PULL RITE hitches Still made in the USA!

PULL RITE Hitches "(Still)" Made in the U.S.A.              

Despite challenges, PullRite still proudly makes all of its fifth wheel hitches in Mishawaka, Ind.              

Randy Pulliam, president of Pulliam Enterprises and PullRite, is pictured next to one of his company’s SuperGlide fifth wheel hitches. All of the company’s products are proudly made in Mishawaka, Ind.

Historically, almost everything in the RV industry was American made. That’s changed in recent years, however, as companies began sourcing products overseas, particularly to China, as a way to secure savings and achieve greater profits.
One company that has resisted that trend is Pulliam Enterprises, parent company of PullRite, which has proudly been making its fifth wheel hitches in Mishawaka, Ind., since 1978. Company President Randy Pulliam says that in the past his company contemplated having some parts made in China, but decided against it because of a number of potential drawbacks, including possible communication issues and fabrication details.
“Chinese workers might be just as skilled as our workers, and the work can be done anywhere as long as it’s being managed and the responsible thing is being done,” he allows. But he points out that China lags in taking responsibility for things like air and water pollution problems.
“We have to trust people that work for us, and they don’t always perform as well as we’d like,” says Pulliam. “I’m not going to sit here and tell you that our quality is perfect. It’s certainly not. But we’re always striving to improve our quality. How much more difficult is it when you’re working with a language barrier and you’re thousands of miles apart from your product?
“Our engineers can walk out in the shop and they can design a part today, they can have it cut on second shift or third shift and they can have the thing fabricated the next morning and by the next day we could be looking at prototypes,” he says. “It doesn’t always happen that quickly, but it could if we wanted to do that.”
Tough Market Prompts Difficult Decisions
While PullRite has chosen to keep its production facilities in Indiana, Pulliam acknowledges that the company does face challenges from companies making less expensive products overseas. That challenge intensified after the economy – and the RV industry in particular – suffered a deep downturn beginning in late 2008.
“My speech to our employees when this whole economic thing went down was, ‘You’re not competing against your neighbor across the street for your job. You’re competing with a guy across the world for your job,’” he recalls telling them.

John Millenberger makes a detail weld on the base of a fifth wheel hitch. PullRite officials believe RVers are still willing to pay a bit more for a quality American-made product.

One of the difficult decisions that resulted from the Great Recession of 2008-09 was to reduce the number of PullRite employees. Despite the tough market conditions, Pulliam says remaining employees were committed to doing everything possible to keep the company’s operations in the U.S.A.
“They felt they could help us become more efficient and compete,” he says. “When you take your product overseas, you’re admitting you can’t compete. That’s hard to take. It’s like in sports, telling your opponent ‘You’re better than me’ before the game even starts. Well, sometimes that’s true but no one likes to admit it right off. And you don’t want to do it without trying.
“For us, we had to think about our customers,” he adds. “Every time we designed something and every time we built something, our customers had to trust what we did. Even though we recognize there are mistakes we can make and have made, I can walk out in our plant and I can look at what we do and how we do it.”

Press operator Bob Robinson stands at the computer press former. PullRite relies on a combination of high-tech machinery and skilled workers to produce its hitches.

A Two-Part Strategy for 2010
To stay competitive in a tough market, PullRite has adopted a two-part plan of attack. One part is to redouble efforts to get dealers to help their customers recognize there are a number of factors involved in buying a hitch beyond price point.
“Unfortunately, in many consumers’ minds, fifth wheel hitches are generic. They’re painted black, they go in the back of the truck and you pull a trailer with them. So when the consumer is buying a new trailer they don’t spend a lot of time shopping different brands or different features and benefits of hitches,” explains Steve Koehn, vice president of sales and marketing for PullRite.
As a result, education is key. Koehn says PullRite has found that customers are usually willing to spend a bit more to buy an American-made product – particularly one that’s built better with better features and benefits – if someone will simply take the time to explain how a better-made product can help them better enjoy their RVing experience.
“Consumers in general would rather have better products, happier camping experiences and fewer problems and hassles,” he says. “If dealers take the time to explain to customers that there are choices to make when it comes to buying a hitch, and that the cheaper one may not have as many features and benefits as the one that’s a little more money, they’re much more inclined to spend a bit more on a better designed hitch.”
Beyond increasing customer satisfaction with their towing experience, the benefit to dealers is being able to make a larger profit on the hitch they sell, Koehn says.
At the same time, PullRite recognizes that many customers are price sensitive and has responded accordingly. In early 2010 the company introduced two new models – the Model 2100 Super Fifth Wheel Hitch and the Model 2700 SuperGlide hitch. Notably, the Model 2700 automatic sliding hitch for short bed trucks has an MSRP of just over $1,000, putting it on par with manual sliding hitches made overseas.
“The unique thing for us about these two hitches is they fit what we call industry-standard rails,” Pulliam says, noting the rest of PullRite’s product line uses a different mounting system, making the company’s hitches always the odd one out because of its mounting system.
“It basically allows us to market to all those people who’ve bought everybody else’s hitches over the years and would like to upgrade but didn’t want to go to the added hassle and expense of having a reinstall,” he says.
A History of Innovative Ideas
PullRite’s ability to use industry-standard rails with its new hitches is just the latest in a long line of innovative developments pioneered by the company, which was founded by Pulliam’s father, Andrew Pulliam

A fifth wheel hitch undergoes stress testing. The company has long been known for producing high-quality hitches.

