Best Hunting Backpack for the Money

Review of the Top 5 Hunting Backpacks in the Market

When most people first hear about hunting as a child, they imagine a hunter alone in the woods with nothing but their wits and their weapon. In reality, it takes a lot more than that to safely and comfortably go on a hunt. You need water for hydration; extra ammunition in case your first shots miss, and the tools necessary to start cleaning and dressing your kills.

This is too much for a hunter to carry in their bare hands, which is where one needs the best hunting backpack for the money. A backpack allows you to keep your supplies on you at all times while still keeping your hands free.

Not just any backpack will do when it comes to hunting. A hunting backpack needs to be a little more durable than the average bag you’ll find in most stores. You never know what the weather might do while you’re on a hunt, so a hunting backpack should be made from water-repellent materials. It should also have enough room to hold all of the supplies you’ll need on hand when you’re hunting. Just how much storage space is needed varies from hunter to hunter, so will be looking at backpacks that come in a variety of different sizes.

Each of the five backpacks we’ll look at has different strengths, so look out for the pack that best fits your hunting style.

5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Backpack

  • Available in 7 color schemes
  • Made from nylon
  • 23 inches high, 13.5 inches wide long, and 8.5 inches deep
  • 66-liter total storage capacity
  • 8-pound empty weight
  • Limited warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer

The RUSH72 backpack from 5.11 Tactical is a workhorse of a bag, built to get the job done with no muss or fuss. The look isn’t flashy, but 5.11 has fit a surprising number of features into this nylon backpack. As soon as you start opening up compartments and you’ll find a wide variety of small pockets tucked away inside, allowing hunters to keep their backpack nicely organized.

5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Backpack

The bag has a large main compartment and three smaller compartments on the front of the bag and on its sides. When the rain starts coming down the water-repellent nylon used to make this bag will help to keep its contents safe and dry. Please note that water-repellant is different from water-proof, the bag should still be kept as dry as possible. The foam used in the shoulder straps strikes a nice balance between softness and firmness, making it possible to comfortably carry this backpack for hours on end.

If you’re looking for a backpack that fits your style, then you should know that this bag comes in 7 different color schemes. The colors are the sort you’d expect from a hunting backpack. They include black, olive green, and an iconic camouflage pattern. The name of the bag comes from the fact that it’s large enough that you call store everything you need for three days or 72 hours. That should tell you something about the size of this bag; it is not a small accessory.

Some will love the fact that this bag can hold everything you need for a long weekend worth of hunting, but others will find that the bag is overkill. The RUSH72 isn’t a bag built for children or for afternoon hikes. Fortunately, 5.11 Tactical makes variations on the design that come in different sizes. Anyone looking for a hunting bag that gets the fundamentals right should give the RUSH72 a serious look.

SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack, 24.2-Liter Storage

  • Available in 6 color schemes
  • Made from polyester
  • 18 inches high, 13.5 inches wide long, and 8.5 inches deep
  • 2-liter total storage capacity
  • 9-pound empty weight
  • Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

The Ninja Tactical Day Pack from SOG is one of the best hunting backpacks for the money and is a dependable bag that has everything you need and nothing that you don’t. The easiest thing to notice is how compact it is. There are only two sizable compartments, larger main compartment and a smaller secondary compartment.

SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack

But if you open these up, you’ll find that there are also zipped pockets for further organization. If that’s not enough for you, then the MOLLE webbing weaved into the design allows owners to expand the bag’s capabilities. Another nice addition is the pouch on the side that is built to hold just about any sort of bottle you might want to bring along to help you stay hydrated. The backpack doesn’t come with a bladder, but it does have space where you can put one for the easy access to your water when you’re on the trail.

The look of the bag is nice, and it comes in six different color schemes, so you’re sure to find something that you like. The one real drawback design-wise is the strange looking velcro skull patch. Some will enjoy it, but most will be better off looking for a more personal patch to cover it up with. This backpack is a medium-sized design, so it’s perfect if you’re planning an overnight trip, but it might be a little restricting if you want to go hunting for more than one day.

The smaller backpack size also makes it a great choice for the younger hunters out there. For day trips and overnight expeditions, this bag will be able to hold everything you need to hunt safely. Finally, SOG offers a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects so that you can buy a new Ninja Tactical Day Pack with confidence.

Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack

  • Available in 1 color schemes
  • Made from KXO-32 fabric
  • 26 inches high, 16 inches wide long, and 10 inches deep
  • 22.5-liter total storage capacity
  • 5.9-pound empty weight
  • Unconditional warranty

The 2200 model hunting backpack from Badlands is designed to withstand whatever nature throws its way. It’s a bag built to shepherd its contents through the harshest of elements and come away without so much as a tear or a scratch. It’s also a true hunting backpack, as seen in the fact that it has a built-in rifle boot, pistol holster, and meat shelf.

Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack

You can wear this backpack while hiking, but only hunters will be able to use all of its features. The backpack is covered with a very neutral approach camouflage that will work in a wide range of settings. With that being said, it is a bit disappointing that Badlands only offers one color scheme. If you’re set on a black backpack, then you’ll need to look elsewhere. Still, this backpack has in iconic will satisfy most hunters.

What sets this bag apart isn’t what it looks like, it’s what it’s made of. SOG uses a proprietary material known as KXO-32 fabric that is specifically designed for hunters. It’s built to be durable, waterproof, and completely quiet. No more worrying about the sound of your backpack’s fabric alerting any nearby game. The main downside of this bag is that it weighs a significant amount, especially when you look at its storage capacity.

The bag weighs almost 6 pounds unpacked, so if you want to travel light, you might want to look elsewhere. With a capacity of 22.5 liters this bag is great for single day hunts, but if you’re looking to pack up everything you need for a weekend in the forest, it might not be enough. None of these factors are necessarily faults in the design; they simply speak to the target market that this backpack is aimed at.

This bag isn’t the lightest or the biggest, but every piece of this backpack was crafted with hunters in mind. This is the backpack that hunters have been dreaming about.

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack

  • Available in 3 color schemes
  • Made from ripstop fabric
  • 32 inches high, 18 inches wide long, and 12 inches deep
  • 64-liter total storage capacity
  • 5-pound empty weight
  • Limited lifetime warranty

While some bags are designed for short hikes, the Sports Explorer 4000 from TETON is built for the long haul. This is a bag for someone who wants to pack days worth of supplies into a single bag so they can trek through nature for days without anything but the items on their back.

All together this bag has 65 liters worth of storage capacity! This bag’s biggest selling point can also be seen as its biggest drawback. Many will see this bag as simply too big at two and a half feet tall. One surprising thing about this bag is that it is relatively light for its size, weighing just five pounds empty.

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack

After looking at so many bags that only come in green, grey and camouflage, it’s a pleasant surprise to find that this bag comes in a relatively cheery light blue. Another nice bonus is the fact that this bag comes with a built-in 3-liter bladder that you can use to stay hydrated on the go. With the Sports Explorer 4000, you can drink and carry your supplies completely hands-free. The bag is made of a durable and water-resistant ripstop material, but it also offers an extra level of protection when the rain starts falling. Inside the bag you’ll find a built-in rainfly to help keep your supplies as dry as possible.

TETON offers additional protection in the form of a limited lifetime warranty covering new backpacks. This bag is the biggest on our list, but it’s more than just a big bag. If you’re the type of hunter that also enjoys long hikes, then this bag will give you everything you need to pack for the most epic hunt of your life.

ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Back Pack

  • Available in 2 color schemes
  • Made from ripstop fabric
  • 32 inches high, 18 inches wide long, and 12 inches deep
  • 44-liter total storage capacity
  • 6-pound empty weight
  • Limited lifetime warranty

If it wasn’t for the camo color scheme, this backpack might look not look like a hunting bag at first glance, but looks can be deceiving. This deceptively simple looking bag is packed with features that hunters will love. Bow hunters should give this bag special attention.

Not only is there a pocket that can securely hold a bow or a gun, but there are also quiver holders built into the bag. No need to fumble with your arrows as you carry them along, this bag makes sure they’re securely stored and easy to access at a moments notice. To build on this theme, the bag has a fold out shelf so that its contents can be as organized and easy to reach as possible when you’re deep in the hunt.

ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Back Pack

One minor disappointment is the color options. Both of the choices offer a traditional woodland-camouflage look. They’re nice enough, but it would have been better if the themes were more visually distinct. This is a minor nitpick in the grand scheme of things. If you do want to stand out or stay dry, then you can pull out the bright orange rain cover that comes with the bag.

This last feature is important to remember because the bag itself isn’t waterproof. When you add together the classic look, special features, and 44 liters worth of storage you get something special. Overall the OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Backpack is an exceptional product that has everything a hunter could want.

