Trekking and camping gear

Sleeping bag: read the temperatures

Sleeping bags are tested according to the ISO 23537 standard, which replaced the old European standard EN 13537. It indicates three temperatures. The comfort temperature is the one at which a woman of standard build sleeps comfortably in a relaxed position. The limit temperature is the one at which a standard man sleeps eight hours curled up without waking up. The extreme temperature, finally, is just a survival threshold, never to be aimed for when choosing your bag.

The good reflex is to choose a bag whose comfort temperature matches the coldest nights expected, allowing for some margin in the mountains, where nighttime temperatures drop quickly. Down offers the best balance of warmth and weight, while synthetic materials handle humidity better. The models are in the sleeping bags.

Isolating your sleeping arrangement from the ground

A sleeping bag is not enough: without insulation from the ground, the body loses heat through contact. The insulation of a mattress is expressed by its R-value, measured according to a testing method harmonised among manufacturers: the higher it is, the better the mattress insulates. A low value suffices in summer, a medium value covers three seasons, and a high value becomes essential on snow. The tests for the sleeping bag standard are indeed performed on a very insulating mattress.

Self-inflating mattresses combine foam and air, being sturdy and comfortable, while inflatable mattresses are lighter and more compact, and foam mattresses, which are puncture-proof, can be layered with others for added insulation. The models are in the mattresses.

Trekking tent

A trekking tent seeks the best compromise between weight, strength, and livability. Double roof tents separate the breathable inner room from the waterproof double roof, reducing condensation. Freestanding models, which stand up without stakes, can be set up on hard and rocky ground, while tunnel models, which are lighter, need to be guyed.

Practice setting it up at home before you go, and always dry the tent before storing it to avoid mould. The models are in the trekking tents, and stoves, cooking gear, and lamps can be found in the camping gear.

Hiking child carrier

The hiking child carrier, with a frame and hip belt, allows you to take a young child on the trails. It's generally used from the moment the child can sit up independently and supports their head well, often around six months. The harness adjusts to the length of the carrier's back like a backpack, and the child, being still, is better covered than one who is walking. The models are in the hiking child carriers.

The textiles for trekking

For trekking, choose lightweight and versatile textiles. Compact jackets, like the Regatta Pack-It, can be packed into their pocket, convertible trousers, like the Regatta Travel Light, turn into shorts, and technical t-shirts adidas Terrex or sun protection ones, like the Preston Performance Sun, dry overnight. Trek socks Monnet, with reinforcements, help prevent blisters on long hikes. The rest of the gear is in the hiking shoes, men's textiles, women's and children's, the luggage, accessories, and equipment, on the hiking page.

Deals and new arrivals

The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, the promotions feature discounted items, and the clearance includes end-of-line products. Items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The Black Friday, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, and the French Days mark the year.

Frequently asked questions

What comfort temperature to choose for a sleeping bag?

The one that matches the coldest nights expected, with some margin in the mountains. According to the ISO 23537 standard, it's the temperature at which a woman of standard build sleeps well, relaxed. The extreme temperature is just a survival threshold.

What does the R-value of a camping mattress mean?

It measures the insulation of the mattress according to a harmonised testing method: the higher it is, the better it insulates from the ground. A low value suffices in summer, a medium value covers three seasons, and a high value becomes essential on snow.

Down or synthetic for a trek sleeping bag?

Down offers the best balance of warmth and weight, ideal when every gram counts. Synthetic handles humidity better, which is an advantage in damp climates or when the bag might get wet during the trek.

At what age can you carry a child in a hiking child carrier?

Generally as soon as the child can sit up independently and supports their head well, often around six months. The harness adjusts to the length of the carrier's back like a backpack, and the child, being still, is better covered than one who is walking.

What clothes to take for a multi-day trek?

Lightweight and versatile pieces: a compact jacket that packs into its pocket, like the Regatta Pack-It, trousers that convert into shorts, technical t-shirts adidas Terrex that dry overnight, and reinforced trek socks to prevent blisters.