Andrew Pulliam didn’t start off as an RVer. But some time in the 1970s he took his family on vacation in a rented Winnebago motorhome. At one point, while traveling down the road, a truck and trailer passed by as if the motorhome was standing still. Being curious, he caught up with it and sure enough it was a fifth wheel RV; the first one he’d ever seen.
And from years earlier, during his days as a pipefitter in the oil industry, he remembered a hitch he invented that pivoted near the axle, and how he’d made a conventional travel trailer tow as if it were a fifth wheel. When he returned home he got busy building a prototype. It worked as well as a fifth wheel, but it was for a conventional travel trailer.
He tried to get a hitch business started, but in rural California there was no manufacturing nearby so it didn’t work out so well. Besides, he didn’t really know much about marketing to the RV industry, so his invention sat idle for some time.
Years passed and Andrew Pulliam eventually retired, but didn’t stop working. He had installed one of his hitches on a friend’s van who was driving to Indiana to pick up a travel trailer. Being retired, he went with the friend to Indiana to show him how to hook it up. In Indiana, Dick Klinger, who owned Holiday Rambler, and Mahlon Miller who worked for Klinger and who is now an owner of Newmar, saw it, and encouraged Pulliam to start building them.
“So we decided to move,” says Randy Pulliam, who now runs the company with his sister, Lynda Hampton. “It was kind of an adventure.”
The family packed up and moved to Indiana and started into the hitch business just as the second oil embargo hit in the late 1970s.
“It wasn’t a good time to go into the hitch business – or the RV business at all – but that’s when we started,” Pulliam says. But he says they did it largely because of the encouragement of Miller and Klinger. More years passed and the company grew, earning a reputation for quality products.
Pulliam says his dad was always a problem solver. He had a knack for mechanical things and being able to envision how to make them. And a problem arose when people tried to pull fifth wheel trailers with new-style short bed pick-ups.
“When short bed trucks came out and got so popular, he doodled out a little piece of paper and said, ‘I think this will work,’” Pulliam says of his father. “I told him he was crazy, that will never work. But we built a prototype and I’ll be darned if it didn’t work. And then when we built it and it was so big and so expensive, I said ‘We won’t sell very many of these.’ But today that’s our best seller.”by RVProstaff.


These hitches really give B&W their only competition!
Chris

2011 Binocular Buyer’s Guide Which are the best?

When packing for your next outdoor adventure, remember nothing can enhance your experience like a good pair of binoculars. Observing nature at her wildest often requires that we keep a distance in order to not disturb the natural flow of things, but high-quality binoculars can get you an up-close and personal view of what many people may never be lucky enough to witness. With a high-quality set of binoculars, you may discover that what looks like only a brown stump in a distant field is actually a lynx on the prowl or perhaps a wolf with her pups. This guide is organized by cost (it roughly goes up in price as you read) and divided into two categories to help you shop, but each of these suggestions have something special to offer. There’s sure to be something here you’ll like.

Under $500

Nikon Travelite
You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Nikon Travelite binoculars. The perfect binoculars for backcountry explorers, the Travelite is compact, lightweight, easy to carry and best of all, its price won’t ruin your budget. Available in 8x25, 10x25 and 12x25, these models feature advances normally seen on much higher-priced models. By utilizing Nikon’s bright, multicoated optics and Bak4 high index prisms, the Travelite delivers a brighter, sharper view during critical early and late periods of the day. Turn-and-slide eyecups and a central focus knob make using the new Travelite simple, and the durable, rubber-armored body protects against hard use. The new Travelite also features enhanced ergonomics and aspherical eyepiece lenses for an enhanced field of view that is uncommonly flat and clear from edge to edge. 8x: $99.99, 10x: $109.95, 12x: $119.95.

Steiner Safari Pro 8x22
The Safari Pro 8x22 binoculars may look stylish enough for the theater, but they’re tough enough for the trail. With optical performance features that make them a joy to use on birds and wildlife, these feather-light and compact binos are the perfect size for your pack. The new, larger center-focus wheel allows for fast focusing on your subject while the extended eye relief brings higher brightness with longer eye relief for use with eyeglasses. The compact 8x22 Safari Pro will fold to fit a pocket or the included compact case. Like all Safari Pro models, they feature the brilliance of Steiner optics, but screen UVA and UVB light by nearly 100 percent for a cool, crisp, comfortable view, making them ideal for hiking, backpacking in the mountains or at the beach. $119.

Alpen Optics Shasta Ridge
Perfect for long hikes or nature tours, Shasta Ridge binoculars fit easily in a pocket or backpack, but can also be worn around the neck all day without bother as they only weigh 15 ounces. These binoculars are fully waterproof, fully multicoated, have long eye relief and feature BAK4 optics that provide clearer, brighter viewing under all conditions. The full-size 42mm models have a sleek roof prism design, while the 26mm models are a compact porro prism design. Shasta Ridge binoculars can handle all types of weather, perfect for outdoor adventurers. $174.

Bushnell Trophy XLT Series
Bushnell has redesigned its popular high-quality and affordable Trophy line of binoculars to feature a sleeker, ergonomic build with fast-focus capability, making these binoculars perfect for checking out wildlife on the move. The new Dura-Grip coating with soft-touch thumb grips makes it easy to use for longer periods of time without discomfort. The fully multicoated lenses feature lead-free Enviro-Friendly glass for greater clarity and light transmission. Trophy series binoculars are 100 percent waterproof and fogproof. Each pair also comes with a set of flip-up objective lens covers. 10x27, $99.99; 8x32, $119.99; 8x42, $189.99; 10x42, $199.99; 12x50, $219.99.

Celestron 10x50 Nature Series
The Nature Series from Celestron features a state-of-the-art design with a modern open-frame style. Significant features include fully multi-coated optics and high-precision BAK-4 prisms to enhance the optical quality with maximum contrast and color rendition. The rugged aluminum main body has a rubber covering for additional protection. Twist-up eyecups provide easy adjustment. The Nature Series is waterproof, and nitrogen purged to be fog-proof. A soft case and straps are included, and the binoculars offer Celestron’s No Fault Lifetime Warranty. $115.95.

