Basecamp Equipment: Gear Box
Supplies for life off the beaten path
The theme of this edition of Gear Box is all about the camp site. Your camp site is your home away from home. It should have the comforts you want, too! We know finding the right basecamp equipment can be a challenge, though. Not to fear – TREAD is here! Read on for our latest camping gear recs. What will you add to your gear box?
Sea to Summit/IkosTR2 & TR3
Your tent is the one piece of equipment that makes or breaks your basecamp. The new Ikos Tent delivers a spacious, more sustainably designed tent. With chemical-free flame-resistant fabric, a PFC-free water repellent finish, and first-to-market DAC MX poles made with a greener anodization process, this tent has a lower environmental impact. The lightweight tents will be a great value and deliver class-leading interior living space for car campers, thanks to Sea to Summit’s award-winning Tension Ride Architecture.
MSRP: TR2 $399 / TR3 $499
Shower Pouch/5-pack Shower Pouch
The quickest way to get clean when you’re off the grid, pure and simple. Think of Shower Pouch as a giant baby wipe that acts as a camping shower. It’s an effective way to remove odor and sweat while on the go. Simple, natural, clean, and best of all, 91% organic. This effective formula of organic aloe leaf, witch hazel, organic white willow bark and tea tree oil blend can be used all over body to feel clean again. Available in a variety of light fragrances and unscented as well.
MSRP: $25
Arc’teryx/Kobah Parka
Winter’s cold, wind, rain, snow – staying dry, warm, and comfortable gives you freedom to adventure even on the harshest days. The Kobah’s got you covered. Lofty 850 fill power down – mapped with Coreloft synthetic insulation in areas prone to moisture – keeps you warm while the durably waterproof, windproof, breathable 2L GORE-TEX fabric sheds the weather. A helmet-compatible hood extends protection, and the versatile System_A design – progressive, functional, streamlined – carries across any terrain.
MSRP: $1,100
Silipint/Lidded Bowl Set
Whether you’re looking for more flexibility around the kitchen or craving vintage vibes from your basecamp equipment, Silipint’s Speckled Collections of durable bowls will step up the reliability of your camp kitchen game. Inspired by vintage camping enamelware, these bowls won’t slip, spill or rattle. Freeze ‘em, microwave ‘em, bake with ‘em, toss ‘em in the dishwasher… put ‘em to the test, these lidded beauties won’t let you or the environment down. Available in Speckled Red and Speckled Blue (shown).
MSRP: Lidded Bowl Set $60
Fore Winds/Rugged Camp Stove
Made by portable stove experts, Iwatani from Japan, the Fore Winds Rugged Camp Stove is the toughest model in the line. This brawny stove features enamel coated steel construction in a durable one-piece rectangular design. Magnetic locking secures the gas cartridge, while the cooking flame is protected by an innovative double wind shield design. The stove comes packed in a handy carrying case and weighs a little over five pounds.
MSRP: $150
BioLite/Charge 40 PD
Designed to power all of the electronic equipment you need at basecamp, Charge 40 PD features USB-C Power Delivery for faster, more flexible charging. Power phones, tablets, and other every day gear. Its compact design ensures that it’s easy to pack and ready for travel or life away from an outlet. This charger features a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery that is good for 2.5 smartphone charges and is capable of charging multiple devices at once. This unit is FAA carry-on compliant.
MSRP: $60
Osprey/Arcane Roll Top Waterproof 18
Sustainability and forward-thinking design meet in Osprey’s Arcane family of bags. Recognized for their durable build and subtle functionality, you can’t find a better pack for urban adventures. The Waterproof Roll Top 18 introduces IPX4 waterproof protection in a svelte, minimalist package. Get ready to take on the day, rain or shine—there’s nothing left to stop you. Made with 100% recycled materials.
MSRP: $240
Vasque/Coldspark UltraDry
The Coldspark UltraDry is a winter boot engineered for hiking and other active cold-weather fun. Retain, a unique heat reflective and breathable lining, paired with an UltraDry waterproof membrane keep feet comfortable while on the move during the winter. A multi-directional outsole lug pattern maximizes traction in icy and wet conditions. Free from lunky winter boots, there’s no limit to where you can explore.
MSRP: $160
Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the TREAD March/April 2023 print issue.
