My Hammock Experience

A couple of years ago, I went on a multi-day river trip who used hammocks, and who couldn't believe I hadn't tried one. The following year, I did another river trip with a different friend who used a hammock, and sung their praise. Although I was skeptical, especially since decades of kayaking had taken their toll on my lower back, I headed out on a short kayak camping trip with a hammock in my boat instead of a tent, and with an acceptance of the fact that I was probably going to have a miserable night's sleep. Much to my surprise, I had one of the better night’s sleep that I’ve ever had camping, and learned some valuable lessons about hammocks (and tents) in the process. Here's what I can share with you:

The Benefits of a Tent

There are a number of benefits to tent camping. Some of the most notable benefits are that they come in wide variety of sizes to accommodate solo campers, or entire families/groups, and they offer more versatile space to stretch out and store gear. This roominess is also a real benefit if you're stuck at camp, and dealing with rain or bugs. The tent becomes a refuge—a place where you and others can relax comfortably – maybe even play a game of cards.

Tents are also versatile. You can pitch them pretty much anywhere as long as the ground is reasonably flat. This makes them a solid choice for all kinds of terrain, from mountain tops to beaches, and river banks.

The Benefits of a Hammock

Before doing a real hammock camping trip, I would have struggled to identify any significant benefits of the hammock. But I quickly learned that there were many. Being elevated off the ground has a number of benefits. For one, you don't need to worry about waking up in a pool of water, as you do with a tent. They’re also incredibly easy to get in and out of. This means no more crawling around on your hands and knees. You simply sit down into the hammock, and when it's time to get out, you swing your legs out and stand up. Hammocks are also more convenient when kayak camping, because the hammock packs into a number of very small bags, which fit inside a kayak very well.

When it comes to sleep quality, I was pleasantly surprised. I have some lower back issues, and I wasn’t sure how a hammock would feel over the course of a full night out. It turns out that they can be very comfortable! Fortunately, I did some research before my first night out in a hammock, and learned that using a sleeping pad and/or underquilt goes a long way to keeping you warm on cooler nights, as it provides insulation underneath your body, where your sleeping bag doesn't help.

Hammock vs Tent: A Quick Breakdown

• Comfort: Both can be comfortable if set up correctly. With a tent, you’ll want to find the flattest possible ground, making sure your head is higher than your feet if a perfectly flat surface isn't available. With a hammock, the key is tension—make sure it’s not too loose, and use a sleeping pad in the hammock for comfort and insulation. If it's a particularly cold trip, consider an underquilt.
• Sleep Quality: When set up properly, both a tent and hammock can provide a great nights sleep, if you have the appropriate accessories. For a tent, this means not skimping on the sleeping pad you use. I highly recommend a sleeping pad that inflates to 3-4″, and a camp pillow, if getting a good night sleep is a priority for you. For a hammock, this means using a sleeping pad or underquilt to insulate you from below, and having an integrated bug net if needed. This is why I was using the ENO JungleNest Hammock.
• Setup: Tents require flat ground, while hammocks need two trees spaced just right. Both are easy enough to set up once you get the hang of it, but if it’s raining, setting up a tarp first can make the process a lot easier for both options.
• Weather and Bugs: A tent offers more space to escape bugs and bad weather. But with the right bug net and tarp setup, a hammock can be just as effective, though less comfortable for lounging in during long rainy spells.

When to Choose a Hammock vs Tent

For me, the decision now comes down to the trip itself. If I know the area well and am confident that there will be plenty of trees to hang a hammock, I’ll likely bring a hammock—it's cozy, it's easy to set up, and it's nice to avoid the hands-and-knees scramble of tent camping.

On the other hand, if I'm not confident that there will be appropriate trees for hanging the hammock, or if I’m heading into a bug-heavy area where the weather could trap me in camp, I will bring a tent so that I have more space and protection to hang out.

Whichever you choose, it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors and making the most of your camping experience. That being said, trying new things adds a layer of adventure to your trips, and so if you haven't already done so, give hammock camping a shot—you might just discover your new favorite way to sleep under the stars.

Stay tuned for more gear reviews, tips, and Backcountry adventures!