Picking the Best Hunting Backpack for the Money for Your Hunting Needs

Each of the five backpacks that we examined brings something different to the table and are definitely prime contenders for the title of the best hunting backpack for the money. Any of them could help you carry your supplies out on your next hunt, but if you want the best experience possible you need to pick the pack that is designed to match your unique needs.

So take some time to think about whether you want a bag that is large and heavy duty or small and highly portable. If you think about what you want in terms of storage capacity, features, and color, then you’ll have an easy time picking the backpack that will help your next hunting trip go as smoothly as possible.

A little thought upfront will save you a lot of hassle when you hit the trail.

Best Rain Jacket under $100 – My Top 3 Choices

No one likes getting wet. When it rains, you shouldn’t feel like you’re stuck inside! Instead, you need a nice warm rain jacket that will allow you the freedom you deserve. Many people think they need to spend a lot of money on a jacket that will actually protect them from the rain, but that isn’t the case.

Best Rain Jacket under $100

You can get comfortable and protective jackets for under $100 and in this article we will look at three of the top options available today in the best rain jacket under $100 category, so you can go out and face your next rainstorm without fear.

Columbia Men’s EvaPOURation Jacket

Columbia is the leading maker of rain jackets, and their Evapouration Jacket is the most advanced model they have. This jacket isn’t just waterproof; it is also packed with features. Made with a nylon shell and Polyester lining the jacket is machine washable, lightweight, and comfortable. Other features include waterproof zippers, an adjustable hood, and Omni-Tech Waterproof Breathable technology that keeps the coat from getting too stuffy. In terms of style, this jacket comes in an incredibly wide variety of colors. There are 22 different color combinations to choose from.

Columbia Men's Evapouration Jacket

The fit of this jacket is very nice. If you’re worried about fitting, you can always order a size up because the jacket is adjustable thanks to elastic drawstrings. You can always tighten it up, but you can only loosen it up so much. You can even fully compress the jacket and zip it into a portable bag that you can easily pack up for any trip where you might encounter rain.

When ordering rain jackets, it’s important to note that they are usually designed to focus on providing protection from the rain. A jacket as affordable and waterproof as the Evapouration Jacket 3 saves money by cutting down on the lining. The jacket is comfortable, but it isn’t particularly warm. If you want to stay warm and dry, you can always order a size up and wear this jacket over something warmer.

If you only look at one jacket, you should definitely check out the Evapouration Jacket 3. It’s a high quality a jacket that comes loaded with all of the features you could want in a rain coat.

The North Face Men’s Venture Jacket

North Face is another leading outdoor apparel brand. These days their products are in demand because of their style and brand name, but they still make products to appeal to the most hardened hikers and mountaineers. This shows in their Venture Jacket, which will keep you completely dry even when the water is pouring down. The jacket is made from recycled nylon ripstop, which means that it is both sturdy and eco-friendly. That sums up the North Face ethos.

The North Face Men's Venture Jacket

If you’re worried about overheating in your jacket, North Face has just what the doctor ordered. The fit is quite nice overall. One thing to note is that the hood is a little smaller than you’ll find on most jackets, which is great for people with smaller heads. There are zips under the armpit that you can pull down to vent the jacket and bring in fresh air while minimizing exposure to the elements. You can also get air flowing by unzipping the pockets and loosening the elastic on the hoodie. They are small details, but they can make you feel more comfortable.

One thing that sets the Venture Jacket apart from its competition is the two-toned color scheme. With this jacket, you don’t have to settle for just one color, and with literally dozens of color schemes to choose from you’re bound to find an option suited to your tastes. Anyone concerned with fashion will appreciate all these possibilities when you compare the Venture Jacket with the other drab options that dominate the market.

North Face makes products for people who care about the environment. Their chosen materials and construction process are both designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. So, if you choose to by North Face’s Venture Jacket, you’ll be protecting the environment as you protect yourself from the environment.

Helly Hansen Men’s Voss Rain Jacket

This jacket is made for serious protection. It’s not just for casual drizzles; it’s become a best-seller around the world because fisherman and sailors rely on this jacket to keep them safe out on the open sea. The jacket is made from waterproof polyurethane and held together with laminated knit backing and micro-welded seams. These construction techniques ensure that water can’t invade through the seams like it can with cheaper jackets.

Helly Hansen Men's Voss Rain Jacket

For extra protection, there are storm flaps and adjustable snap cuffs built into the jacket. This allows you to close down the jacket as tightly and securely as possible when the rain starts pouring down. Since it’s adjustable, you can use this jacket comfortably whether it’s raining or not. The hood can be securely stored when it’s shining out without the added bulk that comes with other options.

