Home > 2013.03

Road Tripping Essentials

Gear to take on your next road trip.

153070_orig
Big Agnes Tensleep Station 4
$449

The Tensleep Station 4’s excellent ventilation and massive, highly-configurable front vestibule make it a top choice for an extended cragging vacation. This is a great alternative to claustrophobic high-altitude summit tents, which are obviously better suited to high-altitude summits.

153076_orig
Therma Rest Antares -7C
Regular – $350: Long $380

The Antares is a great option for traveling climbers seeking warmth without unnecessary weight or bulk.  Therm-a-Rest uses an incredibly efficient 750+ fill-power goose down and distributes 70 per cent of it on the top of the bag, 30 per cent on the sides and leaves the bottom uninsulated. Two flexible fabric bands keep the bag centred over the sleeping pad which adds insulation to the bottom of the bag. This system works.

 

153041_orig
Kelty Tailgater IPA
$170

This fast-pitching shelter easily fit off the back of any mid to full-size SUV and provides an excellent public space for preparing meals or simply enjoying a post-climbing day beer.

153042_orig
Sierra Designs Mirage 4
$830

This luxurious basecamp tent is perfect for extended frontcountry climbing trips. The tent features a separated sleeping area as well as a floorless similarly sized vestibule space that is perfect for storing gear or waiting out inclement weather.

153077_orig
MSR Reactor Coffee Press 1
1 L $20: 1.7 L $23

This could quite possible be the fastest way to brew up coffee during a road trip. First, swap out the lid on the Reactor 1 L or 1.7 L pots with the appropriate size Coffee Press. Then simply boil water, drop in the coffee, let steep and then use the Coffee Press to separate the black-gold from the coffee grounds. It’s that simple and that effective.

153078_orig
Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot
$230

Tired of sleeping in the dirt? Then consider this new ultra-light cot from Therm-a-Rest. By using a series of tensioned aluminum poles and a durable, lightweight fabric, the LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot clocks in at only  1400 g. Packed size is similarly impressive – only 43 cm long and 15 cm in diameter. This thing works and is the next best thing to renting a hotel room.

153047_orig
Rock Deodorant Body Spray
$7

Consisting of only purified water, mineral salts and natural fragrances, Rock Deodorant Body Spray helps stop and prevent the questionable odours that some climbers seem to emit after a few days on the road. This is a simple and effective addition to a regular bathing routine that many climbers should embrace.

153071_orig
Helinox Chair One
$99

This incredibly light (900 g) and highly packable (35 cm x 10 cm x 12 cm) camp chair is comfortably capable of supporting climbers up to 145 kg. Mandatory kit for the inevitable campfire sprayfest.

153061_orig
The North Face Base Camp Travel Canister
$35

Built with the same rugged materials that The North Face uses in its expedition duffle bags, the Base Camp Travel Canister is perfect for keeping personal hygiene gear safe and organized during a long trip.

153062_orig
The North Face Flyweight Pack
$50

This minimalist pack fits in its own pocket and offers much needed carrying capacity when venturing into town for supplies. Much more civilized and appropriate for urban use than that beaten up old crag pack.

153048_orig
MEC Pack Rat Sil Stuff Sacks
$6 – $15

Available in eight sizes and various colours, these lightweight stuff sacks feature waterproof fabric, taped seams and roll-top closures, making them ideal for organizing clothing and gear. A great way of avoiding the entropy that tries to engulf every road trip.

153057_orig
Deuter Wash Center 1
$38

With its multiple organizer slots and detachable pockets, the Wash Center 1 is the perfect toiletry bag for anyone with an extensive health, beauty and hygiene kit.

153051_orig
Edelrid Anniversary Rope 9.7 mm
$210

Rather than risking a core-shot by bringing an old beat up rope on an extended trip, consider getting Edelrid’s new Anniversary Rope. Edelrid is offering this special cord to celebrate their 150-year history of rope-making and has used multiple fibre treatments that minimize water absorption and extend durability. Edelrid also includes a woven colour change in the sheath for easy middle-point identification. The rope’s 9.7 mm diameter makes it ideal for a variety of climbing situations ranging from redpointing hard sport climbs to extended trad adventures. And if that’s not enough, the rope also comes with its own rope bag. What’s not to like?

 

153050_orig
DryPointe Shoe Inserts
Sm. $11; Med. $14; Lg. $17

Originally created to keep ballet pointe shoes dry and odour free, these inserts are also ideal for keeping climbing shoes from going rancid. A good addition to any road trip equipment list.

153037_orig
Arcteryx Aristo Pant (M)
$140

This rugged cotton/nylon pant provides excellent articulation for climbing while maintaining the classic street aesthetic required when venturing into more urban environments.

153039_orig
Arcteryx Quiq Hoody (M)
$120

The trim fitting pullover hoody features a soft and stretchy cotton blend terry knit fabric that provides plenty of chill-fighting warmth – perfect when resting between redpoint attempts or just going out for post climbing-gym beers.

153040_orig
Arcteryx C’esta Hoody
$100

This beautifully made cotton linen hoody provides some light protection from sun and wind when climbing while remaining stylish enough for any non-climbing adventure.

153038_orig
Arcteryx Calyx Pant (W)
$110

This attractive loose fitting pant features a stretch-knit waistband that comfortably fits under a climbing harness. Stylish pocket details and sparse contrasting stitching elevate this piece to beyond just cragwear.

153063_orig
The North Face Bishop Capri
$ 75

The flattering Bishop Capri performs flawlessly on the rock thanks to its articulated knees, a crotch gusset, and drawcord-adjustable waist closure.

153064_orig
The North Face Pilot-Rock Crew
$40

Built with a cool and comfortable VaporWick treated polyester/cotton blend fabric, the Pilot-Rock Crew is a good choice for cragging and bouldering as well as heading into town for dinner.

 

Some of Canada’s most dramatic rock climbs require a lake crossing during the approach – think Cap Trinite in Quebec. For these routes, consider using one of these two highly waterproof packs. With their durable drybag style fabrics and roll-top closures, they’ll keep gear and other climbing essentials, dry during the wettest conditions.

 

153049_orig
MEC Slogg Deluxe 115 Dry Pack
$150

The cavernous Slogg Delux 115 Dry Pack delivers exceptional water protection, durability and thanks to its plushly padded suspension, a reasonably comfortable carry for such a large pack. A three-position adjustable shoulder harness further improves carrying comfort and fit.

153075_orig
SealLine Pro Pack RE
$200

This massive (115 l) pack delivers plenty of carrying capacity while ensuring gear will remain dry regardless of the conditions. SealLine smartly uses an extra-beefy fabric on the lower portion of the pack for excellent durability. The addition of fully adjustable shoulder harness and sophisticated dual-pull waistbelt assure a good fit and in turn, a comfortable carry during the approach.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The Best Climbing Gear According to Our Editors – March

Every month we're bringing you our favourite gear so you can complete your climbing kit with the latest and best stuff out there