Gear Review: Conestoga Gen 2
As of fan of camping gear innovators, we try our best to bring them to light such as TV show appearances on Dragons' Den, and crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter. We're always interested in the next creative design, but we feel that it is still an upwards battle for inventors. In today's age of highly computerized and machined products, we give credit to anyone who tries to come up with an original idea.
Speaking or original ideas, have a look at the Conestoga Gen 2 from a company out of Toronto, Ontario. The pack itself weighs a little over 2 kilograms and is 76 cm long by either 46 cm (Single Rack form) or 61 cm wide (Multi-Rack form), depending on which format you choose to carry your gear. Both widths are a perfect size to fit within the gunwales of your canoe. The padded shoulder straps and webbing chest strap help balance the weight while keeping your load comfy. The sturdy aluminum frame lets you attach and carry a dry sack, duffel or barrel, but it is also the same frame that plays a second important role...
Detach the straps, pull the pins and now you can unfold the frame as it hinges out to form a cot. Everything is nicely colour coded, and simple enough that I could construct the cot without ever reading a set of instructions. Make sure the pins are back safely in place (don't worry, you won't loose them as they are tethered to the frame), throw your sleeping bag on it, and you now have a very comfortable place to spend the night.
The entire cot is 193 cm long and there is no worry of rocks or sticks poking you while you sleep as you are about 16.5 cm off the ground (well above any unexpected overnight rainfall too). Since there are only three legs on the ground when set up, you are also having very little impact on the natural surface as well.
The fabric is Coated Polymer which they say is resistance to sagging, abrasion, mildew and ultraviolet light. I found it to be quite sturdy and lent to a comfortable night's sleep. Have a bad back? This sure beats any air mattress!
The Conestoga Gen 2 is aimed at the backpackers and canoeists that aren't bringing a tent. Simply bring along a shelter (or tent that doesn't have an attached base), and within a few minutes of setup, you can rest your aching body.
You can order the Conestoga Gen 2 directly through their website and the best part is that it is made in Canada! Stay up to date with them by following them on Facebook.