In the style department, the jacket comes in four colors. The different options are black, blue, red, and yellow. You’re not just going to be dry in this jacket; you’ll also be stylish. The only real downside is that the sizing can be a little strange, you should probably order a size up. You should also realize that this is specifically designed as a rain jacket, it’s pretty thin, so it won’t keep you particularly warm. It’s made to do one job, and it does it well.

You might not have heard of Helly Hansen before, but they’re not new on the scene. They have been clothing people from all walks of life for over 130 years. Their garments aren’t just backed up by the company’s reputation; all Helley Hansen products are covered by a one year warranty. If you buy this jacket and it suffers from factory defects, you will get it repaired or replaced, free of charge.

Conclusion – Choosing the Best Rain Jacket under $100

Before you make a purchase take some time to look over each of the three options. Buying a rain jacket isn’t just about keeping the rain out, though that’s very important. You also deserve a jacket that fits your style. Each of the three jackets we’ve recommended will keep you dry, but no two look exactly the same. So, as you prepare to make your purchase consider which speaks to your unique, personal style.

Best Camping Stove under $50 – My Top 3 Choices

There’s nothing like getting out of the house and heading out into the wild. Camping should be a part of everyone’s year; we weren’t built to spend all of our time in cities. But just because you’re headed out into nature it doesn’t mean that you can’t take some creature comforts with you.

Thanks to modern camping stoves you can eat better in the woods than you might at most of your local restaurants. And thanks to advances in manufacturing camping stoves are cheaper than ever. To help you pick from the wide selection available we’ll look at the three best options on the market today.

1. Coleman Classic Propane Stove

This is a product that lives up to its name; stoves don’t get any more classic than these. Every year millions of campers turn to their Coleman propane stove for delicious food in the great outdoors. This portable green stove has a simple and elegant design. To start cooking you simply place the stove on a flat surface and unfold it. The design has Wind Block™ panels that run along the back and sides to keep the wind from causing you issues with your cooking. The side panels are adjustable, so you can even use oversized pans that couldn’t fit inside the constraints of other stoves.

Best Camping Stove under $50 - Coleman Classic Propane Stove

This stove might be sold at a low price, but it packs quite a punch. The stove has not one, but two 10,000 BTU burners. With a burner turned on high you can get water boiling in less than five minutes. The two burners operate independently, so you can set one on high for cooking and the next on low to keep food warm. Or you can cook on one while you leave the other off to save on propane. The stove is 23 1/4 inches wide and 14 3/4 inches deep. It can fit two 11 inch pans or one 10 inch pan and another 1-inch pan.

Coleman has been making camping supplies for over 100 years now, and they’ve survived thanks to the dependability of their products. This stove is a true classic, tried and true even years after its first release. It should be noted that the stove lacks some extras like a built-in lighter or propane bottle storage compartment. Still, given the price, power, and dependability of the Coleman Classic Propane Stove, it is still our number one recommendation.

2. Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stove with Piezo Ignition

There are plenty of large and fancy store that will let you cook just about any dish in the middle of the woods. But in some cases, this can be overkill. For example, we love the Coleman Classic Propane Stove, but it isn’t a stove you want to load up into your backpack for a hiking trip. If you want to pack as lightly as possible an option like the Etekcity Ultralight Mini Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stove is the way to go. These aluminum stoves are just over half a pound each.

Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stove

The stove has a built in lighter to ensure that the flame lights quickly every time, no need to bring along matches or a lighter. It might be small, but it can give you over 6,600 BTU of heat. Whether you need all that power or not this stove has you covered, the built-in flame control allows you to adjust the flame to achieve the perfect temperature for whatever task might be at hand. Elekcity is confident in their products ability, which is why they cover it with a 1-year warranty.

One thing to remember is that while the stove itself is absolutely tiny, it’s just one of the things you will need to cook properly. You will also need to pack a bottle of butane to power the flame. You’ll also likely need a pan or dish to cook in, though some people put cans directly above the stove to cook the contents in their container.

If you want the ultimate portable stove, this is the option for you. It isn’t just small; it collapses to save as much space as possible. To ensure that you can transport it safely it comes with a carrying case. And the great thing about this particular deal is that you get two stoves for the price of one! Keep one as a backup or give one to your camping partner, so you don’t have to share the same stove.