Redfield Rebel 8x32
Easy to handle and lightweight, the Rebel 8x32 roof prism binoculars cover virtually any outdoor activity that requires a good binocular. The Rebel’s ergonomic roof prism design reduces bulk and weight. The 8x32 mm model weighs only 17.1 ounces and measures five inches in length. Rebel binoculars perform exceedingly well in the field and are a great value. These binoculars feature fully multicoated lenses and premium BAK4 prisms for image brightness, resolution and edge clarity. They have a fully armored aluminum body to ensure durability and are nitrogen filled to make them waterproof and fog-proof in all field conditions. Twist-up/down eyecups comfortably accommodate users with or without eyeglasses. Each set of binoculars comes with a tripod-adaptable mount, soft case, neoprene neck strap and lens caps. 8x32: $129.99.

Busnell Legend Ultra HD
A favorite of serious outdoorsmen and women, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD boasts a combination of high-quality optics and premium ED Prime Glass with the new Ultra Wide Band Custom Coating lens technology for high definition performance. Two new midsize roof prism models, the Legend Ultra HD 8x36 mm and 10x36 mm, feature anti-reflective Ultra Wide Custom Coating, which delivers the best available light not only during the peak of the day, but also at dusk and dawn when good optics matter most. Premium ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass delivers optimal color performance and edge-to-edge sharpness. Compared to similarly priced optics, Legend Ultra HD binoculars deliver a wider field of view and are also more comfortable to use. Longer eye relief means less eyestrain. You can take these binos out in any weather thanks to their 100 percent waterproof construction and new RainGuard HD high-density permanent coating, which scatters less light by minimizing or eliminating moisture on the lens surface. 8x36, $249.99; 10x36, $249.99.

Leupold Katmai 8x32
The Leupold Katmai 8x32 binoculars provide outdoor lovers with full-size optical performance in a compact package that is lightweight and easy to carry or pack. The Katmai 8x32 offers twist-up eyecups that make use easy with or without eyeglasses. The key to Katmai’s performance is the 32mm objective lens, which is larger than the objective lens of traditional compact binoculars and transmits a greater amount of light to the eyes. Generous eye relief helps make the Katmai comfortable to use for extended periods, even with glasses. Built for all-weather use, the Katmai is completely waterproof and has shock-absorbing rubber armor for extra protection. $439.99.

More Than $500

Nikon Monarch X
This binocular line is ideal for nature lovers who understand that wildlife is often most active early in the morning or late in the evening when light conditions are low. The Nikon Monarch X’s 45 mm objective lenses provide larger exit pupils for increased low light performance, while maintaining the balance and comparable weight of many competitors’ 42 mm models. Available in 8.5x45 for the ultimate in light transfer and 10.5x45 for an ideal combination of power and performance, the Monarch X works equally well for the adventure seeker or casual sightseer. By utilizing Nikon’s advanced Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coatings, the Monarch X delivers a brighter, crisper view during critical dawn and dusk periods. The long eye relief (8.5x45=20.6 mm and 10.5x45=16.0 mm) multi-position click-stop eyecups make using the New Monarch X easy and fun for those with or without eyeglasses. 8.5x45, $579.95; 10.5x45, $599.95.

Celestron 8x42 Granite Binocular
Celestron’s Granite Series Roof Prism Binoculars are the pinnacle of optical and mechanical design. They are waterproof, nitrogen purged to be fog-proof, feature ED (Low Dispersion) glass to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness with excellent color correction and razor-sharp images while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration, use phase-coated BaK-4 prisms with high-reflectivity coatings for the sharpest and brightest possible images, and the body is made of magnesium, which is much lighter than aluminum and more rugged and tough for handling in any environment. It comes with a standard deluxe binocular strap and carrying case, but a binocular harness strap is available that takes the strain off your neck and distributes the weight load of the binoculars to your shoulders and torso for extended use. The Granite Series is also eco-friendly as the coatings are lead- and arsenic-free. And it also carries Celestron’s No Fault Lifetime Warranty. $688.95

ZEISS Conquest 8x30 Binoculars
The Conquest 8x30 is the perfect binocular for hikers and campers who prefer a midsize binocular at an affordable price. The 17.46-ounce, rugged Conquest binoculars are ergonomically designed for comfort and tough use in the field, and Zeiss’ proprietary multicoating on the lenses and its phase-coatings on the prisms improve light transmission for bright, sharp images and enhanced twilight vision. $649.99

Kowa BD42 Series
The Kowa BD42 series binoculars are an ideal companion for bird-watching or any other outdoor activity that requires a bright image and a wide field of view. These sleek binoculars come in 8x or 10x magnifications, and in dark green housings that blend into your surroundings. The prism is phase-coated to ensure sharp images and outstanding contrast. All lenses and prisms are fully multicoated, ensuring a clear visual range and sharp images. This new coating technology maximizes the reflectivity of the prism and reduces the loss of light, thereby achieving brighter and sharper images. 8x42, $655; 10x42, $685.

Steiner Merlin 10x50
Rugged design and waterproof construction make the Steiner Merlins perfect for handling what Mother Nature can dish out. Despite their hardy exterior, the Merlins sport a sleek, compact design that’s easy and comfortable to use and handle. Merlin binoculars feature a smooth, precise center focus with exceptional brightness, and although the added size of the 50 mm objective lenses lets in more light, it does not make the binocular bulky. The Merlin series features phase-corrected roof prisms and fully multicoated optics for clarity and highest resolution. Each Merlin includes a deluxe protective and weatherproof travel case, a neoprene, nonslip comfort strap, rain guard and objective lens caps. These binos are guaranteed waterproof and feature a 10-year warranty against defects. 10x50, $749.

Swarovski TYROL Pocket Binocular
Clothed in Italian leather, the smallest of all Swarovski Optik’s binoculars, the 8x20 TYROL, is a great-looking travel companion. The Pocket TYROL has a sophisticated lens system comprising a total of 16 lenses, which are treated with all three of the company’s proprietary coatings. This is the reason the images are so exceptionally bright and the field of view so impressive. The Pocket TYROL is dustproof and waterproof, and has adjustable twist-in eyecups allowing eyeglass wearers to enjoy a full field of view. Its appealing design and high-quality leather make it a real eye-catcher. The dedicated handmade leather belt pouch and the leather cord are perfectly matched to the Pocket TYROL. $965.56.

