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A cheaper solution is the Exped Synmat 12, on sale today at Backcountry.com for $125...

A laptop for working during camping trips. That means about 3 hours of power per day. Some people say you shouldn't work while you're on vacation. I don't do that. I vacation while I'm working. :-)

What are your goals with this bedroll? For 7 lbs I'd rather have a down sleeping bag and an insulated Exped mattress like the Synmat 12 (3 lbs. 1 oz). Far more comfort and warmth.

I seriously considered getting that lantern but its performance seems puny compared to the Siege 3D. Your opinion?

I tried a few different light sources this year: LUCI LANTERN: Worked very well at first, but within a couple of months it lost its ability to recharge and now only gives about 15 minutes of light for a full day of charging. ENO light string: fun auxiliary light but doesn't really light up a...

This is a pain but I admit that I often do the same thing: carry one set of gear for one situation and another set of gear for other situations on the same trip. It makes me feel better to have a 50-liter backpack, small tent, and small mattress that can be backpacked into the woods if more...

Example?

I find Big Agnes tents and sleeping bags quirky. The tents seem overly complicated. There are simpler, cheaper tents that are just as well made and get the job done in moderate weather. Kelty for example. I don't agree at all with the concept of Big Agnes sleeping bags. They fail to tell people...

Just returned from a camping trip with the Exped Megamat. To be honest, I'm getting tired of dealing with a large tent, a large cot, and a large mattress. I love how easy it is to get up off the Camptime Roll-a-Cot and step out of the tent, plus the mega comfort of the Megamat, but I don't love...

Yes, this is what I don't understand. I'm able to pack everything I need for four days on the trail in a 55-liter backpack, but when it comes to car camping, it feels like I "need" literally 10 times more stuff. And yet when I'm backpacking I'm much more aware of my surroundings and more...

For this use are you referring specifically to the Cot One?

I've struggled with being overwhelmed by the logistics and mounds of gear for car camping, kayaking, biking, hiking, backpacking, and skiing for years. The problem got worse as I got more committed to these sports and more interested in good gear (meaning became a gear head). At some point I...

Found something: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=61353036 280 lumens, actually on clearance for $10 at my local store. It's a lot brighter than my current 150 lumen Coleman. Two of these should be pretty good on a bike. This confirms my theory that LED lights are...

Looks like a great light. Too bad they don't publish spill and throw figures. One reason I don't spend this much money on lights is that they tend to end up at the bottom of the lake. I switched from a bike light to a flashlight because at that time flashlights offered more power for less money...

Yes, I already use a headlamp in addition to the flashlight for both biking and kayaking. My last Coleman flashlight was only $25 and has served me well; just want something a bit stronger.

Specifically for biking and kayaking, so I need lots of lumens but also good spill and throw. I've been happy with my Coleman 150 lumen flashlight that I got about 5 years ago, but it looks like there have been a lot of new lights in the meantime, with more power and actually cheaper. I use...

Don't forget about the Exped Synmat 12, which solves the size problem. Compare the specs: Synmat 12: 30 x 77 x 4.7; packed size 6.3 x 13; 3lbs 1 oz, R5.3 (-4 F); $209 Comfort Plus: 26 x 80; packed size 5 x 10; 2lbs 4 oz.; R5; $220 The website doesn't give the thickness of the Comfort Plus...

The top INSULATED mattresses on the U.S. that I'm aware of are: 1. Exped Megamat 10. Supposedly self-inflating but mine doesn't self-inflate in the least. The most comfort money can buy in a camping mattress. Hard to deflate and roll up. 2. Exped Synmat 12: Much more compact and easier to roll...

First, let's define summer and winter tents. Summer tent: usually has mesh on the inner tent for ventilation. Winter tent: the inner tent has solid walls (no mesh) and the poles are stronger to support a snow load. For 30c you do NOT want a winter tent. Without mesh the heat really builds up...

The Exped Megamat 10 is great, but the Exped Synmat 12 rolls up MUCH smaller, is a lot lighter, and is just about as comfortable as the Megamat. I've been sleeping on the Megamat and the Synmat for the last 7 months due to house renovations and I've slept well on both.