3. Coleman Butane Stove

We’ve looked at one relatively large stove and one of the smallest stoves possible, so let’s end with a look at something in the middle. This from Coleman is reminiscent of their Classic Propane Stove, but it’s less than half the stove. It only has one burner, which is perfect for camping by yourself or with one other person. No need to carry around excess burners when you’ve only got so much room in your packs.

Coleman Butane Stove

The stove is 20 inches long, 12 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and weighs in at 4.7 pounds. The stove can heat up an entire 10-inch pan. Larger dishes will fit on top of it, but they won’t be heated as evenly. The burner can provide up to 7,650 BTU of heat, which is less than the Coleman Classic but more than the Etekcity Ultralight. One advantage this stove has over the Coleman Classic is its Instastart automatic ignition system; you don’t need to provide your own flame to start cooking with this stove.

The stove comes with a carrying case for safe and convenient transportation. At Setting this little machine up, putting it to use, and packing it away is as easy as possible. Once it’s working, you can cook a sausage breakfast or brew coffee in 20 minutes or less. It’s a great balance of power, portability, and durability that is perfect for single campers.

Conclusion – The Best Camping Stove under $500

Each of these three stoves are designed to serve campers with specific needs. If you’re camping with a large group and plan on cooking up to two dishes at once, then the Coleman Classic is the way to go. If you are camping on your own, but you’re not planning on hiking far from your car, then the Coleman Butane Stove is everything you need and nothing you don’t. Finally, hikers who want to pack as light as possible will find that the Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stove offers the most power per pound on the market. Take a moment to think about what you need your stove for. If you know what sort of trip you’ll use your new stove on then, it’s simple to choose the right model.

Best Hitch Bike Rack for the Money – My Top 3 Choices

If you are a biker, you know the importance of a good bike rack. Riding a bike is fun and great exercise, but you can’t ride it everywhere. And even if you could, there are times when you wouldn’t want to. When it’s pouring down outside, it’s nice to have a roof over your head. That’s what the bike rack is for, so you can load up your bike and drive it to the perfect starting point for your next ride.

Anyone who cares about their bike should invest in a quality bike rack. You don’t want to risk your bike getting thrown off your car as you are driving down the highway. That’s dangerous for your bike and other riders. With that in mind, we have compiled a review guide to choosing the best hitch bike rack for the money in 2018 on the market and discovered the top options. With any of these racks, you can hit the road confident in your bike’s safety.

1. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack with 2-Inch Receiver

If you’ve got four bikes and a 2-inch trailer hitch on your vehicle, then this rack from Allen Sports is a great purchase. This rack is designed to as easy and safe to use as possible. If you read the instructions, you can install the rack in as little as five minutes. Once it’s in place, it can be placed in up or down positions depending on your current needs. There’s no need to have metal bars trailing your vehicle and threatening other drivers when you aren’t carrying any bikes.

Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

The rack is made of 22.6 pounds of steel, spread between the main tower and the two 22-inch arms. These arms offer extra security when compared to single arm models. Each arm has four tie-down cradles complete with rubber padding to protect your bike and adjustable ties to ensure a secure hold on any model of bike. This 4-bike rack is designed to latch onto any vehicle with a 2-inch trailer hitch. This is important to note; a quality bike rack will be designed to perfectly fit a limited range of hitches. Make sure you get a rack that fits your vehicle.

Allen Sports is so confident in the quality of their product that they offer a lifetime warranty. That’s one of the reasons we are giving it the top spot on our list; you deserve a bike rack that is backed up by more than just words.

2. Pro-Series 63124 Eclipse Black 2-Inch Sq. 4 Bike Carrier

The sleek and minimal design of the Eclipse from Pro-Series makes it an attractive option as one of the best hitch bike rack for the money. It’s a center tower design that can fit up to four bikes on the single mounting arm. All together the rack can hold 120 pounds, or roughly 30 pounds per bike. The Eclipse itself is 31 pounds. The arm moves up and down for easy access to the trunk even when the rack is loaded up with bikes.

Best Hitch Bike Rack for the Money

When looking at racks you want a model that will hold your bikes securely without damaging them. That is what the Eclipse is designed for. The hook and loop design allows you to quickly and securely strap up your bike while the rack itself has strategically placed rubber cradles that hold the bike’s frame securely in place without damaging it. One thing you can say for Pro-Series is that they think of everything, including the safety of your vehicle and bikes. That’s why their rack has a built in rear reflector. This way when you’re driving at night any vehicle coming up from behind you will see how far back your rack goes.