Kowa Genesis 33 Prominar Binocular Series
Weighing in at slightly over a pound, the Genesis 33 Series binoculars give outdoor observers the freedom to survey wildlife for longer periods without suffering arm fatigue. In addition to being exceptionally easy to handle, these binoculars feature four Prominar XC lenses, which deliver unrivaled image quality and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration. Pictures are bright and are highlighted by high contrast and unrivaled color reproduction. The Prominar lens technology offers the highest resolution combined with precise color definition and edge-to-edge sharpness for optimum viewing enjoyment. Their new multicoated optical system and C3 prism coating creates higher reflectivity and minimizes loss of light. Both the 8x and 10x models showcase an extremely wide field of view, making them the ideal optics for observing plants, insects and other objects within close range while revealing a larger field. 8x33, $1,285; 10x33, $1,440.

Alpen Rainier
The Alpen Rainier is lightweight yet tough as nails, making it ideal for those who take the term “roughin’ it” to heart. The Rainier 42 mm binocular family features a new open-hinge body design as well as a new HD ED “high definition extra low dispersion” optical system that delivers state-of-the-art optical performance that rivals some of the best European brands, but for considerably less cost. With reduced weight (just over 29 ounces) and improved holding comfort, the new Rainier is a great option for those looking for top optics. The Rainier binocular features newly designed twist-up eyecups and Alpen’s unique A-lock locking diopter adjustment system. The superb HD ED optical design combined with Alpen’s UBX multilayer coating system, PXA phase coatings, and SHR metallic prism coatings result in extremely bright and sharp images. Fully waterproof O-ring sealed magnesium body construction is the foundation for other features such as long eye relief for eyeglass wearers and close focus distance of 6 feet. And the Rainiers are backed by Alpen’s lifetime factory warranty. 10x42, $1,595; 8x42, $1,538.

ZEISS Victory 8x32 FL Binoculars
The ZEISS Victory 8X32 is a high-performance, midsize binocular in an extremely portable, lightweight size, making them not only perfect for camping but for just about any outdoor event. The Victory’s FL glass produces bright, sharp and vivid images, and the LotuTec water-repellant coating on all ZEISS Victory optics ensures that the image remains clear even in the pouring rain. This lens coating causes raindrops to bead and roll right off, and dirt and grime wipe away with ease. This Victory FL Binocular also features a rugged housing and rubber armor exterior that is durable and comfortable to handle in any weather condition, and the 32 mm objective lets in plenty of light for clear viewing during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk. $2,149.99. By Stephanie Mallory

Hope this helps when your looking to purchase new optics!

 Chris

Sleeping Bags: Bedder Than It Used To Be

New developments in sleeping bags with regard to high-tech and recyclable insulation materials, the mixing of fill materials, shapes to fit different body types and genders, and much more have arrived on the market in an ever-increasing effort to make your nights in camp as enjoyable as your nights at home.

And all this technology has been handed down to your kid’s bag, too. Take a look and see what’s available from some of the major outdoor brands to keep you warm and cozy while you’re sleeping under the stars.

Big Agnes
First introduced last year, Big Agnes has expanded its use of Insotect’s Flow design, which uses strategically placed Flow Gates inside the vertical chambers to minimize vertical and lateral downshifting. The design has been incorporated into all of the company’s down bags this year, including the new Heart Mountain SL 30. Featuring the first generation of lightweight Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon treated with a durable water-repellant treatment, this 800-fill semi-rectangular down bag offers more room in the foot box and shoulders. The Heart Mountain also includes Big Agnes’ signature integrated pad sleeve and built-in pillow pocket as well as a no-draft collar, tube and wedge that insulates the connection between the bag and pad. $360. 30F, regular. 2 pounds 2 ounces. Big Agnes: 877/554-8975; bigagnes.com.

Coleman

Coleman multi-temperature

Coleman introduces a variable-temperature sleeping bag this season called the Multi Comfort, which uses multiple layers so campers can customize their sleeping experience. Featuring a fleece layer for cool nights and a lightweight sheet for warmer nights, as well as a pillow pad, this rectangular sleeping bag is made with Diamond ripstop and brushed polyester fabrics. $50. 20/70F, regular. 6 pounds. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com.

Eureka!
Perhaps most popular in 2011 are bags that offer multiple ratings, allowing campers to use them in a variety of temperatures. Take, for instance, the Eureka! Dual Temp, which is designed for versatility — just flip over the bag to achieve the desired temperature rating. Featuring a 60D ripstop polyester shell and Eureka!’s proprietary Rteq insulation, this hybrid-rectangular sleeping bag incorporates contoured shoulders and a tapered lower leg section while offering generous width through the chest and hips to maximize comfort and performance. $90. 20/40F, regular. 3 pounds 6 ounces. Eureka!: 800/572-8822; eurekatent.com.

Exped
Exped is another company pushing the envelope in sleeping bag design by focusing on versatility with its Dreamwalker 250. Not only does it function as a regular sleeping bag with side and foot zippers and a hood, it can also be used as a rectangular blanket with a rolled-in and stowed hood, as an insulated poncho, or as a liner to enhance the performance of an existing bag. Made with Texped PA35 ripstop nylon, this 750-fill down bag features an anatomically shaped hood, locking zippers with glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, and comes with a waterproof fold-n-roll stuff sack. $235. European Norm (EN) Comfort 61F, regular. 1 pound 8 ounces. Exped: 866/326-4586; exped.com.

Golite

Golite Adrenaline

Golite is leading the eco-friendly movement, restructuring its entire line to incorporate as many recycled fabrics as possible, while also adding roomier semi-rectangular bags to the line. For optimal performance, though, the Adrenaline 1+ Season Mummy is the lightest, most compressible model in the Adrenaline series. It features lofty 800-fill down, and recycled Pertex Eco waterproof, breathable fabric strategically placed in Arid Zones at the head and foot for protection against condensation.