The post Hammock vs Tent: Which Is Right for Your Adventure? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Okay, okay… I'm sure some of you want me to zip it after all these dad jokes, but dang it, I'm pumped to tell you about Sea to Summit's (relatively) new Telos TR2 tent in this review. These guys have been making killer gear for a long time, but this was their first foray into the tent game.

So naturally, I raised my hand and asked if I could get a hold of one in order to share my thoughts with this backpacking community. I have to tell you right off the top, I was genuinely thrilled with what they brought to the table. But let's dive in and unpack all the reasons why. 

About the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent

Straight from the horse's mouth: 

“[This] two-person freestanding tent will radically change your perception of what an ultralight backpacking tent can be. Sea to Summit's engineers made it their mission to design a tent that is easy to set up and is filled with clever, functional features.” 

Price: $599 (USD)

Capacity: 2 Person

Design Type: Freestanding

Season Rating: 3-Season

Dimensions: 84.5 x 53 x 43 in.

Height: 43.5 in.

Floor Area: 28 sq ft.

Packed Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz. (Can be lightened with different set up modes)

The Fair Share Storage System

Right off the bat, I loved how Sea to Summit packaged the Telos tent. The rainfly, main shelter, and poles are all compartmentalized so that they can be separated for different carrying strategies. Everything can still be hauled as a single unit, OR you may choose to pack the poles inside your bag, pass off a piece to your hiking partner, and/or stow your wet fly on the outside of your pack, away from everything else. 

Stand-Out Features of the Telos TR2

The Telos has one of the highest ridge lines I've ever seen in a lightweight 2-person tent. To accomplish this, Sea to Summit took the usual design of two downward bending poles and flipped the script so that there is this nice V-shape, high-tension ridge – thereby freeing up loads of head room and boosting the livability.

On top of this (or rather, underneath), there is a subtle pull-tab design that makes it easy to disconnect the fabric from the ridge when it comes time for teardown. The specialized roof also allows for a ventilation port with a U-shaped zipper right at the apex of the tent. This is precisely where all the heat and condensation tends to collect throughout the night, so there's no better spot for an adjustable vent. 

Color Coded Attachments

Looking lower on the tent, you'll be happy to find color-coded attachment points complete with nifty little snaps. This makes setting up the rain fly that much easier. And speaking of making things easier, I know a lot of people skip over their tent's guy lines, but the ones on the Telos are so simple that you'll have no excuse not to. 

The first thing you'll notice upon climbing into the Telos TR2 is how big the entrance is. Sometimes ultralight tents force you to basically army-crawl inside. If it's rainy and the tent is sagging, it can be even more of a squeeze. So once again, props to Sea to Summit's high ridge line design for freeing up such a spacious doorway. 

Remember the compartmentalized packing design I raved about a second ago? Well, two of those sleeves can buckle to the inside corners of the tent, giving you extra storage for all your nicknacks (i.e. sunglasses, cell phone, lighters, knives, etc.).

The sleeve for the tent poles actually attaches up top, which gives you an ambient light source if you chuck your headlamp in there. And adding to those corner pockets are traditional envelope style storage areas that will help to reduce clutter even further. You guys know how obsessed I am with organization! 

Something truly revolutionary is the fact that the interior tent can be torn down while the rain fly remains built. This will save you a ton of headaches when you wake up to inclement weather. 

Hang Out Mode

Sea to Summit has a great habit of making their gear useful in multiple ways. And I've never seen anything like their “Hang Out Mode” in a tent design. Using my trekking poles (or their specifically designed poles) and the rain fly, you can quickly create an open-concept shelter that feels way more social than a tent.

If it's sunny, then this mode will offer some shade without detracting from the breeze, and if it's pouring rain, then you can fashion yourself a little card-game spot to wait it out with friends, or a place to cook meals. If the weather refuses to break, then your tent can eventually be set up underneath the canopy, and then with a few quick maneuvers, the fly will attach right where it needs to be for the evening. 

Overall Thoughts on the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent

Setting up the Sea to Summit Telos

Even though I really dug all its design features, the Telos TR2 tent is objectively a bit more complicated to set up than your average tent. But with that said, it's still very user-friendly – no YouTube instructionals will be required. If you just follow the color-coded feet I mentioned earlier, and play around with the guy lines and Hang Out Mode, then you'll be able to figure it all out on the fly (hey oh!). 

