Field & Camp

Field and camp gear earns its place in the kit through use — through miles of technical terrain, backcountry nights, and conditions that separate durable from merely new. As a field biologist who has conducted wildlife surveys and wetland delineations in remote locations across the Western US, I've carried gear professionally in environments that separate what works from what only works in a store.

This is where the expedition-grade tools live: knives from Ragweed Forge — handcrafted fixed blades that outperform every production alternative we've evaluated; ultralight camp organization from Hilltop Packs LLC in Dyneema composite fabric; sleeping bags from Near Zero Outdoor Gear; camp cookware and provisions; hammocks and shelter accessories; and the axes, multi-tools, and cutting tools that field work demands. Everything here was selected against the standard of field utility, not catalog appeal. Veteran-owned. Field-tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) and why does it matter for backpacking gear?

Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber laminated between polymer film. It's the strongest fiber by weight currently available — roughly 15 times stronger than steel by weight — which allows Hilltop Packs to build stuff sacks, dry bags, and food bags that weigh fractions of comparable nylon products while providing superior waterproofing and tear resistance. For weight-conscious backpackers, DCF represents a significant upgrade without compromising field durability.

How do I choose a fixed-blade knife for hunting and field use?

Consider three factors: blade length (3–4 inch blades handle most field dressing and skinning tasks; longer blades add unnecessary weight), steel type (high-carbon tool steel like Ragweed Forge uses holds an edge better than stainless but requires maintenance after wet use), and handle fit in your hand with gloves on. A quality fixed-blade knife for hunting doesn't need to be complex — a simple drop-point blade in 3.5 inches with full-tang construction handles everything from field dressing deer to quartering elk.