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What’s the best gear to take camping? We asked a seasoned outdoorsman.

It seems like college campuses are seeing hammocks spread like wildfire, Ryan says, laughing. However, their omnipresence is with good reason: A nap in a comfortable hammock can take a day from good to great. Ryan actually won his Yukon in a climbing competition, and although he's tried others, the Freedom has been his go-to since. It seems like college campuses are seeing hammocks spread like wildfire, Ryan says, laughing. However, their omnipresence is with good reason: A nap in a comfortable hammock can take a day from good to great. Ryan actually won his Yukon in a climbing competition, and although he's tried others, the Freedom has been his go-to since.

By Shane Foley May 1, 2016 1 min read

Photo Gallery

Local outdoorsman talks favorite gear

Yes, the humble Bic lighter, available at every gas station in the country. While not the newest camping achievement, Ryan says he never goes without one.

A good knife can be a genuine lifesaver in the wilderness, and while there are arguments for everything under the sun about knives (folding versus fixed, serrated versus straight, etc.), Ryan says the straightforward straight-edged Brawler has always worked.

A seasoned camper knows a good sleeping pad is as important as a good sleeping bag. "Waking up refreshed is such a big difference to waking up cold or exhausted," says Ryan. The Static V from Klymit inflates in only about 15 breaths and minimizes heat loss while maintaining comfort.

Lafuma's X600 model is sadly no longer produced. However, Ryan swears by the 45-degree bag, lauding it on how easy it is to pack and how lightweight and comfortable it is in the summer months.

Although the TFX Horizon series is getting up there in years, Ryan says he's never felt like he needed anything else for his longer trips.

Ryan didn't specifically recommend the P-51, but he did say bringing a lightweight can opener can save a bunch of hassle. Opening cans with a knife is not only a safety hazard, it's also a mess that can dull the edge of your blade. The P-51 has been in use by the U.S. military for years, and weighs less than a third of an ounce.

At the ripe age of 23, Signal Mountain native Adam Ryan is already a seasoned outdoorsman. Between cross-country skiing in Colorado, kayaking the rivers and lakes of the Tennessee River Gorge and backpacking the Cumberland Plateau, he has experience beyond his age. Ryan does a bit of everything – and when you do a bit of everything, you form a lot of opinions.

So it made sense to ask Ryan about what he prefers when he goes camping. He’s put a lot of gear through the ringer, so if he vouches for a piece of equipment, we’re certainly open to try it.

Check out the photo gallery to learn about the stuff he loves – and why!