Backpacks:
Three types: External frame, Internal frame, and frameless
--External Frame:
Pros: Cheaper than internal frame models; great ventilation; good for carrying heavy loads on nice, even trails.
Cons: Heavy; not as stable in off-trail conditions; larger profile means it’s tougher to squeeze through tight gaps;
-Internal Frame
Pros: A closer fit means more stability when traversing uneven or rugged terrain; usually have thicker, more comfortable shoulder straps than frameless models; greater inner storage space means you have less strapped to the outside of your pack, thus less chance of snagging gear on branches, bushes, etc.
Cons: No ventilation between hiker’s back and pack; fancier, larger models tend to be on the expensive side; heavier than frameless packs.
-Frameless:
Pros: Simple; lightweight; ideal for smaller loads.
Cons: Minimum support if packed indiscriminately; uncomfortable if carrying heavy loads for extended periods.
Shelters:
-Three types: Freestanding tents, non-freestanding tents, and hammocks
-Freestanding Tents
Pros: More Versatile – can be put up anywhere, Faster setup initially, Easily moveable, Can be put up in a shelter/on a tent platform, Trekking poles / additional gear unnecessary, Can be picked up and shaken to clean out debris, Sturdier, More space inside usually, Bigger vestibule
Cons: More prone to bad weather conditions, esp. Wind, Heavier, More complicated assembly overall (debatable)
-Non-Freestanding Tents
Pros: Lighter, Easier to repair/find replacements, Faster set up once you are used to it, More Windproof
Cons: Stakes may come out, Doesn’t work on gravel, rock, poor surfaces, Harder to set up at first, Hard to move if your location is poor, May require you to have trekking poles, Less sturdy, Less space inside usually
-Side Note: Double wall vs Single wall
Most freestanding tents are double-walled, meaning that they have a separate rainfly. Many non-freestanding tent options are now trying a single-walled design, though (the rainfly is the roof of your tent). This saves on weight but can have some downsides as well.
-Double Wall
Pro: Less condensation on the inside, More ventilation, and Cooler
Cons: More complicated design, More seams = less waterproof (debatable), Permeable bottom that requires a footprint, Cooler
-Single Wall
Pros: Less complicated design, Fewer seams = more waterproof (debatable), Fewer seams = more waterproof (debatable), Warmer
Cons: Less ventilation, More condensation, and Warmer
-Hammocks
Pros: Easy to Set-Up(debatable), Comfortable, Leave No Trace(ground), Can double as a camp chair
Cons: Quality vs Money, Getting used to suspended sleeping, cold(need insulation)
Sleep Systems
-Types of sleep systems: Sleeping Pads, Sleeping Bags, and Quilts
Sleeping Pads
-Types of sleeping pads: Foldable, self-inflating, inflatable
-Foldable pads
Pros: light, cheap, easily packed
Cons: not much padding, wears down quickly
-Self-Inflating
Pros: easily packs down, easy setup, light
Cons: not much padding, not good for side sleepers(hips)
-Inflating
Pros: very comfortable, keeps your body farther away from the ground, warmer(debatable)
Cons: heavier, bulkier, pump needed to blow up pad, could get a small hole easily
Sleeping Bags and double sleeping bags.
Quilts
Pros: They are compact and lighter than sleeping bags. They are versatile. You can use them as a cover, or strap them down for extra warmth. They come with down or synthetic fill. They are not restrictive.
Cons: They don’t wrap all the way around your body, so your back might get cold. In frigid temperatures, you may need extra protection for your head.
