Country Vacations & Resorts

Camping and hiking, extreme sports, cycling and running…let these compact and comprehensive “small” computers help you reach all your goals.

One of the hardest things to identify when exercising is the rate of doing too much versus the rate of doing too little. These “onboard” computers will help you make sure you get the most out of sporting and vacation activities – and that you survive the journey!

Suunto X10 GPS Wristop Computer	Garmin Edge 800 GPS Cycling Computer Performance and Navigation Bundle
Cateye Vectra Wireless Cycling Computer	Cateye Strada Cadence Cycling Computer
Cateye Strada Double Wireless Cycling Computer	Cateye Strada Wireless Cycling Computer
Polar CS300 Cycling Computer	Polar CS600 Pro Team Edition Cycling Computer and Heart Rate Monitor w/ Free Multi-Tool
Garmin Forerunner 405cx Wristop Training Computer	Suunto Vector ABC Wristop Computer
Suunto Observer SR Wristop Computer	Cateye Velo 5 Cycling Computer
Knog 9 Function N.e.r.d Cycling Computer	Knog 12 Function N.e.r.d Cycling Computer
Blackburn Atom 2.0 Cycling Computer	Garmin Edge 500 GPS Cycling Computer Bundle
Garmin Forerunner 310xt Tri Wristop Computer With HRM	Blackburn Atom 4.0 Bike Computer

Planning a trip? Get the essential items you need with the Interactive Sports Packing List from Sun & Ski Sports!

How to carry all the things you may need while camping without getting so weighted down you can’t walk?

Here are some camping backpacks that may help do the trick.

Sleek and lightweight, the WOMENS ION 20 H56 OS is the women-specific pack ready for any outdoor adventure.

Extremely lightweight, this 20-liter pack is designed with a molded EXOLITE back panel and a dual-density Airmesh shoulder harness to comfortably fit your back.

The ZEALOT 85 PACK JK3 L is a new expedition-level pack designed specifically as an ultimate large-capacity pack for backpackers.

The X Radial™ 2.0 frame and compression-molded foam back panel mold and conform to the shape of your back; the articulated design of both elements working in tandem provide a close, comfortable fit while twisting, stretching, and turning that accompanies traveling by foot across wild and rugged terrain. Channels running through the back panel ensure airflow, providing breathability, and an articulated compression-molded foam hipbelt and shoulder straps – both wrapped in moisture-wicking Dri-Lex® fabric for a comfortable, secure platform for lugging heavy loads over long distances.

Available in 80 and 85-liter interior volumes.

Light, sleek and uncompromising – and perfect for an epic day on the mountain is the PROPHET 40 7D8 S/M New Summit Series® technical pack made with indestructible Bombastic™ fabric that's traditionally used for car airbags.

Great for day trips or when a lightweight but sturdy option is a requirement.

For carrying heavy loads the ZEALOT 85 PACK JK3 S new expedition-level pack is designed specifically as an ultimate large-capacity pack for backpackers.

The X Radial™ 2.0 frame and compression-molded foam back panel mold and conform to the shape of your back; the articulated design of both elements working in tandem provide a close, comfortable fit while twisting, stretching, and turning that accompanies traveling by foot across wild and rugged terrain.

The ANGSTROM 30 PACK 472 OS is a fastpacking favorite.

This hydration-compatible, 30-liter pack features a zip rain cover to keep your gear dry during all-day treks when it's pouring. Designed with a huge front stretch drop pocket, and two large stretch side pockets for water bottles, this go-to lightweight pack is ideal for year-round excursions.

Find everything you need for your camping expedition…

It doesn’t take a camping expert to know that one of the more important camping requirements is good artificial lighting. I’ll guess that many who camp for the first time – especially if they are city-dwellers – are surprised at how dark “dark” can get away from even reflected city lights.

You need lighting you can count on and as bright as you can find – not only to add to camping enjoyment, but for your safety. Here are a few good bets to light up your camping environment…

This 14 Day Lantern runs on four D batteries.

The lantern’s LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, allowing them to produce 160 lumens of bright light for 336 consecutive hours on the lowest setting (175 hours on high). Its cylindrical design provides 360\u00BA of unimpeded illumination, and the bulbs produce almost no heat, making the lantern safe for children and uninteresting to insects. The lantern has a durable waterproof case and it will remain buoyant and operational if dropped in water. An integrated handle ensures ease of portability and can also be used to hang the lantern for hands-free lighting.

9W Rechargeable Hand-held Spotlight

This one is great for camping, but it is also the most used outdoor lighting on my 7-acre, rural property…

Penetrate fog, rain, and darkness to illuminate near or far with this 9W Rechargeable Hand-held Spotlight. Two light modes adapt to the situation: Use the three high-power LED spotlights for long range illumination, or the six standard LEDs for lighting up a task at hand. Handy in emergencies and power outages, on boats and camping trips, or as part of a road-trip kit, it recharges via a 12v DC car plug adapter or an AC/DC wall adapter (both included).

Rubberized ergonomically designed housing withstands vibration and shocks. An always-on lock switch lets you use it as a free-standing light while setting up camp or changing a tire while exploring back roads. A removable red lens helps for spotting wildlife in the dark without disturbing them.