This bag also includes performance features like a center-front zipper for ventilation, snug-fitting SkullGlove hood as well as vertical- and horizontal- chamber and baffle systems that maximize down distribution for optimum warmth. $280. 40F, regular. 1 pound 9 ounces. Golite: 888/546-5483; golite.com.

Kelty
Loaded with cool new features, the Galactic Hoody from Kelty is a 15-degree down rectangular bag with a removable hood for warmer nights. Made with a light, durable polyester ripstop shell and a soft polyester pongee liner, this bag also includes a zippered chest pocket and can be fully unzipped and opened flat for use as a comforter. $169. 15F, regular. 3 pounds 11 ounces. Kelty: 800/423-2320; kelty.com.

L.L.Bean
L.L. Bean is also jumping on the ultralight bandwagon this year with the introduction of its aptly named Ultralight Sleeping Bag. Offering an exceptional weight-to-comfort ratio by featuring a relaxed semi-rectangular shape combined with the high-performance comfort of Primaloft Sport, it’s engineered for superior warmth, water resistance, softness and compressibility. $199. 30F, regular. 2 pounds. L.L.Bean: 800/441-5713; llbean.com.

Marmot

Marmot Plasma

The latest and greatest technology in sleeping bags is exemplified in Marmot’s new ultralight Plasma. Featuring Insotect’s Flow design, this 900-fill down bag is also made with Pertex Quantum GL, a new lightweight yet strong, waterproof, breathable fabric that packs small and keeps this revolutionary sleeping bag weighing under 2 pounds. It also features the European Norm (EN) 13537 rating that certifies it as being tested on four levels: upper limit, comfort rating, lower limit and extreme rating as well as a lower limit rating for women. $419. EN Comfort 33F, regular. 1 pound 6 ounces. Marmot: 888/357-3262; marmot.com.

Mountain Hardwear
Shapes are ever changing with the number of double bags notably increasing. Take Mountain Hardwear’s introduction of two new double-size bags this season, one of which is a sibling to the Lamina collection, the MegaLamina 20. This semi-rectangular bag features Thermic Micro insulation and Welded Lamina construction, eliminating sewing, which can compress and create cold spots. The 40D ripstop nylon shell is also DWR treated and comes equipped with two full-length, double-slider zippers for optimum ventilation. $200. 20F, double. Mountain Hardwear: 800/953-8375; mountainhardwear.com.

Mountainsmith
Bargain synthetic bags packed with features can also be found in this year’s offerings. Mountainsmith debuts a new line of sleeping bags this season, featuring relaxed mummy bags like the Poncha 35, which features calf-length zippers to save weight, a full-length draft tube and a contoured footbox. Made with a quilt construction, internal liner loops and a Sil-Nylon water-resistant compression stuff sack, this sleeping bag uses polyester pongee outer fabric, has a taffeta polyester lining and is filled with MountainLoft Hollowfibers. $89. 35F, one-size-fits-most. 2 pounds 14 ounces. Mountainsmith: 800/551-5889;   mountainsmith.com.

REI
Combining fills is also growing in popularity, represented in this collection from REI’s new Kingdom sleeping bags, available in single or double. Made with a lofty 600-fill down top and compression-resilient polyfill bottom, this relaxed mummy bag features a ripstop nylon shell with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and a silky nylon taffeta lining. $129. 30F, single. 3 pounds 8 ounces; double, 6 pounds 1 ounce. REI: 800/426-4840; rei.com.

Sierra Designs
Another trend emerging in the market is offered in Sierra Design’s new Pyro sleeping bag that features Core Comfort body-mapping technology. With its advanced double-baffle system, the Pyro adds extra 600-fill down insulation directly over the torso to maximize heat retention in this crucial area. It also offers an ergonomic foot box and hood for comfort, a pillow pocket for convenience, and a zipper draft tube and draft collar for keeping cold air out. $250. 15F, regular. 2 pounds 13 ounces. Sierra Designs: 800/635-0461; sierradesigns.com.

Slumberjack
Bags in general are getting a little roomier. Take the new Log Cabin from Slumberjack, which not only features an updated rectangular cut, but also includes an oversized side panel for a roomier, more comfortable fit. Insulated with Slumberloft and made with a durable poly-cotton canvas shell and soft polyester pongee liner, the Log Cabin features a flip-over hood for use as a flat or contoured hood. $60. 40F, regular. 4 pounds 14 ounces. Slumberjack: 800/233-6283; slumberjack.com.

Log Cabin by Slumberjack

Bags For Kids
Mountain Hardwear’s new 20-degree-rated Mountain Goat Adjustable ($80) sleeping bag grows with your children from the time they are 4 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall using a draw cord system that adjusts the internal length of the bag. Made with Thermic MX synthetic insulation, 50D nylon taffeta and 50D polyester taffeta, this 2-pound, 3-ounce bag also features a face gasket, draft tube and chest pocket for gizmos and gadgets.

Creature Comforts
Creating a sleep system that mimics your bed at home is the best recipe for a good night’s sleep. Companies are now designing not only sleeping pads, but also pillows, liners and sheets. Most noticeable is the growth in pillows, as seen in Kelty’s new ultra-light and compressible 650-fill down pillow featuring a perimeter compression draw cord that also creates a pocket used to customize firmness with extra clothing.By Lesley Suppes

Hope this helps in your sleeping bag purchases in the future!

Chris

Whats the best camp stove? Heres the Skinny!

