AdventuresNW
LowePro Nova 200 AW II Camera Shoulder Bag
I have used a wide variety of camera bags over the years to haul my photography gear. When backpacking, a hipbelt bag worn on the front works well, but for day hiking, a shoulder bag is my conveyance of choice. The Lowepro® Nova 200 AW II is ideal for this purpose. It’s large enough to hold one or two DSLRs and two or three lenses as well as all the accessories required for an extended foray into the wilds: spare batteries, memory cards, filters, etc. The padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry for extended periods and the top-loading flap (either secured with a zipper or single latch flap) makes accessing my gear quick and effortless. The built-in rain cover (stashed in a zippered pocket) offers solid protection when storms blow in and a multiplicity of side pockets makes it easy to keep everything organized.
More info: www.lowepro.com
MSR Habitude 6 Tent
The Pacific Northwest is blessed with so many places for adventure. Tall peaks, rugged coastlines, and deep valleys pull us toward the frontier, where our comfort zones give way to the exhilaration of the unknown. After returning to camp, however, the last thing we want is an adventure with the zipper on the tent or the discovery of wet gear inside. Thankfully, MSR® has created a family car camping tent that promises reliability, ease of use, convenience, and comfort. The Habitude™ 6 boasts more than 83 square feet of floor space and enough height for me (6’2″) to stand upright.
It was easy to put together (and take down!) the first time we used it and has simple illustrated instructions in case you need a reminder. There is a generous vestibule when the rainfly is on, and the inside provides pockets galore to keep everyone’s headlamps and eyeglasses organized. The thoughtfully designed zipper ensures you’ll never have to search for it in the middle of the night. And man, there’s room for everyone!
More info: msrgear.com
MSR Habiscape 4 Tent
Here’s another winning choice for family camping from the folks at MSR®. The Habiscape™ 4 is a solid, comfortable four-person car camping tent that packs small and relatively light for its generous size at 12 lbs., 11 oz. It’s super spacious for three adults, sets up easily, and is well-engineered to withstand whatever the elements throw your way. The rainfly door can be rolled completely out of the way or, with the help of a few poles (sold separately), turned into a shade cover. Another innovative feature is a Pass-thru pocket, which allows for accessing things like keys or headlamps from the inside or outside.
More info: msrgear.com
