Advertisement

Outfitter

Crazy Crib Lex With Tarp "Horrible" is how one 17-year-old described the night he spent squirming beside Huntington Lake in this well-built adaptation of the old survivalist hammock. The sag will oppress midnight thrashers. But the cool-looking hang tent proved popular with nappers, some of whom suspect it has magical dream-catching powers. 65 ounces, $125. Crazy Creek Products, (800) 331-0304.

Crazy Crib Lex With Tarp
“Horrible” is how one 17-year-old described the night he spent squirming beside Huntington Lake in this well-built adaptation of the old survivalist hammock. The sag will oppress midnight thrashers. But the cool-looking hang tent proved popular with nappers, some of whom suspect it has magical dream-catching powers. 65 ounces, $125. Crazy Creek Products, (800) 331-0304.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / LAT)

Sleep on it
The only thing between you and the cold, hard ground is a private compartment. Zip in and escape to dreamland.

Kamp-Rite Tent Cot

Kamp-Rite Tent Cot
This isn’t for the go-light crowd, but it was a hit with a crew of car-camping adults and teenagers. Pop it open and you’ve got your own cozy cocoon, with gear pockets and an optional rain fly. 18 pounds, $119.95. Distributed by Paha Qué Wilderness Inc. (888) 700-TENT.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / LAT)

Exped Down Air Mattress

Exped Down Air Mattress
Old-style air mattresses punctured easily. Their splitting seams could make a sleeping camper think a rabid marmot was scrambling under her bag. Worse, air doesn’t insulate. This mattress beats that cold rap with 8.8 ounces of 700-fill goose down, and its makers claim it’s tough. Testers found it warm and comfortable, though using the included “pump sack” to fill it was a bit of a pain. 38 ounces, with sack. $149. Exped. (888) 609-7187.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / LAT)

Stephenson's Down Bag

Stephenson’s Down Bag
L.A. architect Liz Herron found this bag in the “Whole Earth Catalog.” Three decades and many patches later, she still curls up in it. About $200 in 1971. More than $400 today for similar bags. www.warmlite.com.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / LAT)

Most Read in This Section

Advertisement