  They are often more powerful than the light you get from a fire and are portable.

You can get lanterns that run off batteries which are good.  You can also get lanterns that run off of compressed gas.  These often run for much longer and shed decent light.  Both have their place and are often well worth the cost.

Camping Headlamp 

Having a light that is hands-free is so useful when doing tasks around your campsite.  This makes the headlamp a very important addition.  You should have one for every member of your camp.

If you need to fix your tent in the dark or are trying to do any maintenance task, a headlamp is your best friend.  They are also great for navigating after dark if you are hiking.  Probably the best use is when you have to give in to the call of nature after dark.

Camping Flashlight 

Though all of these lights are great, a good flashlight is still a great tool to keep around.  They can serve many of the purposes of the other lights, just not as well.  They are more versatile if you get a good one.

It’s hard to head on a camping trip without a flashlight.  They are more powerful than most headlamps but still have plenty of power.  They may not make the best spotlight but they will do the task.  Pick up a small flashlight, they are cheap and a great tool to have.

There are a few other things you may want to consider when you head out camping.  These may not be important for every camping trip but will come in handy on occasional trips.  Some are more for fun while others are great for specific types of camping or camping in specific locations.

Most tents come with tent stakes but sometimes they just aren’t up to the task.  They may also get lost or broken.  It’s always a good idea to get some good quality stakes and take a few extra.  This will make sure you can keep your tent in order even in bad weather.

A camp chair or two will never go amiss.  There are a variety of styles with varying levels of portability and comfort.  Some are quite cheap and well worth the cost and weight.  Having a good, comfortable seat will always be appreciated at a campsite.

Whether it’s for longer hiking trips using your camp as a base or for getting to your camp in the first place, you need a decent pack.  They are even good for storage and keeping your gear together.

If you are camping from a car and have extra space to spare, a portable table is a great idea!  Combined with our chairs, you can have a comfortable place to share a meal.  A camping table also provides a good place of food prep and the many other tasks you need to do around camp.

Depending on how you feel about doing your business in nature, having a portable toilet may be a good idea.  No one seems to think about how they will take care of natures call until they are out there and you are stuck.

Camping Fan 

If you are camping in the heat, a tent can get very warm during the day.  If you want to be indoors or take a nap, it’s like being in an oven.  Getting one of the best tent fans can save you from this plight and provide a little air circulation when you need it.

Camping Shower 

If you are planning on an extended stay, you need to think about hygiene.  This is not only for your health but your popularity with your fellow campers.  Part of being in nature is embracing the natural life but you can stay clean while doing it.

Kayak for Camping 

If you are camping near water, having a kayak for camping can be great fun.  It’s also an exciting way of getting to a backcountry site.  Prices range from affordable to very high end but a good kayak is worth a lot and leads to a lot of enjoyment around the campsite.  Maybe even get two.

Camping Shovel 

For any number of reasons, having a shovel at camp can be a good idea.  This can be used to dig a fire pit or create your own privy.  You won’t need a shovel every time but it’s hard to do without one when you need it.  Folding camp shovels are quite affordable and very handy to have around.

Outdoor Fire Pit 

Fire safety in the woods should be a paramount consideration.  We need to protect our woodlands and keep our fires contained.  If you aren’t camping at a site that has a fire pit, consider getting a folding fire pit for your next camping trip.  Some even have accessories that will make your cooking tasks easier.

Tent Heater 

If you have the right kind of tent and are camping in the cold, consider a heater.  Most of these are powered by propane and can be a lifesaver in cold environments.  These are not a good idea in a nylon or poly tent but many canvas tents do fine with them.  A powerful one can even be used outdoors and do well.

Final Verdict

Camping can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.  You can take just enough to fit in a backpack or enough to fill a large car.  The whole point is to have a good time and enjoy nature.  Many of these items can make mundane tasks easier and leave more time for the outdoor recreation you are after.

You may not need them all but a few of these should help you out this camping season.  Whatever makes camping more fun is well worth including in your best camping gear essentials list.  Just make sure you have a way to get it all to your camp site.