Finally, new Eclipse mounts come with a limited one-year warranty from Pro-Series, so that anyone interested can buy confidently. Please note that this is a rack for 2-inch receivers. If you have a different size hitch receiver on your vehicle, you might want to consider our next rack.

3. Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Swagman Bicycle Carriers produces a full range of bike racks, and the Swagman XC is their most affordable option. This rack allows cyclists to mount up to two bikes on their vehicle quickly and affordably. The design is minimal, the steel frame is only 32 pounds and it is built to swing up and down for when your bike is loaded and unloaded.

This rack is designed to suit the needs of most bikers. The ratcheting arms are made to adjust so you can secure just about any bike in, no matter the frame size. With the adjustable and cushioned hooks, you can fit bikes with 20 – 29 inch wheels securely in just moments. The main limit is weight. The rack has a maximum load of 35 pounds per bike, more than enough for the average cyclist’s needs. Unless you have an abnormally heavy or oddly designed bike then you can bet your bike will fit securely into the Swagman XC.

Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

One great thing about this rack is the fact that it is designed with a universal fit. It can fit both 1-1/4 and 2-inch hitch receivers. If for any reason, you aren’t sure what size of hitch receiver is on your vehicle then this is your best bet. Still, if at all possible you should try and make sure you know what size hitch you have just to be sure.

Please note that this rack does not come with a hitch pin or a security cable. Make sure to budget for these items if you decide to purchase this rack. We will say that it is well worth the investment, especially given the guarantee offered by Swagman. This bike is covered by a limited lifetime warranty, which is one of the best signs of quality you can find.

Some Advice – Double Check Your Vehicle

There are some car accessories that work with just about any vehicle, like air fresheners. Then there are accessories like these bike racks. You can’t blindly pick a bike rack and assume it will work on your vehicle. Each of the bike racks on our list is made to hook up to different hitches. The Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is for 2-inch Class III or IV hitches. The Pro-Series 63124 Eclipse is also for 2-inch hitches. Finally, the Swagman XC works with both 1-1/4 and 2-inch hitch receivers. Take a look at your hitch to make sure you know what size it is and that it’s in good condition.

Once you know what sort of hitch you have, you can buy your new bike rack with confidence. A quality bike rack should give you piece of mind, not troubles. Without a doubt, one of these three models reviewed above fall under the category of the best hitch bike racks in the market and will make your next bike trip a breeze.

Best Budget Sleeping Bag under $100 – My Top 3 Choices

Everyone should own a sleeping bag. They’re essential if you want to go camping, but they can also be helpful in other situations. If you ever have so many visitors over that you can’t fit them on your furniture; then you can set them up in a comfortable sleeping bag. They can also help you out when you’re the person looking to comfortably crash on a floor. There really is no good excuse for going without a sleeping bag thanks to the affordable and high-quality sleeping bags on the market.

To help you find the best budget sleeping bag under $100 in 2018 we looked at the options on the market and chose the best. These sleeping bags combine affordability, comfort, and portability to help you get a good night sleep no matter where you are.

Coleman Palmetto Cool Weather Sleeping Bag

Anyone looking for a more traditional sleeping bag will find what they’re looking for with the Palmetto from Coleman which is why it’s my first choice for the best budget sleeping bag under $100. This rectangular sleeping bag is 33 inches wide and 75 inches long. This makes it a great fit for anyone who is 6 feet tall or shorter. It’s a relatively light 3.5 pounds so fit hikers will have no problem carrying this bag with them as they trek through the wilderness.

Coleman Palmetto Cool Weather Sleeping Bag

This camping bag will serve campers well from spring to fall. It received a temperature rating of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the lowest temperature the bag is created for. So, while you can use this bag in freezing temperatures, it’s worth remembering that this is a cool weather bag, it’s not built for the depths of winter. But that goes for most budget sleeping bags, and when you compare the Palmetto to other bags in its price range, you’ll find this bag does quite well.

This is a comfortable bag. It has a polyester outer layer, a wool liner, and three pounds of insulation to keep you nice and toasty when the sun goes down. It’s not a heavy-duty bag by any means, but it will get the job done in most situations. Simply put, it’s all you could ask for from a budget sleeping bag.

Ohuhu Double Sleeping Bag

Most sleeping bags are made for one person. This might suit the single camper, but it can be disappointing to couples that want a romantic getaway in nature. That’s why this sleeping bag from Ohuhu was created. Now couples can share one sleeping bag.

