MSR®  Habitude™ 4 Tent

The ideal car camping tent, in our view, is 1) durable, 2) bomb-proof in bad weather, and 3) spacious. Meet the new Habitude 4 from MSR, a tent that hits all three of these marks in a big way. This tent is constructed to last—the fabric, poles, and zippers are all top-notch, and the fully seam-sealed rainfly offers unquestioned protection from the elements. The center height is 6’1”, tall enough to stand up in when getting dressed, and the vestibule is ginormous. The Habitude 4 weighs only 12 lbs. and is easy to pack. The pole system is a bit complicated, but this seems a small price to pay for all that interior space and rock-solid strength. It has seven – count ‘em – seven pockets to stash your stuff. It even has a porch light.

More info: www.msrgear.com

Outdoor Research Men’s Cirque II Pants

The Cirque II softshell pants from Outdoor Research have you covered when the going gets rough. These pants are weather-resistant, breathable, and extremely rugged —and their stretchy fit makes them remarkably comfortable. The technical details are impressive: a harness-compatible waist, reinforced scuff guards, and a cut that accommodates mountaineering or ski boots. And when chill air descends at high elevations, they’ll keep you toasty warm.

More info: www.outdoorresearch.com

Guest Review by C.D.

Arcteryx Granville 16 Zip Pack

The Granville 16 Zip is a mighty little pack! The Advanced Composite Construction ensures invulnerability to rain and makes it feel like it could survive just about anything else the world throws its way. Granville 16 is a tad smaller (and lighter) than its larger sibling, the Granville 20, but the external waterproof pockets and small loop on the rear make this pack an excellent choice for cyclists. There’s even a laptop sleeve for folks who take remote work to the extreme.

More info: www.arcteryx.com