This shelter truly excels in terms of livability. The Telos is spacious, easy to get in and out of, comfortable to sit and move around in, and has excellent storage and organization options to help keep your space clean. 

Now, I tested this tent on one of my favorite trails on a sunny and still day in Sedona, Arizona. So in order to put the Telos through the ringer, I had to create some nastier conditions with both my leaf blower and garden hose when I got home.

Telos TR2 Tent Wind and Water Protection

I'm happy to report that the Telos TR2 aced my simulated storm test. Plus, Sea to Summit is the type of brand that goes all-in with whatever they choose to do. So when they entered the tent market, I knew they produced something that could take a punch, and withstand the test of time. 

Who is the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 tent for?

The Telos TR2 is an outstanding tent, but there's no doubt about it, $600 (USD) is pretty pricey. So if you are new to backpacking, I think you might be better off starting with something more basic, probably heavier, and nowhere near as versatile, but that's also in the $200 – $300 range.

As you progress, and find yourself wanting something to take those backcountry experiences to the next level, then the Telos will have your name written all over it. And for you hardcore ultralight backpackers out there, keep in mind that even though 3 pounds, 10 ounces is already quite light, you can get it closer to sub-3 by losing some of the internal extra touches. 

This concludes my total gush on the Sea to Summit Telos 2-person tent. If you want to dive a little deeper into this tent, as well as the even lighter Altos TR2, click here to see how they compare. And for more low-downs on everything hiking and camping-related, head on over to BackpackingTV. 

Sunglasses: WileyX sunglasses

The post Sea to Summit Telos Tent Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

MSR Hubba Hubba Tent Review

Price: $579.95

Min Trail Weight: 3lbs 7oz.

Interior Space: 84×68 in.

Vestibule: 26 in.

The MSR Hubba Hubba holds a special place in my heart. I trekked all around South America (with the 2-person version), getting well-familiarized with shelter over the span of 7 months. Nowadays, my life calls for the added space of a 3-person tent and so I was excited to see what MSR has done with the Hubba Hubba franchise these days. Right off the bat, this tent was highly-intuitive, and super easy to set up. Great start!

MSR 3 Person Tent fits our dog comfortably

I can tell that this larger, free-standing tent will work even better for me these days, since so many of my adventures involve my fiancé Kristi, and my best-bud Kovu.

While a 2-person tent might sound sufficient on paper, in reality, a 3-person tent is the way to go. This will give enough breathing room so that morale stays high, and your pooch can settle comfortably in the extra square-footage.

The added space is even more valuable during inclement weather, since sloppy gear will be strewn about, and the added hours waiting around can really bring forth the dreaded cabin (or tent) fever if things are too cramped.

The large, free-standing, MSR Hubba Hubba 3-person tent keeps everything I loved about the 2-person version while making room for my fiancé Kristi, and my best-bud Kovu, who are along for the ride for so many adventures these days. 

The latest hub design of the MSR Hubba Hubba Tent

I noticed that the hub system (something that MSR pioneered and that gives the tent its name) felt a lot lighter and cleaner than the old one. This satisfying trend continued as I threaded and connected the poles, got it standing (without the need of stakes to ensure tension), and opened the door’s straight-lined, 1-hand zipper system.

Inside, the Hubba Hubba offered a great balance of privacy and visibility. The mesh windows provided crisp views of the outside surroundings, and the ceiling panel popped for its star-gazing possibilities. I also couldn’t help but notice how generous the headroom was. I’m just shy of 6-feet-tall, and sitting up, my head wasn’t even close to the top.

This has to be the most headroom I’ve ever seen in a tent – and I dig it. Not feeling cramped is a key component of sharing a shelter with another person (if you actually want to prosper out there and not trudge home in tense silence).

The MSR Hubba Hubba also came equipped with helpful gear storage options. There were some built-in hang tabs overhead, as well as a long envelope pocket at both ends of the tent.

One subjective critique I have of the redesigned Hubba Hubba 3P tent is that the mustard-color is super blah. Obviously, some people will love this, and I understand that it's tailored more toward the European market that tends to prioritize subtly over pizzazz, but I was not a fan.

Thankfully, a sub-optimal aesthetic is easy to look past when the rest of the tent is so well put-together. Another small nit-pick that will require some further testing on my part is that there’s only one vent on the rain fly. Even though it has dual-zippers that allow it to open wide, I’m used to seeing multiple ventilation points on a bigger tent.

