Gimme Shelter: The Best Backpacks, Sleeping Bags and Tents

Also straight out of the lab and onto your back is the TrailFlex outdoor backpack system (starting at $140).

Derived from the Army's latest modular gear-hauling technology, the TrailFlex starts with a basic harness that fits your back; modules are hung on to adapt to your needs. I like the idea in theory, but make sure the system fits before you buy. It can be tricky to master, at least to start.

On the other end of the technology scale is the good old Kelty external framed Tioga 5000 ($170). Yes, you will feel like you are earning your hiking merit badge circa 1952 in this thing. But the Tioga sets the standard for pure high-capacity hauling comfort. Don't hit the trail without at least giving an old-school external frame a try.

Top-Notch Tents

Since weight is a less of factor with this brand of luxury camping, you will want what I want: space, space and more space.

The good news is that's possible now: Tents have become modern-engineering marvels, so much so that even relatively huge models are relatively light, tough and well appointed.

As much as I love what Reliable Tents and Tipis does with its traditional wall tents, they are not for the average camper: Its Yellowstone ($850), for example, is basically a 12-foot-square, 60-pound, portable cotton-duck hotel room.

It is lovely, but the thing is insanely heavy when wet. And it is more likely to do all the things cotton tents do, like mildew. Not good.

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