Ohuhu Double Sleeping Bag

If that wasn’t enough this design has another twist, the bag can be separated into two different bags. When the two halves are combined bag is At 6 pounds this bag is heavier than most bags but that’s to be expected, this bag is twice the size of most competitors. If no one in your group wants to carry a six-pound bag, you can separate into two different 3-pound bags and spread the effort equally. This ingenious design means that parents can confidently buy the bag to sleep with their young child. When the child grows up they can get their own bag without the cost of purchasing a new one. It’s a highly flexible design that is great for a wide range of circumstances.

This bag has a temperature rating of 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Once again, you’ll still be cold in temperatures that low, but you’ll be a warmer than you would without this bag protecting you. To be warm, you should only use it when the temperature isn’t likely to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The exterior of the bag is made of water-resistant polyester. It’s built to keep you as warm and dry as possible. Please note that water-resistant is different from water-proof. Don’t sleep under the rain in this bag or try and float down the river on it unless you want to get soaking wet.

The bag comes with two pillows and a carrying bag that is designed to fit the sleeping bag and its pillows. The pillows are a nice addition, but you should note that they are a little on the small side. If you want more support and comfort, you should bring your own pillows, but you can’t argue with free. The pillows and the bag itself are all designed to fit into the included carrying bag, which is designed to make transporting the bag as easy as possible. If you pack the bag properly and fully compress it, you’ll find that it all fits in a 13-inch long cylinder of space.

Suisse Sport Everest Sleeping Bag

The traditional rectangular design is the most popular shape for sleeping bags, but it isn’t the only option available. There is also the mummy design, so named because you look a little like a mummy when you’re sleeping inside this contoured bag. The design allows minimal room for heat to escape, trapping your body heat and getting it to circulate as efficiently as possible. If you ever want to sleep out under the stars without a tent above you, then a sleeping bag like this is a good choice.

Suisse Sport Everest Sleeping Bag

At just 4.9 pounds it’s a little heavier than the average single person bag, but it’s still relatively light. Remember, everything about this bag is designed to keep you warm when the sun goes down. Over 70 percent of this bag’s bodyweight goes to the Hollowblend MicroTekk Z1 synthetic fill that makes this bag so warm and cozy. This bag is the warmest on our list, with a temperature rating of 0 degrees Fahrenheit!

The Everest is 82 inches long and 33 inches wide. This means that the bag is almost 7 feet long, so it can comfortably hold anyone who’s around 6 feet tall. Given the size and weight, this bag is a little bit on the bulky side. This isn’t the sort of bag you try and jam into an already crowded backpack. It’s not an all-purpose bag, but that’s only because Suisse clearly wanted to create a bag to suit the needs budget-minded shoppers who are interested in cold-weather camping. With that in mind, this bag is one of the most effective on the market and a great choice if you’re looking for the best budget sleeping bag under $100!

Choosing the Right Budget Sleeping Bag

When shopping for a sleeping bag, you need to find the right model for your needs. A bag that might be perfect for someone else could fall short of your needs. If you want a basic, rectangular bag then the Coleman Palmetto is a great purchase. The Ohuhu Double Sleeping Bag is for couples who want to enjoy an intimate camping experience.

Finally, the Suisse Sport Everest Sleeping Bag is for campers who want to stay seriously warm without spending a ton of money. If you want the best camping experience possible, you need to take the time to find the bag that is designed for your needs, not someone else’s.

Best Gas Grills under $500 – My Top 3 Choices

There’s nothing like cooking over a real gas grill. You can try to cook the same recipe up over an ordinary stovetop but it just won’t be the same. The heat from a good grill works magic, transforming ordinary food into something infinitely more delicious. But you can’t trust your cooking with just any grill, you ned the right one for the job. Whether you’re looking for a grill you can take with you on camping trips or something to use around the home there are too many grills to choose from. We’re here to help.

To write this guide, we looked at the best gas grills under $500 on the market. We examined each option and picked out the best options for experienced grill-masters and aspiring chefs alike. Any of these grills would make a great addition to your cooking arsenal but to help you find the perfect one for your particular needs we’ll look at the three top options and their particular strengths and weaknesses.

1. Char-Broil Professional TRU Infrared 3-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill

This grill has the word Professional in its name, and its design lives up to the title. The sleek silver and black exterior looks like something straight out of a highly modern kitchen.