If your family is like mine, one of the most important parts of planning your camping trip is the food. From flaming s’mores to roasting hot dogs to baking biscuits over a campfire, food is an essential part of a successful camping trip. And whether you cook everything from scratch at your campsite or heat up beans right in the can, you need to have the proper equipment to get your cooking done. Here are some examples of camp stoves to get your thoughts percolating. Some are new and some are tried-and-true favorites. Keep in mind that these companies offer a wide variety of products, so make sure you visit their websites and view all they have to offer. Mr. Max Table Top Burner The Mr. Max Table Top Burner ($39) is an easy-to-use, single-burner butane mini-stove that’s built tough to withstand the rigors of continuous use. Mr. Max features a large heavy-gauge metal body and porcelain enamel-coated steel drip pan. The extra-large cooking surface holds standard-size cookware and delivers up to 10,000 BTUs of finely controlled heat. This portable stove includes its own storage case. Aervoe Industries: 800/227-0196; aervoe.com. Max Burton Deluxe Induction Cooktop If your camping setup includes full hookups, you might want to consider the Max Burton Deluxe Induction Cooktop ($120). Induction offers cooking with no open flame or exposed heating elements. This cooktop operates on 120-volt plug-in power and features an upgraded stainless body with 10 variable-temperature settings from 140 to 450 degrees F, 10 power levels from 500 to 1,800 watts, and a 180-minute timer that will automatically shut down the unit when time has expired. Aervoe Industries: 800/227-0196; aervoe.com. Camp Chef Everest Stove Keeping it the same size and weight as the company’s popular Mountain Series stove, Camp Chef has come out with its new high-output Everest Stove ($110). Boasting 40,000 BTUs, the Everest is built to cook, boil and fry anything that’s thrown its way. Highlights include a built-in carry handle and matchless ignition. Camp Chef: 800/650-2433; campchef.com. Camp Chef Portable Gas Fire Ring Camp Chef Gas Fire Ring If you enjoy an easy campfire while enjoying the great outdoors, you should check out the Portable Gas Fire Ring ($100) by Camp Chef. The Camp Chef portable fire ring will provide that warm glow with enough power to roast hot dogs and brown marshmallows. A carry bag and two extendable roasting forks are included with the fire pit. Its compact size is perfect for the car-camping family on the go. Camp Chef: 800/650-2433; campchef.com. Camp Chef Big Gas Grill The Camp Chef Big Gas Grill ($300), with three 30,000-BTU burners, can crank out enough heat to cook for a crowd. It comes with a side shelf and a hinged-lid barbecue box that covers two burners. The barbecue box can be easily removed from the stove so you have access to all three burners. Other highlights include appliance-style, burner-control knobs, a cast-iron, pre-seasoned grate, built-in ignition, independent leveling legs, removable grilling attachment and carry handles. Camp Chef: 800/650-2433; campchef.com. Coleman All-in-One Cooking System The new Coleman All-in-One Cooking System ($150) is a versatile, compact, totally portable cooking solution that includes a stove, grill grate, griddle and stockpot/warmer. Feature highlights include an easy-to-clean removable, porcelain-coated, stamped-steel grill grate, nickel-coated stove grate and aluminized-steel drip pan. All the removable cooking surfaces are dishwasher safe. The All-in-One Cooking System is propane-powered and offers matchless piezoelectric pushbutton lighting. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com. Coleman Perfectflow Instastart 2-Burner Stove The Perfectflow Instastart 2-Burner Stove ($70) from Coleman offers 22,000 BTUs of cooking power in two high-performance burners. The stove features independently adjusted burners, Coleman’s InstaStart push-button matchless ignition system, the PerfectFlow system that regulates fuel flow for constant, even heat and its WindBlock shield system to protect burners from the wind. Easy to clean, with a removable, nickel-chrome grate, the stove comes with a rust-resistant, durable, enamel-painted case. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com. Coleman Perfectflow Instastart Fold-N-Go 2-Burner Stove If you want the convenience of a two-burner stove in a smaller package, check out Coleman’s 10,000-BTU Perfectflow Instastart Fold-N-Go 2-Burner Stove ($80). This stove is about 25 percent smaller than most traditional two-burner stoves. The Fold-N-Go 2-Burner Stove operates on propane, is easy to carry, simple to stow, and folds out into two full-size cooking areas. Its regulator and cooking grates store conveniently inside the stove when not in use. The Fold-N-Go also features the InstaStart matchless starting system. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com. Coleman Powerpack 1-Burner Stove Coleman’s Powerpack 1-Burner Stove ($35) is made of an aluminized-steel cooktop and removable, nickel-chrome grate for easy cleanup. The large 31?4-inch, 7,500-BTU burner is to the side of the propane cylinder in a low-profile fashion and is fully adjustable. The stove’s low profile and compact design mean it’s easy to clean, store and pack. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com. Coleman Dual Fuel Powerhouse 2-Burner Stove Coleman Dual Fuel Powerhouse The Dual Fuel Powerhouse Stove ($130) by Coleman provides cooking power and convenience with a 3.5-pint fuel tank that can hold either clean-burning Coleman Liquid Fuel or unleaded gasoline. The Dual Fuel Powerhouse Stove gives you 17,000 total BTUs of cooking performance in two powerful burners. Coleman claims a full fuel tank will run for about two hours with both burners set on high. The large cooking surface provides room for up to two 12-inch pots side by side. Coleman's WindBlock system shields the burners from wind for maximum heat, and the wind-guards adjust to various pot sizes for convenience. The heavy-duty nickel-chrome cooking grate is removable, so cleanup is a snap. The removable fuel tank stores inside the stove when not in use. The kit includes a fuel-filtering funnel. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com. Primus Profile BBQ You’ll want to check out the new Primus Profile BBQ ($110) for cooking up your favorite grilled food without the hassles of charcoal. A large non-stick cooking surface makes it easy to create perfectly grilled meats and veggies every time. The removable grease catcher and grill make cleanup a breeze, while the lock and carry handle allow for easy transport. Other features include a piezo­electric ignition, durable steel construction, and up to 9,700 BTUs of precision controlled heat. The Profile BBQ weighs less than 9 pounds and runs on 1-pound propane canisters. Primus: 307/857-4700; primuscamping.com. Primus Atle Stove Dual burners and highly adjustable flames make the Primus Atle Stove ($100) a versatile backcountry cooker. The Atle Stove accommodates fry pans and larger pots, which makes it ideal for group cooking. Made of stainless steel, the Atle will clean up easily. Highlights include pop-up windscreens and piezoelectric (matchless) ignition. The Atle Stove folds closed and features an integrated carry handle for easy transport. A flexible hose connector is compatible with 1-pound propane canisters. Primus: 307/857-4700; primuscamping.com. Primus Profile Duo The new Profile Duo stove ($120) by Primus offers a unique design that allows campers to simultaneously grill on one side while boiling or sautéing on the other. Built for durability and reliable service, the stainless-steel, propane-powered Profile Duo stove is lightweight and folds down for easy transport. Feature highlights include a non-stick grill surface for easy cleanup and adjustable flame controls. Primus: 307/857-4700; primuscamping.com. SNOW PEAK Two Burner Stove The GigaPower Two Burner Stove ($400) by Snow Peak features stainless-steel construction and easy storage. This stove makes cooking simple. The 11,200-BTU two-burner stove has a simmering function and the built-in auto ignition makes it convenient to light. The compact design allows for easy cleanup and storage. The two-burner stove uses standard Lindal-valve canisters. Snow Peak: 503/697-3330; snowpeak.com. SNOW PEAK Baja Burner Stove Baja Burner Stove The GigaPower Baja Burner Stove ($160) is Snow Peak’s newest stove and incorporates its liquid injection technology. Using an inverted canister, it delivers a consistent BTU output throughout the entire life of the fuel canister. The all-stainless-steel construction makes it a very durable stove. Snow Peak: 503/697-3330; snowpeak.com. Rome Industries Firepan Rotisserie Grill This self-contained outdoor cooking system offers the camper the perfect option in campgrounds where firepans are required, or it can be used as a backyard fire pit if the focus at home is on outdoor cooking. The 15x193?4-inch pan is made from heavy-duty steel for safety and durability, and the Firepan Rotisserie Grill ($160) features an adjustable grate and a hand-crank rotisserie basket, making it easy to cook your meals just right. No tools are required for assembly. Rome Industries: 800/818-7603; romeindustries.com. Stansport Outfitter Series Propane Stove Stansport’s Outfitter Series Propane Stove ($100) has two oversized stainless-steel burners that produce 25,000 BTUs. Its oversized steel frame, extra heavy-duty cooking grate and stainless top were designed to accommodate the heaviest pots. It also includes new control valves (for maximum heat regulation), a high altitude pressure regulator and stainless-steel drip pan. Each burner has its own windscreen for maximum heating and the piezoelectric ignition requires no matches. This stove, unlike most others, comes in a variety of colors, including black, green, blue, orange and yellow. Stansport: 800/421-6131; stansport.com. Special Thanks to Robin Walton for her research!

