Review: Outfitter Bedroll
There's no denying the utility of a tent, particularly in bad weather. But when the skies are clear and the temps are moderate, why seal yourself up in a vinyl crate? Why insulate your body (and mind) from the night sky, the cool wind, the scent of pine and fir? These are aspects of nature to be embraced, not avoided—and that's where the Outfitter Bedroll from Montana Canvas comes in.
Just unzip the side, slide in your bag & pad, and sleep under the stars, like the cowboys and Indians did while traversing the wide-open spaces of the Old West. The durable canvas sleeve is wind- and water-resistant, just like a wall tent, so no worries about a drizzle or early-morning frost. This sucker will even handle a full-on storm, though you'll want to dry it out before your next evening outside, or it could be a long one.
Where the Outfitter really shines is in its portability. With your bag and pad tucked inside, you can break camp quickly: simply roll it up, crank the compression straps, and toss it in your rig—done, ready to hunt, hike, or hit the road.
At a whopping 46 inches wide by 96 inches long, the Outfitter accommodates any sleeping bag, while leaving plenty of space to roll around in the night. The extra room also allows you to stash clothes, boots, and gear inside, keeping them warm and dry, too. The canvas breathes, to prevent overheating, and the attached hood folds over to make a pillow pocket.
At 7.5 pounds, the Outffiter ain't exactly light; but you can't have your cake and eat it, too. Besides, you're not packing this thing to the top of a mountain—it's made for road-trips, huntin' camps, and horsepacking excursions, where weight isn't a concern, but convenience certainly is. And under those parameters, the Outfitter delivers.
On top of all that, this baby's made right here in southwest Montana—so not only can you support local business, but you can pick up your bedroll in person at their factory in Belgrade. A word of caution: their showroom has some sweet wall tents, so prepare yourself for temptation.
$200; montanacanvas.com.
