Heading into the woods this summer? Whether you’re glamping or going off-grid, get the right gear.
Writer: Kerri Sorrell
As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast and longtime camper, I know firsthand the difference a good pair of boots can make. And a good tent. And a great backpack. But when I first started camping, I had no idea what kind of gear I needed or, more importantly, what kind of gear was worth investing in. Sometimes, it really does pay to splurge, especially when we’re talking about surviving in the woods.
After years of leading camping trips across the Midwest, I’ve learned there are a few pieces of gear you don’t want to skimp on. But with so many gear options and outdoor brands available, it can be hard to know where and how to spend your hard-earned cash.
If you’re hitting the trail and setting up camp this summer, here are the things I’d prioritize for a safe, comfortable and fun camping experience — no matter what nature throws your way.
Start with your feet
After hiking and backpacking thousands of miles, I’ve learned a universal outdoorsy truth: Your happiness starts and ends with your feet. A solid, well-fitting pair of hiking boots is the best way to ensure your comfort and safety on trails. There are lots of options, from full-ankle-coverage boots to zero-drop shoes and lightweight trail runners, but the right choice is personal. No matter what you choose, I recommend finding a pair of boots or shoes that are waterproof, with a thick sole plate to protect your feet and enough space up front for your toes. I love my Hoka One One Kaha 3s, which offer the perfect balance of cushy support and a lightweight feel. Danner also makes high-quality leather boots that last for years. Find both brands locally at Active Endeavors or REI.
If trail runners are more your speed, Altra makes good footwear with roomy toe boxes for wide-footed folks, and Salomon shoes are made to last years and many miles of trails. Visit Fleet Feet in the East Village to try some on.
Rest easy
Don’t sleep on cold, hard ground. One of the most important splurges on a camper’s packing list is a good, substantial sleeping pad. It’s basically a compact air mattress. (No shame in bringing an actual air mattress, by the way.) You’ll want to make sure your pad is nice and thick — no less than
2 inches for basic comfort or 3-5 inches for true comfort — and the pad should be insulated. Insulation makes a huge difference in the spring and fall, as it protects you from cold ground temperatures that make sleeping uncomfortable. I swear by any Big Agnes sleeping pad (I have the Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated), but Thermarest and Nemo make great options, too. Find them locally at Active Endeavors or JAX in Ames.
Dress for extremes
On any normal camping trip, I wouldn’t get too caught up in having expensive outdoor clothing. While some situations call for specific, technical clothes, for the most part, just wear what makes you comfortable, whether that’s old T-shirts on the trail or sweats around the campfire. Where clothing really matters, though, is in extreme weather. A solid raincoat with a big hood and tight wrist adjusters should be in every camper’s bag to protect against rain and wind. (Rain pants are a good idea, too.) A nice puffy down jacket will keep you warm in even super cold temperatures without adding too much bulk or restricting your movement. Good merino wool socks will keep your feet comfortable, relatively stink-free and dry from sweat and rain. (I exclusively wear Darn Tough socks because of their quality and lifetime guarantee.) Some of these items can run you hundreds of dollars if you buy them new, but they also can be found secondhand if you do a little searching. Stoked, an outdoorsy shop in the East Village, just opened a section for used gear and clothing where you can find high-quality secondhand items at amazing prices.
Dine al fresco
Just because you’re in the woods doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice culinary pleasure. If you’re looking for something more than roasted hot dogs and PB&J, investing in a small but mighty camp kitchen can elevate your experience tenfold. A two-burner Coleman stove and a good 10-inch cast iron skillet make a perfect combo: You can make basically anything you’d make at home outside. You can even pack a small selection of spices to carry with you on the trail. A bit of salt, Sriracha, dill or Buffalo sauce liven up even the simplest tuna wrap. JAX and Active Endeavors have awesome selections for outdoor cooking, and AllSpice has perfect seasonings in small, durable and reusable containers.
Kerri Sorrell co-owns Wander Women Midwest, a Des Moines-based company that leads multiday guided outdoor adventures around the Midwest and beyond. Wander Women also hosts single-day adventures around the metro, including hikes, classes and skill-building workshops
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