The Big, Bright Lantern Shootout!

Here we go!  More than you ever wanted to know about the current lantern options! In the past decade, lanterns have taken a giant leap forward in efficiency and design. To assess the current state of camp illumination, we acquired various types of lanterns from an array of manufacturers for testing. After weeks of evaluation, only those units from our tests that met or exceeded advertised run time, displayed durability sufficient for multi-season camping applications and in our opinion offered excellent value made the final cut. What follows are some recommendations for using various types of lanterns, their advantages and disadvantages, and a number of suggestions. LIQUID FUEL Liquid-fueled lanterns are the oldest type of lantern. Nonetheless, they work well for lighting large areas, cast a pleasing, soft light and are inexpensive to operate. We recommend models that burn unleaded and white gas (sometimes called Coleman fuel). Gasoline costs less than half the price of white gas, but if spilled its odor is more offensive and persistent. You can fill the average fuel reservoir with unleaded and receive about 7 hours of light (more with some models) for your effort. Even the more expensive white gas fuels these lanterns for about 25 percent of the cost of similar propane lanterns. On the downside, liquid-fuel lanterns must be pumped periodically to maintain pressure. One company, Coleman, dominates the liquid-fuel lantern market, and in our tests, two models came to the forefront: The Northstar Dual Fuel Lantern and the Premium Powerhouse Dual Fuel Lantern. The Northstar sports a battery-powered (one AAA) electronic ignition and a tube-style mantle. This is a very bright lantern that runs about seven hours on its high setting, nearly twice that long on low. We liked its stable design and non-skid base. Offering similar run times and brightness as the Northstar, the Premium Powerhouse Dual Fuel Lantern is a more basic and rugged traditional lantern, utilizing two sock-type mantles that are lit with matches. These lanterns cost about 9 cents an hour to run during our test. GAS POWERED Propane lanterns have been around for several decades and their popularity stems from their simplicity of operation. Simply screw a propane bottle onto the lantern, light it and forget it. There’s no liquid gas to spill and no pumping to maintain the lantern’s pressure. Among propane camping lanterns, Coleman again masters the field. On the list is the Northstar InstaStart Propane Lantern. The unit slightly exceeded the advertised run time of 4.3 hours from a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder on high and 9.25 hours on low. Nonetheless, this is a fuel-hungry lantern that will require one propane cylinder per night while camping if burned on the high setting. However, it casts a very bright light though a single tube-style mantle. For most situations, the low setting provides adequate lighting for a large area. In our test, fuel costs for this unit averaged 70 cents an hour on the high setting, 30 cents on low. Among the field, we also tested the Perfectflow Compact Lantern from Coleman. Although it exceeded the advertised run time of 12 hours on a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, we were less than impressed with the light output. No matter what propane lantern you use, for extended trips or continued use in a particular area, you can greatly economize by connecting a lantern to a bulk propane tank (like those used on a barbecue grill). Coleman’s Propane Tree (a pipe that attaches to the top of a bulk tank) and High Pressure Propane Hose and Adapter can convert propane lanterns to bulk fuel tanks. You can save in fuel cost over purchasing 16.4-ounce fuel cylinders and also eliminate the need to discard the disposable cylinders after use. BATTERIES Battery-powered lanterns emitting light via LEDs or fluorescent bulbs are currently the rage in outdoor lighting. Though very convenient to operate, battery-powered lanterns come with two potential drawbacks. First, their light tends to be very white and somewhat harsh in comparison to propane or liquid-fuel lanterns. Also, dead batteries contain highly corrosive chemicals that represent an environmental hazard in landfills or disposal sites. Our tests confirmed the old adage “you get what you pay for.” If you’re depending on a battery lantern for light in a remote location, invest in a quality unit from a reputable company. After putting some 30 units from a variety of manufacturers through our tests for brightness, run time and durability, here are the models that rose to the top. For our purposes, we classified large lanterns as those requiring four or more D-cell batteries. Some of these models boast light intensity capable of usefully illuminating objects 50 feet from the lantern. However, the ultra-bright models can be expensive to operate. Buying batteries from discount sources will help contain costs, but operating a large lantern using eight D batteries may still cost over $1 per hour to operate on the high setting. Run time is greatly extended and cost dramatically decreased on the low setting. These lanterns are ideal for lighting large outdoor areas, but are generally too large and bulky to be hung from the ceiling of a tent. The eGear 10-Day Lantern is on the small side in this category, but proved to be an excellent lantern. Powered by four D Energizer batteries in our tests, it handily exceeded the advertised run time on the high setting of 40 hours. The lantern burned an incredible 240 hours on low. We liked its compact, weather-resistant design (1.3 pounds without batteries) and infinitely adjustable