Is the MSR Hubba Hubba worth it?

The 3-person MSR Hubba Hubba tent retails for $580 (USD), while the 2-person version goes for $480. Those are spicy meatballs – no doubt about it. But to put this in perspective, similar tents that I’ve been using and reviewing lately, do exceed that $500 barrier.

There are plenty of tents out there that will be easier on the old bank account, but if you’re seeking a premium tent that's easy to set up, and spacious enough for your closest crew, then you’ve found a real contender.

Waymark Lite 50L Backpack Review

Price: $270 USD (Plus optional add-ons)

Weight: 34.8 oz. (Depending on customizations)

Load Capacity: 30 – 35lbs

Interior Volume Capacity: 39L (For the medium-torso version)

There's something incredibly satisfying about having a backpack that feels super nimble, and allows you to just pound out big miles. Backpacking is a game of numbers, especially if you want to go a long way. And the first opportunity to shed weight is in the backpack itself. 

The Waymark Lite 50L backpack has an expected minimal design, but the outside mesh panels and deep water bottle pocket really boost the storage/organization capabilities. This pack is similar in nature to the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 backpack review.

Both packs have a roll-top, which is great for compressing different sized loads, but I prefer the Southwest 3400's style that snaps down to the sides, rather than the Waymark's compression Y-strap design that cinches down on the front.

BUT, the big win for the Waymark Lite is the presence of load adjusting straps, somewhat padded shoulder straps, and a smoothly adjusting hip belt – all of which boost comfort while carrying the fully-loaded 30 to 35 pound carrying capacity. The overly minimalistic (or nonexistent) straps on the Southwest 3400, drove me nuts as the test trek wore on. 

What tips the scale even further in favor of the Waymark Lite backpack is the fact that it's customizable online. I chose to add two deep hip belt pockets, and one additional pocket on my right shoulder strap. 

Final thoughts on the Waymark Lite 50L backpack review

If you are someone who likes to prioritize speed and simplicity over comfort and organization, then ultralight backpacks are definitely the way to go. But with that said, some are more minimalistic than others, and so there are degrees to choose from within this market.

For example, because Waymark offers customization on their Lite 50L pack, extra storage can be added without adding much weight. Whatever route you take along the ultralight path, there will be concessions. But I was quite pleased with how comfortable (relatively speaking), slick, and functional the Lite 50L turned out to be. 

Spork Review of the UCO Switch

What is the best backpacking spork?

The 3-in-1 UCO Switch Spork is perfect for backpacking adventures. The butt-ends of the spoon and fork slide together to give a longer reach. This comes in handy when trying to scoop out the bottoms of those freeze-dried meal packages (no one likes getting sauce all over their knuckles).

Also, the food-grade nylon knife is surprisingly effective. So even though $8 (USD) is relatively pricey for a simple eating utensil, I really appreciate the quality, utility, and sharability (in case someone forgets their own) of the UCO Switch Spork. 

Right On Trek – Easy Camping Meals

Easy Camping Meals with Flavor

Speaking of easy camping meals, if you're looking for something that's easy to make, but perhaps a little more rewarding to both cook and eat, then pick up a few RightOnTrek meals.

I dove into a tasty beef stroganoff the other day and ended up a satiated fellow. Unlike a lot of quick camping meals, these ones actually need to be cooked in a pot. Thankfully, my JetBoil MiniMo and the compatible 1.5L ceramic pot bubbled up some water in no time, and then the food itself only took 7 minutes to cook (which is actually faster than a lot of freeze-dried options).

Perhaps the best part was that the whole pack provided over 1000 calories! That's a welcomed kind of indulgence when expending energy in the backcountry, or when sharing grub with other campers. 

Tent: Hubba Hubba
Camp Kitchen Gear: 3-in-1 UCO Switch Spork, JetBoil MiniMo, 1.5L ceramic pot
Clothing: Cotopaxi Sunnyside T-shirt

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I hope this latest new hiking gear gush gets you excited for the weekend, and maybe puts a few more items on your Christmas wish list. Make sure to subscribe to the Hazeadventure newsletter for more Fresh Gear Fridays, reviews, tips, and worldly adventures. 

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