It’s that time of year when we are getting excited for spring camping trips, which also means that Backpacker Magazine just dropped their 2021 Spring Gear Guide! What started last fall when we first pitched the editors at Backpacker and sent samples for their testers culminated in a hearty list of Darby clients in the Spring Gear Guide, including an Editors’ Choice. Personally, we always enjoy a reason to brag on the amazing products our clients make to help people enjoy the great outdoors, so we’ve highlighted the new products that Backpacker felt were the creme de la creme for Spring ’21!
Editors’ Choice – Affordable Sleep System – Sierra Designs Get Down 20° Bag
After months of trail time and extensive evaluation, the Sierra Designs Get Down 20° sleeping bag stood out above the competition. What set the Get Down 20° apart? Its warmth, weight, and affordability.
“To new hikers, we heartily recommend the Get Down as a cornerstone of your overnight kit. It’s also perfect for anyone on a budget, or those backpackers who simply don’t want to worry about babying a several-hundred-dollar product. For the price, it’s an elite-performing sleep sack that will never fail you during three-season use.”
Backpacker Editors
The Get Down features a 20D polyester ripstop shell and PFC-free 550 fill DriDown™ insulation, which is certified to the Responsible Down Standard. At just 2lbs 2oz, the Get Down 20° is equipped with other great performance qualities, including a hood cinch to stave off the cold, an anti-snag zipper, an internal hand pocket to wrap the bag like a blanket for bed-like comfort, and a lower zipper location that offers a more relaxed and comfortable fit. This compressible and compact down bag will be available in a 35°, 20°, and Women’s 20° temperature rating, as well as regular and long sizing. Offering customers a perfect combination of warmth, packability, weight, and value, the Get Down will retail for $179.95.
Best Bargain Tent of 2021 – Sierra Designs Tabernash 2
“If you’ve ever been frustrated that “budget-friendly” tents cost around $200, Sierra Designs would like to have a word.”
Backpacker Editors
Sierra Designs’ Tabernash allows you to enjoy outdoor living without having to rough it or struggle with set up. A fully freestanding design with a swift clip attachment system and two-pole design makes setting up this 2 person tent a breeze. The dome is designed for increased stability while maximizing interior livability, and a large vestibule keeps your gear dry and close by. High wind guylines, taped seams, and 1200MM waterproof fly & floor ensure you’ll be comfortable in all kinds of weather, while interior mesh pockets, an e-port, and a gear loft will make sure your weekend basecamp is as comfortable as home. $99.95
Sleeping Bag with Best Features – Sierra Designs Night Cap
Sierra Designs racked up the awards this year in Backpacker’s Spring Gear Guide with not one but two sleeping bag awarded “best of.” The Sierra Designs’ Nightcap 20° bag is based on their bestselling Cloud, but in a lower cost fully recycled synthetic package. Perfect for hot sleepers and wiggle worms alike, this bag features a zipper-less design with an integrated comforter and incorporates Sierra Designs’ patented self-sealing foot vent and a pad sleeve.
Bargain Fixed Blade – MoraKniv Eldris Light Duty
“Our tester found that the blade’s spine is thick enough to spark a ferro rod, a rare quality in a knife this size….and the knife rinses and wipes off easily; it shows no signs of rust after four-plus months.”
Backpacker editors
MoraKniv’s Eldris LightDuty is a reliable knife for everyday situations. It’s small enough to store in your pocket or the toolbox, and the polished blade is made of high-quality Swedish stainless steel that is 2 mm thick and 59 mm long. The barrel-shaped handle in polymer provides a secure and stable grip in each cut, and an outer layer of TPE rubber provides optimal friction and ensures that the knife always feels right in your hand. The stainless steel is perfect for both outdoor and indoor work as it is not affected by moisture or oxides, making the knife last longer. $24.99
Best for Trail Running – Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab
Engineered with Feetures’ Custom Like Fit technology combining an anatomical design — yes that means left and right designated socks — with Targeted Compression to support your feet, these socks provide the ultimate stay-put comfort. A seamless toe reduces bunching and the risk of blisters, and the Max Cushion is now made of moisture-wicking recycled polyester fibers from Repreve™️. $15.99
“Terry loops knit into the underbed helped cushion the relentless pounding {of a 3,300′ descent}, giving a modicum of relief to our achy feet on the last leg of the mission.”
Backpacker Editors
Best Natural-Striding Skirt – Blyss Running Trail Skirt
“Confession: We’ve never really liked wearing skorts on the trail, usually finding their confining fit a poor tradeoff for breathability. But the Trail Skirt’s freedom of movement and storage capacity have turned us into converts, especially for trail runs and short hikes without a pack.“
Backpacker Editors
Made in the USA, this lightweight skirt allows you to jump, climb and run on the trails while also providing coverage in the form of a longer undershort. While this skirt was designed with running in mind, it is perfect for hiking or any adventure where you want the freedom of movement in warm temps. $81
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