Ready to hit the remote trails but not quite prepared? Follow along as we round up some of the county’s top camping items.
By Paul Adler and Gina Valentino
Dick’s Sporting Goods, White Plains; dickssportinggoods.com; $189.99
This astonishingly solid sleeping bag has no problem when the temperature dips down to 20˚F, with its 600-fill-power DriDown insulation, anti-snag dual-slider locking zipper with draft tube, stuff sack, and thermal comfort hood.
L.L. Bean, Yonkers; llbean.com; $85
Mess kits are mighty important for nights curled up around a campfire, and this 21-piece, BPA-free, stainless-steel cook set stands above most others, with its three-ply frying pan, 3.5L stainless-steel pot, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, plates, bowls, and more.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, White Plains; dickssportinggoods.com; $229.99
Take on almost any trail in these outstanding hiking boots by Salomon, featuring high-performance EVA foam for shock protection, 3D open mesh, chevron lugs, a durable toecap, molded OrthoLite sockliner, and a GORE-TEX membrane to keep those feet nice and dry.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, White Plains; dickssportinggoods.com; $49.99
Looking for a no-nonsense camp stove that will work in a range of conditions? This 2.6-oz gem is designed specifically for backpacking and backcountry journeys, with a manual igniter, glove-friendly controls, and a WindClip windshield.
L.L. Bean, Yonkers; llbean.com; $549.95
High-level hikers are always on the hunt for a backpacking tent that is as light as it is durable. Enter this outstanding two-person tent composed of NEMO’s proprietary OSM polyester/nylon ripstop, water-repellant fabric, and featuring a DAC Featherlite NSL hubbed pole structure to increase interior room plus Gatekeeper door-clips.
REI, Norwalk; rei.com; $449
While there are countless sleeping pads for those who brave the trails, this model really brings comfort to the next level. Composed of cushy, two-layer foam to relieve pressure atop a waterproof drop-stitch inflatable base for support, sleeping in a tent no longer means sacrificing comfort.
REI, Norwalk; rei.com; $219
At just over 3 lbs, this relatively lightweight toter has an adjustable torso length, an adjustable-length hip belt, and an internal frame capable of easily hauling 40 lbs. A long front mesh pocket and three compression straps can carry awkwardly shaped gear, with top and bottom “flaps pockets” for even more storage.
funkkoff.com; $22
When halitosis comes a-callin’ on that multiday trip, you can always turn to this convenient two-in-one toothbrush, which dispenses toothpaste with a twist, then just brush and rinse for a happy smile and even happier campmates.
Relating: Your Essential Winter Hiking Checklist for Westchester Treks