And sometimes, bigger isn’t better, and isn’t handy when you need it “right now.”

This Swiss Army LED Flashlight is a sturdy, shockproof, and water-resistant little flashlight that is a model of efficiency.

Its ultrabright LED lasts virtually forever, since it is nearly ten times more efficient at converting energy into light than regular bulbs. The longer battery life means you won’t have to pack backups.

The beam’s range is 125 feet and can be seen from over 1.25 miles away. Grab a couple of these and stick one in your car’s glovebox and one in your camping backpack. If an emergency arises, you’ll have light – and plenty of it.

Whether you go camping once a month, or are considering your first camping trip, being prepared is critical to your safety and enjoyment of this outdoor experience. A sturdy tent, a warm sleeping bag, and good lighting will enhance your next camping adventure.

Hopefully you got some great ideas on sleeping bags from the post below.

Now it’s time to consider the camper’s traveling dwelling – the all-important tent. Long gone are the days when tents only came in what looked like Army camouflage colors. And although numerous comedy routines have been based on people attempting to pitch a tent, let’s just watch those from afar and find a tent a bit easier to “construct.”

This MOUNTAIN MANOR 6 K55 OS provides a portable palace for you and five of your closest friends and this new fully featured, six-person tent crushes it at the campsite.

Color-coded poles make pitching easy, with snap-on exterior lash points. Extra outdoor space created with fly attached. Compresses and folds easily for quick take-down. Stores in a duffel sack.

8-person tent size, MOUNTAIN MANOR 8 K55 OS also available.

The MOUNTAIN 25 56P OS is bomber squared.

“When it’s nuking outside, you’ll be real glad you have it.”
Cedar Wright,The North Face®
Athlete, Rock Climber

Bomber, high-mountain protection with refined features, this two-person tent is the most compact of the Summit Series® expedition tents.

With the SPECTRUM 23 1W3 OS, being able to travel far and fast doesn’t mean you have to sleep on the cold, damp earth!

Weighing just over four pounds, the Spectrum 23′s lightweight design allows outdoor enthusiasts to remain unencumbered by bulky equipment but retain the comfort of protection against harsh elements. Withstanding winds of 130.2 mph, you’ll be “blown away” by how resilient this two-person tent just is.

I’ve always thought Dome Houses were pretty neat – maybe I’ll get a Dome Tent instead!

DOME 8 56P OS

For almost four decades, The North Face® expedition tents have set the standard for unrivaled performance in merciless environs such as Mt. Everest and Antarctica.

Ideal for such extreme and pitiless locations, this fast-pitching base camp shelter uses geodesic principals to achieve ultimate durability and efficiency of space. The choice among top mountaineers on major expeditions, this strong, lightweight tent sleeps eight.

Also available in a 5-person model – DOME 5 56P OS

Look for camping gear, waterproof clothes and shoes, extreme sports accessories, and even special offers including free shipping from The North Face®

Or at least can be “all about” the bag – sleeping bag that is!

I’m not much of a camper. Maybe if I’d had better equipment on my first few ventures I might have had a better impression of the experience.

Camping accessories have gone high-comfort and in some cases high-tech. For those who think “Fall” and think “camping” – we’ll have posts over the next few weeks with the latest in camping gear.

Here’s a great place to start – the sleeping bag. These comfy choices from The North Face.

Selecting and purchasing the right sleeping bag for your proposed camping trips is important and is no time to buy less. It is not outside the realm of possibility to say that the bag you choose could someday save your life.

GREEN KAZOO 377 LNG RH

Made from 100 percent recycled fabrics, this technical 15ºF down sleeping bag sustains three-seasons of exploration.

Using the same design as the popular Blue Kazoo sleeping bag, but incorporating eco-friendly materials, this mummy bag is filled with 650 goose down, and compresses well for backpacking. By using recycled fabrics, each bag reduces energy consumption by 84 percent and CO2 output by 77 percent.

INFERNO 7D8 LNG RH

Suited for use at the edge of human tolerance (-40ºF), this thermal expedition bag is amply filled with 800+ fill goose down, making it the warmest down bag available from The North Face®.

For expeditions where the choice of gear may be the difference between summit success or air lift rescue, this premier bag features an ergonomic footbox, waterproof, breathable shell fabric, and a trapezoidal box baffle construction that eliminates any cold spots.

CASAVAL XL 40Q LNG RH

Durable for three-season camping or backpacking, this oversized synthetic 20ºF) bag features a sculpted hood and a shoulder-level zip pocket.

Differentiated drawcords at opening let you cinch from the cool weather.

Nylon mesh storage sack and stuff included.

ALEUTIAN G04 REG RH

A campground favorite, this classic mummy bag keeps campers warm in temperatures down to 20ºF.

Made with a silky taffeta shell and liner, this smooth bag is insulated with thermally efficient synthetic insulation that won’t lose its warmth or loftiness when compressed and shoved into a daypack.

TUNDRA 197 REG RH

For expeditions in the high mountains where trees are scarce and temperatures average in the single digits, retreat into the Tundra to stay warm and escape the brutal conditions.

Keeping explorers warm in temperatures down to -20F, this sleeping bag lets you survey terrain you may have thought to be uninhabitable.