THE GREAT OUTDOORS — The summer camping season is nearly upon us and more of Utah’s best high-elevation camping areas are becoming accessible. Of course, there’s still snow in some of these places and temperatures can vary wildly.

To prepare for an overnight trip, be sure to check the weather conditions. And be sure to pack accordingly. It may mean more weight, but it also can prevent miserable (or downright dangerous) experiences.

One thing that can help is packing gear that is versatile enough to handle temperature variations. This article looks at a handful of interesting products that could be worth considering for your next adventure.

Coghlan's Backpacker Trowel ===========================

PRICE: $4

GRADE: A

This handy little trenching tool has been around for decades and it’s just as useful now as it was when it was introduced. At two ounces, it’s compatible with ultralight backpacking. And despite its daintiness, it’s hardy enough to handle most digging jobs around the campsite.

As an added bonus, this high impact polystyrene trowel is orange. The bright color makes it easy to spot, so you won’t accidentally leave it behind when packing up camp.

Sierra Design Nightwatch 2 Tent ===============================

PRICE: $239

GRADE: A

There’s nothing quite like sleeping out under the stars. One of the most memorable nights of my life was spent watching a meteor shower while camping in the Diamond Fork area. Of course, there are times when the protection of a tent will make the camping experience much more enjoyable. The Nightwatch 2 does a good job of integrating the two.

The Nightwatch 2 is a three-pole tent with a long center pole and two shorter poles that connect perpendicularly at each end. In its simplest form, the tent is essentially a mesh shelter that hangs over you to keep out pesky bugs. The stars above are clearly visible through the mesh. And if foul weather hits, you can slide the integrated fly into place and you’ve got the same coverage you’d enjoy from a traditional tent.

This is a three-season tent that can comfortably accommodate two people. Weighing in at well over 4 pounds, it’s not an ultralight backpacking tent. But it’s still compact enough to include on mid-range hikes. One thing to note is that it can be a little tricky to set up for the first time. So for your inaugural trip, you should get started before nightfall. But once you’ve set the tent up once or twice, it goes much smoother.

Tentsile Flite Tent ===================

PRICE: $350

GRADE: A-

The Flite is essentially a portable tree house. Suspended from three 25mm polyester webbing straps, it allows you to sleep off the cold, hard ground. It’s especially nice in wet conditions or in areas with rocky terrain. Able to support nearly 500 pounds, it can easily accommodate two adults and their gear.

The Flite is a streamlined version of some of Tentsile’s other tents. It has only one ratchet, which substantially cuts down on the weight. Some people will even take it on hiking trips, though at 7.4 pounds it hardly qualifies as an ultralight product.

Of course, a suspended tent is only possible where there are adequate places to anchor the straps. So when using the Flite, it’s good to plan ahead and go to a spot that you know will have a cluster of stable trees.

The Flite may be designed for suspension, but it can also be pitched on the ground like a traditional tent. So if there aren’t good trees nearby to serve as anchors, at least you won’t be left tentless. The worst case scenario is that if you get to a camping spot and there aren’t trees to anchor to, you can pitch it on the ground.

Kelty Tru. Comfort 35 Sleeping Bag

PRICE: Varies by retailer

GRADE: A-

Some people love the snug feeling of a mummy bag. Others don’t like the confined quarters and prefer a wider bag. The Tru. Comfort 35 from Kelty provides a compromise. It’s a mummy bag at its core, but the double-layer blanket system makes it easy to spread out and get comfortable. And just like your bed at home, where you might stick a foot out of your covers on a hot summer night, the blanket system makes it easier to regulate your temperature.

Other great features include a top draft collar, 75D polyester taffeta shell and liner, ThermaPro insulation and a Comfort-Tuck zipper system. And while the bag’s got generous insulation, it still packs up to a fairly small size.

Another nice bonus is that the bag is available in an extended size of 6-feet-6- inches for taller people. It’s generously sized and can accommodate just about any camper. Weighing in at about 4 pounds, the Tru. Comfort 35 is one of the most comfortable options out there.

Granite Gear Lutsen Pack ========================PRICE: $179

GRADE: A-

This new pack series from Granite Gear offers great capacity and clever features to make it easier to make adjustments on the fly. It has an adjustable frame and hip belt, so it’s simple to customize the pack to your torso length and hip size. The frame has a 40-pound load rating and comes in two torso sizes (which can then be adjusted for a perfect fit).

While the Lusten pack is a multi-day pack, it’s sleek enough that it’s not for a gear-intensive trip. Some of its best features focus on keeping water both inside and outside of the pack. The pack’s fabric is fairly water resistant and there’s a tricot-lined belt pocket that will keep your valuables perfectly dry. There’s also an internal hydration sleeve and hydration port, so you can add water to your pack for easy drinking.

All this adjustability adds some weight to the Lutsen, with the 55L weighing more than 3 pounds. Of course, proper fit is probably more important to most adventurers than a small increase in pack weight. But if you’re trip requires absolute conservation of weight, you should consider the weight factor.

Costa Hinano Sunglasses =======================

PRICE: $249

GRADE: B+

If you’re going to be spending time on the water during a camping trip, the Hinano sunglasses from Costa Del Mar could be a good way to go. They’ve got excellent polarized lenses that provide 100 percent UV light protection and minimize eyestrain.

Whether you’re canoeing, kayaking or rafting, it’s all too easy for your sunglasses to slip off your face and end up in the water. The Hinano sunglasses have a low-wrap head curve and rubberized nose pads to keep them anchored in place. At the same time, they also have optical spring hinges that give them enough flexibility to avoid the pinching feeling you can sometimes get from “too-tight” sunglasses.

The Hinano sunglasses seem much lighter than other Costas, but with that comes a tradeoff. The frame lacks the indestructible feel that Costas usually have. Perhaps it’s because they’re made with a TR-90 nylon derived from plant resin (to make them more earth-friendly.) Whatever the reason, they don’t feel like they’d survive repeated drops. So it’s a good thing they have a tendency to stay put on your face.

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