Getting this is like grabbing the Perfect Grill. The stainless-steel grill is fully equipped with three main burners, a side burner, and an enclosed cabinet. The grill lights up with the push of a button. You can trust every fire to light the right way the first time thanks to Sure-fire Electronic Ignition technology.

Best Gas Grills under $500 - Char-Broil Professional TRU Infrared 3-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill

Anyone who has this grill is cooking with the latest in grill technology. It includes the TRU Infrared Cooking System. This tool is designed to achieve an optimal spread of heat while putting two layers of protection between the mean and the flames. This prevents burning and uneven cooking, ensuring that everything you cook on this grill is done to perfection.

In addition to the three main burners, there is also a lidded side burner. This allows you to prepare side dishes while you’re making the entrée on the main dishes. The covering can also remain in place, so you get double the prep space. We’re recommending the 3-burner model, which comes in well under our $500 budget. But if you’re looking to save even more money you can try their 2-burner option. Just remember that with fewer grills it will take you longer to complete a whole meal.

2. Weber 46110001 Spirit E210 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Looks can be deceiving. At first glance, this two-burner grill looks like it might not be able to cook much at one time but Weber has packed it with so much power and so many features that you can grill up a whole meal at once. The enclosure is big enough for 20 pounds of meat to fit in at once with room to spare. There’s also a secondary shelf grate that rises above the main burner so you can bake your potatoes while you grill your steak. All in all, this grill packs 450 square inches of cooking potential into one compact, stainless steel package.

Weber 46110001 Spirit E210

The Spirit E210 is designed to help cooks get the most of any meat they cook on this grill. This is shown in the grills unique Favorizer bars and grill management system. As any chef knows it’s all too easy to lose precious flavor from your meat. It drips off when the heat turns up and can be lost between the bars of some grills. Weber noticed this and resigned its bars to grab onto drippings and allow them to cook up and waft back into the meat. Anything left is carefully siphoned off into the grease tray and catch pan where they are safely held. This makes cooking and cleaning as safe and easy as possible.

On top of this, all the grill looks fantastic. The stainless-steel exterior and cast-iron grill are all clearly top of the line. The color scheme is a classic silver and black that would fit in out in your backyard or the kitchen of a five-star restaurant. Standing in front of this monument to the art of grilling will make you feel like a chef even when it isn’t turned on and that’s why this features on my list of the best gas grills under $500!

3. Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE

When shopping for a grill the main thing to consider is how it performs, but it’s also worth getting a grill that looks the part. This is one of the first things you’re bound to notice when looking at Coleman’s Road Trip Grill; it looks like the sort of grill you picture in your head when you hear the word. Its throwback design will bring many cooks back to their childhood. This compact and stylish grill comes in blue, silver, maroon, orange, green, purple, black, and the classic red.

Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE

This grills unique selling point is its portable design. This is a collapsible grill that can be set up and broken down in just four quick steps. It weighs just 44 pounds without propane tank, and with its big wheels and handle it’s easy to roll around. Perfect for camping or any other outdoor cooking you might want to do.

Shoppers first notice the Coleman Road Trip line for its portability and style, but the grill itself is more than powerful enough to get the job done. This grill is perfect for cooking for parties of four people. It has two 10,000 BTU burners for a total of 20,000 BTUS of grilling potential. This power is unleashed every time you hit the Instastart ignition and provides an even cook no matter the temperature outside thanks to Perfect Flow technology. It packs 285 square inches of grill into its compact design. Alongside the grill, you can slide out two side tables for cooking prep.

Coleman has been in the business of making stoves for campers for over 100 years, and this expertise shows in models like the LXE. This grill is the culmination of 100 years of research and design. If you want an affordable, trustworthy, and highly portable grill, then this is a smart choice to make.

Choosing the Perfect Grill:

Every cook is different and deserves a grill that will fit their needs. To choose the perfect grill, there are a few questions you need to ask. The first is how many things you’ll need to cook at one time. If you plan on regularly cooking for a large family or parties, then a bigger grill like the Professional TRU Infrared 3-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill from Char-Broil is the way to go. Style is another thing to think about, if you want a more old-school, nostalgic look, then the Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE is a sure bet. To get every drop of flavor from your meat, the Spirit E-210 LP Gas Grill from Weber is one delicious design.

What sort of cook do you want to be? What sort of grill do you want in your backyard or at your camping site? All of these grills have something different to offer and that’s why I’ve included them in my list of the best gas grills under $500. Once you know what you want you can choose the perfect grill to make your dreams come true.