Solo Stoves are more efficient wood-burners than traditional campfires, emitting less smoke and leaving less ash behind. We reviewed a similar version recently if you want to learn more, but the Bonfire is much more portable. Just toss it in the truck and take it wherever you plan on pitching camp for the night.
An even smaller and lighter version, the Solo Stove Lite, is available for $70 ($20 off). It’s great for cooking dinner or just boiling water. The company is running a BOGO offer on the Lite, so if you buy one you can gift another to your hiking buddy for free. Stoves like the larger Titan and larger-still Campfire are also on sale and have the same BOGO free offer.
Solo Stove
If you’re less concerned with moving quickly to cover ground and just want to go car camping, the charcoal-fed Ultimate Grill is big enough to cook for everyone. The Ultimate Bundle comes with two stands of different heights, a grill cover, grilling tools, starter nuggets (for starting the fire), charcoal briquettes, and a carry case.
Backcountry
You’ll rarely hike in a puffy jacketthey’re just too warm. These are best for when you’re stopped to eat a meal or stepping out of your tent at night to tighten the guylines. The Nano Puff is a lightweight, compact synthetic-insulation jacket that’s plenty warm enough for subfreezing temps. There’s a men’s version on sale for the same price.
Photograph: Backcountry
If you can’t wait to climb, then don’t wait. I learned in 40-degree rain on granite slab, and I swear it taught me balance and poise better than if I had learned on toasty, dry rocks in the summer.
Backcountry, Moosejaw
This is enough harness for any sport climbing route, outdoors or indoors at a climbing gym. It’s what I use, because it’s well padded and easy to adjust, so you won’t mind spending a full day at the climbing gym in your harness. There’s a women’s version, too.
Backcountry, Moosejaw
No matter what kind of top-rope climbing you do, you need a belay device. Some people like assisted braking devices, of which the Grigri is the most famous, because they instantly lock if your climbing buddy up on the wall takes a fall. Compared to a regular belay device, there’s some peace of mind for some folks knowing their climbing partner isn’t totally reliant on their quick reactions and muscle power. Just remember to keep your hands on the rope as normal (for backup) and to not hold the release lever if they’re falling.
Backcountry, Moosejaw