brightness between the low and high settings. The Black Diamond Titan is another large lantern operating on four D batteries. It ran 24 hours on high, about 170 hours on low. It’s a very rugged unit featuring a collapsible globe to conserve space when packing. The Titan boasts an actual push-button dimmer switch that toggles the lantern at any setting between high and low. An excellent feature on this lantern is a battery indicator light, which alerts the user to low batteries. Among the most rugged of the large battery lanterns we tested, the Eureka! Warrior 400 LED Lantern provides enough illumination to light a camping area with an impressively long run time. On its high setting, the Warrior stayed lit for about 60 hours on a single set of six D-cell batteries. In addition to the lantern, the unit also incorporates directional LEDs (essentially a flashlight) on its back. The directional lights consist of a white, red and flashing red setting that serves as a signaling or warning light. On its red flashing mode, the unit operated for 5.5 days. We really liked this lantern’s simple design. The directional LED portion seemed an inferior substitute for a flashlight or headlamp, although the flashing red mode would certainly be useful in emergency situations. On the big side is the Coleman Twin High Performance LED Lantern. This lantern is comparable in size to a two-mantle liquid fuel model. Powered by eight D-cell batteries, it ran more 10 hours on high and about 100 hours on low. Its switch allowed for complete adjustment of brightness between low and high. On the high setting, it adequately lights the average campsite. In our test, medium lanterns were those that operated on three D-cell batteries. They’re very versatile — bright enough for outdoor light, compact enough for minimally intrusive lighting in a tent. The Energizer Weather Ready 360 Degree Area Light operates up to 15 hours on its highest setting. It sports highly weather-resistant construction and a non-slip carrying handle. This lantern has three settings: high, low and night light. It also comes with a detachable LED keychain light, a feature we found quite attractive should it become necessary to change batteries after dark. Super-tough construction is one of the highlights of the Brunton Polaris XL LED Lantern. A 45-hour run time on high is outstanding in this category. It’s advertised with a 1,080-hour run time on low, a claim we didn’t have time to fully evaluate in our tests. A five-position illumination dial and a handy hanging clip round out the excellent features of this lantern. We grouped the units that run on AA batteries together as small lanterns. These are best suited for remote camping or backpacking where space is at a premium, although they’re also ideal for pocket-carry and kids’ lanterns in car-camping settings. Don’t be fooled by their small size. Some of these little powerhouses throw a surprising amount of light, enough for reading, tent illumination and general camp chores. Black Diamond scored big in this category with the Apollo Lantern. This light featured an extendable globe and a clever three-leg stand. It exceeded the advertised 15-hour run time on high in our tests when powered by Energizer batteries and is said to operate 60 hours on low. The Apollo also features a collapsible hanging ring and can be powered externally via the DC power port. It utilizes a dimmer button to move anywhere between the maximum and minimum settings. A low-battery indicator light alerts the user when it’s time to change the four AA batteries. The eGear Grenade LED Lantern was one our favorite products in the entire test. It’s a very bright and durable little light that operates on three AA batteries. Run time on high was 25 hours, seven of which were at “maximum output.” On low it is said to operate for 50 hours. The lantern also has a flashing mode for signaling with a 50-hour run time. Two plastic clips and a carabiner allow for easy hanging. Our only complaint with this unit is the exposed power switch that can accidentally be turned on in transit. Brunton’s Primus Pocket Camping Lantern is yet another nifty product with three settings that easily passed muster in this category. Powered by four AA batteries, it posted a run time of about 12 hours on high, and about 50 hours on low. This unit can stand on its non-slip, rubberized base or hang via a collapsible ring. Our tests included a few specialty lanterns that didn’t fit neatly into any of the categories, or were just so unique that they required separate treatment. Two of these in particular caught our attention. The first is the Coleman Quad Lantern. This unit is a lantern with four removable panels that recharge from the base. An on/off button on top of the unit lights all the panels, providing 360-degree lighting. Each panel can be removed from the base and operated from an on/off switch on its back, essentially providing four mini-lanterns that can be removed and replaced for a variety of uses. The Quad operates on eight D-cell batteries with a run time of about 75 hours. Another great specialty item is the Energizer Solar Folding Lantern. This lantern is bright enough for general camp lighting with the appeal of solar recharging. Exposed to the sun for about five hours, it yields about two hours of lighting. Leave it in the sun all day, and the rechargeable solar batteries inside will light your campsite and tent until bedtime. The lantern can also be operated via traditional, disposable batteries if you forget to leave it in the sun. So it seems that no matter what your lighting needs are, there’s a lantern for you. Come to think of it, there may be several. By Jack Ballard