Take a Hike

Campgrounds can be an inexpensive alternative to hotels, but you might want to tell your girlfriend it’s really all about the romance of sleeping under the stars.
By Al Thompson

Black Diamond Mirage Tent
This is not a tent for a week at the lake, but if you’re backpacking into the woods for a summer night out, it’s a smart choice—and cool-looking. It’s light, easy to set up, and has 30 square feet of floor space, making it the perfect size for two (unless you’re tall). There are vents at the top to keep you cool and a ten-square-foot weatherproof vestibule where you can stow your gear, so you and your girlfriend won’t roll over it while you’re, um, sleeping. ($300; BDEL.com)

Feathered Friends Penguin 10-Degree Sleeping Bag and Deluxe Groundsheet
A few companies make sleeping bags for couples, but it’s hard to beat something this versatile. The bags are comfortable, high-quality, and all-American (they’re handmade in Seattle). The groundsheet zips on to make room for two, and has pockets for air mattresses. The Sandpiper bag has the same advan tages, but it’s lighter and better for summer. (Penguin: $445–$465; groundsheet: $70–$75; FeatheredFriends.com)

Stanley 3-in-1 Tripod LED Flashlight
This new and improved 3-in-1 came out late last year, but we still haven’t found a better option for camping. The lights can all be used together, of course, with varying angles up to 120 degrees to throw light in three different directions, or they can be separated for individual use; each generates 20 lumens of light. And they’re slim enough to slide into a pocket of your tent or jacket, for hands-free illumination. ($30; StanleyTools.com)

Trek Light Gear Double Hammock
If you’ve found a better way to lounge around than in a hammock, we’d like to hear about it. For our money, it’s hard to beat, and hanging out with a date calls for a double-wide. This one, at six and a half feet wide and ten feet long, gives you plenty of room to get cozy, and supports up to 400 pounds. You can win one of ten free double hammocks from Trek Light Gear, enter here. ($65; TrekLightGear.com)

Gerber Powerframe Knife
When you’re camping, you frequently need to cut things. This cool-looking folding knife has a three-inch blade (serrated or fine) that will suit most of your needs. The handle locks for safety, but opens easily using the thumb studs; the stainless steel handle provides an impressively comfortable grip while keeping the knife lightweight. ($34; GerberGear.com)

Zamberlan 140 Agile Hiking Shoe
When you’re outdoors in the summer, you won’t want to wear boots, but if you’re hitting the trails, you’ll want more support than running shoes provide. These are comfortable for day hikes and built to take a lot of abuse, with reinforced leather and a rubber toe. The AMS sole provides great support, stability, and traction, without weighing you down. One caveat: You should stick to boots if you have weak ankles, you’re going to be on rocky terrain, or you’re carrying a heavy pack. ($100; ZamberlanStore.com)

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
A headlamp is another good thing to tuck into a day pack, even if you think you’ll be back at your campsite well before nightfall. They’re relatively inex pensive, as emergency gear goes, and useful for a number of activities around the camp site. The Spot headlamp has a one-watt LED and three SuperBright LEDs, a comfortable headband, and it’s about as nongeeky a look as you’re going to find in a headlamp—even Amazing Race contestants look silly in them. ($40; BDEL.com)

Beyond Clothing Glacier
Shock Pants and Jacket If you plan on hiking, you’ll need more than a T-shirt and jeans. Even if you start off when the temperature is in the 90s, if you end up out on the trail after dark, it can get cold fast. The key to staying warm is dressing in layers, and this is one of the best options we’ve found for a top layer that’s windproof, highly water-resistant, and lightweight. It’s pricey, so if you want a more impressive recommendation, it’s used for Special Forces uni forms. Those dudes know survival gear. (Jacket: $264; pants: $126; BeyondClothing.com)